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Powhatan, Virginia
The hometown paper of Nancy Cole
Vol. XXVII No. 50
December 24, 2013
Panel accepts grant for Sheriff ’s Office By Ben Orcutt News Editor
Sometimes, crime does pay. Just ask Powhatan County Sheriff Gregory A. Neal. During last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the panel Neal voted unanimously to accept a federal asset forfeiture grant from the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia on behalf of the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office. “It was a federal Medicaid fraud case against Abbott [Laboratories] and it ended up being that the payoff was millions of dollars and you could apply for a certain amount of money to come to your jurisdiction,” Neal said. “In my case we were able to get almost a quarter of a million dollars.” Neal said he was somewhat surprised at the amount of money Powhatan was awarded. “I knew I would get something,” he said. “I just felt they wouldn’t have made you go through this without getting something. I had no idea we could request $227,000 and get $225,000. I’m pleased.” The Sheriff’s Office had to outline what the funds would be used for as part of the application process, Neal said. “We’ve been behind on patrol cars and we applied for some money to get four more of those,” he said. “We’re in desperate need of computers. We got some money for the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office so they can update their computers and scanners and so forth.” The grant also provides money for the purchase of in-car cameras, Neal said. The memorandum of understanding between
CHIC
Powhatan couple builds wedding venue SUBMITTED PHOTO
Fairview Farm Events includes a renovated six-bedroom farmhouse that the bride’s family can spend the night in before the wedding.
By Ben Orcutt News Editor
here’s a new barn in Powhatan County that was built for something other than livestock or hay. If things go as planned for owners Blanton and Debora Gordon, their new barn will be filled with brides and grooms and wedding parties. The Gordons were granted a conditional use permit by the Board of Supervisors in October to use the barn as a venue for weddings and events on their 115-acre property — Fairview Farm — which is located in western
A story in the Dec. 18, 2013, edition of Powhatan Today should have said that Jerimy Ford is the pastor of the Powhatan Campus of PCC.
PHOTO BY BEN ORCUTT
Blanton and Debora Gordon said they believe 115-acre Fairview Farm is the perfect setting for a country wedding. Left, the barn is designed to be part of what’s called a “rustic chic” wedding venue.
Board of Supervisors honors Ford for social services work By Ben Orcutt News Editor
see Sheriff page 7A
Correction
Powhatan on Ballsville Road. Fairview Farm Events is the name of the business and they already have 19 weddings booked, with some slated for 2015, Mrs. Gordon said. see Rustic page 3A
When you retire and your professional career is over, it’s gratifying to know that you’ve made a difference in people’s lives. When she packs up her desk and leaves her position as the benefits program manager for the Powhatan County Department of Social Services, Pat Ford can walk away knowing just that.
Ford, 62, is scheduled to retire at the end of the year after working for the Powhatan County Department of Social Services for almost 40 years. Last week, the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors honored Ford with a certificate of appreciation for her years of service to the county. While she appreciates the recognition, Ford shuns the limelight and did not attend the Board’s meeting. see Honor page 8A
PHOTO BY BEN ORCUTT
Director Catherine D. Pemberton, left, of the Powhatan County Department of Social Services congratulates Pat Ford, who is retiring after working for the agency for nearly 40 years.
Inside
Sports
Index
A6 Healthy Living 101 Students discover how much sugar is in foods and drinks they consume
B1 Top 10 A look back at 2013’s best sports stories
Calendar Classified Crossword Horoscope Letters
A2 B7 A7 A7 A6
Obituaries Opinion Quotes TV Listings
A2,5 A6 A2 B4-5