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Vol. 34, No. 34 | Richmond Suburban News | December 27, 2017
Train controversy holds top spot
For second year, high-speed rail comes in at No. 1 By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
MECHANICSVILLE – For the second year in a row, the proposed high speed rail from Washington, D.C., to Richmond takes the No. 1 spot
in the Top 10 stories. The controversial issue also topped the list last year. While the proposal primarily targets the Town of Ashland and western Hanover County, it has become a topic of concern and interest county-wide. In May, 16 members of a Community Advisory Committee agreed that there are no easy answers to the idea following their first meeting
Economic development strong in county in 2017 ment. “The announcement of Amazon was a huge win for the county and, in name alone, MECHANICSVILLE -- will help our marketing efforts Economic development in moving forward.” The director said the Hanover County continued Amazon projin 2017 with the ect sends just the announcement of right message to several projects other businesses that are fortifying looking to relothe county’s plan cate to Hanover. to attract new busi“Corporations do nesses while maintheir research and taining and enhancmany will look at ing the current comHanover based mercial base. on the decision “Some of our THOMAS Amazon made to largest successes locate here.” regarding new While Amazon was the announcements came along the Lakeridge Parkway Corridor most recognizable of the 2017 this year,” said Linwood additions, it wasn’t the only Thomas, the county’s new success story. director of economic developsee ECONOMIC, pg. 12 }
TOP 10 STORIES OF 2017 1 — D.C. to Richmond high-speed rail controversy continues 2 — Hanover County road projects need attention 3 — School budget targets technology deficits 4 — Education and public safety focus of county budget 5 — No vehicle levy fees take back seat to transportation $$ 6 — School district changes to 10-point grading system 7 — Mechanicsville Ruritans decide to stop hosting Shuknpul 8 — Developer halts movement on outlets project 9 — Community becomes informed in battle against opioids 10 — Teen gets 6 years in wreck that claimed friends’ lives
to talk about the impact of the proposed D.C. to Richmond Southeast High Speed Rail
(DC2RVA) project. File photo The Virginia Department of An Amtrak train makes its way through the heart of downtown see TRAIN, pg. 4 }
Ashland. A proposed high-speed rail was the top story of 2017.
Singing for the school board
By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
The Hanover High School Chamber Singers performed for the Hanover County School Board during the Dec. 12 meeting at the central office in Ashland.
Personal property taxes paid before Dec. 31 can be deducted for 2017
HANOVER -- Hanover County’s 2017 personal property taxes are not due until Feb. 5, 2018, but 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 this month except for Dec. 25 and 26. If you have not received your 2017 personal property tax bill by Dec. 17, you may view and/ or pay your taxes online by visiting the Treasurer’s Online Tax see TAXES, pg. 12 }