111315 colonial voice

COLONIALS FOOTBALL WINS IN OT

ROAD WORK NEARLY COMPLETE

THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER OF THE COLONIAL HEIGHTS AREA

V5

V4

Friday, November 13, 2015

FREE

VETERANS DAY

LOCAL

Colonial Heights honors veterans

Thanksgiving Meal program CHESTERFIELD - The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Alliance for Social Ministry is asking for the community’s support for its’ Thanksgiving Meal Gift Package Program.

A donation of $15 - through a food store gift card, a bag of Thanksgiving food or cash donation toward gift card or gift package - is requested and greatly welcomed.

The gift will provide an area family in need with a Thanksgiving Meal and lots of leftovers.

Residents must pre-register with CCHASM prior to receiving a Thanksgiving Meal Package.

Donations may be sent to CCHASM at PO Box 1741, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Or, you can make a secure donation through the CCHASM website, www.cchasm.org, or bring grocery items to the Chesterfield County Fairground Exhibition Center Monday Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday, Nov. 17, from noon to 7 p.m.

Coupon class ETTRICK — Coupon Clipping Club founder and coupon instructor Sharon L. Johnson will hold a coupon workshop on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Ettrick Community Building, located 20621 Woodpecker Road, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

During the workshop Johnson will share couponing strategies and tips on how to save money using coupons.

Each person attending the workshop will take home an array of information and material regarding the complete process of couponing.

To register for the Nov. 14 coupon workshop, call the Ettrick Community Center at 804-706-2596. Johnson recommends registering early because classes “fill up fast”. For more information or to schedule a coupon class, contact Johnson at kupongirl50@yahoo.com.

Camera Club meets next week PETERSBURG - The cockade City Camera Club invites the public to attend the next meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, at 7 p.m. at Petersburg Area Art League, 7 E. Old Street. The meeting will be the Show and Tell night. Also in attendance will be five visiting costumed comic book characters.

Check out the club’s free classes: Beginner/Novice, Intermediate, Digital SLR, and Lightroom. For further information contact John A. Rooney, Jr. at johnarooneyjr@gmail.com.

Quarterly ‘Feed a Stranger’ PETERSBURG — The McNairTrueheart Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 622 will hold its quarterly “Feed a Stranger” program on Friday, Nov. 20, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Post headquarters, located at 1925 Johnson Road.

All meals are free. The VFW’s target population is those who are 60 and older, those who are homeless, and those who are disabled.

The American Red Cross will be on-site with a blood drive that day. All who can are encouraged to donate blood.

INDEX Opinion ..............V2 News ..................V3

Sports ................V5 Classified ...........V6

Vol. 13, No. 10

By Shelby Mertens Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Veterans and their families gathered at the World War II monument across from the Courthouse on Boulevard to celebrate Veterans Day with city officials and the community on Tuesday.

The annual Veterans Day ceremony in Colonial Heights is conducted by the local veterans groups: American Legion Post 284 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2239.

Many city officials were present in the crowd along with Del. Kirk Cox and Brig. Gen. Ronald Kirklin from Fort Lee. A third grade class from Tussing Elementary School sang two patriotic melodies. The 392nd Army Band from Fort Lee also performed.

Colonial Heights Mayor T. Gregory Kochuba presented a proclamation from the city to the members of American Legion Post 284.

“I can’t tell you how honored I am to be here today to recognize our veterans and those men and women who wear the uniform,” Kochuba said. “I know my father would be excited that I’m doing this.

He served in World War II as well as the Korean War so I just want to take a minute to thank you for your service and all that you do for our country.”

The proclamation read, “On Nov. 11 of each year, we reaffirm our commitment to those that have answered the call of duty on behalf of all Americans. Throughout our history, America has been protected by patriots who cherish liberty and make great sacrifices to advance the cause of freedom …The greatness of America is founded in the bravery and heroism of men and women who stand strong in the face of conflict.”

Brig. Gen. Walt Mercer, assistant adjutant general of the Virginia Army National Guard, was the guest speaker

Veterans lay wreaths at the World War II monument on Boulevard across from the Courthouse at the 2015 Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11. SHELBY MERTENS/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

of the event. Mercer began his military career as an enlisted soldier in 1982. He graduated from the Reserve Officer Training Program at Virginia Tech in 1985 and served two years active duty before joining the Maryland National Guard.

Mercer became the first commander of the 2nd Squadron of the 183rd Cavalry Regiment in Iraq and Kuwait in 2007 and 2008. He also commanded the 94th Troop Command from 2010 to 2013. Mercer’s most recent assignment was at Fort Belvoir as a G-3 operations officer for the 29th Infantry Division. As a citizen, Mercer is also a high school administrator in Hanover County Public Schools.

Mercer told the story of a local veteran named Blaine Wyatt Barney, who lived in Colonial Heights and served in World War II. Barney was born in Oklahoma in 1920 of meager beginnings. He fought in Italy during the war and

was part of the Allied troops who liberated Rome in 1944.

He settled in Colonial Heights after the war and died in 2012 at the age of 92.

“It’s important for each of us to reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans,” Mercer said. “Their courage in the face of danger to me shines like a beacon on future generations through the times of evil and uncertainty that we live in.”

Robert L. Shumar, commander of the American Legion Post 284, asked those in attendance to “please remember to take the time to thank a veteran.”

The origins of Veterans Day trace back to the end of World War I in 1919. The war officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles signed in France on June 28, 1919, but the fighting had already ceased seven months prior when an armistice had been signed between the Allied Powers and Germany. The armistice went into effect on

Nov. 11, 1918 at 11 a.m., which was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The day was widely known as the “end of the war to end all wars.” President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919 as the first Armistice Day. The occasion was a celebration of peace with parades and public meetings to honor veterans of The Great War. Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938.

However, by the 1940s the holiday evolved into a celebration of all war veterans. The name was officially changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day by Congress on June 1, 1954 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

“I want to challenge all of you to make Veterans Day every day,” Mercer said.

— Shelby Mertens may be reached at 804-722-5154 or smertens@progress-index. com

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

Kroger set to open in 2017

By Shelby Mertens Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — A deal on the long-awaited Kroger in Colonial Heights has finally been closed after a delay that lasted over a year due to legal battles.

The 95,00-square foot grocery store will be located at the former courthouse site at 401 Temple Ave. The store is expected to open no later than April of 2017, with constructing starting as early as March of 2016.

“We’re excited to deliver the Kroger experience to new customers in the Tri-Cities area,” Kroger Mid-Atlantic president

Joe Fey stated in a news release from the city. “We’re grateful for our partnership with the city of Colonial Heights and we’re looking forward to serving the community here.”

The property was purchased for $2.56 million. Additionally, Kroger has agreed to a minimum local investment of $8 million in construction and purchasing of new property, the news release stated. The deal will create at least 200 jobs.

The Colonial Heights City Council approved a development agreement with Kroger in early 2013. Construction was set to begin Dec. 31, 2014, but the deadline was extended to

May 1, 2015 and then to Oct. 31, 2015 due to a pending lawsuit over the rezoning of the property that was filed in March of 2014.

Dennis J. Livingston and Lou Jean Livingston, who live behind the Kroger site, filed a lawsuit claiming the city did not provide enough public notice for citizen input on the agreement and accused the city of illegal spot zoning and contract zoning. A Circuit Court judge dismissed the case because he found no legal merits. However, the Livingstons filed another appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court.

But the lawsuit died on Oct. 16 when the Virginia Supreme

Court issued a sentence stating that it had decided not to hear the appeal.

“This has certainly been a long journey for us bringing the city’s partnership with Kroger to fruition,” City Manager Thomas Mattis stated. “Their project will not only bring new services to our community, but will also create jobs and much-needed new revenue in support of city taxpayers. I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

The Kroger will be the first grocery store built on the west side of I-95.

— Shelby Mertens may be reached at 804-722-5154 or smertens@progress-index.com

V2

Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

OPINION

WE INVITE YOUR COMMENTARY

Letters should be no longer than 400 words. We reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, brevity, accuracy, legality, spelling and grammar. Include your name, address and a daytime phone number.

Anonymous letters will not be published. Send letters to lettertoeditor@progress-index.com.

ANOTHER VIEW

15 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803

Brian J. Couturier ........... Managing Editor Bob Seals .................... Circulation Director Jamila Khalil .............. Advertising Director Travis Wolfrey ............Operations Manager Ron Shifflett ..............Pressroom Manager Peggy Simon................. Business Manager

OUR VIEW

Remember and honor the greatest generation

T

he Greatest Generation is fading into the annals of history. It was this generation that helped save the world from tyranny during World War II. If you are not a student of history, it’s hard to comprehend the service and sacrifice of that generation - both those that donned a uniform and those on the homefront.

World War II was unlike any other war we have experienced. It was a total war effort that involved just about every American. Industry converted from consumer goods to military items, citizens were on rations, some items were restricted for war use and an entire generation of both men and women joined the military. And the effort worked - Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan were defeated, but at the cost of millions of lives.

Now that generation is fading. Congressman Randy Forbes said it well recently: “As their generation ages, we move closer to closing the chapter on that page in our history. An estimated 413 World War II veterans die each day, and by the mid-2030s, it’s likely there will be no more living World War II veterans. We are in our final moments with the members of this generation.”

We saw a small example of it here recently. Retired Maj. Everett Worrell of Prince George County died on May 3, 2015 at the age of 92.

Worrell served in two wars and was in the military for 27 years. And it was in World War II that he left a lasting contribution in the fight for freedom.

As a 22-year-old pilot, Worrell flew 35 combat missions in a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber during World War II in Europe. “There was no other plane that could take the battle damage and still fly,” he said during a 2011 interview.

Worrell flew 35 combat missions, and he did so without a single crew member ever getting wounded. “Not a man got a scratch on my 35 combat missions,” Worrell said.

Considering the high casualty rates among bomber crews during World War II, Worrell was more than fortunate. It’s nearly miraculous that Worrell never had a casualty among his crews during heavy aerial combat.

“I was lucky,” he said. “I got shot up bad twice.”

He flew 286 hours of combat with the 381st Bomb Group, 532nd Bomb Squadron stationed in Ridgewell, England; he flew five separate bombing missions to Cologne and his last combat mission came on Jan. 2, 1945.

But Worrell’s voice, like so many of his generation, now belongs to the annals of history. Their voices are slowly fading.

So on this Veterans Day, remember those that were part of the Greatest Generation. Remember that soon this generation will not be among to remind us of the courage and sacrifice in what may have been America’s finest moment.. Remember people like Maj. Everett Worrell this Veterans Day. INSPIRATION Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he spoke of the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.

John 2:19-22 SOURCE: WWW.DAILYSCRIPTURE.NET

YOUR VIEW

Here we mark the price of freedom It was one of those days where the heat takes your breath away. It was mid-summer in our nation’s capital and the sun beat down on the marble monuments and city sidewalks. I squinted my eyes and stood shoulder to shoulder with members of my staff handing out water bottles as our guests filed off of the buses, slowly but determined, one by one. They were eager. And so were we.

The National Park Service had just opened the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. My office arranged for World War II veterans from the Fourth District to come to our nation’s capital to experience the newly dedicated memorial firsthand. We knew that the memorial would be meaningful and that it was unlikely many veterans would have another opportunity to see it. So four hours and three busloads of veterans later, we stood ready to walk towards the memorial.

I remember wondering how everyone would fare in the heat – if they would wish that they had stayed home. But I could see in their faces that no Washington, D.C. July heat would keep them from a moment they had waited decades for.

From an aerial perspective, the World War II memorial is breathtaking. It is the size of a football field, the architecture grand and the design precise. When you look at the memorial head on, the granite pillars stand tall boasting the fortitude and strength of the United States. A fountain sprays up at the center signaling peace and hope. It’s a beautiful contrast.

But it is nothing compared to viewing the memorial alongside the very people who saw the Second World War firsthand. When we arrived at the memorial walkway, many veterans paused, taken aback with memories and emotion. Some grabbed hold of their sons’ or daughters’ arms and walked slowly with them. Others looked up at the tall pillars and held back tears. To watch a World War II veteran place a hand on one of the memorial’s 4,000 gold stars is to humbly realize the weighty price of freedom.

Here we mark the price of freedom, the memorial reads.

That day will forever be etched in my memory. As I watched those veterans, I thought of my own father.

I thought of the POWs, the Code Talkers, the Women in Wartime, the D-Day veterans. These were the men and women who walked the land in Europe, who fought on the frontlines, who nursed the wounded, who watched their friend take a dying breath. I was – I still am – filled with respect and appreciation.

I am also thankful for taking that

moment when we did. As their generation ages, we move closer to closing the chapter on that page in our history. An estimated 413 World War II veterans die each day, and by the mid-2030s, it’s likely there will be no more living World War II veterans.

We are in our final moments with the members of this generation. Their voices are slowly fading.

As they pass their legacy along, we have another generation of veterans to honor and support. Theirs is a different story, made up of different moments and experiences, but birthed out of the same love of country, strength, and bravery. In this way, our nation’s veterans are connected. They are the men and women who have kept our nation free.

One of my greatest privileges as a representative in Congress is to advocate for our nation’s veterans. The realities our veterans face today stand in stark contrast to moments at the memorials.

Red tape, long VA clinic lines, mounds of paperwork and backlogs are no way to treat our heroes. They fought for America and we have a responsibility to fight for them: for uncompromised care, excellence in hospital care, and benefits without strings.

This Veterans Day, let us pause to thank those who commit their lives to our nation. They have given their all for us and we should be proud to fight for them. As you are out in your neighborhood, shake the hand of a veteran.

Ask them to stand in your Sunday school class and share their stories.

Attend a parade. Send a Facebook message to a veteran you know and simply say thank you.

I assure you, when you view our nation from the vantage point of our veterans, you too will humbly realize the price of freedom.

Congressman Randy Forbes R-4th District Chesapeake, Virginia

The election in review Thank you to all those who did their civic duty and voted last week. I appreciate those who cast their vote for me to continue to serve you in the Virginia Senate. While it is a lawful citizen’s right to vote or choose not to vote, I hope that by the next election all who are qualified will decide to register to vote and then come to the polls on Election Day to cast a vote for those candidates who best represent their views.

After all the television commercials and all the mailings, the end results left the General Assembly about where we started out. In the House of Delegates, Republicans entered the election holding 67 of the 100 seats. After the election, they control 66 seats. In the Senate, Republicans

kept all 21 seats with no turnovers and Democrats held all 19 of their seats.

But they will not be all those seated now. Interestingly, 30 percent of those elected four years ago will not be there in January. This will be a major change when the 2016 session begins.

Those retiring will leave a major gap to be filled by the newly elected members. In particular, the expertise of Walter Stosch and John Watkins will be missed because of their fiscal experience.

The new members bring a wide range of experience - from business, to medicine, to law. Two served in the House of Delegates - Bill Steph from Virginia Beach and Scott Surovell from Northern Virginia. Dr. Dunnavant will give the Senate a stronger grasp of medical issues. There will be nine women; the highest number in history. Of those newly elected last week, two were Republican women tripling those in the Republican caucus.

With this many new members, each returning member can expect to be called upon to take a greater role as we develop policy over the next several sessions. As for myself, I expect to take a greater role in building the state budget and continue my work focusing on skills needed for today’s opportunities and those expected in the coming years.

Much of the state political news over the last six months has been focused on the governor’s effort to win a majority in the Senate. With all of the out of state money that he drew into the Commonwealth, he was, however, unable to take a single Senate seat.

Strangely, he now claims that winning the Senate was not really that important! Hopefully, we can now all get past the campaign mode and return our focus on what are the best interests of Virginia.

There are many issues that were raised in various campaigns. Often they were issues used to impassion voters with little expectation that they would be passed into law by both the House and Senate. This silliness pushed many important issues into the shadows. Now is the time to turn to those important issues on which we can agree and work together to move the state forward. Job creation is one key issue. Another issue is re-aligning our education policy to better focus our young people on preparing for the jobs available now and in the coming years.

We love to hear from you! You can reach us at P.O. Box 332, Clarksville, VA 23927, 434-374-5129 or Sen. Ruff@verizon.net Sen. Frank M.Ruff Jr. R-Clarksville 15th Senate District Dinwiddie, Prince George counties

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Nov. 13, 2015

V3

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

‘Friendship rock’

Students at Tussing Elementary School gather at the friendship rock on the playground to welcome other kids who have no one to play with.

SHELBY MERTENS/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

Principal puts reminder on playground

By Shelby Mertens Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Everyone can remember a time during their childhood when they were the new kid on the block or they just had trouble making friends. For some, the playground can be more scary than fun.

To give kids a boost in selfconfidence, Principal David Staples of Tussing Elementary School was inspired by a video he saw on YouTube to bring in a “friendship rock” to the school grounds.

The friendship rock is, as second grader Autumn Lewis put it, “The rock that you go to if you don’t have anybody to play with. You sit on the rock and then when somebody else comes over, they can ask if you want to play and you’ll have friends.”

The rock was put on the playground two weeks ago and is so far the only one in the school district. Staples had watched a video report produced by CBS News in July telling the story of three students in North Andover, Massachusetts who found a “magical” rock.

The students were in

Two students approach each other at the friendship rock at Tussing Elementary School in Colonial Heights. SHELBY MERTENS/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

second grade at Kittredge Elementary School 10 years ago when they discovered part of a rock exposed from the ground, according to CBS News. The trio began to dig with sticks and plastic spoons every day during recess to unearth the rock. The friends continued digging until they finished fifth grade and moved on to middle school.

The principal of the school had the rock raised out of the ground in 2008. The rock is still at the school and students believe it has the magic to create friendships.

Staples said the rock

symbolizes what can be accomplished when friends work together.

“They started off thinking it was a tiny rock, but rather than give up they kept digging,” he said.

Additionally, the rock serves as a visual for youngsters to be inclusive with their peers. It teaches positivity without being too preachy, Staples said.

“That’s the neat thing, even if it’s not utilized much, you’re putting into the mindset of students: be a friend,” he said. “Whether it’s actually going over and sitting on it

and when they see that they know what it means.”

Te a c h e r s a t Tu s s i n g Elementary have seen the positive effects of the rock already.

“I’ve seen several students sitting out there and several students have taken note.

They see them out there and they include the other students, which I think is very important,” said first grade teacher Cara Woody. “It’s helping them gain confidence and build social skills.”

In the past, Woody said lone kids on the playground would often tell their teachers when they didn’t have someone to play with so the teachers would then go out on the playground and approach groups of students asking if they would include the lone student.

Fellow first grade teacher Sarah Moseley said the rock lessens the pressure some shyer students may have about approaching a group of kids.

“I think it’s good because it gives them the assurance that they’re going to have a safe place to go where they don’t even have to approach anyone to tell them that they want to play,” Moseley said. “They can

start playing together without having to go ask someone and have to feel like they might get rejected.”

Second grader Autumn said she has made friends thanks to the friendship rock.

“I didn’t have anybody to play with and so those girls over there (saw me at the rock) and asked me if I wanted to play,” she said.

The rock was brought in with the help of the city’s Recreation and Parks Department. Staples selected the rock at White Bank Park.

“There was a collection of large rocks that were donated to the city and they’re actually put in piles that were kind of strategically placed to make it an artistic spot, but this one was all by itself,” Staples said. “It was over by the side and it was perfect. It was rounded with a bench-type of seat.”

City workers then transported the rock to the school playground.

Staples hopes the other schools in the district will follow suit with friendship rocks.

— Shelby Mertens may be reached at 804-722-5154 or smertens@progress-index. com

COMMENTARY

The sweetness of life (there’s always time for dessert)

P

ass the sweet potato pie. Oh, and the whipped cream.

The Thanksgiving Day meal is only a couple weeks away. Can’t you smell all the wonderful aromas that will be coming from the kitchen that day.

The desserts are my favorite. Not just because that is the ONE day we allow ourselves the pleasure of tasting everything in sight, but because I have not one “sweet tooth.” but a whole mouth full of “sweet tooths”.

I was raised on sweets and I’m not ashamed to say so. When I was growing up, dessert capped off nearly every dinner in the Lewis (my maiden name) household.

There was no eating in

PAT SHARPF

front of the television set, no inhaling a few bites before rushing off to do who knows what, even if the word homework was used as a reason for an early release from the table.

No, in our household, the dinner meal (or supper as we called it) was the time of day when everything, aside from eating was put on hold.

This was the time to relax around the meal table and share some giggles

and conversation with family members between all the happy moans that came while savoring the home cooked meal of the day, complete with homemade buttermilk biscuits and dessert.

I think my favorite desserts have always been banana pudding, blackberry cobbler, peach cobbler, chocolate meringue pie, sweet potato pie and “Mama’s Pound Cake”, but anything with sugar gets my sweet tooths’ approval.

Even rice pudding, and I really don’t care much for vegetables.

We’ve all probably heard that famous line from the Forrest Gump movie, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna

get.” True and funny, but I prefer to say, Life is a whole lot sweeter with a box of chocolates, or a big ole slice of pie, or ... you fill in the blank. Brownies, cookies, strawberries covered in whipped cream, all are perfectly wonderful, too. There are an endless number of options.

This is the time of year when I’m reminded of all the homemade goodness my mama would whip together for her family’s good pleasure.

The thought really hit home the other day when I was eating lunch at a local restaurant and, of course, rushing through the entree because I had to get back to work. The waitress came to drop off the check and asked

if I wanted any dessert. I said, ‘Why, yes, I do; but no thank you. I’m in a hurry.”

We’re all in a hurry these days; we have to be somewhere; we have to do something. And in a few short weeks, we will be scurrying even faster to keep up with holiday demands.

Mama definitely wouldn’t hear of that.

She’d tell you to sit down and eat.

Maybe now is the time to change our ways, slow down a bit and take the time to linger over a delicious slice of something at least once a week - slowly savoring every bite, gently feeding our souls with heavenly thoughts.

Mama would say

there’s always time for dessert.

I had forgotten, but I strongly agree.

I think our lives might be less stressful, more joyful, if we all took a few moments each day to appreciate the sweet things in life.

Why don’t you give it a try.

This Thanksgiving, before rushing out the front door to catch the first pre-Black Friday deals or racing to the couch for the big game, take the time to enjoy the people around you. Be thankful for all you have.

And savor a big ole slice of pie.

— Pat Sharpf is the city editor at The Progress-Index

V4

Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

Shepherd Stadium improvements move forward

By Shelby Mertens Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — T he city has now entered the third phase of the five-year capital improvement plan to modernize the historic Shepherd Stadium, which has become a staple in the community.

So far since 2013, the stadium has been updated with a new LED scoreboard, modern sound system and major leaguestyle field dugouts. The city is looking to continue the project with more aesthetic changes in the next two years.

“The whole idea of this project is to preserve history, but also to enhance the player and the spectator’s overall enjoyment of the experience and modernizing the stadium, but still wanting to keep that old ballpark feel,” said Craig Skalak, director of Recreation & Parks for the City of Colonial Heights.

Over the next two years, the Recreation & Parks department is asking the Colonial Heights City Council for $108,000 for renovations including a new brick facade to the outside of the grandstand seating area, as well as new

fencing, painting, gutters and windows. Skalak said the department would like to replace the current blue chain-linked fence with ornamental fencing and gates.

The city has been allocating roughly $50,000 each year for improvements. The five-year plan was conceived at the City Council’s retreat in 2011 to preserve the stadium.

Skalak is asking the City Council to fund both the third and fourth phases this year so the new fence and brick can be applied at the same time.

Shepherd Stadium was built in 1948 — the year Colonial Heights became an incorporated city — and has since become the home of Colonial Heights High School’s varsity and junior varsity teams and two American Legion Post 284 teams. The varsity high school baseball team made it to the state championships this past year.

“Shepherd Stadium has a lot of history, but I also think it’s important to our community,” Skalak said. “We are a baseball community.”

Skalak said he hopes the new stadium improvements will also attract

more tournaments and college baseball games.

This past year the University of Richmond scheduled eight games at Shepherd Stadium while their own stadium was undergoing renovations, but due to inclement weather only three games ended up being played at the stadium.

For the third year in a row the stadium has also hosted games for several Division 2 college baseball teams from the Northeast such as The College of Saint Rose in New York and the West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

“One of the big pushes for this is that we’re trying to get our share of sports tourism,” Skalak said. “We’re located right here on I-95, we have the mall, restaurants and hotels. We’re trying to bring in larger tournaments, college baseball, anything to get people spending money in our community.”

Although minor improvements have been made over the years, including a remodeling of the restrooms approximately 10 years ago, no capital improvement plan has ever been established for the 67-year-old stadium.

Folks watch Prince George take on Monacan as the Colonial Heights Spring Break Invitational Baseball Tournament kicked off Monday at Shepherd Stadium. Hopewell, Prince George, Dinwiddie and of course the Colonials took on out-of-district rivals during the tourney.

PATRICK KANE/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS

Skalak said he hopes the improvement project will extend beyond five years.

“There’s some other things we’d like to do down the road, everything from protective wall padding, drainage and sprigging of the turf in the infield and outfield,” he

said. “We’re pipe dreaming a bit but we’d love to have an indoor practice facility for hitting and pitching that would also serve as locker rooms.”

Skalak said the support from the City Council and community is what has made the project possible.

“ Pe o p l e a r e r e a l l y excited about what we’ve done. I think we’ve got some momentum moving forward,” he said.

— Shelby Mertens may be reached at 804-7225154 or smertens @progress-index.com

COLONIAL HEIGHTS

CHESTERFIELD

Project reaches final stretch

County cuts plans for bus cameras

By Shelby Mertens Staff Writer

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Orange cones have been placed back along Boulevard af ter a fe w month’s break. The city said the Boulevard Modernization Project is now in its final stages after months of construction.

City Manager Thomas Mattis said crews will be paving around manholes, replacing striping, placing signage and landscaping as part of the city’s contract with Shoosmith Construction Inc. “It’s all on the surface, cleaning up things you do at the end of the project,” Mattis said.

Mattis said the landscaping work was postponed this summer because of the heat. The city was tasked with planting $200,000 worth of trees and shrubs along Boulevard and decided not to risk the scorching rays of the summer sun.

He said the contractor has said the last bit of work will be completed before Thanksgiving.

“It’s just a matter of days,” Mattis said. “It’s all weather-dependent.”

By Shelby Mertens Staff Writer

Workers remove pavement in order to re-grade the utility hole covers along Boulevard near Richmond Avenue in Colonial Heights on Friday, Nov. 6. SCOTT P. YATES/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTO

Mattis said the landscaping and repairs will be located at various spots on Boulevard, from Westover Avenue to the Courthouse. He said drivers should not expect any delays on Boulevard, the city’s main thoroughfare.

“There will be a continuous flow of traffic,” Mattis said. “There will be a couple of cones people will have to drive around, but no closed

lanes or detoured traffic.”

Crews will be working on the outside lanes between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Boulevard Modernization project, funded by the Virginia Department of Transportation, began in April of 2013 and totals $12 million to improve sidewalks and crosswalks, bike lanes, turn lanes, landscaping, lighting, storm drain systems and

business access between Lafayette Avenue and Westover Avenue. The project was originally scheduled to be completed in 22 months.

Construction has been delayed twice this year, first for inclement weather in January and again over the summer.

— Shelby Mertens may be reached at 804-7225154 or smertens@ progress-index.com

CHESTERFIELD — A recent opinion written by Attorney General Mark Herring has prompted Chesterfield County to withdraw its plans to equip school buses with cameras as a way to catch drivers who ignore the red flashing sign when a bus is loading children.

The original idea was to mail violation notices to offenders to collect fines, but Herring stated that it would be against Virginia law. He wrote that the programs could continue if law enforcement officers issued summons to violators in person.

In that case, Chesterfield County Attorney Jeffrey L. Mincks said the program couldn’t be run “cost-effectively.” He said the camera vendors may ask the General Assembly this upcoming session to make legislative changes to the law.

“If there is a change in the law perhaps the schools will come back to the Board at that time to take another look at it,” Mincks said.

The public hearing that

was scheduled for Nov. 18 has been cancelled. Two localities in Northern Virginia have suspended their programs because of the attorney general’s opinion.

The program in Chesterfield would have tacked a $250 fine to anyone who failed to stop when a school bus lights flashed with the sign out. Under Virginia law, the only exception to this rule is if there is a divided median between the car and the bus.

The county already performed a pilot test of the program and agreed at the September Board of Supervisors meeting to carry out another pilot test. Additionally, the county issued public service announcements and videos.

The county estimated the program would have raked in $500,000 in its first year of implementation. Revenue was estimated to exceed $1.4 million annually after the fourth year.

— Shelby Mertens may be reached at 804-722-5154 or smertens@progressindex.com

The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va. | Friday, Nov. 13, 2015

V5

COLONIAL HEIGHTS 36, PETERSBURG 30

Colonials over Crimson Wave in overtime

Staff Reports

COLONIAL HEIGHTS - The wait appeared to be over.

The Crimson Wave came out on fire, taking a 24-0 lead over hosting Colonial Heights at the half, looking to snap a seven-game winless streak.

But the Colonials went on a 30-point tear, and although the Crimson Wave tied it up before the end of regulation, the home team came out on top in overtime to win 36-30.

Petersburg held an 8-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, courtesy of a sixyard rushing touchdown

by Jordin Burwell and the following two-point conversion by Tyvon Vaughan. The visitors bumped up the advantage to 16-0 at halftime, with Shakur Prosise bringing in the Crimson Wave’s second TD of the night off

back swinging, scoring two touchdowns within a six-second span. First, Devinne Edwards took off for 46 yards and the touchdown. Then, DeQuawn Pyer had the fumble recovery for the score, suddenly catapulting the Colonials out of a big hole as they now trailed Petersburg 24-16 with 8:29 left in the third quarter.

And then they tied.

RayQuan Rogers scored on a nine-yard run, and he made sure the two-point conversion came through to tie his Colonials with the Wave at 24-24 with 3:56 to go in the 3rd.

Colonial Heights completed an unanswered run of 30 points to take the lead off of Edwards’ second touchdown of the night - a five-yard run.

Petersburg and Colonial Heights square off in the regular season finale that the But Petersburg would Colonials would win in overtime 36-30. CHARVE BYNUM/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS. return the favor with a five-yard rushing score of a 74-yard punt return. score of his own on an 24-0 with 10:07 left in the by Aaryn Davis to tie the game again, this time Stanley Davis II kept eight-yard run, putting third quarter.

Colonial Heights came at 30-30, with a little the lead growing with a the Crimson Wave up

over four minutes left in regulation.

The time ran out with the two teams still tied, sending the matchup into overtime.

Rogers powered across the goal line from one yard out to secure the victory for his Colonials.

Edwards had 13 carries for 87 yards, two touchdowns and a fumble.

Rogers had 21 carries for 34 yards and two touchdowns. He added three two-point conversions.

Tyvon Vaughan had three two-point conversions for Petersburg. Four different players scored the Crimson Wave’s four touchdowns - Aar yn Davis, Jordin Burwell, Shakur Prosise and Stanley Davis II. Colonial Heights ended the regular season 4-6, and Petersburg at 2-8.

— Charve Bynum contributed to this report.

FOOTBALL REWIND: COLONIAL HEIGHTS

Colonials celebrate Senior Night

T

he Colonials recognized their seniors from the Colonial Heights varsity football team during their 2015 regular season finale in which they hosted the Petersburg Crimson Wave on Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. — Staff Reports

Colonial Heights varsity football players and high school seniors Jared Morgan (#9), David Taft (#11), Darien Canada (#20) and Brian Madl (#32) stand with their families as they and their teammates are honored on Colonial Heights High School Football’s Senior Night. Not pictured but also honored that night were seniors including Devinne Edwards, Lindsey Duke, Javoreon Winston, Michael Dixon, DeQuawn Pyer and Ramon Ares. PHOTOS BY CHARVE BYNUM/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS.

Colonial Heights varsity football players and high school seniors James Faison (#5) and Jackson Cox (#7) stand with their families as they and their teammates are honored on Colonial Heights High School Football’s Senior Night.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL: REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

Colonials win 3-2 thriller over Monacan Colonial Heights clinches state berth with hard-fought victory

By Charve Bynum Staff Writer

Colonial Heights’ Stuart Crinkley celebrates after a point in the Colonials’ regional matchup against Monacan. Colonial Heights would win 3-2. CHARVE BYNUM/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS.

COLONIAL HEIGHTS — They’re going to states.

In an intense five-set nail biter, Colonial Heights defeated the Monacan Chiefs in a head-to-head regionals battle on Tuesday night, Nov. 10.

After a neck-and-neck final set, the Colonials would win 15-12 to take the match at 3-2.

The Colonials came out strong in the first set.

Noah Murdock of the Colonials had three laser hits in a row to help his team win the first, 25-20.

The Chiefs challenged the Colonials, defeating them in both the second and third sets. But the Colonials fought hard in both of those, losing out by just two points in the second (25-23) and keeping pace with the Chiefs in the third until the visitors out-climbed them at 28-26. Colonial Heights did not give up as they won the fourth set, 25-19.

Both teams would go head to head in the entire last set, until the Colonials edged ahead and captured the victory with the 15-12 end result.

“Our team wanted it more,” said Colonial Heights athlete Noah Murdock. “We knew what was on the line, so we executed.”

In the win over Monacan, Colonial Heights’

Colonial Heights’ Tyler Gingrich (left) and Stuart Crinkley leap up for the block in the Colonials’ regional matchup against Monacan. The Colonials would win 3-2. CHARVE BYNUM/PROGRESS-INDEX PHOTOS.

Noah Murdock had a triple-double with 36 kills, 24 blocks and 14 digs.

Tyler Gingrich had 47 assists, an ace, four kills, two blocks and six digs.

Stuart Crinkley had 17 kills, 16 blocks, seven digs and an ace.

The No. 2 Colonials captured a state berth with their victory. They will

also move on to face topseeded Midlothian, who defeated George Wythe 3-0, in the regional finals on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 | The Colonial Voice, Petersburg, Va.

V6

SERVICE GUIDE

GET BETTER RESULTS

Call 732-3456 to advertise your business

www.progress-index.com SERVICE DIRECTORY RooďŹ ng & Siding

('',( 6

+20( ,03529(0(176 6+,1*/( 522) 63(&,$/,67 :H ZLOO EHDW DQ\ ZULWWHQ HVWLPDWH 6HUYLQJ WKH 7UL &LWLHV 6LQFH

)UHH (VWLPDWHV

HAVING A GARAGE SALE? Advertise It In

The Progress-Index

804-732-3456

Need Some Fast Cash?

Call: 804-732-3456 or email: classifieds@progress-index.com

BUYING A NEW CAR?

SELL SOME

Call Us Today To Sell Your Old One!

“STUFF STUFF�

The Progress-Index Classified Ad Department

When you place your ad with a photo.

Call today for pricing!

PLACE YOUR AD IN

WITH A

804-732-3456 The Progress-Index The Progress-Index CLASSIFIED AD AND HAVE IT HAND The Progress-Index 804-732-3456

Reaches Potential Home Buyers When They Are Actually Looking For a House To Buy! Not Just When They Happen To Pass By A Telephone Pole.

So Highlight Your Home For Sale In The Classified Section That Gets Home Buyers

Moving!

The Progress-Index CLASSIFIEDS 804-732-3456

www.progress-index.com

AUCTIONS AUCTION Construction Equipment & Trucks. We Sell/Fund Assets Fast!!

Excavators, Dozers, Loaders, Road Tractors, Dump Trucks, Pickup Trucks & More!! 12/8 @ 10AM, Richmond, VA. Now Accepting Trucks & Equipment.

Advertising Deadline 11/16 www. motleys.com/industrial • 804-2323300x4 VAAL#16 ATTENTION AUCTIONEERS: Reach 2.3 Million Readers in Virginia! Advertise your upcoming auctions in Virginia Newspapers for one low cost of $300 with a 25 word classified ad. Call this paper or Adriane Long at 804-5217585, adrianel@vpa.net (Virginia Press Services).

EDUCATION MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Training & Job Placement available at CTI! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. 1-888-424-9419.

HELP WANTED – DRIVERS 67 Driver Trainees Needed! No CDL? No Problem – We Train. Be Job ready in as little as 20 days! Earn Great pay/ benefits! 1-800-874-7131.

CDL-A Drivers: Get up to $0.48 CPM w/ bonuses PLUS up to $10,000, SignOn Bonus. Call 877-277-7298 or DriveForSuperService.com NEED CDL DRIVERS??? Reach Over 2.3 Million Readers in Virginia. ADVERTISE YOUR TRUCK DRIVER JOBS in Virginia Newspapers for one low cost of $300 with your 25 word classified ad. Call this paper or Adriane Long at 804-5217585, adrianel@vpa.net (Virginia Press Services.)

MISCELLANEOUS AVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, Boeing, NASA and others – start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified.

Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-245-9553. (ad is pick up from last week with no changes) SERVICES DIVORCE – Uncontested, $350 + $88 court cost. No court appearance.

Estimated completion time twenty-one days. Telephone inquiries welcome - no obligation. Hilton Oliver, Attorney. 757490-0126. Se Habla EspaĂąol.

STEEL BUILDINGS STEEL BUILDINGS Save THOUSANDS on Cancelled orders. VERY Low Monthly payments. 5 Remaining. Must Go. 16x20, 20x30, 25x30, 30x40, 42x60 Call Now 1-800-991-9251

DELIVERED TO MORE THAN 13,000 HOMES ON A DAILY BASIS! THAT’S A LOT OF EYES LOOKING AT YOUR AD!

The Progress-Index CLASSIFIEDS 804-732-3456

classifieds@progress-index.com