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Powhatan, Virginia
The hometown paper of Donald and Teresia Neece December 14, 2011
Vol. XXV No. 50
Residents flock to Village to enjoy Christmas Parade. See page 4A
Sex offender facing 30 years
YMCA welcomes new director
JOY TO THE COUNTY
Matt Henke has worked for organization in Maryland and South Dakota
Powhatan man is already serving two-year sentence for related charge A Powhatan County man already serving a state prison term for a sex-related offense involving juveniles has been convicted of a federal charge. Wearing ankle shackRichardson les and a blue jail jumpsuit, William Allen Richardson, 39, pleaded guilty Dec. 5 before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson to one count of producing child pornography. Richardson faces up to 30 years in prison when sentenced March 7. However, the government is suggesting a minimum term of 15 years, and Hudson indicated Monday that he felt it was an appropriate sentence barring any negative surprises that might be turned up in his presentence investigation. Richardson was indicted in September by a federal grand jury in Richmond and charged with two counts of producing child pornography on July 7, 2010, and two counts of possession of child pornography on July 14, 2010. Richardson was arrested that month by the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office after two minors reported they had sex with Richardson and another man. Richardson took several photos of the sexual encounters on a digital camera and his cellphone. He pleaded guilty this year in Powhatan County Circuit Court to related charges, including indecent liberties, and is serving a state sentence of two years. —Media General News Service
Contributed report Matt Henke began his assignment as Executive Director of the Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA in early November and has been busy ever since. “[I believe] the Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan Y has amazing poHenke tential to increase its service to our community,” said Henke. “With its already rich past, commusee YMCA page 3A PHOTO BY ROSLYN RYAN
Christmas Mother Carol Baltimore says group will end up serving over 250 local families during the 2011 holiday season.
Efforts of Christmas couple will mean brighter holiday for many
N
ote to self: If there is ever a monumental task to be accomplished in a short period of time, best to put a couple of former teachers in charge. Perhaps that’s what those tasked with selecting the 2011 Christmas Mother and Father were thinking when they tapped Carol and Bob Baltimore for the job this year. Judging from the rows upon rows of meticulously organized Christmas gifts—filling the entire gymnasium at the War Memorial Building on Skaggs Road—it was a wise move. Staying organized was really the only way to survive the potential chaos of such a task, says Carol, who retired from teaching art at Powhatan High School last June. In order to serve the needs of over 250
county families, every detail of the operation had to be managed carefully. “I’m not going to say it was easy,” laughed Baltimore, “but I am very happy we did it.” Lest anyone think serving as the Christmas couple was only about filling boxes and labeling bins, the Baltimores also found themselves answering a dizzying number of invitations to local events, as well as attending countless fundraisers for the Christmas Mother program. The payoff for all that hard work? Dozens and dozens of Christmases brightened and one very tough target hit: According to their estimates, the Baltimores expect that they will hit their goal of raising $30,000 for the program this year. — Roslyn Ryan
Several Dominion Virginia Power crews spent much of last Friday working near the intersection of Route 522 and 60, after a dump truck damaged several power lines. The driver had reportedly left the back of his truck upright. No injuries were reported but the ensuing outage left both Pocahontas Elementary School and Pocahontas Middle School without power and meant an early dismissal for students.
Inside
Sports
Index
A2 Pokemom pro Powhatan Junior High Student is a champ at popular Japanese card game.
B1 Sports Roundup PHS wrestlers compete in Titan Classic.
Calendar A7 Obituaries Classified B9-10 Opinion Crossword A11 Quotes Horoscope A11 Real Estate Letters A10 TV Listings
A8 A10 A2 B10 B6-7