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Vol. 28, No. 26 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | October 26, 2011
Authorities search for missing child
Fundraiser aids ailing neighbor
By Jim Fields jfields@mechlocal.com
going radiation and chemotherapy. Velma lives on Elliott “God put it in my heart to Drive in the Dogwood Knoll do this. He just came to me subdivision, while and said, ‘Do it.’ ” Jimmy’s home And that was what is on Vaughan prompted Velma Drive. His home, Holmes to turn her she said, “is right home into a restaubehind me.” rant for a day to When she raise funds for an learned of Jimmy’s ailing neighbor. plight, she said She sold dina vision came to ners and far her as to what she exceeded her goal HOLMES could do to help of $500. Velma his situation. raised $2,500 for Photo submitted by Ryland Holmes “I asked my husband Jimmy Dickerson, who had Jimmy Dickerson, right, received donations totaling $2,500 [Ryland] would he print some been diagnosed with a brain
By Melody Kinser mkinser@mechlocal.com
tumor. He has been under-
see NEIGHBOR, pg. 8 `
PRSRT. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
due to the efforts of his neighbor, Velma Holmes. He is shown with his son Alex and wife Connie.
Editor’s note: This report was current as of press time Monday afternoon (Oct. 24). Check the Mechanicsville Local Web site at www.mechlocal.com for the latest update. The search to locate 9-year-old Robbie Wood Jr. is now into its second day as over 100 searchers, supported by a State Police helicopter, trained dogs and water search and rescue teams continue to canvass North Anna Battlefield Park and the surrounding area in Hanover County near Doswell. Robbie, who is autistic, was visiting the park with his father, brother and father’s girlfriend
ROBBIE WOOD JR.
when he walked away. The call for help was received at 2:45 p.m. Search teams were out until 1 a.m. and observation points were staffed overnight along roads, river crossings and private roads. “The woods were just too thick to continue searching all night,” said Capt. Mike Trice of the see MISSING, pg. 4 `
Local native serving as governor’s sound man man. “Whenever the governor goes out for a public appearance, I’m there to echanicsville native make sure he can be heard,” Shingleton Harry Shingleton is said with a smile on his face. an electrician for the McDonnell complimented Commonwealth of Shingleton in a statement released by Virginia. He’s been with the state about his office. two years, and, for the last year and a “It doesn’t matter what I have to say, half, in addition to changing light bulbs, if Harry’s not around, no one can hear he is Gov. Bob McDonnell’s sound me,” McDonnell said. “Harry is indis-
By JimFields jfields@mechlocal.com
M
pensable to our efforts to communicate with the citizens of Virginia. He shows up at events early, stays late, and is a true professional. We’re fortunate to have him on our team.” The routine he follows when he hits the road for McDonnell is pretty much the same from one appearance to another. During the governor’s recent visit to Brookmeade Sod Farm in Hanover
County, Shingleton arrived two hours before the event was scheduled to get underway. “I drive a truck that has all of the equipment and props the governor will need. I carry his podium, which is set up to for two micro-
see MAN, pg. 4 `