New $1,000 sign-on incentive offered for Hanover bus drivers Hanover County Public Schools is now offering a $1,000 sign-on incentive for new bus drivers. In addition to the base rate of pay and other benefits, such as a flexible schedule, medical benefits and paid training, bus drivers who join the HCPS team between now and September will earn $500 after their first 60 days of employment and $500 at the end of the first semester of next school year. Those interested in joining the HCPS Transportation Department are asked to apply via School Jobs: https:// www.schooljobs.com/careers/ hcps. In addition to the new sign-on incentive, HCPS bus drivers receive the following: $15.75 per hour starting salary (in the budget approved by the school board for next year, all employees would receive a 5% salary increase);
Pay incentives for drivers completing additional routes; Medical, dental and vision benefits; Flexible schedules with most drivers working two hours in the morning and two in the afternoon; Sick days, paid holidays and a paid annuity; Fully compensated Commercial Driver’s License training, and Ability to participate in a retirement savings plan. New bus drivers are placed on a four-hour-per-day schedule and are paid from their first day of employment. The eight-week training period includes tutoring and other educational support to help with passing the CDL testing requirements. Information submitted by Chris Whitley, assistant superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools.
Law enforcement to hold drug take-back event on April 30 On Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office in cooperation with Ashland Police Department and Hanover County Public Works will conduct a Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. This event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration- Office of Diversion Control. The Mechanicsville Solid Waste Center, located at 7427 Verdi Lane, Mechanicsville, and the Ashland Police Department, located at 601
2
England St, Ashland, have been established as collection sites. This is a free service to Hanover County and Town of Ashland citizens. Citizens can safely surrender their expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceuticals and medications with no questions asked and no identification required. These items include prescription medications and over-thecounter solid dosage medications, such as tablets, capsules, pills, etc. and liquid products
The Mechanicsville Local
see TAKE-BACK, pg. 27
April 27, 2022
INSIDE
The Local Pick:
Patrick Henry High School hosts mental health awareness 5k Run ASHLAND TRAIN DAY Saturday, April 30, 2022
Photos and information courtesy of Hanover County Public Schools
The Speak Up Club at Patrick Henry High School hosted a 5K during the Flexible Learning Day on April 18 with proceeds being donated to the Suicide Awareness Foundation. Despite the day’s rainy and cold weather, 75 runners showed up to run or walk the course. Students and community members gathered at the finish line dancing to the DJ’s music and cheering on the runners and walkers as they arrived. This 5k was dreamed up and organized by students to raise awareness to mental health.
13 COMMUNITY Ken Watson celebrates 50 years of business
14 ASHLAND Major Troy Aronhalt is Ashland’s new Chief of Police
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