Powhatan Today –10/19/2022

County administrator resigns after board action

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN

– County administrator Ned Smither resigned his position last week as, for the second time in the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors’ current term, the members asked their top staff member to step down.

The decision to ask Smither, who has been county administrator since Aug. 1, 2020, to resign took place during a special meeting held on Tuesday, Oct. 11, passing in a 4-1 vote with only District 1 supervisor David Williams voting against. Smither submitted a resignation letter later that day.

Williams had tried to make an amendment to the motion before it was voted on that would have meant terminating Smither’s employment with cause instead of asking for his resignation, but the motion failed in a 2-3 vote with only Bill Cox, District 4, supporting it.

Williams said he couldn’t support the motion to ask for resignation because he didn’t believe Smither was en-

titled to severance pay. He acknowledged that, because of a decision made at the board’s July 25 meeting – supported by chair Mike Byerly, District 3, Steve McClung, District 2, and Karin Carmack, District 5 – not having a unanimous vote did increase the amount of severance Smither will be paid.

“If I vote for not giving him his severance package – that is basically what it amounts to voting for a resignation –he gets a greater package than what he would be getting if all five of us went along with it,” Williams said. “I am going to tell you right now, I can’t go along with giving him one cent. Now that is going to mean, I realize, giving him a greater severance package, but I am not going on record voting for wrongdoing and supporting it with your tax dollars.”

During that July 25 vote, the three board members amended his contract to give Smither a raise from $173,250 to $190,000 and eliminate a clause in his contract requiring him to relocate to the county. But the vote also made a change to the contract to adjust the sev-

erance package amounts, depending on how many votes an action asking for resignation received – five votes would see six months of severance; four votes, seven months, and three votes, eight

months.

According to Smither’s current contract, the 4-1 vote resulting in seven months of salary would be $110,000 see ADMINISTRATOR, pg. 4

Powhatan earns accreditation for all five schools

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – All

Powhatan County Public Schools have received accreditation for the 20222023 school year by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

Office of elections clears applications backlogged by DMV

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

POWHATAN – The Powhatan County Office of Elections – along with voter registrar’s across the state – was recently left scrambling to notify voters whose registration applications through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles had been delayed.

Virginia Election Commissioner Susan Beals confirmed in a statement on Oct. 5 that the

Department of Elections had detected an issue with processing about 107,000 voter registration applications “recently submitted” through the DMV but has since forwarded the information to local registrars for processing to ensure voters can be appropriately registered to vote.

The transactions, which included address updates, new registrations, and other changes, were delayed after being

During its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Powhatan County School Board heard a presentation from Tracie Omohundro, assistant superintendent for instruction, explaining this year’s process and the performance measures for the school division.

Accreditation has been

waived the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the VDOE determined accreditation ratings either using last year’s data or, if needed, by using a three-year combination of data from the 20172018, 2018-2019 and 2022-2023 school years.

The major components that go into accreditation are the achievement for all students, achievement gaps in English and math, and student engagement, she said. Student engagement includes the graduation and completion index, the dropout rate, chronic absenteeism, and college,

Contributed Report

The voters in Powhatan’s first district have a new option in the school board election to complete Rick Cole’s unfinished term. Michael Edwards announced in early October that he is running as a write in candidate for the county’s only school board related election.

Edwards decided to enter the race to offer District 1 voters a choice— someone who has experienced Powhatan’s schools as a parent and knows what it is like to face the real

Edwards runs as write-in candidate for school board see EDWARDS, pg. 5

MICHAEL EDWARDS

Jerry Chambers Jr., right, speaks at a protest in front of the Powhatan Courthouse on May 5 about being the victim of an alleged hate crime while his father Jerry Chambers Sr. shows support.

Special prosecutor ends probe into alleged 2020 hate crime in Powhatan

By Mark Bowes Richmond Times-Dispatch

A special prosecutor investigating a 2020 alleged hate crime incident involving a black teen, who was marked with racial slurs while intoxicated and unconscious at a party in Powhatan County, has ended the probe after being told the teen is unable to participate in the investigation due to an ongoing medical issue.

The parents and a family advocate of Jerry Cham-

PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors listens as District 2 supervisor Steve McClung (back, far left) reads a statement about why he changed his mind and decided to vote in favor of asking county administrator Ned Smither to resign.

FILE PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND

PHOTO BY ROD SHORT Powhatan High School crowned Tucker Hartz as this year’s Homecoming King and Chesed Russell as Homecoming Queen. See more photos of the Homecoming Court on Pages 6A and 8A.

Powhatan High School

Wednesday, Oct. 19

The Powhatan Christmas Mother program is now accepting applications. The program serves clients 18 and under, 60 and older and those on Social Security/Veteran’s Administration disability. Proof of disability is required. No exceptions. Bring proof of total household income; proof of residency (copy of light bill, tax bill, etc.); custody papers if applicable; and proof of disability. Volunteers will accept applications at the Powhatan County Public Library on the following dates: from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct.19 and 26 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 22 and 29. Those that would rather mail an application can pick one up at the Free Clinic of Powhatan or Powhatan Public Library. Applications will also be online on the Christmas Mother website and Facebook. Mail applications to Powhatan Christmas Mother, Attn. Applications, PO Box 461- Powhatan, VA 23139.

Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful combined and crucial at any age! Program is free; requires independent participation. Weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Rescue Squad Building, 3920 Marion Harland Lane. Information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County Reach for Active Services. Call program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-6980438 for more information.

Powhatan County Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Meeting rooms are available by reservation; study rooms are available first come, first served. The library offers e-books through Overdrive and materials to borrow in person or by using Books to Go. With Books to Go, patrons may reserve print materials, DVDs, and audiobooks 24/7 online at www.powhatanlibrary or by phone during open hours at 804-598-5670; once the patron is notified that their order is ready, they have three days to pick it up at the to-go shelf. The outdoor library book drop is open 24/7 for returning library items; however, patrons must return mobile hotspots to the circulation desk inside the library. The library accepts donations and the Friends of the Library bookstore is open during library business hours. Visit www. powhatanlibrary.net or call the library at 804-598-5670 for more details, and like the library’s Facebook page for all the latest, up-todate library news, information and program schedules.

Powhatan County Public Library will hold a weekly Story Time on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Participants will read stories, sing songs, learn finger plays and more! Story Time generally meets in front of the fireplace, and occasionally in our outdoor space.

Business Network International (BNI) Powhatan chapter meets virtually from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Visit Www.BNIVA. com for information. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/BNIOnFire or contact executive director Dawne Gulla at dawne@bniva.com or 804-690-9220 for more information.

The Woman's Club of Powhatan meets at 10 a.m. every third Wednesday of the month, at May Memorial Baptist Church, 3922 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan, from September to May. To attend a meeting, call membership chairman Kay Watson at 804-240-4896 to let her know you will be coming or just simply drop in; the welcome mat is always out. Visit the Facebook page for Woman’s Club of Powhatan.

The Free Clinic of Powhatan serves residents from Powhatan, Amelia and Cumberland Counties as well as select Chesterfield areas. Services include medical, dental, counseling and women’s healthcare by appointment. Eligibility requirements on website www. freeclinicofpowhatan.org/patients. Registration for new patients by appointment Mondays 5-8 p.m. or walk-in Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call (804) 598-5637.

Thursday, Oct. 20

A weekly showing of episodes of “The Chosen – I have Called you by Name” will be held at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial Cultural Arts & Community Center, 2375 Skaggs Rd, Powhatan. Free admission and refreshments provided. Schedule: Oct. 20, episodes 5 and 6; and Oct. 27, episodes 7 and 8. Reserve your seats today via phone at 804-598-2187 (no answer, leave message) or email to: info@ wmcacc.org.

There will be an Alzheimer's Association Community Forum from 10 to 11:30 a.m. If you or a loved one has been affected by dementia or Alzheimer's, you'll want to attend. The goal of this forum with community leaders and partners is to hear experiences from those in Powhatan and discover gaps in service or programming that Alzheimer's Association may be able help to improve Powhatan with. The event will be held at the Rescue Squad Building. Contact program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 or RAServices. PVA@gmail.com for more information.

The Powhatan Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays at 2500 Batterson Road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@ gmail.com.

Just Kids, an affordable clothing shop selling gently used children’s clothes, sizes newborn to 8 plus, had its official opening June 7. Moving forward, the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The shop is located in the Memorial Baptist Church Youth House, 3926 Old Buckingham Road. Just Kids is a ministry of May Memorial Baptist Church. Clothes cost $2 per bag.

A Called to Care Meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at Powhatan United

Methodist Church. This organization offers both support to persons who have health issues and those who are caring for persons with health issues. The meetings may include guest speakers on a myriad of topics related to aging and good health. Guest speakers have included a nurse practitioner, neurologist, nutritionist, physical therapist and many more. All are welcome to attend. This group is facilitated by Judy Cain-Oliver, licensed clinical psychologist.

Extension specialists and industry experts share timely topics for farmers in the Virginia Cooperative Extension Ag Today, held virtually at 9 a.m. every Thursday. These updates are relevant and brief and are recorded for folks who can't join on that day and time. Podcasts (audio only) are posted on Westmoreland VCE webpage and YouTube video recordings can be found at https://www.youtube. com/ playlist?list=PL7_2QUVzrPXDpYsV2HY11CH8KBrluifyO.

Contact Stephanie Romelczyk (sromelcz@vt.edu) for information on joining the meeting live. Watched or listened to VCE AG Today? Let us know how we are doing! Find our survey here: https://vce.az1. qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fiYBb914AYRdn7.

Mark your calendars for the next Powhatan Civil War Roundtable meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the County Seat Restaurant. The speaker will be JoAnna M. McDonald and she will be speaking on the subject of “Maryland my Maryland.” Dinner will be included with a fee of $18 for members and $22 for non-members. To reserve space, contact Pat Whitmer at 240-2980141 or patwhitmer77@gmail.com. Visit www.powhatancwrt.com.

The Powhatan chapter of the NAACP meets at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the training room of the Powhatan African American Cultural Arts Museum, 4290 Anderson Highway (inside the gym of the Pocahontas Landmark Center). All are welcome. For more information, contact Gail Hairston at 804-598-3435 or powhatannaacp@gmail.com.

The original Powhatan AA meets from 7 to 8 p.m. every Thursday in the Powhatan Village Building.

The Powhatan Rotary Club meets at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday at the County Seat Restaurant.

The Powhatan Ruritan Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Rosa’s Pizza and Italian Eatery in Flat Rock. Dinner will be served followed by a program and a brief meeting. They are a community service organization dedicated to our county. All are welcome. For more information call Jake Berman at 804-651-4503.

The Powhatan Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be held at noon at County Seat Restaurant. Visit www.powhatanchamber.org.

Friday, Oct. 21

Powhatan County Public Schools presents Let’s Pull Together Tab collection. Join the school division in collecting aluminum pull tabs to benefit the nearby Ronald McDonald House. The collection is ongoing through Oct. 21. Sent them to your student’s school. At the elementary schools, turn them in to student’s homeroom or front office. At the middle and high schools, turn them in to student’s first block or front office. The school that collects the most weight in tabs at the end of the first nine weeks will receive the Ronald McDonald House Tab Trophy.

Saturday, Oct. 22

If you missed the first Reading is Grand event, or liked it so much you want to go again, the next date is scheduled for Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. Haven't heard of Reading is Grand before? It's an intergenerational program between Powhatan County Public Library and Powhatan County Reach for Active Services where young readers (kindergarten through fifth grade) partner with older readers (aged 55+) to read aloud to one another. The last session was so much fun they had to schedule another! If you are interested in attending, use the signup sheet found at https://forms.gle/ pDJpp876zNNC5JzC7.

The 31st annual Powhatan Fall Classic will be held Oct. 22 at Powhatan High School, 1800 Judes Ferry Road. The marching band competition will bring together bands from across the state in this awesome competition hosted by the Indians. The first band is scheduled to perform at 2:50 p.m. with performances lasting until 8:45 p.m. Currently, there are 18 marching bands scheduled to compete. The Powhatan High School Marching Band will have an exhibition performance scheduled at 8:45 p.m. Watch the Powhatan Band Boosters Facebook page for updates.

Jones Chapel Baptist Church, 947 Trents Mill Road, Cumberland, will hold a Family Fun Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that includes a pumpkin patch, inflatables, games and prizes, hay rides, face painting, bingo, twisted balloons and free hot dogs. Come join us for a day of fun. Visit www.joneschapelbaptistchurch.com.

The Fall Powhatan Makers Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Vintage Antique Shack, 4140 Anderson Highway. The second Powhatan Makers Market of 2022 will have a mix of vendors who were on display in the spring and new additions. Come shop, eat and support local artisans and crafters selling artwork, jewelry, soap, candles, iron and woodwork, ceramics, cupcakes and more. Pick up some early Christmas presents or shop for your own enjoyment.

Farmers Market at Tavern 19 is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturdays through October on the grounds of Independence Golf Course, 600 Founders Bridge Blvd, Midlothian, VA 23113. The new Farmers Market at Tavern 19 is a grower’s market, featuring farm fresh seasonal produce, grass fed meats, fruits and berries, honey, baked goods, value added products and select artisan crafts.

Independence Golf Course is the ideal setting for a farmers market – it’s a park-like setting with plenty of parking and grass covered by large shade trees. The market has free Wi-Fi, a stage, electricity, food provided by Tavern 19, picnic tables, live music, kid’s activities and more! Come grab some dinner and stock up for the week on fresh local products! For more information, visit https://rvagriculture.org/.

Powhatan AA meets at 8 p.m. every Saturday at Manakin Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.

Sunday, Oct. 23

Hollywood Baptist Church, 3964 Old Buckingham Road, will celebrate its 160th anniversary to honor the church’s rich history at 1 p.m. Come join us for our outdoor worship celebration. BBQ and fish fry and musical guests, James “Saxsmo” Gates, the Rev. Almeta Ingram-Miller and Brother Cornell Jones. A donation of $16 is requested. Contact 804-598-2763.

The Powhatan County Democratic Committee meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Powhatan County Library.

Monday, Oct. 24

willsharewithme.Ifyouareinterestedin meetmePleasecall804-598-5672,and thestaffwillbehappytoassistyouwithany questionsyoumayhave.

Wehavebeengivenanawesome opportunitytoupdateoutshelterkennels! Wearestartinga$$CashforKennels$$ Fundraiser!Ourgoalistoraise$100.000 fornewkennelsforthedogsandcats!Every dollarisgreatlyappreciated.Donationscan bedroppedoffattheshelterlocatedat 4000OldPlantationRdormailtoP.O.Box 133ATTN:AnimalControl.Inthememo write$$CashforKennels$$.Ifyouhaveany questionspleasecall804-598-5672.

ANNIE PALMORE

PALMORE, Annie Mae, 89, of Powhatan, Va., entered into eternal rest on October, 9, 2022. She is survived by sons, Eric L. Palmore, Francis E. Palmore (Pauletta), Kenneth Otis Palmore(Crystal); a daughter, Shirley Reavis (Feldman); three brothers, four sisters, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and devoted friends.

Annie worked for many years as a caregiver in the Powhatan community. A public viewing was held on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home in Cumberland, Va. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Little Zion Baptist Church, Powhatan, Va. Rev. Dr. Gregory L. Beechaum, Eulogist. Funeral service will be streamed on the LZBC Channel on YouTube. https://youtu.be/cZIqEaQZk4U - Momma Annie Mae Homegoing Service. www.mariangraythomasfuneralhome.com

career and civic readiness. To be accredited, schools have to have quality indicators at either a Level One or Level Two.

Omohundro showed detailed charts of math and English results and a science chart that show there are still areas where the division is not reaching the minimum standards it wants to meet, but they are being monitored and addressed. In some instances the school division did not reach the 70% pass rate for the 20212022 school year but the three year average of the previous years was high enough.

“These are things that we review on a regular basis and we look at how we can make sure that we have things in place to support students in those specific categories moving forward,” she said.

In the area of student engagement, Powhatan High School had a graduation and completion index of 95.4%, which was a slight dip from the three previous years (96% in 2021, 97.5% in 2020, and 96.2% in 2019), Omohundro said. She pointed out that more students than usual earned their GED after the pandemic and there are also students who need more time and are still enrolled.

The dropout rate was 1.74%, compared to 1.4% in 2021, 1.72% in 2020, and 2.92% in 2019, she said.

The college, career and civic readiness index is something new the school division will be using for the first time, Omohundro said. A Level One in that index would 85%, which the division did not achieve this year, but it wasn’t used for that purpose this year, she added. The index includes factors such as credit for an AP or dual enrollment course; career and technical education (CTE) credential and finishing a CTE sequence; participating in work-based learning; and participating in a service learning experience.

Another student engagement factor that was heavily stressed was chronic absenteeism. A student who is absent 10% or more days per year (about 17.8 days). PCPS saw excessive absenteeism in the last school year and it already has four schools (all but Powhatan Elementary) that are trending toward high chronic absenteeism levels in the current school year. In the 2018-2019 school year, the schools had 4% to 5% chronic absenteeism. In the current school year, those four schools have between 17.1% and 18.9% of their students trending toward chronic absenteeism.

“That meant that at this point, they had been absent three days of the 30 plus days we had been in school. I don’t anticipate that that number of students will go on to be absent 17.8 or more days; however, it is important that we are tracking this and we are sharing with our families and our communities how important it is for our students to be in school with us every day. It determines whether or not our schools are accredited,” she said, adding this is the only component that would be used for student engagement for elementary and middle school.

Superintendent Beth Teigen pointed out that chronic absenteeism factors in both excused and unexcused absences.

With spring SOL scores, PCPS met or exceeded the state average for all content areas. The division is fifth overall in its reading SOLS among 17 regional and/or comparable divisions and sixth in math SOLs.

This summer, each school conducted a full review of academic, assessment, behavior and attendance data with administration, classroom teachers and division staff, Omohundro said.

Schools identified specific needs by content area, grade level, and/or individual student and then incorporated items in to the continuous school improvement plan.

Some of the supports put in place as a result include: schools and division staff partnered to create supports; before and after school programs; curriculum and pacing adjustments; targeted professional development; continual review of current data through our VTSS model; increased benchmarking; and writing plan, she said.

Powhatan residents excel in State

Contributed Report

Local residents represented Powhatan County well in the competitions at the Virginia State Fair, which was held from Sept. 23 through Oct. 2 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.

The state fair released the names of the following winners in the culinary arts, visual arts and horticulture competitions with their division, class and the place they won included:

Becky Lillywhite: Yeast, 7902 - Bread, Wheat or Other, Loaf, first place; Syrups/Sauces, 6602 - Blackberry syrup, first place; Spice It Up!, 7101 - Pepper sauce, third place; Catsups, 6901 - Tomato catsup, second place; Yeast, 7905 - Savory Bread, third place; Preserves & Jellies, 7615 - Fig preserves, third; Preserves & Jellies, 7603 - Blackberry jam, first place; Canned Foods, 6516 - Tomatoes (whole in juice), first place.

Ben and Lauren Lazar Family Farm: Vegetables & Fruits, 9015 - Gourds, 6 inches or larger (1 specimen), first place; Vegetables & Fruits, 9042 - Peppers, Hot, any other not listed smaller than 4 inches, 6 specimens, second place; Vegetables & Fruits, 9038 - Peppers, Hot Jalapeno, 6 specimens, third place; Vegetables & Fruits, 9049 - Pumpkin, mini, less than 1lb, 3 specimens, any color, first place.

Everett Maine: Youth- Fun Classes, 2553 - Lego Sculpture - any other, first place.

George Shetterly: Vegetables & Fruits, 9043Peppers, Sweet, any other not listed, 4 pods, second place; Vegetables & Fruits, 9010 - Eggplants (2 specimens), first place; Potatoes, 1105 - Sweet Potatoes, any variety (5 specimens), second place; Vegetables & Fruits, 9037 - Peppers, Hot Habanero, 6 specimens, third place; Vegetables & Fruits, 9038 - Peppers, Hot Jalapeno, 6 specimens, fourth place; Vegetables & Fruits, 9042 - Peppers, Hot, any other not listed smaller than 4 inches, 6 specimens, third place; Vegetables & Fruits, 9013 - Garlic, 3 bulbs, second place;

Heather Partridge: Cakes 8307 – Miscellaneous, second place; Cakes 8304 - Chocolate Cake - Any Kind, first place; Greatest State Fair Cake.

Magdalena Maine: Youth- Fun Classes, 2553Lego Sculpture - any other, second place.

Mia Akersveen-Davis: Youth- Photography -

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STATE FAIR OF VIRGINIA

The Virginia State Fair took place from Sept. 23 to Oct. 2 at The Meadow Event Park. The state fair released the names of Powhatan winners in the culinary arts, visual arts and horticulture competitions, which included, clockwise from top left, Ella Eakin’s sugar cookies; Heather Partridge’s chocolate cake (also won Greatest State Fair Cake); and Tabitha Mangigian’s artwork.

Color - 26B, 2622 - Color scenic/architectural (5 inches x7 inches), third place.

Rita Jackson: Quilt Show 6002 - Machine pieced, machine quilted (domestic) Sponsored by Fabric Place Basement, first place; Quilt Show 6021 - Quilted Handbag or Tote/Pillow/Article of Clothing, first place.

Stephanie Akersveen-Davis: 2A: PhotographyB&W, 2003 - Black & white scenic/architectural (5 inches x 7 inches), second place.

Tabitha Mangigian: Art 1008 - Other artwork not listed, third place; Art, 1002 - Water Colors or Acrylics on paper, first place; Art, 1001 - Acrylic or Oils on canvas or board, second place.

Thomas Maine: Youth- Photography - Color26B, 2623 - Color garden (5 inches x 7 inches), second place; Youth- Fun Classes, 2551 - Lego Sculpture Structural (no moving parts), third place; Youth- Photography - Color - 26B, 2622 - Color scenic/architec-

Food pantry is now accepting donations for Thanksgiving meals

Contributed Report

The Coalition of Powhatan Churches is once again holding its Thanksgiving Complete Meal food drive.

The drive is meant to make sure every family has a nourishing meal for the holiday. The Powhatan Food Pantry, located at 2500 Batterson Road, will be the point of collection and distribution. Items may be dropped off from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the food pantry.

The project is totally dependent on the community. The food pantry serves about 175 people each month. The need is great.

To ensure that every family gets the same identical meal packages, the food pantry asks that people include all of the items in double bags (for strength). Mark each bag “Complete” so volunteers know that every item is in the bag.

If people can only give a few items and are bringing a bag that is not complete, leave it unmarked.

Donations of a $10 Food Lion gift card would also be appreciated. People are asked to add one to their bag, if possible. Cash donations are also accepted for purchase of food or gift cards. Clients will be able to purchase meat or other necessary items for their meal.

Checks may be made out to Powhatan Food Pantry and mailed to Powhatan Food Pantry, 1520 Swiftwood Drive, Powhatan, VA 23139.

To be marked complete, a bag must contain: one 40-ounce can of yams or sweet potatoes; one 13-ounce box of mashed potatoes; one 16-ounce can of cranberry sauce; two 15-ounce cans of corn; two 15-ounce cans of green vegetables; two 10-ounce cans of gravy; two 6-ounce packages of stuffing mix; one box of hot chocolate; one small box or jar of ice tea/bags, and one complete family dessert item.

For more information, call the pantry at 804-372-9526. Email copcpow@outlook.com.

bers Jr., now 18, are critical of the decision, and say that he is available to testify before a grand jury proceeding that had been convened to investigate the matter.

“After reviewing everything and the totality of the situation, we decline to prosecute,” said Petersburg Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Joseph Lee, who was appointed in December 2021 to investigate the incident.

“Mr. Jerry Chambers Jr. is the main witness in this case, and we would need him to participate. So based upon that, I’m closing the matter and I’ve advised the court of that decision.”

Lee said he based his decision on a letter he received earlier this month from Richmond attorney JeRoyd W. Greene III, a lawyer hired by the Chambers family to represent the young man’s legal interests. In the letter, Lee said Greene stated his client would not be able to participate in any meetings, hearings or functions for the foreseeable future due to his current medical status. Lee declined to specify the type of medical issue, citing privacy concerns.

The teen’s parents, Jerry and Kristle Chambers, said in a Sept. 14 lawsuit they filed against Powhatan authorities in U.S. District Court in Richmond that their son was not doing well as a result of the alleged hate crime and was suffering from mental health problems that have required multiple hospitalizations.

On May 1, Jerry Chambers Jr. spoke in front of 100 people during a news conference and rally. He talked about the impact the incident had on his life, which included a suicide attempt, and said law enforcement refused “to do their job.” A subsequent

Arrests

tural (5 inches x 7 inches), second place.

Tiara Tinsley: 2A: Photography - B&W, 2002Black & white human interest (5 inches x7 inches), second place.

Ella Eakin: Youth- Cookies, 4704 - Sugar Cookies - Any Kind(1/2 dozen), first place and Best of Selection; Youth- Special Cookie Competition, 6502 –Brownies third place.

CRIME

One female was charged on Oct. 4 with petty larceny (Misdemeanor).

One female was charged on Oct. 4 with petty larceny (M).

One male was charged on Oct. 5 with revocation of suspended sentence and probation.

One male was charged on Oct. 8 with driving a motor vehicle while

intoxicated (Felony), DWI, refusal of test, first offense (M), no driver’s license (M), operating a motorcycle without endorsement (M), licensed revoked (DWI/ MANSL): driving without license, not endanger (M), eluding officer/ failure to stop (M), failure to obey traffic lights, and reckless driving – excessive speed.

Incident report for Oct. 3 to 9 - Incident type & total calls

protest was held May 5 in front of the Powhatan County Courthouse.

An investigation by the Powhatan Sheriff’s Department determined that during a September 2020 party held at a residence being rented by a 19-yearold man in the 2600 block of Pilkington Road, mostly white teenage attendees wrote racial slurs and a swastika, among other offensive markings, with a marker on Chambers’ head while he was intoxicated and unconscious. They also draped him with a Confederate flag while he was sitting hunched over a toilet, and took multiple pictures of the teen and distributed them via social media.

One photo depicts the teen asleep or unconscious on a couch, with the N-word, the letters KKK, a drawing of a penis, the phrase “F---BLM,” and “White Lives Matter” scrawled on his head. A sex toy was placed near his neck.

Chambers Jr. was 16 at the time and had been given permission by his parents to spend the night at his friend/teammate’s house, according to the parents’ lawsuit. At the time, the teen was a new student at Benedictine College Preparatory school and was an active member of several sports teams there.

Powhatan Sheriff Brad Nunnally said in April that the subjects responsible were identified, but criminal warrants for misdemeanor assault could not be obtained because the statute of limitations for the offense had exceeded the statutory cap of one year.

In their lawsuit, Jerry and Kristle Chambers said a Powhatan deputy told them in September 2020 that the party incident involved Class 6 felony offenses against their son, and there is no statute of limitations on hate crimes and related felonies.

The teen’s parents, who were appointed his legal guardians after he was declared an incapacitated

adult, also said in their complaint that Powhatan authorities violated the family’s civil rights because they are black and failed to provide them equal protection under the law under the 14th Amendment. They filed the action as pro se litigants, meaning they are representing themselves without an attorney.

The Powhatan Sheriff’s Office and the Powhatan Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office denied the claims — saying a thorough investigation was conducted — and have filed motions for dismissal of the complaint.

Lee confirmed that he had convened a grand jury to look into the matter, and the panel met on at least one occasion. Grand jury proceedings are secret by law, and Lee is prohibited from disclosing what was discussed or what witnesses were called to testify.

The grand jury proceedings began in September

PHS Fall Classic Band Competition set for Oct. 22

Contributed Report

Powhatan High School Marching Band will host the 31st annual Fall Classic Band Competition on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the PHS Football Stadium, located at 1800 Judes Ferry Road, Powhatan.

open at noon and spectators can enter through the gates at the field level. Spectators will be able to

ADMINISTRATOR

Continued from pg. 1

versus a unanimous vote, six months of salary at $95,000, according to Melissa Lowe, human resources director.

However, Lowe said the board of supervisors will likely discuss the issue further as there is still the outstanding issue of Smither’s benefits. By current calculations without board changes, Smith would also be paid: cash value of employer paid contribution VRS ($15,457.89); cash value of health insurance ($8,519); cash value of group life insurance ($1,532.09); and leave payout ($33,251.40). Subject to the board making changes, all of those plus the seven months of salary would add up to a total of $169,593.70, Lowe said.

For a six-month severance package, the total payout without amended benefits was $150,116.20, she said.

The previous contract did not differentiate how much severance pay would be received depending on how many board members voted to ask for resignation. It would have paid six months of salary regardless of the vote count.

This was the third time since the July 25 meeting that a vote was taken to try to end Smither’s employment. Williams and Cox previously tried to get the board to vote to ask for Smither’s resignation (July 25 meeting) and then to fire him with cause (Sept. 26 meeting), but both attempts failed in 2-3 votes.

Before the vote was taken at last week’s meeting, Carmack offered Smither the opportunity to speak. Smither said it has been a pleasure working with Powhatan citizens and if the motion were to pass he would tender his resignation.

“It has been a pleasure. Nothing has been done ever that I thought wasn’t designed to enhance the operations here in Powhatan from Day 1 to now. It has been my pleasure. If the board decides to go that direction, per the terms of the contract I would accept it,” he said.

Bret Schardein, deputy county administrator, will assume the duties as county administrator until a replacement for Smither is in place, according to a release sent out by the county on Oct. 12.

A turn of events

The original and sole purpose of the Oct. 11 special meeting was for the board to discuss authorizing an advertisement for a new county attorney following the resignation of Tom Lacheney at the board’s Sept. 26 meeting. Lacheney gave his 60-day notice at the end of a five-hour plus meeting.

At the board’s request, Lacheney had used information researched by Lowe to prepare a 14-page report evaluating Smither’s handling of and the current integrity of Powhatan County’s employee classification and compensation plan. Despite Lacheney’s report and

park in the junior class parking lot and come down Victory Lane to access the gate at the fieldhouse. The first band is scheduled to perform at 2:50 p.m. with performances lasting until 8:45 p.m. Currently, there are 18 marching bands scheduled to compete. The Powhatan High School Marching Band will have an exhibition performance scheduled at 8:45 p.m.

lengthy arguments by Cox and Williams about actions taken by Smither beyond his authority and to the detriment of the pay and class plan, Byerly, McClung and Carmack did not support the vote to fire him and decided to ask for a second opinion from the attorney general on the matter.

Lacheney said in his comments at the end of the meeting that the three board members’ decision not to fire Smither was essentially a vote of “no confidence” in him as county attorney and tendered his resignation.

The first big turn in the Oct. 11 meeting came when the board started discussing how the position of county attorney would be advertised. Cox had started the discussion by taking issue with a line in the ad saying the county attorney and county administrator would work closely together.

“In fact, what our county attorney has been doing is documenting the problems that the county administrator has created,” Cox said.

McClung then read a statement in which he first told Lacheney – who was attending the meeting via Zoom – that in speaking with many constituents in the past few weeks, they had commended the county attorney for his work ethic and long-term service to Powhatan County and asked for him to stay.

McClung went on to say that the board continues to head in a direction “that is not productive and is extremely divisive.”

“We have all participated in some form or another and this needs to stop today. Lines that should never be crossed were crossed at our last meeting. This has gone too far,” he said.

McClung said the “cold hard truth is that the citizens have lost trust in our county administrator and I don’t think he can gain it back.” He said the board’s “actions and antics” have also caused citizens to lose trust in the board. The only way to fix it is for the board to reset and start taking take responsibility, he said.

“Contrary to what others believe, I do not feel all of the blame falls at the feet of one man. However, I do not see a path forward unless we call for our county administrator’s resignation,” he said. “While I do not believe this action will magically solve the issues that have been presented over the past few months, I do believe it is what is best for Powhatan County and hopefully what is best to bring this board together as a team – hopefully one team that will work together.”

McClung said he believes the county should bring in a strong interim county administrator to assist in fixing mistakes and helping the board and the county “start to heal” and give the supervisors time to hire a new county administrator who is the right fit for Powhatan County.

McClung made the motion to ask for Smither’s immediate resignation and to hire an interim county administrator. There was initially question over whether this was a valid motion, given the meeting had only ad-

Genito Presbyterian Church

Providence Presbyterian Church

Admission is $10 for ages 10 and up, $5 for ages 4-9, 3 and under free. The concession stand will be open all day and throughout the evening with a variety of foods. More details can be found on The Powhatan Band Boosters website, powhatanbandboosters.com. The Powhatan High School Marching Band hopes to see all interested community members there.

vertised the matter regarding hiring a county attorney for the special meeting. However, the board ultimately decided by unanimous agreement that the subject was related back to the events of Sept. 26 that led to Lacheney’s resignation.

Williams tried to make an amendment to ask for the resignation “with cause” but Lacheney said that only applied to a termination. Williams withdrew that motion to amend but made a separate one specifically replacing the request for resignation to a termination with cause, which failed in a 2-3 vote with only Cox and Williams supporting it.

Then the vote on the resignation was back as the matter at hand and Williams made his point about being unable to support that vote and reiterating the changes made to the county administrator contract in July. It was during this discussion that the board requested information from Lowe about the amount of severance Smither would be owed, depending on the votes for or against it.

During the vote, both Cox and Carmack made comments before supporting the request for resignation. Cox echoed Williams’ sentiment but said “it is in the best interest of this county for Mr. Smither to go back to Henrico so I am going to support this.”

Carmack pointed out that this was the second county administrator this particular board has gotten rid of during its term. The board had asked for the resignation of former county administrator Ted Voorhees immediately after taking office in 2020.

“Unfortunately, I see where this is going. It is nothing short of a political hit job, but I will vote aye,” she said.

The board briefly mentioned asking Lacheney if he might consider rescinding his resignation, although Williams said the vote they just had likely wouldn’t give him confidence about continuing in his capacity as the county attorney “because his report was rejected by the majority of this board.” The board deferred discussion on advertising for a new county attorney until the Oct. 24 meeting.

Five people spoke during the first public comment period with Cox reading letters from two others. Several of the speakers commended Lacheney and asked either that he stay or the next county attorney be someone like him. Several of the speakers talked about the attributes they would want in a county attorney, including integrity, not being swayed by pressure from the board, law-based decisions and providing good guidance.

Several of the comments also criticized the board members for recent behaviors and the county administrator for actions taken without board approval. Three of the speakers talked again at the end of the meeting to thank McClung for his decision to vote for Smither’s resignation.

PowhatanChristian Fellowship

WednesdayNight7:30p.m. 3308PleasantsRoad, 1/4mileoffofRoute711 RussCress,Pastor

St.JohnNeumann CatholicChurch

SundaySchool10AM WorshipService11AM

PastorJohnEngle 603-933-0141

3540OldBuckinghamRd. www.pmchurch.net

1801 Huguenot Trail

SundayWorship 10am BryanM.Holt, Pastor 804-378-3607 www.EmmausChristianChurch.org https://www.facebook.com/2emmaus/

MountCalvary BaptistChurch 2020RedLaneRoad Powhatan,VA23139

Pastor,LarryB.Collins SundaySchool9:45a.m. SundayWorship11:00a.m. WednesdayBibleStudy 7:30p.m. Office804-598-2398

Monacan Services showcases talent after two-year hiatus

Monacan Services Day Support program supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Monacan’s goal is to enhance the lives of individuals by providing options for growth in learning, socializing and being a true part of the community through volunteering and exploring relationships with people. The program held its annual Talent Show on Sept. 28 after a two-year hiatus due to limits on in-person events during the public health crisis. The talent show was well-attended by family, friends, GPCS employees, former employees, former Monacan participants and several professionals throughout Powhatan County. Participants performed different song and dance acts highlighting their various skills and talents. The event was just what the doctor ordered, as there was excitement, smiles and fun had by all!

EDWARDS

Continued from pg. 1

issues parents and students encounter in our county. Edwards had not considered running until he was approached by several families in his district asking him to step forward and begin his campaign. Edwards has been fully endorsed by career educator Rick Cole, who has represented the District 1 for many years.

Edwards is the father of three daughters, two Powhatan High School graduates, one who is now a junior at Campbell University and the other a freshman at Longwood University, and an eighth grader at Powhatan Middle School. Edwards’ wife is the chorus teacher at Powhatan Middle School and the lead teacher for music for the county.

Edwards, if elected, maintains that he will be a voice for all students within our school system, and that every student is to be valued and find our schools to be safe places. Edwards has served the community in many ways since 2011, when he became pastor of May Memorial Baptist Church. Edwards has served churches in his native North Carolina and at May Memorial for 25 years. Since he and his family moved to Powhatan, a few of the ways Edwards has served the community has been as the parent’s coordinator for the Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA Swim Team; volunteering at the Powhatan Food Pantry; currently serving on the board of the Coalition of Powhatan Churches; being a member of the Powhatan Ministerial Association; volunteering as a Watch DOG (Dads of Great Students) at Flat Rock Elementary School; and being a coach

and assistant coach for PYAA softball teams.

Edwards has worked to be a consensus builder in the community, and he looks to bring that experience to the school board. Edwards understands what it looks like when a board works well together, and Powhatan County benefits when that happens.

“I want the students in our county to be able to look to our leaders as good examples. It is imperative we treat each other with respect and consideration when making decisions,” he said.

School board elections are non-partisan, and Edwards is running as an independent; he has not sought the endorsement of any outside political party or group. “I am a parent and a person who is deeply invested in our county and its schools, and our students are best served when we do not allow outside politics to dictate our agenda.”

In addition to being an advocate for students and parents, he also seeks to be the candidate who supports teachers and staff as the professionals that they are. “Too often” he says, “teachers receive unfair criticism, when in fact it is teachers who have stepped up in a difficult time. Teachers deserve our support, and when they do not receive it, their morale can be low, or even worse our teachers will look for positions in other counties.”

Edwards believes that there is a lot at stake in this election, for Powhatan County and especially for its students. He believes the health of the community is directly connected to the health of its schools, and he says we “must continue to elect thoughtful and fair-minded leaders. Our students deserve no less.”

ELECTIONS

submitted through the DMV due to intermittent network issues within the Department of Elections, she said. The total number of new registrations that were delayed will not be determined until local registrars finish processing them.

“The issue is now resolved and all impacted registrations have been identified. No voter registration data was lost, but the issue will cause an increase in processing voter registration applications at the local level,” Beals wrote in her statement.

She added that the Department of Elections is committed to supporting accurate, fair, open and secure elections for the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Powhatan County Director of Elections Karen Alexander said that her office received over 360 backlogged DMV applications that her small staff was hurriedly trying to process as accurately and expeditiously as possible.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

SECONDANTIOCH

BAPTISTCHURCH

2390EmmanuelChurchRoad 804-372-9254 www.newwalkbible.org SundayWorship10:00AM SundaySchool9:00AM BibleStudyWed.7:00PM

HollyHills BaptistChurch

3½mileseastofFlatRock

5680CartersvilleRoad Powhatan,Virginia23139

PastorGregoryL.BeechaumSr. “ThechurchwhereJesusisAlive” 9:00a.m.----SundaySchool 9:45a.m.-----Prayer&Praise 10:00a.m.---SundayMorningWorship 5thSundayat11a.m. HourofPower 7:30p.m.----TuesdayNightWorship& BibleStudy 804-375-9404

Hollywood BaptistChurch

Advertisein

2095RedLaneRoad 1/2mileoffRt.60onRedLaneRoad 804-598-2455 www.redlanebaptist.org

SmallGroupClasses9:00a.m. WorshipService10:30a.m. Dr.JamesTaylor,Pastor

“With some applications dating as far back as May 2022, we are having to take our time with each application to make sure we are processing the most up-to-date and accurate registration information. This attention to detail takes time, and time is something we just don’t have a lot of right now with Early Voting being in full swing and with Election Day being less than a month away,” Alexander said last week.

She confirmed on Oct. 12 that all 360 applications were processed.

Alexander urged everyone to visit https://vote.elections. virginia.gov/VoterInformation/Lookup/status before going to vote to make sure they have the correct precinct. Any voter who has a question about their voter registration status can check the Department of Elections Citizen Portal https://www. elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal/.

People may also contact the Powhatan County Office of Elections at 804-598-5604.

MOUNTZION BAPTISTCHURCH

2591RidgeRoad

Powhatan,Virginia23139

804-598-2051

Rev.BryanStevens,Pastor 10a.m.–WorshipService 8:30a.m.–ChurchSchool

MuddyCreek BaptistChurch

SundaySchool-9:45a.m.

Worship-11a.m.

WednesdayBibleStudy& PrayerService-7:00p.m.

PastorJeffBeard,MA,MBA 3470TrenholmRoad www.muddycreekbaptist.org

FIRSTANTIOCH BAPTISTCHURCH

3920MAIDENSRD.,POWHATAN 804-598-2301

SundaySchool10:00a.m.

SundayMorningService 11:00a.m.

WednesdayMidDay BibleStudy11:30a.m. EveningBibleStudy7:00p.m.

Family WorshipCenter

2901JudesFerryRoad Powhatan,Va23139 804-379-8223

Sundays10:00a.m. Wednesday6:30p.m.

3619HuguenotTrail Powhatan,Virginia23139 www.finecreekbaptist.org SundaySchool:9:45a.m. WorshipService:11:00a.m.

Traditional VernGilmer,Pastor

GracelandBaptistChurch Dr.RonaldWyatt,Jr.,Pastor Contemporary–9:00a.m. SundaySchool–9:45a.m. Worship–11a.m. Children’sWorship–11a.m. Praise&Worship–6p.m. LighthouseYouth–Wed.5:30p.m. BibleStudy–Wed.6:30p.m. Children’sWorship(allages)–Wed.6:30p.m. MiraclesofGodSp.NeedsService: 11a.m.the2ndMon.ofeachmonth 598-3481•975DorsetRoad www.gracelandbc.org

OLDPOWHATAN BAPTISTCHURCH

BradRussell,Pastor 598-4241

Servicetimesare 8:30a.m.and10:15a.m. Worshiponlineat10:15a.m. 2202OldChurchRoad www.powhatanbaptist.org

Loving,Investing,Fulfilling,Empowering SeniorPastorJustinWilson SundayService10:30am

Sunday10am,11am&6pm Wednesday7pm

TravisL.Keith-Pastor ChurchOffice:794.7054

JustAcrossfromSouth CreekShoppingCenter!www.glbcpva.org

CONTRIBUTED

PHS Homecoming Court 2022

Powhatan High School

Oct. 6, Jerry and Kristle Chambers deferred to Bernadette Lark, a family advocate, to comment on the special prosecutor’s decision to end the investigation.

Lark, with the Chamberses on the same phone call, said Jerry Chambers Jr. has been “available to be a witness against the crimes that hurt him,” and he showed up Sept. 7, ready to testify before the grand jury. The family provided a copy of the Sept. 7 subpoena. They declined to say whether the teen ultimately testified or stayed for the duration of the grand jury proceedings.

The family said the teen was subpoenaed to testify again on the same day Greene, who is representing the teen, sent a letter to the special prosecutor that he would be unable to attend due to his medical status.

“I can be sick and I can also be a vic-

tim and I can also be available to a subpoena,” said Lark, adding, “Every time they walked in, or tried to meet with them, they were told no.”

Lark and the parents indicated they didn’t know about Greene’s letter to the special prosecutor, and they didn’t seem to agree with the attorney’s view that Jerry Jr. could not participate in any legal proceedings. They said he was retained for one purpose — to support him at the grand jury. Greene could not be reached for comment.

Lark said it was “interesting” that the investigation was being closed within a few weeks of the Chambers family filing suit against Powhatan authorities.

Lee said he was never allowed to interview the teen to get his account of what occurred. The prosecutor said he spoke with Chambers’ father within the past two months, and the father advised him that his son was not available to talk with him.

“I didn’t question the father about any details of the case,” Lee added. “My only question to the father was, ‘Can I

speak with your son?’ And at that time, I was advised that he was receiving some treatment of some sort.”

“In a case like this, you need firsthand accounts — especially from the subject of the allegations— to know exactly what happened,” Lee added. “He is the definition of an essential witness or material witness.”

Lee could not immediately be reached again to comment on the parents’ claim that their son was available to participate in the investigation.

In April, Sheriff Nunnally said his office thoroughly investigated the incident, and he provided a detailed account of the steps that were taken that ultimately led to the appointment of the special prosecutor.

Nunnally said investigators conducted interviews with some of the participants, and learned that similar behavior occurred at earlier gatherings at the house, and attendees would write graffiti on people and take compromising pictures of them “in what they considered a party joke.” However, the sheriff did not condone such behavior or offer it as justification for what happened to Jerry Chambers Jr. It was unknown whether the earlier incidents included racial slurs.

Nunnally has said the teen’s parents came to the sheriff’s office on Sept. 14, 2020, to advise that their son had been assaulted. They showed a couple of photographs they had found on their son’s cellphone to a deputy and “expressed that they were not sure if they wanted to file a report due to concerns they had about the legal process.”

The parents provided no further information, he said, and the deputy encouraged them to meet with Powhatan’s chief prosecutor to discuss their concerns. The deputy scheduled an appointment for the following morning, but they didn’t show up, he said. Afterward, the sheriff’s office contacted them twice and “both times they stated they were not interested in filing a report or proceeding in any way with a criminal investigation,” Nunnally said.

Fifteen months later, on Dec. 3, 2021, the Chamberses returned to the sheriff’s office and said they would now like to file a report and proceed with an investigation. Nunnally said his office did so.

After determining that misdemeanor assault charges could not be obtained because the statute of limitations had expired, and that the offenses did not rise to felonies, Nunnally said the case was then forwarded to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for further review to ensure all possible avenues for prosecution were explored. The FBI was also contacted.

In April, Chambers family advocate Sa’ad El-Amin wrote in a news release that following a “forensic interview” conducted by the FBI, the bureau “concluded that the photos did not establish that any crime was committed against the victim.” An FBI agent “informed the victim’s parents that ‘writing is not a crime,’” the release said.

After a conflict arose with another advocate of the Chambers family, thenPowhatan Commonwealth’s Attorney Richard Cox asked the court to appoint a special prosecutor.

PROSECUTOR

Freshman Prince Noah Campbell is the son of Jason and Jennifer Campbell.

Freshman Princess Brielle Walters is the daughter of Courtney and Ben Walters.

Sophomore Prince Edgar Alejo is the son of Francisco and Maria Alejo.

Junior Prince Matthew Layman is the son of James and Julie Layman.

Junior Princess Zoe Lucas is the daughter of Carmen and Ed Lucas.

Sophomore Princess Maggie White is the daughter of Linda and Austin White.

How are you going to celebrate Halloween this year? E-mail answers to editor@powhatantoday.com or share them on the Powhatan Today’s Facebook page.

Involve public in county administrator search

By Laura McFarland Managing Editor

Forthe second time in less than three years, the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors has the task before them of hiring a county administrator.

With the board’s vote at its special meeting on Oct. 11 to ask county administrator Ned Smither to resign and his acceptance of this request, Powhatan once again needs to fill a vacancy in the role of its highest county staff member.

It is a decision many applauded and others loathed, but regardless, it is the situation in which we now find ourselves once again. We have a search ahead for a new county administrator.

Only it’s not the same situation, is it? And I am not just talking about the fact that Steve McClung now sits in the District 2 seat instead of his predecessor, Larry Nordvig.

When the board took office in January 2020 and asked for Ted Voorhees’ resignation as one of their very first actions, they were a united front. I spoke to all of them at the Jan. 2, 2020, swearing in ceremony about their goals and

the challenges they saw ahead.

In my coverage of the occasion, I observed: “A common theme among the board members when asked about the future was the congenial working relationship they believe they will have.”

That was true for a while. It most definitely is not true anymore. In fact, I don’t think it would be out of line as someone who has been to or watched the majority of board meetings for the last eight plus years to say it is almost like we have two separate boards operating within the larger one now, especially since chair Mike Byerly made the same observation earlier this year.

Regardless of how you feel Ned Smither may have contributed to the divisiveness of the board, too much has happened between these five people to think everything is going to be smooth sailing now, even if they all genuinely do their very best to strive to serve the residents of Powhatan.

So when I think about the difference in the search we have before us versus the one from 2020 – keeping in mind that search was done in-house and with a still pretty united board of supervisors – excuse me if I have more than a

PCPS to look at policy on inclusion of sexual content

Dear Editor,

In its most recent session the Virginia General Assembly passed SB656 calling for all Virginia school boards to develop a policy concerning sexual content in the curriculum with enactment by January 1, 2023.

Powhatan’s school administration is slated to reveal its suggested draft policy sometime in early November 2022.

As that draft is considered, parents and grandparents of elementary age children must be purposeful in ending classroom instruction that raises the issue of a child’s gender or anything encouraging them to question their gender. Similarly, the presentation of multiple gender identities must not be allowed airing in the elementary classroom.

Bottom-line, the classroom must not be a place where the predilections of the teacher or the staff are allowed introduction or used in any manner to sway a child’s thinking about such matters. Not saying such is the case in Powhatan, but based on what we see occurring in other school systems it seems prudent to go on record.

The policy resolution suggested below covers the “sexual” aspect of an ever growing problem but goes further to include gender/sexual orientation and political/racial ideology.

Let’s be hopeful the administration’s draft and the final version adopted by the School Board will be more definitive and clearly address gender grooming and any ideological positioning that dictates a child’s self-worth as being determined by the color of their skin.

PROPOSED POLICY RESOLUTION

In accordance with the amendment of the Code of Virginia, as specified by the addition of section numbered 22.1-16.8, as enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia and signed into law by Governor Youngkin, the Powhatan County School Board establishes a systemwide policy prohibiting any deliberate action by a classroom teacher, teacher’s aide, outside speaker, or admin-

A Powhatan Hope Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at PCC Church, 4480 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, Room 102. It is an open discussion meeting. Wheelchair accessible.

Tuesday, Oct. 25

Awaken to Hope Al-Anon meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The new Bridge of Reason AA meeting is held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Powhatan Mennonite

little trepidation.

For those reasons and many others, I don’t want this search to look exactly like the last one. This search needs to be larger than these five people and the human resources director.

Earlier this year, I witnessed a truly exhaustive search put on by the Powhatan County School Board as it sought to fill the role of superintendent and restore some of the faith of local families they felt had been lost in recent years.

During that search, there were stakeholder and community meetings and board meetings that had great participation. I attended some of them and appreciated seeing residents come out to talk about what they wanted in the leader of their school division.

The extensive search conducted by an executive search firm didn’t come cheap – it cost the school division, and thus the taxpayers, $23,064.96. But in terms of what you get for your money, that didn’t hit as hard as the almost $170,000 in potential pay and benefits Smither is expected to receive in severance.

I am not saying hiring a contractor to do such a full-scale search would be the only option, although it might be

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

istrative staff that directly or indirectly exposes a child in grades K-8 to curricula or materials advocating or advancing lifestyle practices pertaining to sexual or gender orientation, political or racial ideology, or related practices without approval of the superintendent and with written consent given by the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian.

Robert Powers Powhatan

Resident says Edwards will work to better Powhatan

Dear Editor, Drama, drama, drama. I wonder if any other residents of Powhatan are as tired as I am of the incessant drama unfolding at every Board of Supervisors and School Board meeting. Board meetings should never be considered “Must See TV,” but ours have certainly become so. If board members aren’t the source of the drama, they’re enabling or encouraging those who are. I’m curious how any of them have time for actually governing or ensuring our students have the best possible outcomes? They’re so worried about putting on a good show or scoring political points, how can they possibly have time to do the work they were sent there to do?

Voters in District 1 have an opportunity right now to send a message that we are tired of the drama. Three candidates are now running for the seat vacated by Rick Cole, including a new, write-in candidate, Michael Edwards.

Michael Edwards did not initially seek the District 1 seat. After considering the other two candidates on the ballot, however, he chose to run as a write-in. As the current pastor of May Memorial Baptist Church, Michael has experience bringing people together to work toward the betterment of Powhatan. He listens and collaborates with others, and most importantly, he simply wants what is best for students. He and his wife, who is a teacher, are proud parents of two recent PCPS graduates and 1 current PCPS student.

Church, 3549 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan. It is an open, decision and literature meeting for Powhatan, Goochland, and Cumberland counties. AA meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.

Upcoming

Powhatan County Public Schools will hold a Substitute Job Fair and Pathway to Teacher Licensure from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the Pocahontas Landmark Center. If you currently have a bachelor’s degree, come learn about pathways to becoming a teacher. Contact human resources at 804-598-5700.

8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, Va 23116 Phone: 804-746-1235 Toll Free: 877-888-0449 Fax: 804-344-8746

necessary if Powhatan’s current track record on county administrator’s acts as too much of a deterrent to getting candidates closer to home.

For me, the best part about the superintendent search wasn’t that it was conducted by a firm but that it sincerely sought to hear the many and diverse voices of the community about what they were looking for in a highly influential position.

At the least, I would think town halls held by each supervisor to get the feedback of their constituents would be the bare minimum that should be considered. Regardless of whether the board members run again in November 2023 and/or are elected, the county administrator will (hopefully) still be there doing the will of the board members –current and future – to help them serve the residents of Powhatan County.

This board has a little over 14 months left in its current term. The last search – although admittedly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – saw Smither starting his position about eight months after Voorhees resigned. The clock is already ticking.

Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.

I suspect that many in our community are ready for a candidate who is calm, humble and 100% focused on doing what is best for students and teachers. Michael Edwards is that person. If you live in District 1, I encourage you to write in Michael Edwards on your ballot for Powhatan County School Board.

Sincerely, Allison C. Dunaway Powhatan

Resident says Edwards has a big heart, is fair to everyone

Dear Editor,

Last week, Michael Edwards declared his candidacy for the Powhatan School Board District 1 special election as a write-in candidate. We have known Michael for over 10 years as our neighbor, friend and preacher at May Memorial Baptist. We have two students in the school system and would be thrilled to have him as our school board representative.

Michael’s hard work and dedication to the Powhatan community shows in all he does. Michael has a big heart and is just and fair to all. He always wants the best for those around him and gives everyone of all ages a chance to be heard. Michael possesses valuable leadership skills and has many sound ideas that will benefit the school board.

Michael’s wife and three children have been a part of Powhatan schools so he is well versed in the school system. Michael knows that teachers deserve to be treated for the professionals they are and he is motivated to put students first.

Michael listens to others with a calm demeanor and delivers a rational response which makes him a strong candidate for the school board. We encourage all voters in District 1 to write Michael Edwards on their ballot for Powhatan School Board.

Tom and Julie Seaman Powhatan

Powhatan High School, led by the PHS Leftovers club, will hold its first Spooktacular Bonfire complete with activities for all ages, including an outdoor Halloween movie, a haunted trail and a Trunk or Treat carnival. The event will be from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Powhatan High School Stadium and Complex, 1800 Judes Ferry Road. It will move inside in case of inclement weather. Admission is $5 with proceeds benefiting Relay for Life. Donations will also be accepted. The schedule for the Spooktacular is: 5-6:30 p.m.: Trunk or Treat Carnival (all ages welcome); 6:309 p.m.: Light bonfire; 6:30-7 p.m. Contests and prizes (including best costume); 6:30-9:30 p.m.: Haunted Trail begin (suggested for middle school age and older); 7-9 p.m.: Outdoor movie (all ages

welcome). Contact Christian Miller at Christian. Miller@powhatan.k12.va.us.

Visit the Knights of Columbus’ 14th annual Pumpkin Patch at Country Living Homes site, 2504 Anderson Hwy. in Flatrock. The patch is open from through Oct. 31, with hours on Sunday to Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional activities planned for some Saturdays! Bring your camera to take family photos! Stand next to our ‘‘Great Pumpkin’’ and see how you measure up. All proceeds benefit charitable causes. In past years, proceeds have benefited Habitat for Humanity, Free Clinic of Powhatan, Scouting, and others. Closing at 3 p.m. on Halloween.

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS

Powhatan Today welcomes your Letters to the Editor on topics of concern to you and the community. Letters, which should be no longer than 400 words, must include the name, address and telephone number of the author. The deadline is noon the Thursday before publication, but letters may be held until the following week upon the editor’s discretion. The publisher or editor of Powhatan Today reserves the right to edit or withhold from publication any letter for any reason whatsoever. Once received, all letters become the possession of Powhatan Today. Letters reflect the opinion of the author, not necessarily that of Powhatan Today or its staff

Powhatan Today is published weekly on Wednesday with offices located at 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, Va 23116. Periodical Postage paid at Powhatan, Va. 23139. USPS # 000-035

© 2022 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher. CAC Audited Circulation: 11,026.

Indians in top form after homecoming win

By Rod Short For Powhatan Today

Withjust three games remaining in the regular season, fans have reason to be excited as the Powhatan Indians enjoyed strong play in their homecoming matchup with a 35-0 victory over Clover Hill on Friday, Oct. 14.

The homecoming win put the Indians at 6-1 for the year, tying them with Dominion District leaders Manchester and Midlothian.

Powhatan opened the scoring a little over three minutes into the first quarter with a Dylan Trevillianto-Ben Whitver touchdown pass to go up 7-0.

On a third-and-11 play from Clover Hill’s 16-yardline, Powhatan struck again as senior tight end Oscar Whitely snagged Powhatan’s second touchdown of the evening from Trevillian.

Leading 13-0 after the extra point attempt failed, running back Landon Hutchison broke through for a touchdown from the 6-yard-line early in the second quarter. Trevillian then ran the ball in for a 2-point conversion to keep Powhatan in the driver’s seat.

Up 21-0 and in control of the game, sophomore

Dominant first half leads BSH to road victory

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

For the second straight week, the Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot Knights traveled onto an opponent’s home and bullied their way into a convincing victory.

After a 46-0 win over Kenston Forest on Oct. 8, BSH (5-2) came back the next week and put on another similarly brilliant performance that left no question of who the better team was at the end of the game, defeating Richmond Christian (0-7) 38-20 on Friday, Oct. 15.

The Knights scored the first 38 points of the game before the Warriors added some late garbage time scores, led by a fantastic performance from Hunter Case, who added three touchdown runs, one picksix and a safety.

Case added the first score with 6:29 left in the opening quarter with a 2-yard touchdown set up by a big run from running back Will Fichter. Quarterback Afton Harrow added the 2-point conversion to make it an 8-0 first quarter lead.

In the second quarter, Case scored on defense with a safety that saw him burst through the heart of see BSH, pg. 2

Powhatan tops Monacan again

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

Like a swinging pendulum, momentum flew back and forth between the Powhatan Indians and the Monacan Chiefs volleyball teams on Thursday, Oct. 13.

It was the Indians (9-6) who’d come out on top though, battling back in a decisive fourth set to win 3-1 in the Chiefs’ (4-8) home gym.

Sydney Wade led the team with a double-double performance of 29 assists and 11 digs in a terrific defensive showing for the Indians, while senior Chesed Russell added 12 kills of her own. Next to Russell in kills was teammate Olivia Moss, who contributed

nine kills and eight digs along with an ace.

From the first set, it was made clear every point would be a battle. Powhatan jumped out to an early 7-3 lead after Wade added a tip over the net, but Monacan made it a close battle the whole way.

There were three ties in the set, and after Monacan tied and later took the lead at 16-14, Powhatan had to regroup for a timeout. That timeout proved beneficial, and the Indians took control of the opening set from that point on by outscoring their hosting rival 11-5.

That dominant stretch featured a powerful Moss kill that forced a Monacan timeout with Powhatan in control 21-18, and an excellent combo block from

senior Samantha Flippo and Wade to make it 22-18.

The winning point came on a kill from senior Colby Wright to head into the second set with a 25-21 victory.

The second set was Monacan’s from the jump though, with the team responding well after Flippo scored the first two points of the set by running off five unanswered scores.

With some unforced errors on Powhatan’s end and strong defense from Monacan, the Chiefs led 17-11 and held off a late comeback from the Indians to take the set, 25-18.

Like the Chiefs did before, the Indians came out hot to start the third set, effectively moving the ball and placing serves into play with a commanding 17-10 see VOLLEYBALL, pg. 2

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Name: Mackenzie Halfon Graduating Class/School: 2025/Powhatan High School

Sport(s):

Field Hockey, Basketball, Lacrosse Stat/Accolade of the Week:

Has been a reliable presence in the net for the Powhatan field hockey team, allowing just four goals scored against her all season. In the team’s big overtime win over Atlee on Sept. 29, she recorded 16 saves and came up in the clutch to help her team win.

Favorite Athlete: Wayne Gretzky

Favorite Hype-up song:

Ready” by Archie Eversole

Thejuggernautballcarrier,whoisajunior,

adding81yardsonjustsix

Withthewin,Blessed

Intotal,theKnightsfinishedwith

PHOTO BY ROD SHORT

Freshman wide receiver Ben Whitver drew first blood for Powhatan against Clover Hill as he scored on a touchdown pass from Dylan Trevillian early in the game’s first quarter.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Senior Carly Rehme goes for the kill in Powhatan’s 3-1 victory over the Monacan Chiefs on Oct. 13.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

BSH tight end David Mann (85) runs after a catch against Richmond Christian on Oct. 15.

see FOOTBALL, pg. 2

Junior varsity football builds foundation for Indians

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

While Powhatan’s varsity football team continues to soar through its season with a 5-1 record, the junior varsity team is right there next to it with a stellar season of its own.

The junior varsity Indians, sitting at a perfect 4-0 with half the season left, are coached by newcomer Ott Mullins in his first year with the team, who has helped cultivate a program defined by winning and dedication to their respective on-field craft while boasting the type of talent pipeline that’s helped make Powhatan football so historically consistent.

Mullins, mostly known in Powhatan as a well-respected middle school baseball coach since 2003, stepped into the new role with the football program largely in part because he’d get to work with his son Nathan, who coaches the offensive and defensive line for the varsity team. It was also because

of what he described as a well-run program built around strong communication, something that impressed him immediately.

“Everybody works with the players and genuinely wants everyone to succeed, and that helps a lot when you have a good line of communication,” Mullins said.

In constant contact with varsity head coach Mike Henderson, who Mullins has known for nearly 20 years, Mullins sees their coaching styles aligning in a way that helps the young student-athletes they oversee transition smoothly from JV to varsity. It also helps that the teams commonly work together and mix during practice sessions.

“What’s helped prepare the players is the fact that when we go to camp in the summer, we all practice together and I think that gets everybody on the same page,” Mullins said.

This year’s JV team is stacked from top to bottom on both sides of the ball,

Powhatan XC heads to MileStat Invitational

By Robby Fletcher Sports Editor

The Powhatan cross country team had a day to remember at the MileStat.com XC Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 15, with five runners achieving personal records.

Powhatan athletes Ella Green, Elizabeth Vallent, Tane Jeffs, Connor Golden and Justin Meyers all recorded personal bests at the invitational, which was held at Pole Green Park and was hosted by Atlee High School.

Green, a sophomore, had an outstanding performance in the 5000 meter competition for large schools, placing fifth out of 143 runners with a time of 20 minutes, 7 seconds.

Five other Indians competed in that run, with Vallent’s new personal best clocking in at 24:11.00, which placed her in 88th out of the 143 competitors.

Sally Smartschan and Rebecca Stevens had close results next to each other with times of 23:31.00 and 23:53.00 respectively.

Sophomore Ellen Weimer, competing in the Elite Girls competition for the 5000 meter run, placed 37th with a final time of 18:58.00.

In the large school varsity boys 5000 meter finals, junior Sean Seibel and freshman Dylan Mapes had the best performances for Powhatan, with Seibel finishing in 13th of 223 runners at 17:19.00 and Mapes finishing in 16th at 17:29.00.

It was also a strong day for Eli Timmons, who placed in 36th behind Seibel and Mapes with the team’s third best time of 18:14.00.

With the points added out of the 10 Powhatan runners in this competition, the school placed fourth in the team rankings out of 28 schools with a point total of 170.

Jeffs, finishing in 25th, reached his new best time of 18:18.00 in the JV boys category, while Golden’s 18:36.00 result in the large schools varsity placed him in 58th place.

Meyers, the last Indians runner to achieve a new record, ran in the small school varsity boys competition, turning in a time of 20:42.00.

Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday. com.

out of bounds.

with the team headlined by captains Elliot Murphy, Wayne Shackleford and Max Altieri. Murphy, the starting quarterback, is a dual-threat that’s risen to the occasion as a respected team leader, while Altieri and Malik Holiday headline a dynamic backfield.

Shackleford, meanwhile, serves as a captain of the defense at middle linebacker and practically an extra coach on the field. He’s aided by contributions from guys like Aiden Hawthorne and Edwin Fields on the line and James Carson in the secondary.

“I feel like we’ve worked it around where we have a pretty complete team,” Mullins said.

In their four games, the Indians offense has been a clear standout, averaging 38 points per game and helping the Indians win every matchup by double digits. Now with just a handful of games left to be played, Mullins still sees some more work ahead in order for the team to finish

FOOTBALL

Continued from pg. 1

wide receiver Matthew Henderson grabbed a touchdown pass of his own to help the Indians to a dominating 28-0 lead just before halftime.

Following a spectacular halftime show in front of an appreciative overflow crowd, Powhatan continued to pile on with appearances in the end zone and increased its lead to 35-0 with 9:38 to go in the third quarter.

With the game well in hand, the Indians began substituting reserve players into the game to give the younger depth guys some valuable game experience.

Powhatan did attempt a field goal in the final quarter that sailed wide, leaving the score at 35-0, which held up to be the final score of the game.

The Indians amassed 348 yards of total offense for the game while limiting the Cavaliers to just 128 yards and six first downs in the shutout vic-

BSH

the offensive line to make a tackle in the team’s end zone. When the Knights got the ball back after the safety, Case then scored another one on the ground, this time from 12 yards out.

And for good measure, Case added one more score in the final minute of the half, jumping a route with the Warriors backed up and returning the interception for a 2-yard touchdown.

Entering the second

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Above, sophomore Grayson Delaney prepares to make a tackle on a Clover Hill ballcarrier in a junior varsity matchup on Oct. 13.

Right, Indians running back Malik Holiday cuts back inside after receiving a handoff versus the Cavaliers.

out the season undefeated. At the top of the list is for the team to remain healthy, and secondly, he wants to

tory. Trevillian threw for 224 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Hutchison led Powhatan in rushing with 10.8 yards per attempt.

“We knew there would be some distractions this week, but our guys stayed focused during practice and the bigger goal at hand to be 6-1,” head coach Mike Henderson said immediately after the game. “It was a tough, physical game, but our guys did a pretty good job. We’re proud of our guys. We have a huge game coming up, but we didn’t even want to mention that until we got through tonight.”

Powhatan, which will face L.C. Bird on its home field on Friday, Oct. 21, hopes to avenge a onepoint loss to the Skyhawks from last season.

The game looks to be a pivotal contest for the Indians in their drive to make the Region 4B playoffs. Powhatan, which averages 37 points per game to date this season, appears to have a more po-

half up 26-0, the Knights got another touchdown courtesy of Case on a 10yard run on the opening drive of the third quarter as well as a touchdown run from Fichter with 1:23 left to play in that same quarter.

The Knights close out the season with two home games, with the next being a matchup with Brunswick Academy (71) on Friday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. After that, they close out the regular season against Broadwater Academy (4-3) on Oct. 28.

see the defense continue to improve on consistent tackling methods.

With a game on the ho-

lead.

A hard-fought rally then led to a kill from Avah Ehteridge, forcing a Monacan timeout at 19-12. Monacan started to draw closer and closer from there with more disciplined play akin to what brought it success in the previous set. The Chiefs slowly chipped away at the Powhatan lead and eventually tied it at 2020 after a Russell shot went

Though it seemed momentum was firmly in the home team’s control, Powhatan regained composure and got back to work, with a Flippo ace giving them a 22-20 lead and senior Carly Rehme getting a point from a block immediately after to force another Chiefs timeout. Up 24-20, Flippo’s skills on the serve again made a difference, earning a point and putting the Chiefs on the ropes entering the fourth set.

In the fourth and final set, the Chiefs took a dominant lead to start, leading 16-10 and playing like a team not ready to leave the gym just yet, but the Indians had plans of their own, slowing chipping away and getting the deficit down to 19-17 after a Flippo kill and a Mazie Harmon ace.

The Indians and Chiefs went back-and-forth from there, with two quick ties leading to the Chiefs temporarily recapturing the lead, until the Indians re-

ceived a spark from Moss with yet another kill to give them a 22-21 lead.

Then, Russell took over, scoring one to force a Chiefs timeout at 23-21 and later scoring the next two points to win the set 25-23 and the game. After going down 16-10, the Indians outscored the Chiefs 13-5 to complete the comeback.

Next up for Powhatan is a meeting with Clover Hill at home on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.

tent offense than L.C. Bird, but both teams are evenly matched in the average points allowed.

Just the top eight of the 17 teams in the region will have the opportunity to advance, with Powhatan

currently seeded seventh.

Powhatan’s last home game of the season will be on Oct. 28 against archrival Midlothian.

Robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@ powhatantoday.com.

rizon against L.C. Bird on Thursday, Oct. 20, Powhatan will look to continue its winning ways.

PHOTO BY ROD SHORT

Senior Landon Hutchison had success finding running room as he finished the game with six rushes for 65 yards and two touchdowns for the Indians.

Continued from pg.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

BSH quaterback Afton Harrow (7) scrambles on a quarterback keeper in the second quarter against Richmond Christian.

PHOTO BY ROBBY FLETCHER

Powhatan Mazie Harmon receives a hit from the Monacan side in the deciding fourth set of the two team’s matchup.

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NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARINGS

POWHATANCOUNTYBOARDOFSUPERVISORS

NoticeisherebygiventhatthePowhatanCountyBoardofSupervisorswillconductpublic hearingson Monday,October24th,2022at6:30PM inthe PowhatanCountyVillage BuildingAuditorium(3910OldBuckinghamRoad) regardingthefollowingmatters. O-2022-38Case21-09-REZC:StroudVenturesLLC(District#1:Manakin/FlatRock/ Subletts) requeststherezoningofTaxMapParcel#43-39BfromAgricultural-10(A-10) DistricttoCommerceCenter(CC)Districtwithprofferedconditionsandamendmentofthe zoningdistrictmapofapproximately5.93acresoflandlocatedonthewestsideofPage Rdapproximately0.2milesnorthwestoftheintersectionwithAndersonHighway.Proffered conditionsaddressadditionalsitebuffers,roadwayaccesscontrols,right-of-waydedication, andrestrictionofpermitteduses.Thisrequestisbeingmadetoallowfortheconstructionofa contractor’sofficewhichshallincludethestorageofalimitedquantityofmaterials,supplies, andequipmentinsidethebuilding.The2021Long-RangeComprehensivePlandesignates thesubjectpropertyasRuralAreasandProtectedLands(Route60CorridorEastSpecialArea Plan)ontheCountywideFutureLandUsePlan.

O-2022-39Case22-06-REZC:PowhatanPlaza(District#1:Manakin/FlatRock/Subletts) requestsanamendmentoftheprofferstatementforoneparceldesignatedtaxmapnumber 042-25Aandtheeasternpartofparcel042-26Fwhichcombineforapproximately5.2acres andarelocatedneartheintersectionofAndersonHwy(U.S.Rt.60)andLuckStoneRd. Theapplicantisseekingtoaltertherequirementmandatingtheconstructionofaturnlaneon LuckStoneRdpriortoanynewbuildingbeingconstructedandinsteadletVDOTregulations governwhentheturnlanewillbeconstructed(Case#18-05-REZC).Thesubjectproperties arezonedCommerceCenterPlannedDevelopment(CC-PD).The2021ComprehensivePlan designatesthesubjectpropertiesasGatewayBusinessontheCountywideLandUseMap.

ResolutionR-2022-30GrantofRightofWayToTheVirginiaElectricandPower Company(“Dominion”): TheBoardofSupervisorswillconsidertheconveyanceofaright ofwayagreementonCounty-ownedpropertylocatednortheastof3900OldPlantationRoad neartheFightingCreekWastewaterTreatmentPlant,overlandidentifiedastaxmapparcel 38-43A.Saideasementisforthepurposeoftransmittinganddistributingelectricpower byoneormorecircuits;foritsowninternaltelephoneandotherinternalcommunication purposesdirectlyrelatedtoorincidentaltothegeneration,distribution,andtransmissionof electricity;forfiberopticcables,wires,attachments,andothertransmissionfacilities,andall equipment,accessoriesandappurtenancesdesirableinconnectiontherewith,forthepurpose oftransmittingvoice,text,data,internetservices,andothercommunicationsservices, includingthewiresandattachmentsofthirdparties;andforlightingpurposes.

Membersofthepublicmayalsoparticipateremotelybyjoiningawebinarat https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83998792911orbydialinginbyphoneat1-929-205-6099OR 1-312-626-6799,thentypinginthewebinarID83998792911.Duringthepubliccomment period,participantsmayraisetheirhandusingthezoomcontrolsonthecomputerscreen,or (ifdialingin)bypressing*9onaphone.

Themeetingmaybewatchedlivebyvisitinghttp://powhatanva.gov/432/Live-Stream-ofPowhatan-County-Meetings.

Publiccommentsmayalsobesubmittedtoadministration@powhatanva.govorbyleaving avoicemailat(804)598-5612.Anycommentsreceivedpriorto5:00PMofthedateofthe publichearingwillberecordedinthemeetingminutes.

Allinterestedpersonsareinvitedtoparticipateinthepublichearingsandtopresenttheir viewsand/ortosubmitwrittencomments.Personsrequiringspecialassistancetoviewor participateinthosehearingsshouldcontactthePowhatanCountyAdministrator’sOfficeat (804)598-5612atleastthreedayspriortothemeeting.Fulltextanddocumentsrelated totheseproposalscanbereviewedbycontactingtheCountyAdministrator’sOfficeat administration@powhatanva.govor(804)598-5612.

FullcopiesoftheseproposalsmaybereviewedintheCountyAdministrationOfficesin thePowhatanCountyAdministrationBuilding(3834OldBuckinghamRoad)between 8:30AMand5:00PMofeachbusinessday.

NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING POWHATANCOUNTYPLANNINGCOMMISSION

Noticeisherebygiven,pursuantto§15.2-2204ofthe CodeofVirginia thatthePlanningCommissionofPowhatanCountywillconductapublic hearingon Tuesday,November1,2022,at6:00PMinthePowhatan CountyVillageBuildingAuditorium,3910OldBuckinghamRoad, to considerthefollowingrequest:

22-06-CUP:Morrissette (District#2:PowhatanStation/Graceland) requestsaconditionalusepermit(CUP)tocreateacontractor’sstorage yardintheAgricultural10(A-10)zoningdistrictperSec.83-162ofthe ZoningOrdinanceoftheCountyofPowhatan.Theapplicantisseeking tostoreconcretetrucksandmaterialson-sitewithmixingdoneoff-site. TheproposeduseislocatedonTaxMap#54-40,locatedonthesouth sideofMoseleyRoad(Rt.605)approximately1100feetwestofthe ChesterfieldCountylineinsoutheasternPowhatanCounty.Thesubject propertyconsistsofapproximately10.4acres.The2021LongRange ComprehensivePlandesignatesthesubjectpropertyasRuralAreason theCountywideFutureLandUsePlan.

22-07-CUP:SoilSolutions (District#2:PowhatanStation/Graceland) requestsaconditionalusepermit(CUP)toallowaWood&Stump RecyclingBusinessuseintheAgricultural(A-10)zoningdistrictper Sec.83-162oftheZoningOrdinanceoftheCountyofPowhatan.The applicantisseekingtousethesitetoprocesstimberintowoodchips. Theparcelislocatedat2040GenitoRd,TaxMap#53-101Bineastern PowhatanCountyapproximately1300feeteastoftheintersectionof GenitoRd(Rt.604)andTurkeyRidgeDr.Thesubjectpropertyconsists ofapproximately63.6acresThe2021LongRangeComprehensivePlan designatesthesubjectpropertyasRuralAreasandProtectedLandson theCountywideFutureLandUsePlan.

Themeetingmaybewatchedlivebyvisitinghttp://powhatanva.gov/432/ Live-Stream-of-Powhatan-County-Meetings.

AllPlanningCommissionmeetingsareopentothepublicandinterested personsareencouragedtoattendonthedayandtimespecified above.Copiesoftheproposedplans,ordinances,andamendments maybereviewedintheDepartmentofCommunityDevelopmentin thePowhatanCountyAdministrationBuilding(3834OldBuckingham Road)between8:30AMand5:00PMofeachbusinessday.Copies ofstaffreportsareavailablepriortothePublicHearinguponrequest andwillbeavailableonlineatleastfive(5)dayspriortothemeetingat http://powhatanva.gov/agendacenter.Pleasecall(804)598-5621with anyquestions.