DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 35, No. 22 | Richmond Suburban News | October 3, 2018
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Governor recognizes HCSO for support, recruitment of veterans By Melody Kinser Managing Editor RICHMOND -- The Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office was honored last week by Gov. Ralph Northam for innovation in support and recruitment of veterans. On Tuesday, Sept. 25, Col. David R. Hines and his department received the V3 Locality Award. “Veterans are some of the best, most selfless individuals among us,” Hines said. “They truly understand the team concept that we promote at the Sheriff ’s Office and already share our values of commitment, professionalism, compassion, honor and accountability.”
“Virginia is home to one of the largest veteran populations and has more veterans per capita in our labor force than any other state in America.” GOV. RALPH NORTHAM
“It is my belief that all employers need to make a concerted effort to recruit those that have sacrificed so much in service to their country,” the sheriff continued. “We have always sought to recruit
veterans; however, over a year ago, the Sheriff ’s Office began to make a concerted effort to recruit transitioning members of the military through our veterans’ recruitment initiative,” he continued. “The Sheriff ’s Office is quite proud that we have a large number of veterans and reservists that currently serve the citizens of Hanover County. We would also like to publicly thank Mr. Robert Barnette and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for their continued support of the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office,” Photo courtesy of Sgt. James R. Cooper Hines said. The Governor recognized businesses Gov. Ralph Northam, left, honored the Hanover County Sheriff’s see HCSO, pg. 4
Office for innovation in support and recruitment of veterans. Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, accepted the V3 Locality Award.
American Battlefield Trust offer makes Wade park uncertain By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local HANOVER -- The land surrounding the crossroads where Cold Harbor Road meets Rockhill Road hasn’t changed much in the 150 years since soldiers faced off in a significant battle during the Civil War. In the past several months, residents feared all of that would change if an approved park for the land proceeded. And for all intents and purposes, it seemed like it would. That all changed when Scott Wyatt, who represents the Cold Harbor District on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, requested a deferral on a Conditional Use Permit that would have rezoned property outlined for the new park named for former supervisor Elton Wade Sr.
A hint of what might be in the air followed as a number of speakers took advantage of Citizens’ Time to address issuers regarding the future of the proposed park. Thomas Gilmore of the American Battlefield Trust said the land in GILMORE question represents a significant and unique slice of American history — a site worth preserving in perpetuity. Gilmore said he couldn’t immediately think of another site in the United States where two battles, Gaines Mill and Cold Harbor, intersected.
“There’s probably no other site in the U.S. where that is the case,” Gilmore said. “From a historic importance perspective, I would say there’s not an equivalent in terms of what we are trying to preserve across the United States.” WYATT The Trust, based in Washington, D.C., receives most to its funding through the American Battlefield Protection Program. Gilmore is a real estate expert with the Trust, the largest land trust group involved in preserving Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War sites.
“I’m here tonight to express our interest in acquiring the site of the Elton Wade Park. Specifically, the 50 acres is located on the Cold Harbor battlefield,” Gilmore said. Of the 384 recognized battlefield sites in the United States, each is given an A through D grade to designate its importance or significance. The land in question gained an A rating, signifying top priority in historical importance. “They are equivalent in importance to Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh, Manassas — all the famous sites associated with the [Civil] war,” Gilmore said. “What we would propose is to work with the county and basically work out some sort of purchase agreement where we could actually buy this property and preserve it and eventusee PARK, pg. 4