Augusta Free Press | Local News https://augustafreepress.com/local/ Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Politics Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:06:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://augustafreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/favi.png Augusta Free Press | Local News https://augustafreepress.com/local/ 32 32 Augusta County sheriff’s deputy faces assault and battery charges in 2022 incident in Staunton https://augustafreepress.com/news/augusta-county-sheriffs-deputy-faces-assault-and-battery-charges-in-2022-incident-in-staunton/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/augusta-county-sheriffs-deputy-faces-assault-and-battery-charges-in-2022-incident-in-staunton/#respond Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:16:19 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=341487 augusta county sheriff

An Augusta County sheriff’s deputy is facing two assault and battery charges from an Aug. 31, 2022, incident in the City of Staunton.

The post Augusta County sheriff’s deputy faces assault and battery charges in 2022 incident in Staunton appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

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An Augusta County sheriff’s deputy is facing two assault and battery charges from an Aug. 31, 2022, incident in the City of Staunton.

An Oct. 11 hearing date has been set in Staunton General District Court for CJ Taylor on the charges, both Class 1 misdemeanors that come with them exposure for the deputy to jail terms of up to 12 months and fines of up to $2,500.

According to criminal complaints filed against Taylor, two local men – Antwhon Suiter, the president of the Shenandoah Valley chapter of Black Lives Matter, and Christopher Shifflett, a police auditor – were recording a traffic stop in Staunton involving Taylor with their mobile phones when the deputy approached them, “talking aggressively,” according to Shifflett’s complaint.

“I backed up. He then grabs my wrist and slammed me to the ground,” Shifflett wrote in his complaint.

Taylor, according to the complaint, “applied pressure, saying I was resisting,” and smacked the phone that Shifflett had been using to record the traffic stop out of his hand “and broke the screen.”

Suiter’s complaint also alleges that Taylor grabbed the phone out of his hand during the interaction.

Information on the case posted on the Staunton General District Court Online Case Information System reports that the charges against Taylor were filed formally on Thursday.

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Update: Staunton Police release name of victim in crash at Gypsy Hill Park https://augustafreepress.com/news/staunton-police-person-dead-after-apparent-crash-at-gypsy-hill-park/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/staunton-police-person-dead-after-apparent-crash-at-gypsy-hill-park/#respond Sun, 17 Sep 2023 14:58:12 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=341448 gypsy hill park staunton

The Staunton Police Department has identified the victim of the Gypsy Hill Park accident as a Churchville man.

The post Update: Staunton Police release name of victim in crash at Gypsy Hill Park appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

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gypsy hill park staunton
gypsy hill park staunton
Photo courtesy City of Staunton

Updated, Sunday, 3:03 p.m.

The Staunton Police Department has identified the victim of the Gypsy Hill Park accident as a Churchville man.

The operator of the vehicle, a 2004 Toyota Tundra, was Dakota P. Humphries, 20. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

No further details are available.

 

Original post, Sunday, 10:58 a.m.

An adult died in a single vehicle traffic crash Saturday night at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton.

The Staunton Police Department responded to the report of the crash at 10:20 p.m.

An adult was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other information has been released at this time.

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Staunton District Traffic Alert: VDOT work schedule for the week of Sept. 18-22 https://augustafreepress.com/news/staunton-district-traffic-alert-vdot-work-schedule-for-the-week-of-sept-18-22/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/staunton-district-traffic-alert-vdot-work-schedule-for-the-week-of-sept-18-22/#respond Sat, 16 Sep 2023 15:12:44 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=341403 road

VDOT has updated its list of highway work that may affect traffic in the Staunton District during the coming weeks.

The post Staunton District Traffic Alert: VDOT work schedule for the week of Sept. 18-22 appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

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VDOT has updated its list of highway work that may affect traffic in the Staunton District during the coming weeks. The Staunton District consists of 11 counties from the Alleghany Highlands to the northern Shenandoah Valley: Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Highland, Augusta, Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Frederick, Clarke and Warren.

Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.

Vegetation management may take place district wide on various routes. VDOT reminds motorists to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.

For updated traffic alerts and traveler information, dial 511 or visit 511Virginia.org.

The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile friendly website at my.vdot.virginia.gov. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

The VDOT Staunton District is on Facebook and Twitter. Follow VDOT statewide accounts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and Flickr. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located at www.VirginiaDOT.org.

ALLEGHANY COUNTY

INTERSTATE 64

*NEW* Mile marker 9 to 12, eastbound and westbound – Right lane and shoulder closures for inspection of bridge over Dunlap Creek, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 34 to 33, westbound – Right shoulder closures for ditch cleaning, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

PRIMARY ROADS

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for tree and debris removal, drainage work, pothole patching, brush cutting and shoulder repairs, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

SECONDARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 696 (Selma-Low Moor Road) – Flagger traffic control between Business Route 60 (Ridgeway Street) and Route 1002 (Richmond Street) for inspection of bridge over railway, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Various roads – Flagger traffic control or mobile lane closures for pavement patching, ditch work, pipe replacement, brush cutting and mowing, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

BATH COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 39 (Mountain Valley Road) – Pilot truck and flagger traffic control for paving operations between Route 600 (Bolars Draft Road) and three miles east for paving operations, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. through September 29.

Route 220 (Sam Snead Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Route 651 (Burger Lane) and Route 615 (Main Street, Hot Springs) for utility work, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. through October 6.

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for shoulder repairs and pipe cleaning, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

SECONDARY ROADS

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for brush cutting and pipe cleaning, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY

INTERSTATE 64

*NEW* Mile marker 56 to 56, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

INTERSTATE 81

*UPDATE* Mile marker 176 to 178, southbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for maintenance to bridge over Cedar Creek, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through night of October 8.

Mile marker 183 to 184, northbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for maintenance of bridge over Route 679 (Hops Hill Road), 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through night of October 30.

Mile marker 194 to 196, northbound and southbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for maintenance to bridges over Route 11 (Lee Highway), 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through night of October 30.

PRIMARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 11 (Lee Highway) – Northbound right shoulder closures between I-64 ramps and Route 39 (Maury River Road) for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Route 11 (Lee Highway) – Northbound and southbound right lane closures between Route 645 (Valley Pike) and Route 1025 (Boundary Line Lane) for guardrail work, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday.

*NEW* Route 251 (South Sugar Creek) – Northbound right shoulder closures between Route 9363 (Effinger School) and Route 676 (Toad Run) for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for pipe replacement, ditch work, tree removal, shoulder repairs, pavement patching and brush cutting. Mobile lane closures for mowing, 7:30 to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 631 (Union School Road) – Closed to through traffic through November 9 between Route 638 (Muddy Lane) and Route 638 (Stillhouse Drive) for replacement of bridge over Kerrs Creek tributary. Follow posted detour.

*NEW* Route 679 (Hops Hill Road) – Overnight flagger traffic control near Route 11 intersection (Lee Highway) for maintenance of I-81 overpass bridge, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Sunday night (September 17).

*NEW* Route 684 (Tinkerville Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 11 (Lee Highway) and Route 813 (Dry Well Road) for pipe installation, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. Follow posted detour.

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for grading, pipe replacement, ditch work, tree removal, pavement patching, shoulder repairs and brush cutting. Mobile lane closures for mowing, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

HIGHLAND COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for pothole patching, brush cutting and shoulder repairs, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

SECONDARY ROADS

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for brush cutting, pipe cleaning, tree removal, adding stone to unpaved roads and ditch work, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

AUGUSTA COUNTY

INTERSTATE 64

*NEW* Mile marker 92 to 97, eastbound and westbound – Right shoulder closures including along Exit 94 on- and off-ramps for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 96 to 100, eastbound – Overnight single lane closures for paving operations, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Thursday night.

INTERSTATE 81

Mile marker 211 to 207, southbound – Overnight single lane closures for milling and paving operations, 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. through the night of October 29.

Mile marker 220 to 222, northbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for maintenance to bridge over eastbound I-64, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through the night of November 3.

*NEW* Mile marker 221 to 224, northbound and southbound – Shoulder closures for litter pickup, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 227 to 237, northbound and southbound – Right shoulder closures for ditch work, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

PRIMARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 11 (Lee-Jackson Highway) – Northbound and southbound shoulder closures between Route 1403 (Second Street, Jollivue) and Rolling Thunder Lane for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Route 11 (Lee Highway) – Northbound and southbound overnight single lane closures and flagger traffic control as needed between Route 750 (Keezletown Road) and Route 646 (Fadley Road) for pavement resurfacing, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Sunday night (September 17).

Route 11 (Lee Highway) – Northbound 24/7 shoulder closures near intersection with Route 256 (Weyers Cave Road) for turn lane construction, estimated completion in May 2024. Flagger traffic control as needed for nighttime and overnight work.

Route 250 (Jefferson Highway/Churchville Avenue) – Eastbound and westbound overnight single lane closures and flagger traffic control as needed between Route 840 (Old Churchville Road) and Route 637 (Jericho Road) excluding city of Staunton for pavement resurfacing, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Sunday night (September 17).

*NEW* Route 256 (Weyers Cave Road) – Overnight flagger traffic control between Route 11 (Lee Highway) and Route 2003 (Wayside Drive/Triangle Drive) for paving operations, on nights September 18 – October 6.

Route 256 (Weyers Cave Road) – Eastbound and westbound 24/7 shoulder closures in area of I-81 interchange exit 235 for turn lane construction, estimated completion in May 2024. Flagger traffic control as needed for nighttime and overnight work.

Route 262 (Woodrow Wilson Parkway) – Shoulder closures near Route 252 interchange (Middlebrook Avenue) for Route 262 widening project, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 27.

*NEW* Route 340 (Stuarts Draft Highway) – Southbound right shoulder closures between Route 1721(Grandview Drive) and Route 631 (Ladd Road) for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Route 340 (Rosser Avenue, Waynesboro) – Northbound right shoulder closures between I-64 ramps and Lew Dewitt Boulevard for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 608 (Mount Torrey Road) – Overnight flagger traffic control between Route 1511 (Flory Avenue) and Route 340 (Stuarts Draft Highway) for paving operations, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through night of September 29.

Route 664 (Lyndhurst Road, Waynesboro) – Shoulder closures between Miami Avenue and Purdue Street for work related to construction of Waynesboro Southern Corridor, through October 30.

Route 664 (Mount Torrey Road) – Shoulder closures and occasional flagger traffic control between Route 624 (Lyndhurst Road) and Route 894 (Mount Torrey Road) for water line installation, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 29.

*NEW* Route 694 (Mt. Tabor Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 252 (Middlebrook Road) and Route 700 (Bowman Springs Road/Shirey Road) for pole installation, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

*NEW* Route 703 (Hewitt Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 705 (Scott-Christian Road) and Route 706 (North Mountain Road) for pole installation, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Route 708 (Glebe School Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 707 (Livick Road) and Route 876 (Cattleman Road) for replacement of bridge over Back Creek, through September 28. Follow posted detour.

*NEW* Route 4944/333 (Augusta Woods Drive) – Flagger traffic control between George Cochran Parkway and dead end for inspection of I-81 overpass bridge, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Various roads – Flagger traffic control in the Fishersville area for pavement treatment on parts of Route 1307 (Orr Drive), Route 1308 (Lea Drive), Route 1323 (Wyndham Hill Drive), Route 1332, Route 1387 (Beatrice Court), Route 1388 (Sophia Court), Route 1389 (Lillian Drive), Route 1390 (Emerald Hill Drive), Route 1391 (Emerald Heights Drive), Route 1392 (Johns Valley Drive), Route 1393 (Marie Court), Route 1394 (Fesha Lane), Route 1395 (Lost Pond Court), Route 1396 (Peterson Place), Route 1397 (Hidden Valley Court), Route 1398 (Molly Court), and Route 1399 (Ida Court), 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through September 29.

Various roads – Mobile traffic control for mowing operations. Flagger traffic control for drainage work, tree removal, shoulder repairs, pavement patching and brush cutting, 7:30 to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

INTERSTATE 81

Mile marker 240 to 257, northbound and southbound – Overnight slow-roll traffic control as needed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Expect delays. During slow-roll operations, temporary on-ramp closures possible at exits 240, 243, 245, 247, 251 and 257. Overnight alternating lane closures, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through September 2024. Traffic restrictions are related to Route 33 bridge and interchange project and Route 720 bridge replacement.

*UPDATE* Exit 251 to 264, northbound and southbound – Shoulder closures for cleaning of drainage structures, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 33 (Rawley Pike) – Pilot truck and flagger traffic control for paving operations between West Virginia state line and a half-mile east of Switzer Lake Road, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday.

Route 33 (East Market Street, Harrisonburg) – 24/7 shoulder closures and traffic lane shifts between Vine Street/Hawkins Street and University Boulevard for bridge and roadway work. Single lane closures as needed. Work zone speed limit 25 miles an hour. Traffic restrictions are for Route 33 bridge replacements and interchange improvement with expected project completion in fall of 2026.

*NEW* Route 256 (3rd Street, Grottoes) – Flagger traffic control between Augusta County line and Route 340 (Augusta Avenue) for paving operations, on nights September 18 – October 6.

Route 259 (West Lee Street, Broadway) – Traffic uses temporary Linville Creek bridge between Route 42 (Main Street) and Route 1411 (Shenandoah Avenue). Work zone speed limit 25 miles an hour. Traffic restrictions are for bridge replacement with estimated project completion in November 2023.

Various roads – Mobile traffic control for mowing operations. Flagger traffic control for pipe replacement, ditch work, tree removal, shoulder repairs, pavement patching and brush cutting, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 635 (River Road) – Flagger traffic control between Business Route 33 (Old Spotswood Trail) and Route 602 (East Point Road) for pavement resurfacing, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 17 through October 6.

Route 682 (Friedens Church Road) – Shoulder closures and flagger traffic control as needed between Route 995 (Koiner Ford Road) and Route 680 (Oak Ridge Road), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 22.

Route 720/718 (Smithland Road/Old Furnace Road) – Closed between Route 718 (Old Furnace Road) and Route F-238 (Buffalo Drive) for replacement of Route 720 bridge with estimated completion in fall 2023. Follow posted detour.

Route 991 (Jacob Burner Drive) – Flagger traffic control between Route 996 (McGaheysville Road) and Route 641 (Cave Hill Road) for pole installation, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 30.

PAGE COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 340 – Flagger traffic control between Route 661 (Sunnyview Drive) and Route 686 (Smeltzers Road) for pavement resurfacing, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. through night of September 24.

Various roads – Mobile traffic control for mowing operations. Flagger traffic control for pipe replacement, ditch work, tree removal, shoulder repairs, pavement patching and brush cutting, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

SECONDARY ROADS

Route 642 (Stonyman Road) – Flagger traffic control between Business Route 340 (US Highway Basin/Virginia Avenue) and Route 689 (Antioch Road) for pavement resurfacing, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 29.

Route 689 (Antioch Road) – Flagger traffic control between Business Route 340 and Luray town limits for pavement resurfacing, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 29.

Various roads – Flagger traffic control for brush cutting and pipe cleaning, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

SHENANDOAH COUNTY

INTERSTATE 81

*NEW* Exit 264, northbound – Right shoulder closures along off-ramp for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Mile marker 297 to 298, northbound and southbound – Overnight single lane closures for inspection of bridge over railway, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Thursday night.

*NEW* Mile marker 297 to 298, northbound and southbound – Right shoulder closures including along Exit 298 off-ramps for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

PRIMARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) – Northbound and southbound alternating lane closures between Route 654/657 (Zion Church Road/Maurertown Mill Road) and Route 740 (Toll House Road) for brush cutting operations, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Route 42 (Senedo Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 805 (Brannertown Lane) and Route 728 (Flat Rock Road) for pavement resurfacing, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 21 through October 16.

SECONDARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 635 (Bowman Mill Road) – Flagger traffic control between Strasburg town limits and Warren County line, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 18 through October 9.

*NEW* Route 661 (Ridgeley Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 802 (Franley Lane) and Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) for pavement resurfacing, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 18 through October 6.

*NEW* Route 707 (Red Banks Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 698 (Palmyra Church Road) and Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) for inspection of bridge over North Fork Shenandoah River, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday.

*NEW* Route 730 (Moreland Gap Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 826 (Woods Chapel Road) and George Washington National Forrest for pipe repairs and installation, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. September 18 through October 9. Follow posted detour.

*NEW* Various roads – Flagger traffic control in the Strasburg area for pavement treatment on parts of Route 667, Route 1100 (Little Sorrel Drive), Route 1101 (Wise Avenue), Route 1102 (Breckenridge Court), Route 1103 and Route 1105, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through September 4 – September 22.

FREDERICK COUNTY

INTERSTATE 81

Mile marker 300 to 301, northbound and southbound – Overnight lane closures as needed for road and bridge work, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through the night of November 27. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit 55 miles an hour. Work is related to southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening with estimated completion in fall 2024.

PRIMARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 11 (Valley Pike) – Two-way traffic maintained with lane shifts between Route 1017 (Barley Drive) and Route 649 (Springdale Road) for turn lane construction, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. September 18 – September 29.

*NEW* Route 37 – Overnight northbound right lane closures between Route 11 off-ramp and Route 622 on-ramp for maintenance to bridge over W&W railway, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through night of October 30.

Route 37 – Overnight northbound single lane closures between I-81 on- and off-ramps for maintenance to bridge over I-81, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through the night of September 28.

Route 50 (Northwestern Turnpike) – Eastbound and westbound overnight lane closures for pavement resurfacing between Route 600 (Hayfield Road) and West Virginia line, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. through night of September 24.

*NEW* Route 277 (Fairfax Street/Fairfax Pike) – Overnight flagger traffic control between Clarke County line and Route 11 (Main Street, Stephens City) for paving operations, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the nights of September 17 – November 16.

*UPDATE* Route 522 (North Frederick Pike) – Southbound left lane closures between Route 684 (Gainesboro Road) and Route 705 (Ebenezer Church Road) for tree trimming operations, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

SECONDARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 628 (Middle Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 1172 (Rubinette Way) and Route 621 (Jones Road) for pavement resurfacing, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 19 through October 13.

Route 655 (Sulphur Springs Road) Flagger traffic between Route 656 (Greenwood Road) and Clarke County line for paving operations, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through October 6.

*NEW* Route 656 (Greenwood Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 659 (Valley Mill Road) and Route 7 (Berryville Pike) for concrete ditch installation, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Various roads – Alternating lane closures on Route 657 (Senseny Road), Route 736 (Rossum Lane), Route 867 (Twinbrook Circle) and Route 868 (Glenridge Drive) just west of Clarke County line for road improvements and utility work, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through February 2024.

CLARKE COUNTY

PRIMARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 7 (Harry Byrd Highway) – Westbound single lane closures as needed between Route 601 (Blue Ridge Mountain Road) and Shepherds Mill Road for rock and soil testing, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Route 7 (Harry Byrd Highway) – Eastbound and westbound single lane closures between Route 606 (River Road) and Route 7 Business just east of Berryville for shoulder widening and rumble strip installation. Eastbound lane closures 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekdays. Westbound lane closures between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays or weeknights. Estimated completion December 2023.

SECONDARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 621 (Tilthammer Mill Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 651 (Clay Hill Road) and Route 723 (Millwood Road) for slope work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Route 622 (Swift Shoals Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 625 (Kennel Road) and Route 50/17 (John Mosby Highway) for replacement of bridge over Shenandoah River tributary, through September 28. Follow posted detour.

WARREN COUNTY

INTERSTATE 66

*UPDATE* Mile marker 1 to 8, eastbound – Shoulder closures for litter pickup operations, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday.

*NEW* Mile marker 6 to 9, eastbound and westbound – Overnight single right lane closures for inspection of bridge over Norfolk Southern railway, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday and Monday nights.

INTERSTATE 81

Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound – Overnight lane closures as needed for road and bridge work, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through the night of November 27. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit 55 miles an hour. Work is related to southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening with estimated completion in fall 2024.

*NEW* Mile marker 300 to 299, southbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Shoulder closures between Route 619 (Rivermont Drive) and Route 607 (Rocky Lane) for tree removal operations, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 29.

Route 522 (Remount Road) – Flagger traffic control between Route 665 (Chester Gap Road) and Route 604 (Harmony Hollow Road) for tree removal operations, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 29.

SECONDARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 702 (Baugh Drive) – Flagger traffic control between Baker Plaza and Route 661 (Fairground Road) for paving operations, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. September 18 – October 6.

The post Staunton District Traffic Alert: VDOT work schedule for the week of Sept. 18-22 appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

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Culpeper District Traffic Alert: VDOT work schedule for the week of Sept. 18-22 https://augustafreepress.com/news/culpeper-district-traffic-alert-vdot-work-schedule-for-the-week-of-sept-18-22/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/culpeper-district-traffic-alert-vdot-work-schedule-for-the-week-of-sept-18-22/#respond Sat, 16 Sep 2023 15:07:26 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=341401 road construction

VDOT has updated its schedule for highway work that is scheduled, weather permitting, in the Culpeper District during the next week.

The post Culpeper District Traffic Alert: VDOT work schedule for the week of Sept. 18-22 appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

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VDOT has updated its schedule for highway work that is scheduled, weather permitting, in the Culpeper District during the next week.

Road conditions and other real-time travel information can be found on the 511 Virginia website, the free VDOT 511 mobile app or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia. VDOT updates are also on the Culpeper District Facebook page and the district’s Twitter account, @VaDOTCulp.

Albemarle County 

(UPDATE) Tree removal – Expect mobile, alternating lane closures in the following areas:

  • S. 29 (Seminole Trail), between Route 649 (Airport Road) and the Greene County line in the northbound lanes, daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • S. 29 (Monacan Trail), between Route 1106 (Teel Lane) and the Nelson County line in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(NEW) Roadway sweeping – Expect mobile, alternating lane closures from 3 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the following areas:

  • S. 250 (Ivy Road), between Birdwood Drive and the U.S. 29/U.S. 250 ramp intersection in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Wednesday and Thursday.
  • Route 601, Old Ivy Road), between U.S. 250 (Ivy Road) and Route 809 (Canterbury Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, Thursday and Friday.
  • Route 631 (Rio Road West), between U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) and Route 743 (Earlysville Road, in the northbound and southbound lanes, Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • Route 654 (Barracks Road), between Route 656 (Georgetown Road) and Route 1444 (Ricky Road) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Wednesday and Thursday.
  • Route 656 (Georgetown Road), between Route 654 (Barracks Road) and Route 743 (Hydraulic Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, Thursday and Friday.
  • Route 743 (Hydraulic Road), between U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) and Route 743 (Earlysville Road) in the northbound lanes, Wednesday and Thursday.

Bridge repairs – Expect alternating lane and shoulder closures in the eastbound and westbound lanes, in the following areas:

  • Interstate 64, between mile marker 108 and mile marker 113 nightly, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Interstate 64, between mile marker 108 and mile marker 113, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Utility work under VDOT permit – Expect slow moving traffic and alternating lane closures with flaggers in the following areas:

  • S. 29 (Monacan Trail), between Route 708 (Red Hill Road) and Route 692 (Plank Road) in the northbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • S. 29 (Monacan Trail), between Route 838 (Lackey Lane) and Route 692 (Plank Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Route 231 (Gordonsville Road), between Route 615 (Lindsay Road) and Route 740 (Zion Hill Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(UPDATE) Pavement marking – Expect mobile, alternating lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. in the following areas:

  • S. 29 (Monacan Trail), between the Nelson County line and the ramp to Interstate 64 in the northbound lanes, Tuesday through Friday.
  • S. 29 (Seminole Trail), between Route 743 (Hydraulic Road) and Route 1575 (Austin Drive) in the northbound lanes, Monday through Thursday.
  • S. 29 (Monacan Trail), between the off ramp from Business 29 (Fontaine Avenue Extended) and Route 697 (Sutherland Road) in the northbound lanes, Tuesday through Friday, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • S. 29 (Seminole Trail), between route 606 (Frays Mill Road) and Route 743 (Hydraulic Road) in the northbound lanes, Monday through Thursday.
  • S. 250 (Bypass), between the U.S. 250 (Bypass) off ramp and Route 48 (Skyline Drive) in Augusta County in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Interstate 64 – Vegetation control. Expect mobile work zone with right shoulder closures between mile marker 124 and mile marker 131 in the eastbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(NEW) Interstate 64 – Shoulder repairs. Expect right shoulder closures between mile marker 100 and mile marker 124 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(NEW) Interstate 64 – Herbicide spraying. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between mile marker 100 and mile marker 118 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Sunday at 8 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m.

(NEW) Interstate 64 – Brush removal. Expect left shoulder closures between mile marker 107 and mile marker 113 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

(NEW) Interstate 64 – Litter pickup operations. Expect shoulder closures between mile marker 113 and mile marker 118 in the westbound lanes, Monday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(NEW) U.S. 29 (U.S. 250 Bypass) – Tree trimming operations. Expect right lane and right shoulder closures between Route 654 (Barracks Road) and Route 745 (Poorhouse Road) daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) – Road widening project. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 750 (Old Turnpike Road) and Route 6 (Afton Mountain Road) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily and nightly.

Route 667 (Catterton Road) – Bridge replacement. Road closed between Route 665 (Buck Mountain Road) and Route 776 (Buck Mountain Ford Lane). Drivers should use Route 601 (Free Union Road) to get around the work zone. Detour signs are posted. Expected completion date is Sept. 27, 2023.

Culpeper County

U.S. 522 (West Evans Street/Sperryville Pike) – Construction of roundabout. Expect a total road closure between North West Street and Gardner Street with a signed detour in place for motorists. Expected completion, Sept. 30, 2023.

Route 802 (Springs Road) – Bridge replacement. Road closed between Route 229 (Rixeyville Road) and Route 693 (Scottsville Road). Use alternate routes. Anticipated completion Oct. 5, 2023.

Fauquier County

(NEW) Utility work under VDOT permit – Expect shoulder closures and alternating lane closures with flaggers in the following areas:

  • Route 709 (Belvoir Road), between Route 750 (Harrison Road) and Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) in the northbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Route 771 (Frys Lane), between Route 672 (Duhollow Road) and Route 1104 (Zella’s Road) in the eastbound lanes, daily, beginning Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Interstate 66 – Shoulder repairs. Expect right shoulder closures between mile marker 16 and mile marker 34 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

(NEW) Business 15 (James Madison Street) – Tree removal operation. Expect alternating lane closures between Hoard Avenue and the Town of Remington in the northbound and southbound lanes, Tuesday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(NEW) U.S. 15 (James Madison Highway) – Tree trimming operation. Expect right lane and right shoulder closures between Route 215 (Vint Hill Road) and Route 687 (Opal Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(NEW) U.S. 17 (Marsh Road) – Herbicide spraying. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between Route 673 (Razor Hill Road) and the Stafford County line in the northbound and southbound lanes, Monday at 8 p.m. to Tuesday at 5 a.m.

(NEW) Route 688 (Leeds Manor Road) – Pipe repairs/installation. Road closed between Route 635 (Hume Road) and Route 55 (John Marshall Highway). Please follow detour signs around the work area from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday.

Fluvanna County

(UPDATE) Pavement marking – Expect mobile, alternating lane closures, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the following areas:

  • S. 15 (James Madison Highway), between the Louisa County line and the Buckingham County line in the northbound and southbound lanes, Monday through Wednesday.
  • S. 250 (Broad Street Road), between the Goochland County line and the Louisa County line in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday through Wednesday.
  • S. 250 (Richmond Road), between Route 708 (Blue Ridge Drive) and the Albemarle County line in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday through Wednesday.
  • Route 6 (West River Road), between the Albemarle County line to the Goochland County line in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Tuesday through Thursday.
  • Route 53 (Thomas Jefferson Parkway), between the Albemarle County line and U.S. 15 (James Madison Highway) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday through Friday.

Greene County

(UPDATE) Pavement marking – Expect mobile, alternating lane closures in the following areas.

  • S. 29 (Seminole Trail), between the Madison County line and the Albemarle County line in the northbound lanes, Sunday through Wednesday, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • S. 29 (Seminole Trail), between Route 607 (Cedar Grove Road) and Route 609 (Fredericksburg Road) in the southbound lanes, Sunday through Wednesday, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) – Tree removal operations. Expect alternating lane closures between the Albemarle County line and the Madison County line in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(NEW) U.S. 33 (Spotswood Trail) – Herbicide spraying. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between Route 638 (Turkey Ridge Road) and the Rockingham County line in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday at 8 p.m. to Tuesday at 5 a.m.

Route 638 (Turkey Ridge Road) – Bridge replacement. Expect total road closure between Route 634 (Bull Yearling Road) and Route 637 (South River Road). Expected completion date is Dec. 15, 2023.

Louisa County

Interstate 64 – Ditch cleaning operations. Expect alternating lane closures between mile marker 131 and mile marker 147 in the eastbound lanes, daily, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Interstate 64 – Paving operations. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between mile marker 136 and mile marker 139 in the westbound lanes, nightly, 7 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Route 635 (Willow Brook Road) – Bridge substructure repairs/replacement. Expect road closure at Route 706 (Turners Mill Road) over Taylors Creek. Expected completion date, Oct. 26, 2023.

Madison County

Pavement marking – Expect mobile, alternating lane closures, Tuesday through Friday, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. in the following areas:

  • S. 29 (South Seminole Trail), between the Greene County line and the Culpeper County line in the northbound lanes.
  • S. 29 (South Seminole Trail), between Route 609 (Fredericksburg Road) and the Culpeper County line in the southbound lanes.

Route 231 (North Blue Ridge Turnpike) and U.S. 29 (South Seminole Trail) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Route 231 (South Blue Ridge Turnpike) – Bridge Deck Repairs. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 714 (Bairs Trail Lane) and Route 662 (Shelby Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Orange County

(NEW) Route 669 (Marquis Road) – Pipe replacement. Road closure between Route 629 (Lahore Road) and Route 612 (Monrovia Road) beginning Monday. Please follow posted detour around the work area. Expected completion date: September 29.

Rappahannock County

(NEW) U.S. 211 (Lee Highway) – Herbicide spraying. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between the Page County line and Route 651 (Atkins Road) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday at 8 p.m. to Tuesday at 5 a.m.

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‘We can change this raging red tide to calm blue waters’: Dem candidates speak out https://augustafreepress.com/news/we-can-change-this-raging-red-tide-to-calm-blue-waters-democratic-candidates-speak-out-at-forum/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/we-can-change-this-raging-red-tide-to-calm-blue-waters-democratic-candidates-speak-out-at-forum/#respond Sat, 16 Sep 2023 01:36:00 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=341362

The Staunton Democratic Committee’s candidates forum Tuesday evening allowed audience members to ask questions in a town-hall-style platform.

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Jade Harris, Democratic candidate for Virginia’s District 3, introduces herself Tuesday night. Photos by Rebecca J. Barnabi.

The Staunton Democratic Committee’s candidates forum Tuesday evening allowed audience members to ask questions in a town-hall-style platform.

Each candidate was allowed an opportunity to introduce themselves, then moderator Nathan Sealove volleyed questions from the committee and the audience before each candidate shared a closing statement.

Jade Harris, candidate for Virginia’s District 3, is former vice mayor of Glasgow, Virginia Young Democrats Black Caucus Vice Chair and assistant manager of The Split Banana in downtown Staunton.

Harris said she is running because she does not want Virginia’s big cities to forget Staunton.

“We’ve got serious problems here in the 3rd, and we need serious people ready to find solutions,” Harris said.

Retired Harrisonburg teacher Kathy Beery is running for District 2 against incumbent Mark Obenshain.

“No one should be running unopposed,” the JMU grad said. “That’s not democracy. We have to have choices.”

Beery’s priorities are affordable housing, affordable child care, transportation, business and public education.

Kathy Beery introduces herself at the Staunton Democratic Committee’s candidates forum in downtown Staunton on Sept. 12, 2023.

“We need a change. We need to be able to solve problems. I am that person,” Beery said.

Joshua Huffman is running as a Libertarian for District 2. A graduate of Harrisonburg High School, he earned degrees from the College of William & Mary and West Virginia University. Huffman worked as the grassroots director for South Carolina for Ron Paul’s presidential campaign in 2008 and was formerly a member of the Republican Party for 19 years.

“We do need free and fair elections in the state of Virginia,” Huffman said of voters having choices on Election Day.

District 36 candidate Randall Wolf, a photojournalist, is opposing Del. Ellen Campbell, a Republican. He prioritizes personal freedom and rights, women’s healthcare, teacher rights, student access to information and free community college “to build the workforce of the future.”

He also supports affordable housing, confronting gun violence to saves, mental health care access, lower taxes for Virginians who earn less than $75,000/year and solar energy projects in the Shenandoah Valley.

Wolf said.

Adam Campbell, the father of two young children in Staunton’s schools, is running for Staunton City Council. The seat currently occupied by businessman Terry Holmes, who filled in for former mayor Andrea Oakes who vacated the seat in January 2023, is up for election in November.

“We are invested in this community,” Campbell said of himself and his family. He said he wants to help everyone experience Staunton the way he has been able to experience the city. He is focused on improving communication between the city and residents and increasing public participation in city government. If elected, he would make investments with the city’s limited resources for the betterment of Staunton.

He will also work for collaboration with neighboring counties.

The first question posed to all candidates was whether Virginia should remain a right-to-work state.

“Right-to-work doesn’t work. It gives an unfair advantage to most employers,” Beery said. With some employers, the policy exploits workers.

Harris called right-to-work “a Jim Crow-era piece of policy designed to keep down workers and their families so that corporations may benefit and take everything that they can of them and their labor.”

Huffman supports right-to-work. “I don’t think union membership should be a condition for employment at any level.”

Wolf said right-to-work should be repealed in Virginia. He added that union members make 15 percent more.

“Right-to-work’s gotta go,” Wolf said.

A question posed to Campbell was whether Staunton is accessible for residents with disabilities.

“There’s a lot we can do to improve accessibility around Staunton,” the VDOT transportation planner said. He added that 1 percent of curb ramps in the city are ADA-compliant. Audible pedestrian crosswalks and improvements for non-motorized travel are necessary.

If their voting district received $25 million to spend on public education, each candidate was asked how they would propose to spend the funding.

Wolf said he would increase teacher and staff salaries, add more counselors in schools, increase technology education, make pre-K optional and increase school security.

“It takes a lot of people to help educate our students,” he said.

Huffman would spend the funding on teacher pay and recruitment and constructing new school buildings.

“If we don’t have proper infrastructure, if we don’t have good teachers, then how can we expect our students to succeed?” Huffman said.

Campbell said that Staunton’s school need new construction and buses.

Beery would retain teachers and staff with pay.

Harris said more mental health professionals are needed in schools, as well as retaining teachers.

“We shouldn’t just be focusing on metal detectors and school resource officers to meet gunmen at the door. Much of the time that assaults on schools happen, it’s students, former students who feel ostracized, who aren’t having their mental health care taken care of,” Harris said.

More funding for teaching reading and writing is also necessary, according to Harris.

Wolf and Harris share an opinion on the top three budget priorities for Virginia: education, mental health care access and Interstate-81 improvements.

“Interstate 81 is going to take a whole lotta money to fix,” Harris said.

The candidates vary on gun control. Campbell, a gun owner, supports the right to bear arms, but believes in gun safety education. Beery, also a gun owner, said gun regulations are necessary. Harris said deaths from gun violence can be limited with solutions, such as gun safety education. Huffman, a 2nd amendment supporter, supports responsible gun ownership.

Wolf said that Virginia spent $288 million last year on gun violence.

“We need to confront this on many layers,” Wolf said. He supports law enforcement, protecting schools and mental health access.

If elected, Wolf said he will propose a 30 percent excise tax on gun and ammunition sales.

“We need the funding to confront this to really bring those solutions to make an impact,” Wolf said.

Wolf was asked whether Democrats will ever be able to negotiate with Republicans on abortion legislation.

“I think we have to be able to talk across the aisle and find common ground in some ways. That doesn’t mean we back off from where we stand,” Wolf said. Women’s health care and abortion are critical elements.

Huffman, Beery and Harris were asked if they are working to stop anti-choice organizations in Virginia.

Huffman is pro-life, Beery supports access to birth control and women’s privacy and Harris said every woman has a right to make their own decision.

“We already settled Roe v. Wade,” Harris said of Democrats and Republicans when the legislation was made national law in 1973.

Early voting in Virginia begins Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.

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Update: Suspect in Waynesboro shooting wanted by police arrested Saturday morning https://augustafreepress.com/news/suspect-in-waynesboro-shooting-wanted-by-police-considered-armed-and-dangerous/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/suspect-in-waynesboro-shooting-wanted-by-police-considered-armed-and-dangerous/#respond Sat, 16 Sep 2023 01:31:36 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=341364 police

James Lee Huffman was arrested early this morning by the Augusta County Sheriff's Office without incident, according to the Waynesboro Police Department.

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police
James Lee Huffman
James Lee Huffman

Updated, 9/16, 9:49 a.m.

James Lee Huffman was arrested early this morning by the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office without incident, according to the Waynesboro Police Department.

Huffman is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.

 

Original story posted on 9/15 at 9:31 p.m.

A suspect in a shooting in Waynesboro is wanted by police and considered armed and potentially dangerous.

On Wednesday, James Lee Huffman, 28, from Waynesboro, allegedly fired several shots in the direction of an adult victim. There was no reported physical injury, however, there was damage to a building at the scene. The shooting took place just before 7 p.m. in the 700 block of 2nd Street, according to the Waynesboro Police Department.

Huffman is currently wanted for the following alleged offenses stemming from the incident:

  • 18.2-53.1 (F) – Use or attempt to use, or display in a threatening manner a firearm while committing or attempting to commit aggravated malicious wounding.
  • 18.2-308.2 (F) – Knowingly and Intentionally possess or transport a firearm after having been convicted of a violent felony.
  • 18.2-26/18.2-51.2 (F) – Attempt to maliciously shoot, stab, cut, or wound with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill.

The investigation is on-going, but the incident appears to be an isolated incident arising from an underlying matter and not made toward the general public.

If anyone has information concerning the investigation or the location of Huffman, call the Waynesboro Police Department at (540) 942-6675 or Crimestoppers at (800) 322-2017. Callers may remain anonymous.

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Crimora Park partially opens to the public after four months of construction https://augustafreepress.com/news/crimora-park-partially-opens-to-the-public-after-four-months-of-construction/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/crimora-park-partially-opens-to-the-public-after-four-months-of-construction/#respond Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:39:34 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=341349 crimora park river access closure

The lower level of Crimora Park in Augusta County has now partially re-opened to the public. The lower portion of the park was closed on May 8.

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crimora park river access closure

crimora park river access closureThe lower level of Crimora Park in Augusta County has now partially re-opened to the public. The lower portion of the park was closed for renovations on May 8.

At the time, the County reported the work would take approximately 60 days to complete planned work to the river access area.

The park, located at 1624 New Hope and Crimora Road, will fully re-open around Halloween. However, most of the larger improvements are now complete.

Throughout the construction, the playgrounds, shelters and walking trails remained open.

The $100,000 construction project was to improve the lower parking area and upgrade storm drainage, replace guard rails and provide new paving and striping for visitor parking. The project also included the installation of a hardened canoe launch, widening of the existing path to the river and extra picnic tables and trash receptacles were to be added.

The Crimora Park river access project is part of a planned initiative of Augusta County’s Parks and Recreation department to improve offerings for recreation, fishing, tubing and boating.

The opening of the river access point at Dooms Crossing, Augusta County’s first river access point, in April 2022 was the first project of the initiative to be completed. Crimora Park constitutes the second and final project.

Both the Dooms and Crimora projects are fully funded by grants as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration process.

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Jefferson-Madison Regional Library requests community feedback for strategic plan https://augustafreepress.com/news/jefferson-madison-regional-library-requests-community-feedback-for-strategic-plan/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/jefferson-madison-regional-library-requests-community-feedback-for-strategic-plan/#respond Fri, 15 Sep 2023 18:52:40 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=341334 library

Work has begun on the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s next strategic plan for fiscal years 2025 to 2029.

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library
(© StockPhotoPro – stock.adobe.com)

Work has begun on the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s next strategic plan for fiscal years 2025 to 2029.

With the Library Board of Trustees, a strategic plan will chart a path for the library to best meet its mission in service to the people of Albemarle, Charlottesville, Greene, Louisa and Nelson.

“The current strategic plan has led to many initiatives that have improved library service to the community,” Library Director David Plunkett said. “For instance, expanding Bookmobile services in Louisa and Nelson counties, the addition of contactless pickup lockers at six branches, and a new and improved website. Now, we’d like to get community feedback on planning the next five years of library services.”

Community feedback is welcome online through October 2023. Paper copies of the community survey are available at any JMRL branch. Survey participants are invited to enter a drawing for a gift certificate. The library board will discuss strategic plan drafts at public meetings in early 2024, and adopt a completed plan by the board’s June 2024 meeting.

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Traffic alert: I-81 northbound left lane closure necessary Sept. 19 for bridge work https://augustafreepress.com/news/traffic-alert-i-81-northbound-left-lane-closure-necessary-sept-19-for-bridge-work/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/traffic-alert-i-81-northbound-left-lane-closure-necessary-sept-19-for-bridge-work/#respond Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:43:34 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=341310 road work

The Interstate 81 northbound left lane will close overnight Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in Warren County for widening of the Route 840 bridge.

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road work
road work
(© John Alphonse – stock.adobe.com)

The Interstate 81 northbound left lane will close Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. in Warren County to prepare for widening of the Route 840 bridge over the interstate.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is scheduled to pour the concrete deck for the widening project, which requires contractors to stage equipment.

The I-81 northbound lane will be closed from mile marker 298 and 300, near the junction of I-81 and I-66. The area is congested and motorists are encouraged to use extra caution when traveling through the work zone. The section receiving the deck pour is separated from traffic by a concrete barrier.

Drivers should be alert for flagger traffic control on Route 840 in the area of the I-81 overpass bridge on the night of September 19.

The bridge widening is part of improvements to I-81 exit 300, which includes an extended on-ramp from I-66. Funded by Virginia’s SMART SCALE program, the project is designed to reduce congestion and enhance safety. The Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded a $7,140,300 contract to Triton Construction Inc. of Virginia, in St. Albans, W.Va. in May 2022. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2024.

I-81 motorists should be alert for northbound and southbound shoulder closures throughout the project. The work zone speed limit on southbound I-81 is 55 miles per hour.

All work is weather permitting.

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Albemarle County man arrested, faces 10 charges, in child pornography case https://augustafreepress.com/news/albemarle-county-man-arrested-in-child-pornography-case/ https://augustafreepress.com/news/albemarle-county-man-arrested-in-child-pornography-case/#respond Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:23:09 +0000 https://augustafreepress.com/?p=341304 jail handcuffs

An Albemarle County man has been charged with 10 counts of possessing child pornography.

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jail handcuffs
Christopher Neill Moore

An Albemarle County man has been charged with 10 counts of possessing child pornography.

Christopher Neill Moore, 23, was arrested on Sept. 5 by members of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Albemarle County Police Department. He was initially charged with five counts.

However, on Monday, Moore was charged with an additional five counts after further investigation, according to ACPD

The Albemarle County Police Department opened an investigation in August after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who may information on Moore is asked to call Detective Michael Wells with the Albemarle County Police Department at (434) 296-5807.

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