09/16/2015

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Powhatan, Virginia

The hometown paper of Russell Wood

Vol. XXVIII No. 38

Thousands come out for Labor Day parade

September 16, 2015

Powhatan County goes back-to-school

PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND

By Laura McFarland

Powhatan County students, teachers and staff are back in school. Photos on page 5.

News Editor

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OWHATAN – People packed the streets of Powhatan’s Village area last week to see the community’s own brand of Americana – the Powhatan Lions Club’s Labor Day Parade.

Judge denies injunction on ballots PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND

Powhatan County residents filled the Village to celebrate Labor Day with see PARADE page 5A the Powhatan Lions Club’s Labor Day Parade.

Norm West running for sheriff By Laura McFarland

With his father retired from the U.S. Navy and his mother a Powhatan school bus driver for 40 OWHATAN – Norm West years, West said he learned early Jr. has announced he will the importance of serving his run for Powhatan County county. Sheriff in the general election on Nov. 3. West pointed to the limited number of people of color and women among the 40 uniformed deputies featured on the sheriff’s office calendars hanging around Powhatan County, which would change if he is elected. Serving the county has been part of West’s life since his days working for the Powhatan Community Action Agency while attending Powhatan High School day, he said. WEST He traces his family’s roots back to Jamestown, where his He said his commitment to his forefathers served as governors faith has called him to seek office within the colony. His great-grand- and “In God we Trust” is the founfather settled the family in the dation of his campaign. He plans southwest corner of Powhatan af- to enlist the help of local ministers ter the Civil War. to serve as chaplains through the News Editor

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department. West said he sees school bus drivers as “the eyes and ears” of the county. “They travel every corridor of the county twice daily during school days, and we plan to pay a regular bonus to those who choose to participate in a special Community Watch program,” he said. West plans to work with the Capital Area Partnership to form a weekly “Needs Analysis,” where his deputies will daily serve senior citizens and residents with disabilities. West said his successful history of running organizations the size of the sheriff’s department has been highly praised by associates. Norm serves as a proprietary contractor for the Department of Defense, where he continues to maintain one of their highest security clearances. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.

By Laura McFarland News Editor

POWHATAN – A federal court judge last week denied a preliminary injunction mandating the inclusion of political parties of candidates running for local offices on the ballot for the upcoming general election on Nov. 3. U. S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck denied the motion made by the Powhatan County Republican Committee and four Republican candidates for the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors who were suing the Virginia State Board of Elections in an effort to challenge state law. The plaintiffs in this case are the Powhatan County Republican Committee; Robert G. “Bob” Marcellus, who is running for the District 2 supervisor seat; David T. Williams, District 1; Barry Hodge, District 3; and Timothy L. “Tim” Gresham, District 5. The group questioned the constitutionality of the part of Va. Code § 24.2-613 that requires party affiliations to be listed “for elections for federal, statewide, and General Assembly offices only.” If the plaintiffs had been granted a preliminary injunction, the decision would have had statewide implications as all Virginia ballots would have been required to adhere to the order.

Judge’s decision In a 22-page memorandum opinion filed on Wednesday, Sept. 9, Lauck said she decided in favor of the defendants, the board of elections, because laches bars the plaintiff’s suit. see JUDGE page 2A

Powhatan Moose Lodge To Benefit Shriners Hospitals For Children

205039-01

lic b u P o t Open MUSIC: The Sauerkraut Band

Brunswick Stew, Classic German Food & American Favorites, Regular & Adult Beverages, Children & Adult Games, Bouncing House, Dancing, Bonfire, Cornhole Tourney (sign-up 2:30)

October 10, 2 –10pm Call 598-2809 for Info & Tickets Inside

Sports

A7 Concert raises funds for MD research.

B1 Indians fall short against Blue Devils

TICKETS Admission only

$5 Advance $8 Door Kids 12 & under FREE

Index Calendar A10 Classified B10-12 Crime Report A9 Letters A4 Obituaries A2 Opinion A4 TV Listings B8-9


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