Fauquier downs Osbourn Park 37-18
Fauquier defeated Osbourn Park 37-18 at FHS on senior night to keep their playoff hopes alive. Look in Wednesdays Fauquier Times-Democrat print edition for complete game coverage. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Planners likely to
Three of five Fauquier planning commission members expect to support a proposed public-safety training center near Warrenton. Barring a delay, the advisory panel on Thursday likely will recommend the county board of supervisors approve the proposal, which calls for an outdoor gun range, a burn building and related uses. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Historically, Fauquier sides with GOP presidential candidates
If polls can be trusted, Virginia on Tuesday will back a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time in 44 years.A Washington Post poll published on Monday gives Democrat Barack Obama an 8-point lead over Republican John McCain in the commonwealth. | 1 comment - ›› more ...
Election officials gear up for Tuesday
Fauquier's general registrar will deploy a record 255 paid election officials in 18 voter precincts across the county on Tuesday to handle an anticipated record turnout. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Former cop cuddles up with writing career
Tomorrow [Saturday], John J. Lamb, author of the highly-acclaimed “A Bear Collector's Mystery” series will make the short trip from his home in the Shenandoah Valley to the Borders book store in Warrenton. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Making Fauquier an election 'litmus test'
Second of two articles on the Democratic and Republican campaign offices in Warrenton. A story on the GOP headquarters ran Oct. 8.Hand-made red-and-blue signs adorn the wall."Change we can believe in," "Turn Virginia Blue," "Don’t Let eight become 12" and "Got hope? Obama ‘08" they read.Below them, behind an L-shape partition, sit Sunny Reynolds of Warrenton and Rocky Thurman of Culpeper, working the telephones last Thursday at the Warrenton Campaign for Change Office at 92 Main St. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Burch Builders offers college students real-world design experience
Student designers got a chance to see how what they're learning in the classroom applies in the field last week through the American Society of Interior Designers' RealWorld DesignWeek. The national program was implemented locally by project designer Allie Mann of Warrenton's Burch Builder Group, who worked with six interior design students from Northern Virginia Community College and the Art Institute of Washington to provide hands-on experience in the profession. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
New firehouse dedicated
The site of an old fire hall is now home to a state-of-the-art fire and rescue station in Catlett. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Sentence rendered in machine gun case
A federal court judge on Friday sentenced David Justin Flohr to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police and court briefs
Catlett man charged with assault Christopher F. Hertag, 33, of Catlett, was charged with simple assault after he hit someone with his motor vehicle Oct. 23, police said. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
'Big Brown' is really an Upperville cow
Most of us will celebrate when the Washington Redskins win the season's final game in February, but our celebration will be filtered by the television screen that stands between us and Jason and Clinton and London and the rest of the Super Bowl champions. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Library of Congress facility aims to 'collect it all'
One day, a man in New York City, name of Frank Schwartz, carried a tape recorder when he left home. He recorded street sounds, neighbors’ complaints, conversations with policemen, everything. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Fall is an ideal time for a day trip to Winchester
With autumn in full swing, a trip into the country to admire the leaves, hike, and buy apples, pumpkins and cider provides as pleasant a day as anyone could wish for. To make it even more enticing, the City of Winchester, about an hour’s drive west of Warrenton, is filled with historic places and parks, lots of antique shops, and a wealth of good restaurants, both plain and fancy. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Young actors embrace 'Old Lace'
Some classics wear better than others. Joseph Kesselring's American farce “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a play that has stood the test of time and is now reaching a new generation. Wakefield School Theatre will present two performances of the show next week, offering theatergoers a chance to get reacquainted with the popular piece at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30 and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Noah's Ark floats new system
Over the last four years, Noah's Ark near Bealeton has given away clothes, furniture, and household goods to needy people in the area by the truckload. A simple application process allowed shoppers to take home what they needed, free of charge and with few questions asked. With little screening, the store, operated as part of Community Touch, a non-profit charity organization, gave donated items to anyone who claimed to need them. The problem, explains Community Touch Executive Director Tyronne Champion, was that some people were taking advantage of the situation and reselling items for personal gain. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Local teens killed in crash
Two local teenagers were killed in a single-vehicle accident on Meetze Road Wednesday night, according to state police. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Two weeks before election, some voters still 'wavering' on McCain, Obama
Vernon Riley, a retired inspector with the Fairfax County school system, scratches the back of his neck and tugs at his dark blue ball cap."I’m still wavering on that" the 76-year-old Catlett man says about his choice for president in between bites of a tuna on whole wheat toast at Remington’s Corner Deli. "I might go Democratic on this."In the construction business most of his working life, Riley believes "we’ve always had more work under Democrats."For the full story, read the Oct. 22 Fauquier Times-Democrat | 0 comments - ›› more ...
County’s 250th anniversary book available in November
County’s 250th anniversary book available in NovemberBy Don Del RossoTimes-Democrat Staff WriterWhen Max Harway moved to Fauquier in the late 1970s, he hunted unsuccessfully for copy of the county’s 200th anniversary history book."You couldn't find one anywhere," said Harway, who arrived about 18 years after the book’s publication, in 1959.Because of that frustrating experience, he determined there would be no shortage of copies of Fauquier’s 250th anniversary book, which George Mason University will publish in early November.For the full story, read the Oct. 22 Fauquier Times-Democrat | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Fauquier to fund $3.7 million Vint Hill plant expansion
Fauquier's board of supervisors this month agreed to spend $3.7 million to expand the wastewater treatment plant at Vint Hill near New Baltimore. The expansion would add 200,000 gallons per day of treatment capacity, half of which the county would dedicate for economic development use in the New Baltimore Service District.Fauquier's industrial development authority (IDA) would control the taps for economic development.The Fauquier County Water and Sewer Authority (WSA), which owns and operates the plant, would sell the rest of the county's capacity on a first come, first served basis.Phase one of the plant's expansion plan increased treatment capacity to 600,000 gallons per day.Fauquier will help fund phase two of the expansion plan. For the full story, read the Oct. 22 Fauquier Times-Democrat | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Only 8 attend county's final food tax meeting
Jim Van Luven of Bealeton believes the proposed levy on prepared food and beverages makes sense. Especially if it helps take the sting out of his real estate tax bill, Van Luven told county officials last week during the final of three county government-sponsored public information meetings on the proposal.The proposed tax would generate about $2.2 million and would be spent on county capital projects, including public schools.That amount of revenue also would permit Fauquier to borrow up to $22.2 million.For the full story, read the Oct. 22 Fauquier Times-Democrat | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Fox digs in heels over public-safety cuts
As of Friday, Fauquier County Sheriff Charlie Ray Fox Jr. had not presented a plan showing where he could cut roughly $1.1 million, or 10 percent, from his agency's budget, according to County Administrator Paul McCulla. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Warrenton residency watches and waits
Transportation in Virginia is about to take a major hit: between $2.1 and $2.6 billion over the next six years. The announcement was made Oct. 15 by Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer, who said the missing revenue isn't expected to return. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police and court briefs
Marshall man charged with grand larcenyAndrew W. Sargent, 19, of Marshall was arrested and charged with grand larceny on Oct. 14, police said. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Group may appeal power line decision to Supreme Court
Despite a major setback this month, opponents of a power line that would cut through a lengthy segment of Northern Virginia are not giving up efforts to derail the controversial proposal. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Analysts say Obama could turn Virginia blue
Virginia has voted for the Republican candidate in every presidential election since 1964. It's a state Republicans have learned they can count on to go red.But this year's election could change that, according to an assortment of political analysts who call Virginia home. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Local lawmakers weigh in on governor's proposed cuts
Tough times are ahead for Virginia residents, Gov. Tim Kaine (D) said last week while announcing plans to cut nearly $1 billion from the state's budget for the coming fiscal year.“Just like families and businesses, state government is feeling the effects of the national economic crisis,” Kaine said in a statement. “We're going to have to reduce our spending to make ends meet.” | 0 comments - ›› more ...
McCulla recommends 13 layoffs, service cuts to close county's $7.5 million revenue gap
County Administrator Paul McCulla last week recommended a series of deep budget cuts, including up to 13 layoffs, to close an anticipated $7.5 million revenue shortfall during the next two years.This year's funding gap may total $4 million.The revenue gap for fiscal 2010, which begins next July 1, may reach $3.5 million.During an Oct. 9 work session, McCulla gave the county board of supervisors a one-page list of potential reductions .He proposes eliminating 17 vacant positions and laying off 13 workers, saving Fauquier more than $2.1 million. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Meals tax takes heat from restaurateurs
Meals tax takes heat from restaurateursAngela Smith, general manager of Fauquier Springs Country Club, called it a "sneaky tax."Fauquier voters will decide on Nov. 4 whether to authorize the county board of supervisors to apply a four-percent tax to prepared food and beverages purchases. | 2 comments - ›› more ...
GOP presidential candidates unbeatable in Virginia, Fauquier, so far
Not since 1964 have Virginia and Fauquier backed a Democratic presidential candidate.That may change on Nov. 4.A late September Washington Post-ABC News poll found that 49 percent of Virginia’s likely voters backed Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and 46 percent supported Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona.No data exists on how Fauquier may vote, although history shows the county to be more conservative than the state in its choices for president during the last 40 years. | 1 comment - ›› more ...
County voter registration surges
Fauquier voter registration soared during the last 12 months."We've seen more people register" in that period "than ever before," Fauquier General Registrar Alex Ables said. Since October 2007, the number of voters in the county increased by a record 3,007, or 7.3 percent. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Walker reconsiders decision to rejoin council
The search continues for a successor to Warrenton councilman John Williams (Ward 2), who died two weeks ago after a long illness.Former Ward 2 councilman Robert Walker intended to accept a likely offer to complete Williams' unexpired term.But after discussing the job with his family, Walker, 74, decided to withdraw his candidacy. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Hospital's Emergency Department doubles in size
In a grand opening slated for Oct. 15, Fauquier Hospital has doubled the size of its Emergency Department (ED) and added new features and upgrades.“We’ve added a big, beautiful, new waiting room that is going to provide a lot more comfort for our patients,” said Dr. Joseph Servideo, chairman of the Fauquier Hospital Emergency Department. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Budget drains put Lake Thompson repairs on hold
It's a classic case of “good news, bad news.” | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Volunteers kick off fund drives
Each year, the county's volunteer fire and rescue companies turn to the community for help. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Officers getting special training
One of the measures recommended in a new study conducted by The Council of State Governments Justice Center is already being implemented here. The study calls for more specialized training to help police in encounters with people who are mentally ill. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police and court briefs
Burglaries reported The Fauquier County Sheriff's Office received three reports of burglaries last week. The details included in police records are as follows: | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Slow sales plague car industry
As the national economy struggles, the automobile industry appears to be among the hardest hit sectors. Reports issued last week reveal the depth of the problem as sales at the country ’s top automakers fell sharply in September.Local car dealerships are also feeling the sting from the double punch of the current credit freeze and sagging consumer confidence. High fuel costs aren ’t helping much, either. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Spend Saturday down on the farm
The 13th annual Fauquier County Fall Farm Tour and Field Day offers a little something for everyone. Slated for this Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the free event includes interpretive tours at six featured farms in the southern end of the county. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
'Team' player Williams loved his church, community
John Williams never stopped running.He found it impossible to say no to a good cause or a person in need."If you couldn't find John at home he was at his church," Warrenton Town Councilman John S. "Sparky" Lewis (Ward 5) said. "And if you couldn't find him at church he was at the American Legion (Post 360). And if you couldn't find him there you could find him doing the work on some community service." After a long illness, Williams, 76, died last Thursday in his Warrenton home, surrounded by family."John gave 120 percent 120 percent of the time," Lewis said. "He was a great and kind person. He was a great friend and will be missed." | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Business booms at GOP campaign headquarters
First of two articles on the Democratic and Republican campaign headquarters on Warrenton's Main Street. Tables of McCain-Palin stuff crowd the narrow storefront in Old Town Warrenton.T-shirts go for $10 and tote bags and hats for $20 apiece.Aprons fetch $15.Robin Cocoran, who manages the campaign office and serves as the Fauquier County Republican Committee secretary, said she can't keep up with demand for the items.The local committee operates and staffs the office with volunteers.Arizona Sen. John McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice president accounts for the surge in interest in anything with "Sarah" on it, Corcoran said."The minute Sarah was chosen vice president, it went wild," said Corcoran, who owned "design party" store in California before moving to Warrenton in 1998. "It changed the whole dynamic." One man bought 50 Palin caps (light pink with white stitching) and 50 McCain caps (which come in various styles, including camouflage), Corcoran said in an interview last week at the 19 Main St. party headquarters."Honest to God, I couldn't keep them in stock," she said. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
SCC Oks
The State Corporation Commission (SCC) on Tuesday approved construction of a 500,000-volt transmission line through the Piedmont. Dominion Virginia Power and Trains-Allegheny Interstate Co. began planning for the controversial tri-state line in 2006.Dominion cheered the SCC ruling."As we said from the beginning of this process more than two and a half years ago, this transmission line is the best and only answer to keep the lights on in an important section of the country and our state beginning in the summer of 2011," transmission vice president John Smatlak said. The decision "affirms the soundness of our planning that has always placed our customers' needs for reliable electricity at the forefront," Smatlak said.Despite vigorous opposition from the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), community groups and hundreds of landowners, Dominion insisted it needed the line to avoid "rolling blackouts" in Northern Virginia.Opponents argued conservation, new generation and infrastructure upgrades would preclude the need for the proposed line. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Food tax meetings largely ignored
Maybe three will be the charm for the county's public information meetings on a proposed food and beverage tax. Fauquier's board of supervisors will hold the third and last such get-together at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Liberty High School (LHS).So far residents and affected businesses have largely ignored the meetings.Indeed, no one attended the one on Sept. 22 at Marshall Middle School, and only 15 to 20 went to the Oct. 2 meeting at Fauquier High School (FHS).The FHS turnout disappointed Supervisor Terry Nyhous (Center District), who said he expected 50 to 100 people to attend. But Nyhous said he understands how hard it can be for working parents to attend night meetings in a county where "60 percent" of the workforce commutes."I remember what a working parent's life is like," he said. "You get the kids settled, there's homework, put them to bed and there's Little League" practice. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Warrenton seeks to fill planning post
What does it take to be an effective Town of Warrenton planning commissioner?An analytical mind, an attention to details, the ability to set aside personal bias and judge proposals on their merits and the temperament to remain composed under pressure, Councilman John S. "Sparky" Lewis (Ward 5) said.Next month, Lewis and the other six council members probably will fill a vacancy on the town commission, created in September when Ken Alm left it to join the county planning commission.Ideally, a candidate for the town planning job should possess some "historic knowledge" of Warrenton and a "sense of the little build out we have," Lewis said. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Walker 'probably' would accept council seat appointment
If asked to fill the Ward 2 vacancy on the Warrenton Town Council, Robert Walker said he "probably would accept" the offer.The seven-member council will fill the seat, possibly on Tuesday.If chosen, Walker, 74, would succeed John Williams, who died last Thursday after a long illness.Walker knows the job and town issues well. He served 17 years on the seven-member council until his retirement in 2004. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Poverty programs get boost
The government annually tweaks and resets food stamp benefits with the onset on the new federal fiscal year on Oct. 1.As of last Wednesday, food stamp recipients in Fauquier County could look forward to a potential increase in their monthly allocation. Because the amount of potential increase depends on many factors, there is no average figure to report, according to Laura Brown. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Expanding farm gets extended permit
After their efforts last year failed to derail an enterprise they broadly characterized as agribusiness, and with the board of supervisors now pushing for a shooting range in their neighborhood, folks who live along Green Road in Warrenton might be feeling a little abused. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Alleged rape goes to grand jury
The prosecution never got a chance to present its case on Monday against two Linden men charged with rape and burglary. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police warn of scams
Although there haven’t been any recent incidents here, police want to make citizens aware of two scams that have been reported in surrounding counties. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police and court briefs
Property damage results in arrest Police said Ronnie Gerald Sr., 40, of Bealeton, was arrested and charged with being drunk in public and reckless handling of a firearm Sept. 29. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Public-safety officials say ICE expedites notifications
It's a simple idea that hasn't been widely promoted here. But designating one or more names in your cell phone contact list as people to call in case of an emergency is worthwhile, according to local police and firefighters. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
I-66 detours in place overnight
The Virginia Department of Transportation has announced the detour in place today as part of the I-66 widening project in Gainesville will be extended through the evening rush hour and possibly overnight so workers can remove steel beams that fell during the demolition. The following detours will also be in place: | 0 comments - ›› more ...
High costs fuel changes
The bad news is that the cost of heating your home is almost sure to rise this winter. The good news is that there are ways to reduce that increase. More bad news: Most of those cost-cutting measures will require an upfront investment that will pay dividends down the road. | 1 comment - ›› more ...
Polished, funny 'Forum' opens tonight
Fauquier Community Theatre’s production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” which opens Friday evening, takes the company to a whole new level of professionalism, most notably in the brisk, lively direction by Lisa Bailey and in the astonishing performance of the lead actor Mike Baker. Bailey and Baker are both newcomers to FCT. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
State troopers OK — for now
Troopers assigned to the Area 12 Office in Warrenton will continue to provide the services citizens have come to expect in spite of the state's budget crunch, according to 1st Sgt. Matt Hanley. But it won't be easy, he added. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Voter solicitation protected by First Amendment
With the election season in full swing, Warrenton police got their first complaints over the weekend about people engaged in political canvassing and related activities. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police and court briefs
Narcotics arrest made Gary Patrick Pase, 24, of Warrenton, was arrested on drug charges Sept. 26, police said.Maj. Paul Mercer of the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office said Pase was charged with manufacturing marijuana, possession of a Schedule I drug and possession of Schedule II drug. | 0 comments - ›› more ...