Local, State and Federal officers arrest 17 individuals on drug charges
On August 7, 2008 at 6:00 am approximately 100 local, state and federal officers converged on Westmoreland County to serve 4 search warrants and arrest 17 individuals involved in the illegal distribution of controlled substances and the illegal distribution of marijuana.
Officers from the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office, Colonial Beach Police Department, Virginia State Police, King George County Sheriff’s Office, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, Members of the Tri-County Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigations (F.B.I.), Virginia Department of Corrections, Naval Criminal Investigative Services (N.C.I.S.), Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control, Northern Neck Regional Jail, and the Virginia Department of Probation and Parole.
Westmoreland County Commonwealth's Attorney Dean Atkins and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Josh Boyles provided legal guidance during the operation.
Members from the Colonial Beach Rescue Squad and Virginia State Police Aviation Med-Flight Unit were on stand-by.
Thirteen (13) individuals from Westmoreland County and 1 individual from King George County were taken into custody without incident during the operation. Several firearms, narcotics and stolen items, to include a motorcycle, were recovered as a result of the search warrants. Three (3) vehicles, 3 motorcycles and 2 mopeds were also seized.
This operation was a direct result of a 6 month long investigation that was conducted by the Tri-County Task Force which includes members of the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, King George County Sheriff’s Office, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, Colonial Beach Police Department, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Services (N.C.I.S.). [more]Large drug bust ends with 17 indictments in Westmoreland County
Staff Reporter 06.AUG.08
Seventeen indictments have been issued as a result of a large drug bust in Westmoreland in the Colonial Beach and the Oak Grove areas of the county. It involved 100 officers in a task force which had been in operation for the past four months.
That operation which culminated in the arrests, started Thursday morning at approximately 2:00 a.m. and involved officers from NCIS, King George, Westmoreland, Caroline, the State Police, FBI, Department of Corrections, ABC enforcement, Colonial Beach police, the state aviation med-flight helicopter, and staff from the regional jail, among other units. Arrests involved felonies and misdemeanors for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of prescription drugs and marijuana.
By 4:00 p.m. 15 people had been arrested and processed. Names were to be announced shortly, according to officers in the Westmoreland Sheriff’s office.Locally grown marijuana worth $395,500 seized
On Tuesday, July 29, the Westmoreland County Sheriff's office seized 113 marijuana plants from property in Westmoreland County. The plants were approximately eight feet tall with a total value of $395,500. The drug eradication was conducted in conjunction with the Tri-County Drug Task Force and included aerial surveillance provided by the Virginia State Police. The investigation is still ongoing.
"We will use every resource and explore every option in combating the production and distribution of illegal drugs. Through hard work, commitment, cooperation, and community involvement, illegal drugs will not flow through this county without consequences," stated Sheriff C. O. Balderson.More questions about Brown’s contract
Phyllis Cook 06.AUG.08
A close examination of an employment contract between the King George School Board and Superintendent Candace Brown reveals a couple of irregularities.
It does not stipulate a salary as required by School Board policy.
It also provides for a “minimum” amount to be paid by the School Board into a tax-sheltered annuity or deferred compensation plan, with no maximum listed.
The legality of the entire contract itself has been called into question. [more]1st Congressional District Democrats Nominate Bill Day for the U.S. House of Representatives.
WARRENTON - The 1st Congressional District Committee announced today that it has nominated Bill Day of Warrenton, Fauquier County, as its candidate for the United States House of Representatives from the 1st Congressional District of Virginia.
Day, a businessman and mental health counselor in Fauquier County, has a long record of public service. In addition to being a member of the Chambers of Commerce in Fauquier and Prince William counties, Day has served the community through work with Habitat for Humanity, the Sierra Club, the Piedmont Environmental Council and the League of Conservation Voters. Day regularly attends St. James Episcopal Church in Warrenton, where he has led the Lenten program and an adult studies course. He has also made annual trips to Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina, to help with cleanup and relief efforts.
Day ran a strong campaign in 2007 for the House of Delegates 31st district seat. He received a higher percentage of the vote than any other Democrat since the district lines were drawn in 2001. In endorsing Day, the Washington Post noted, “opponent, Democrat Bill S. Day Jr., has a wealth of experience -- as a Harvard MBA, a developer and, currently, a mental-health counselor -- that would make him a much more promising lawmaker.”
Day replaces Keith Hummel, M.D. of Montross, VA, a physician specializing in emergency medicine and general practice. Dr. Hummel voluntarily withdrew his candidacy on July 31, 2008 when financial matters related to closed business transactions elicited sufficient attention that he felt it would distract voters from the issues which motivated him to run for office. "The stakes in this election are bigger than any one person and voters in our district deserve to have a Democratic candidate on the ballot this November who can overcome the politics of personal attack," said Hummel.
Suzette Matthews, chair of the 1st Congressional District Committee, noted the virtue of Hummel's candidacy explaining "without him the Democrats would not have a candidate on the ballot in this November." Turning her attention to the challenge ahead, she noted, "With Bill Day responding to the call to service, we now have a Democratic candidate who can join with Barack Obama and Mark Warner to bring change to our district, to our Commonwealth and to our country."Wittman Proposes Chesapeake Bay Bill
Would Modernize Management of Bay Cleanup
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Rob Wittman, an environmental scientist by trade, has introduced the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act, H.R. 6771, in an effort to fundamentally alter the management of the Chesapeake Bay restoration activities.
"We’ve studied the Bay for decades and have no shortage of motivation to restore it, but we certainly don't have enough to show for our efforts. We need to execute more intelligently and efficiently, and I think that's where we've dropped the ball," said Wittman.
[more]Forbes and Taylor Resign; Dr. Howard Retires
In a special School Board Meeting Thursday night the Colonial Beach School Board accepted resignations from Colonial Beach Guidance Counselor Greg Forbes effective August 1st 2008 and Grant Writer Charlotte Taylor Hall effective August 31st 2008. Last to be announced was the “Retirement” of Colonial Beach School Superintendant Dr. Alice Howard effective August 1st 2008.
Dr. Howard will receive $30,000.00 compensation for unpaid vacation, sick and personal days, Charlotte Taylor will receive $6958.23 for unpaid vacation, sick and personal days and Gregg Forbes will receive $8297.77for 31 unused vacation days.
Anne Congdon was the first to address Dr. Howards leaving by saying, “I’d like to say that I’m really sorry that Dr. Howards leaving. I was really looking forward to an opportunity for her to work with us as a Board and whatever she chooses to do I’m sure she will do it well!”
Other comments were held till after the vote and will be published in this week’s article in detail as well as Dr. Howard’s closing speech.
Dr. Howard pleaded with the Board to keep the children first.
Tim Trivett assured the public that Barbara Worrell will act as Superintendant only till a replacement is found. Barbara Worrell echoed this statement after the meeting by saying, “It’s only for a very short time! Right?”
Dr. Forbes was not present at the School Board Meeting. Charlotte Taylor was very emotional after the meeting and declined to answer questions but did agree to talk with The Journal at a later time.
Directly after the meeting there was no indication whether or not the resignations were voluntary or forced. Dr. Howard’s retirement was described as a celebration by Tim Trivett indicating Howard was looking forward to it. Dr. Howard assured the public, “I’m not leaving, I own property here and I will always be there for the kids!”
Linda Farneth
Hummel withdraws from the race for the First Congressional seat
Dr. Keith Hummel who was the Democratic nominee for Congress from the First Congressional District sent his notice of withdrawal from the race to Suzette Matthews, Chair of the Virginia 1st Congressional District of the Democratic Party on July 31, 2008.
Hummel is from Montross, VA. He was opposing Republican Congressman Rob Wittman, who is also from Montross.School Board settling Davis case for $15,000
Phyllis Cook 30.JUL.08
The King George School Board has offered a settlement agreement in a case against it and Superintendent Candace Brown filed by Linda Davis on May 12.
The School Board has agreed to pay $15,000 toward partial reimbursement of the legal fees incurred by Davis in her lawsuit against them alleging violations of due process in handling a discipline incident involving her son, Cody.
Davis said she expected her legal bill to come to at least $19,000. But she also told The Journal she would likely execute the agreement later on Tuesday (following press time).
But it didn’t have to cost the division anything at all. Davis still does not understand why the School Board would not agree to a review of the discipline case from the beginning. Davis called Brown later in the day after the hearing by three administrators on April 11. [more]
30.JUL.08 Howard, Forbes and Taylor-Hall said to have submitted their resignations
30.JUL.08 MAN KILLED IN CAROLINE COUNTY VEHICLE CRASH
30.JUL.08 Two drown in Bowie's Pond
30.JUL.08 Drowning at Bowie's Pond
23.JUL.08 Legislators on both sides of the river support widening Route 301 bridge
23.JUL.08 All Eyes on Dragon Eye – and NSWC Dahlgren’s Engineering Success
23.JUL.08 Animal Control Officers lead the procession for Virginia Kincheloe
23.JUL.08 Motor Vehicle Accident on Route 301
16.JUL.08 Barack Obama to adopt dog
16.JUL.08 UMW OFFERS REWARD FOR APPREHENSION OF ASSAULT SUSPECT
16.JUL.08 He ain't heavy, he's my brother
16.JUL.08 100 citations issued to watermen who violated the state's crab conservation laws
16.JUL.08 It's like having your own room in your own home
16.JUL.08 Gov. Kaine announces $1 million to promote walking and biking to school
02.JUL.08 Goodwill Opens New Store in Orange County
02.JUL.08 New owner at Fox Towne Adult Care Center has a compassionate eye on the future
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