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Powhatan, Virginia
The hometown paper of David Santella
Vol. XXV No. 17
April 27, 2011
Indians baseball team battles Region I foe on the diamond. See page 1B
Working group to take on joint facility Supervisor Moore worries too many work groups limits BOS involvement By Michael Copley Staff Writer
Another working group has been created in Powhatan County, this one to study and recommend a path forward on the long-stalled transportation facility project. For years the school system and
county have discussed the pros and cons of building a joint facility to maintain and repair both county and school vehicles. Partisan concerns over ownership and operation of the facility dominated the discussions. Supervisor Carson Tucker, who pitched the idea for a focused group to “jointly and objectively answer questions” surrounding the transportation facility project, said he’s “just looking for a way forward” on a project that’s been more than two-and-a-half years in the making. Supervisors approved the committee
in a 3-2 vote April 11; Supervisors Robert Cosby and Jason Moore cast the dissenting votes. Appointed to serve on the transportation facility study group were Karin Carmack, chairwoman of the planning commission; School Board member Debbie Jones; School Board member James Kunka, who represents the county’s transportation study group; Supervisor Tucker; and county staff, including Christopher Rapp, director of utilities and general services and Floyd Greene, emergency management coordinator. Cosby repeatedly has questioned the
appropriateness of anyone other than elected members of the School Board and Board of Supervisors studying the issue and insists elected officials signed up for whatever time commitments are needed to make a decision. “You should stand ready to serve in all capacities” the position encompasses, Cosby said. Moore said “Creation of all these advisory committees, although well intentioned, does take away from us getting directly involved and doing our see Working group page 3A
County hires finance director
MEET THE NEWEST CLASS OF POWHATAN LEADERS
Jerry Whitaker, finance chief in Sussex, will fill position left vacant by Stephanie Davis By Michael Copley
PLI class celebrates graduation day
Staff Writer
A joyful group of Powhatan residents gathered at The Mill at Fine Creek last Wednesday evening to honor the seventh graduating class of the Powhatan Leadership Institute. The program, which offers participants a 14-week ‘crash course’ in all things Powhatan, concluded with an awards banquet during which those in attendance were treated to a presentation by Powhatan YMCA Director Mary Kay Gates. This year’s graduating class (above) included Bill Barnes, William Boelt, Del Camp, Ryan Charles, Amy Conrad, Jeff Cribbs, Peggy Cribbs, Sally Deering, Jill Dewey, Dora Douglas, Eugene Durham, Tiffany Dyke, Mike Hall, Vicki Hill, John Hunter, Linda Jones, Gayle Kelly, Peggy Martin, Christian McIntosh, Jennie Nelsen-Camp, Mark Robertson, Gail Timberlake, Brandi Tinsley, Charlie Towler, Rory Weber, James Wheat and Sue Woodcock. Right, Supervisor Carson Tucker congratulates Powhatan Library Director Peggy Martin upon her graduation. PHOTOS BY MARK BENUSA
TRIAD’s second Senior Day set for May 12 Contributed report Powhatan residents are invited to join the Powhatan County Senior TRIAD as the group holds the 2nd annual annual Senior Day Thursday, May 12 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Powhatan National Guard Armory, 276 Essayons Drive (Fighting Creek Park), Powhatan,
Va. TRIAD is a statewide network of public-safety and older-adult organizations that works to enhance the quality of life for and reduce crime against senior citizens. Powhatan Triad Senior Day will connect seniors and caregivers with busi-
ness and nonprofit agencies that provide services for them. There will be informational booths, door prizes and food. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Zakia Worsham at (804) 598-5630 or Kevin Meyers at (804) 598-1304.
Jerry Whitaker, the chief financial officer in Sussex County, will take over as Powhatan’s director of finance and administration effective May 3. Whitaker will step into a position vacated by former finance director Stephanie Davis, who resigned in February. Whitaker, a certified public accountant, holds a degree in accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a certified governmental finance manager. He currently is charged with preparing Sussex’s annual budget, risk assessment, revenue analysis and forecasting, financial policies and procedures, expenditure reconciliation, debt service, accounts payable and receivable, payroll and financial management of grants, and has experience in the areas of human resources and procurement, according to a see Whitaker page 3A
Inside
Sports
Index
A2 A Powhatan Tradition Power Show will offer fun for the whole family this weekend.
B1 College news Powhatan’s Berry chooses Hampden-Sydney
Calendar A4 Opinion A10 Classified B9-10 Quotes A2 Crossword A11 Real Estate B10 Horoscope A11 TV Listings B12-13 Letters A10