Inside A8 Summer reading event kicks off June 8
Powhatan, Virginia B1 Powhatan wins second straight region crown
Vol. XXX No. 23
June 7, 2017
Blessed Sacrament graduates 23 seniors
End of Watch PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND
Several hundred people gather at Blackhawk Gym on May 30, shown above and below, to share memories of Michael Walter, who was not only a special agent with the Virginia State Police but a coach for young wrestlers.
PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND
Law enforcement officers from around the nation joined family, friends and the Virginia community to say a final farewell to Special Agent Michael Walter.
Vigil held at Blackhawk Gym for slain trooper By Laura McFarland
By Laura McFarland News Editor
P
OWHATAN – When all the praise, remembrance and paying tribute was done, the final message at the funeral of Virginia State Police Special Agent Michael T. Walter was that everyone should strive to “Be like Mike.” Walter, 45, of Powhatan set the bar as a husband, father, son, special agent, and mentor to youth, said Capt. Steven Chumley, commander of the Richmond division of the state police, while delivering the eulogy. In life sometimes people have to face storms and figure out how to navigate their way through them. Walter provided a wonderful
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Powhatan, VA Permit No.19
see FUNERAL pg. 3
News Editor
P
OWHATAN – Family and friends gathered to share tears, laughter, and stories about a good man lost too soon last week at a vigil held in honor of slain Virginia State Police Special Agent Michael T. Walter. Several hundred people gathered on Tuesday, May 30, at Blackhawk Gym, where Walter had spent countless hours making an impact on the lives of young wrestlers, their families, and the volunteers and employees who worked alongside him. Many dressed in black and orange to show their pride as Powhatan Indians or shirts that showed the thin blue line representing law enforcement. Before the event started, organizers handed out balloons that would be released into the sky at the end of the vigil. The Lord’s Prayer was recited, and as the unified voices reached “Amen,” the balloons were released to
honor Walter. Walter died on Saturday, May 27, after succumbing to injuries from a gunshot wound he received the night before in Mosby Court in Richmond while riding with a City of Richmond police officer. He was an 18-year veteran of the state police and a former U.S. Marine. He was dedicated to his family and his community, as many people attested at see VIGIL, pg. 4
PHOTOS BY KENNY MOORE
Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School in Powhatan County saw 23 students graduate from the school on Saturday, June 3. The ceremony was held in Parker Gym on campus this year. See Section C for more coverage.
Powhatan events recognize Memorial Day By Laura McFarland
P
OWHATAN – Powhatan County honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country with two Memorial Day ceremonies held on Monday, May 29. A new event organized by Ruth Boatwright of Powhatan was held in the morning at the War Memorial Cultural Arts and Community Center and featured local veterans speaking about their wartime experiences and the importance of the day. The 37th annual Huguenot Springs Cemetery Memorial Day Service continued to reach back into the distant pass, honoring all men and women who have given their lives in service to their country but especially focusing on the casualties of the Civil War. Del. Lee Ware, R-65, was the key speaker in an event filled with longstanding traditions.
A new event When she learned that the American
PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND
Memorial Day ceremonies were held in Powhatan at the Huguenot Springs Cemetery, left, and the War Memorial Cultural Arts and Community Center.
Legion Post #201 would not be holding a Memorial Day ceremony this year, Boatwright decided to organize one to take its place so people here could honor the fallen. The ceremony, which was well attended with about 80 people, featured four speakers, each touching on very different subjects.
World War II veteran Joseph Mendez of Powhatan talked about his experiences as a 19-year-old fighting in Europe during the war, including at the Battle of the Bulge. He was attached to the 35th Infantry Division, which was used to back up the infantry units of the French, English and Americans if they needed help in cersee MEMORIAL DAY pg. 6
Conveniently Located At
2018 Equinox #6115275
Lease for
$299/mo.
*
507006-04
DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Powhatan, VA 23139
News Editor
*Stock #6115275 lease payment based on $299 down + tax, title, tags. 39 month lease w/10,000 miles per year.
(804) 818-7660 • www.haleychevrolet.com