DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Vol. 33, No. 34 | Richmond Suburban News | December 28, 2016
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
The year that was: Rail opposition tops 2016 By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ith government officials, business and community leaders, and residents loudly voicing their opposition to a high-speed rail project through Ashland and areas in the western part of Hanover County, this ongoing issue is considered the No. 1 story of 2016. Ashland Town Council members recently were joined by the Hanover County Board of Supervisors in giving a big thumbs-down to the proposal. To them, the heart of the controversy is the impact the rail could have on residents in addition to disrupting the rural character of the region.
W
TOP 10 STORIES OF 2016 1 — County united in opposition to high-speed rail proposal 2 — Teen indicted in deaths of two on Cold Harbor Road 3 — New courthouse ready for the 2017 4 — Region slammed with upwards of 20 inches of snow 5 — Race to the White House one of the nastiest in history 6 — Hanover Habitat for Humanity celebrates 25 years 7 — Atlee YMCA signs three-year lease at Rutland 8 — Uncontested candidates take town council seats 9 & 10 — Activities galore help county celebrate year-round
The supervisors approved a resolution asking that the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation abandon considering the two options presented as part of a Northeast corridor high-speed rail project. Supervisors, in a unanimous move, dismissed the possibility of a
File photo
Ashland often celebrates being a train town but the idea of a high-speed rail has residents, government officials, and business and community leaders voicing their opposition.
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
western bypass through the county or a third rail through Ashland as unacceptable options when considering the project that is still decades away from realization. Citizens’ groups have organized to oppose any option that would dissect the western part of the county with a bypass route. The board of supervisors agreed with council in stating there also would be no support of a third elevated rail through the center of the town. Supervisors also noted the impact a third rail may have on RandolphMacon College in Ashland. Coming in as the No. 2 story of 2016 is an April 23 wreck that claimed the lives of two and found a teen facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter charges. Nikolas Seth Fleming, 18, was indicted Sept. 20 in the deaths of Dylan Ballard, 17, and Elliott Hinton, 22, both of Mechanicsville. He was arraigned the next day and released on $20,000 bond. Sgt. James R. Cooper of the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office said, “Fleming was the driver of the
2001 Dodge pickup truck that crashed on Cold Harbor Road on April 23, 2016, claiming the lives of Dylan Ballard, 17, and Elliott Hinton, 22.” FLEMING R.E. “Trip” Chalkley III, commonwealth’s attorney for Hanover County, told The Local that “the next thing that happens is we will select a court date, but I have no idea BALLARD as to when that will be until we find what available dates are with the court and the defense counsel.” Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, said, “I am very proud of HINTON our investigators who worked tirelessly to bring a successful conclusion to this investigation. We will continue to support the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office as this case goes to trial.” see 2016, pg. 4
Personal property taxes paid early get tax deduction HANOVER — Hanover County’s 2016 personal property taxes are not due until Feb. 5, 2017. However, payments made before this calendar year ends may be deductible on your Federal and State tax returns if you itemize your deductions. If you are mailing in your payment, the postmark must be no later than Dec. 31. Barring inclement weather, the Hanover County Treasurer’s Office will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in December. If you have not received your 2016 personal property tax bill, you may view and/or pay your taxes online by visiting the Treasurer’s Online Tax Services website at https://www. hanovercounty.org/. For more information, call the Treasurer’s Office at 804365-6050. Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer. Sign-up begins next month for tax relief for elderly and disabled in Hanover County. Turn to page 7.