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Vol. XXXVI No. 18 o. 18
Powhatan, Virginia
B1 Knights close out regular season with win
November 2, 2022
Board considers larger issues as part of rezoning discussion
By Laura McFarland
Managing Editor
POWHATAN – The role of the county’s comprehensive plan, the expectations of the business community when making future plans and resident perspectives were all elements in a decision by the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors on a rezoning issue on Page Road last week.
During the meeting held on Monday, Oct. 24, the board voted 3-2 in favor of rezoning a 5.93-acre parcel on Page Road from Agriculture (A-10) to Commerce Center (CC). The property is on the west side of Page Road approximately 0.2 miles northwest of the intersection with Anderson Highway.
Chair Mike Byerly, who represents District 3; Steve McClung, District 2; and Karin Carmack, District 5, voted in favor of the rezoning, while David Williams, District 1, and Bill Cox, District 4, voted against.
The case dealt with the decision of whether to rezone the property, which would allow for Stroud Ventures LLC to construct a contractor’s offi ce along with the storage of a limited quantity of materials, supplies and equipment inside the building.
However, the discussion by the board as well as the feedback from the community was never a straightforward discussion of what the business would or would not bring to the county as it also delved into issues of traffi c impact, the role of the comprehensive plan in deciding future development and county interactions, and transparency with the local business community.
Eleven speakers addressed the board about the Page Road project either during the public comment period or a public hearing associated with the case, with 10 speakers asking for the project to be denied and one backing the business’ ap-
see BOARD, pg. 6 PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND
Eighth grade math teacher Phil Nusbaum gives instructions during the second Rubik’s Cube Club, one of many now being held every Friday at Powhatan Middle School.
Middle school rolls out variety of clubs to engage students
Pumpkin decorations spark joy By Laura McFarland Managing Editor
POWHATAN – Powhatan Middle School will be buzzing with different kinds of activities moving forward as new clubs allow students to bond with other students with similar interests.
The weekly clubs, which launched on Oct. 21, will be held every Friday during Indian Time for the rest of the year, according to former principal Samantha Martin.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the middle school had clubs but they had a broader focus, she said. This new iteration involves offering more specialized clubs based on student interests.
“We started with student requests. The students completed their requests of what they were interested in fi rst. Then the teachers signed up to be a sponsor for a club and we sent it back out for students to sign up. So it was all focused on student interest,” said Martin, who has now transitioned into the role of the school division’s coordinator of innovative learning.
With 48 clubs for students to choose from, she hopes every middle schooler will have the opportunity to interact with other students they might not normally meet but with whom they may share an unexpected bond, she said.
Just some of the club top-
see CLUBS, pg. 3
PHOTO BY LAURA McFARLAND
Powhatan County Sheriff Brad Nunnally, right, and assistant commonwealth’s attorney Alice Sheridan judge the Pumpkins for Kids contest to pick the top five entries on Oct. 28.
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By Laura McFarland
Managing Editor
POWHATAN – Oscar the Grouch and his furry friends beat out a pair of Venus fl y traps, a friendly hedgehog and a scrumptious ice cream to take fi rst place at the 12th annual Pumpkins for Kids Project.
The annual pumpkin decorating contest once again saw businesses from around the region participating in a lighthearted (although still competitive) competition Friday, Oct. 28 at Independence Golf Club in Powhatan.
The annual benefi t for the Children’s Hospital Foundation is also a way bring the business community together for a good cause and spread a little joy along the way, said organizer Rachel Massengill of Powhatan. The event raised more than $3,000 for the foundation but is still accepting donations using the QR code.
“This is ridiculous. These companies put so much into this and they do such a great job decorating these pumpkins. To know the kids at the children’s hospital are going to get to see this is great,” she said after the contest ended.
Judges from the children’s hospital and foundation narrowed this year’s 35 entries down to the top 10, and then Powhatan County Sheriff Brad Nunnally and assistant commonwealth’s attorney
see PUMPKIN, pg. 5
Community plans three days of honoring veterans
Staff Report
The Powhatan County community will offer several opportunities over Veterans Day weekend to honor those men and women who have served their country in one of the branches of the United States military.
All events are free and open to the public, and local organizations hope veterans will consider coming out and being honored at one of the fi ve events being offered over three days. Powhatan Elementary School will hold its annual Veterans Day salute, “Thank you, Military,” at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, and local veterans are invited to attend and be honored. The fi fth graders will perform a schoolwide assembly for local veterans. Powhatan Middle School assistant principal Jon Ferguson will be the honored veteran guest speaker. Middle school band and choir members will also perform patriotic selections and the Powhatan High School JROTC will present the colors. Powhatan American Legion Post 201 is sponsoring a Veterans Day Program to be held at the War Memorial Cultural Arts & Community Center on Friday, Nov.
see VETERANS, pg. 4
Two elementary schools celebrate fall festival fun
PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND
