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WINTER WEATHER IS HERE – VDOT Urges Caution Overnight On Roadways (Skyline To Close BRP – Closed)

Tommy
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WINTER WEATHER IS HERE – VDOT Urges Caution Overnight On Roadways (Skyline To Close BRP – Closed)

Motorists should use caution, particularly during overnight hours

LYNCHBURG – Motorists should be prepared as snow is currently falling across the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and wet/slick surfaces may be encountered during travel, particularly during the overnight hours of Friday and early Saturday.

Currently, district employees are operating under an emergency response plan with 24-hour operations, as appropriate. Crews will not push snow unless there is a minimum of two inches of coverage; however, any problem areas will be addressed and salt and other materials will be applied.

Should crews need to clear streets, their first priority will be primary and major secondary routes carrying the heaviest traffic volumes or associated with emergency facilities like hospitals. Crews will work others routes, as needed, once the first priority has been addressed.

Meanwhile, motorists can help keep themselves safe should wintry precipitation occur by:
· Monitoring traffic conditions and lane closures before traveling at http://www.511virginia.org/ or the 511 mobile app
· Keeping vehicles free of snow/ice; using headlights and windshield wipers, as needed and
· Updating or creating an emergency kit for your automobile. A helpful tool for this can be found at www.ready.gov/car.

Additional updates will be made available on VDOT’s Lynchburg District Twitter account @VaDOTLynchburg.

VDOT CULPEPER DISTRICT PREPARES FOR WEEKEND SNOW
Crews are pre-treating interstates; motorists asked to monitor forecast

CULPEPER — The Virginia Department of Transportation is preparing for snow that is forecast to begin Friday evening.

VDOT is pre-treating Interstate 64 in Albemarle and Louisa counties and I-66 in Fauquier County with brine to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement.

Crews in the Culpeper District are preparing equipment and will report to work at 8 p.m. Friday to monitor conditions. Once snow begins to fall, VDOT operators will treat the roads with salt and sand to improve traction and aid melting, and will begin to plow snow once it accumulates to about 2 inches. Crews will first focus on the interstates and primary highways before shifting to secondary routes.

Motorists may encounter slushy conditions on roads and should check local weather and road conditions before leaving. Drivers are asked to not pass a snowplow or spreader and to keep a safe following distance behind all other vehicles.
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. Local updates are also posted to Twitter.com/VaDOTCulp and on the district’s snow information webpage.

VDOT’s Culpeper District includes the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock.

Snowmaking Officially Begins At Wintergreen Resort – Really! (Video)

Tommy
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Snowmaking Officially Begins At Wintergreen Resort – Really! (Video)
Photo by Dima Holmes : After some testing earlier in the week, Wintergreen Resort officially started laying down snow Friday morning – December 8, 2017.

Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia

After some initial testing earlier in the week, Wintergreen Resort has officially started laying down snow. They started putting down snow Friday morning in advance of the possibility of some natural snow on the way to the area overnight into Saturday.

Temperatures are expected to cooperate in the coming days where snowmaking can continue, especially during the nighttime hours!

Holy Cross Episcopal Church : Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Service

Yvette Stafford
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Holy Cross Episcopal Church : Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Service

Christmas Eve
Lessons and Carols Service

Sunday, December 24, 4pm

Holy Cross Episcopal Church
2523 Craigs Store Road
(Approximately 4 miles south of Batesville or
Approximately 5 miles east of Route 151)

Open to the whole community!

Join us for cookies & hot cider in the parish hall after the service!

Winter Weather Advisories In Effect For Part Of The Area : (Replaced & Expanded See Text)

Tommy
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Winter Weather Advisories In Effect For Part Of The Area : (Replaced & Expanded See Text)
Some part of the area are under a Winter Weather Advisory from late Friday afternoon into Saturday. The graphic above if around 8 AM Friday morning. Click on the image to see the latest updates.

Additional Advisories / Warnings have been issued – click here to see those.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 PM EST SATURDAY

For a complete list of Winter Weather Advisories both in and out of our area, click here to go to our weather alerts page.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
621 AM EST Fri Dec 8 2017

…Accumulating snowfall expected late Friday afternoon into
Saturday…

.A storm system now developing in the Deep South will bring an
initial period of rain and snow to the Piedmont, foothills and
High Country this afternoon. As temperatures cool further tonight,
precipitation will change to all snow. Accumulations becoming
more likely into the evening into Saturday before ending Saturday
afternoon.

VAZ017-033-045>047-059-081930-
/O.EXB.KRNK.WW.Y.0012.171208T2100Z-171209T2100Z/
Floyd-Franklin-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Charlotte-
Including the cities of Floyd, Rocky Mount, Lynchburg,
Appomattox, and Keysville
621 AM EST Fri Dec 8 2017

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
4 PM EST SATURDAY…

* WHAT…Snow expected. Initial mix of rain and snow will begin
around the Friday afternoon rush hour. Greatest impact is
expected tonight into early Saturday morning, with precipitation
changing to all snow. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches
can be expected in the central Virginia Piedmont, with 2 to 3
inches of snow accumulation in Floyd and Franklin Counties in
Virginia.

* WHERE…The central Virginia Piedmont, Floyd and Franklin
Counties.

* WHEN…From 4 PM this afternoon to 4 PM EST Saturday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Any accumulation during the daylight hours
Friday will be limited to grassy, elevated surfaces. Snow is
expected to stick to pavement and asphalt surfaces late this
afternoon and tonight, lasting into Saturday. Drive very
cautiously if traveling this evening in the Advisory area, and
be prepared to encounter slippery untreated roads.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

COLD + PRECIPITATION = SNOW? MAYBE

Tommy
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COLD + PRECIPITATION = SNOW? MAYBE
©2009 www.blueridgelife.com : Photo By Tommy Stafford : in this file photo, A VDOT snowplow pushes snow off of Route 151 in Nelson County, Virginia.

Motorists should prepare now for winter weather ahead

LYNCHBURG – While cold and precipitation can result in snow, there is often an element of uncertainty in the forecasts that keep drivers guessing. So, what are motorists and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) supposed to do?

Currently, VDOT’s Lynchburg District is in a “wait and see” mode. Crew members are aware they may be required to work a weather event late this week. Equipment (trucks, plows, spreaders) has been inspected and prepared for response; materials- sand, salt and other abrasives- have been stockpiled for use. All is at the ready!

Crews will not, generally, push snow unless there is a minimum of two inches of coverage. However, any problem areas will be addressed as reported.

Meanwhile, motorists can help keep themselves safe should wintry precipitation occur by:

·         Keeping their eyes on the weather and any changing conditions

·         Being aware of any potentially slick spots such as bridges, overpasses or shaded areas

·         Monitoring traffic conditions and lane closures before traveling at http://www.511virginia.org/ or the 511 mobile app and

·         Updating or creating an emergency kit for your automobile. A helpful tool for this can be found at www.ready.gov/car.

Whether snow makes an appearance this week or not, winter is here and we all must be prepared

Nelson : Santa Makes Annual Appearance At Stoney Creek Tree Lightning (Video)

Yvette Stafford
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Nelson : Santa Makes Annual Appearance At Stoney Creek Tree Lightning (Video)
©2017 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photos By Yvette Stafford : Children from around the area listen as Twas The Night Before Christmas is read during the annual tree lighting and Santa visit at Stoney Creek in Nellysford – Wednesday : December 6, 2017.

Stoney Creek / Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

Santa Claus arrived in style for his annual visit this this past Wednesday evening at Stoney Creek. It’s become a yearly tradition for the tree lighting outside Stoney Creek Bar & Grill along with Santa’s arrival on a real firetruck from Wintergreen Fire & Rescue.


Above in the video clip, Santa arrives on a Wintergreen fire truck at Stoney Creek – December 6, 2017.

Stoney Creek Residents sing Christmas Carols during the annual tree lighting on Wednesday – December 6, 2017.
The annual lighting of the huge magnolia tree at Stoney Creek Bar & Grill has become a popular yearly tradition. Wednesday – December 6, 2017
BRL Juniorette Publisher Peyton Stafford tells Santa her wish list for Christmas during the annual tree lighting in Stoney Creek. Wednesday – December 6, 2017.

Hope everyone was nice and not naughty this year!

See you next year at the annual lighting!

VIRGINIA 2019 INSPECTION STICKERS TO BE RELOCATED ON VEHICLE WINDSHIELD

Yvette Stafford
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VIRGINIA 2019 INSPECTION STICKERS TO BE RELOCATED ON VEHICLE WINDSHIELD
Starting with the Virginia inspection stickers for the 2019 year, they will be placed in the left hand lower corner.

Richmond, Virginia

Information from Virginia State Police.

Effective Jan. 1, 2018, Virginia state inspection stickers will no longer be affixed to the bottom center of a vehicle’s windshield. Due to new innovations in the automotive industry, the state inspection stickers will be placed in the bottom left corner of the windshield, when viewed from inside the vehicle. This change in location will also apply to the placement of any other authorized stickers. There have been no changes made to the size or appearance of the existing vehicle inspection sticker.

The relocation stems from the fact that automobile manufacturers now offer crash avoidance technology in many of their vehicles. In such vehicles, the new technology utilizes the center of the windshield. Therefore the placement of items in that area, including stickers, could prevent crash avoidance systems from operating properly.

“The core mission of the Virginia Safety Inspection Program is to promote highway safety and the crash avoidance technology is another tool provided by manufacturers to ensure vehicles operated on the roadways are safe at all times,” said Capt. R.C. Maxey Jr., Virginia State Police Safety Division Commander. “Therefore, we immediately began evaluating the situation and set forth to make the necessary changes to the Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual, which governs the placement of the safety inspection sticker on all vehicles.”

image001.jpgExisting Virginia vehicle inspection stickers are to remain in their current position – in the bottom center of the windshield. Once a vehicle is inspected and issued a 2019 sticker, the new inspection sticker must be placed in the lower left corner, which is consistent with other states across the nation.

The Virginia State Police Safety Division began Dec. 2, 2017, notifying all Virginia certified inspections stations of the placement change that is to take effect Jan. 1, 2018.

News Alert : Nelson: Commonwealth Attorney & Sheriff Announce Indictments In May 2016 Death Of Shipman Woman

Tommy
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News Alert : Nelson: Commonwealth Attorney & Sheriff Announce Indictments In May 2016 Death Of Shipman Woman
Above Nelson County Commonwealth Attorney Daniel Rutherford & (R) Nelson County Sheriff David Hill made the indictment announcement in the May 2016 death of Samantha Rena Tyree.

Lovingston / Massies Mill
Nelson County, Virginia
By Tommy Stafford

Back in May of 2016 (in this story we broke) we told you about the suspicious death of Samantha Rena Tyree, a 29 year old woman from Shipman, Virginia. At that time her body had been discovered along the banks of a riverbed there.

On Wednesday a Nelson County Grand Jury indicted two people in connection with that death.

Below is the verbatim release from Nelson County Commonwealth Attorney, Daniel Rutherford.

Wednesday afternoon Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Daniel Rutherford and Nelson County Sheriff David Hill announced that a Nelson County Grand Jury returned true bills on November 27, 2017 against Timothy Tyson Ramsey and Miranda Sue Harris for their role in the death of Samantha Rena Tyree, which occurred in May 2016. Both Ramsey and Harris are indicted on one count of accidentally killing Samantha Rena Tyree while in the commission of a felony, which was giving or distributing methamphetamine to Samantha Rena Tyree. Ramsey and Harris are also each charged with one count of feloniously concealing a dead body and distribution of methamphetamine.

The range of punishment for the indictment alleging felony murder is by imprisonment for not less than five years nor more than 40 years. The range of punishment for the indictment alleging feloniously concealing a dead body is for not less than one year nor more than five years. The range of punishment for the indictment alleging the distribution of methamphetamine is by imprisonment for not less than five years nor more than 40 years.

Charges contained in the indictments are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Daniel L. Rutherford, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the County of Nelson, and Erik Laub, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the County of Nelson. It was investigated by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office.

Test Snowmaking Begins At Wintergreen

Tommy
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Test Snowmaking Begins At Wintergreen
Thanks to John Taylor on Devils Knob at Wintergreen for this photo : Off in the distance you can see the snow guns pushing out snow at Wintergreen Resort. Wednesday : December 6, 2017


Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia

It’s just the very beginning, but temps have allowed the crews at Wintergreen Resort to begin test making snow! Conditions over the next several days should allow them to continue as temps will be pretty cold for the forseeable future, especially in the mountains.

Weather Underground PWS KVAWINTE1
Above the temperature at our Nature Foundation at Wintergreen WeatherNow station.

Won’t be too much longer now!!

LYNCHBURG DISTRICT TRAFFIC ALERT December 11-15, 2017

Yvette Stafford
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LYNCHBURG DISTRICT TRAFFIC ALERT December 11-15, 2017

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Highway work requiring road/lane/structure closures is scheduled, weather permitting. Items in italics contain new/updated information. For up-to-date information, call 511 or visit www.511Virginia.org.

Amherst County:
Route 29 Bus S over NS RR- Bridge deck overlay with one 17’ lane. Est. comp. 12/15/17.
Route 29 North to 29 Business – Crew will repair pavement markings.
Route 60 over Pedlar River –One 12’ lane in use with temporary traffic signal during deck repairs. Signs and other traffic control devices in place. Est. completion –December 22.

Appomattox County:
Route 460– Crew will perform sign maintenance.

Buckingham County:
Route 60 – Crew will perform sign maintenance.
Route 662 (Andersonville AHQ) – Crew will work on Rural Rustic project.
Various – Crews will work surfaces and respond to customer concerns.

Campbell County:
Route 460 Business, Timberlake Road – Crew will replace back plates on signals.

Charlotte County:
Route 643 over Branch of Roanoke Creek (642-746) – Road closed 11/13-2/2 for bridge replacement. Detour via 642 and 746.
Routes 807 & 820, Craftons Gate AHQ and Route 698, Phenix AHQ – Rural Rustic projects underway.
Route 1001 – Crew will repair pavement markings.
Various – Crews will work surfaces and respond to customer concerns.

Cumberland County:
Route 60 (622-45) – Sidewalk upgrades, weather permitting. Lane closures will require flagging operations. Estimated completion – December 22.
Various – Crew will work surfaces and respond to customer concerns.

Halifax County:
Route 677 over Polecat Creek (676-763) – Road closed 11/13 – 2/16 for bridge replacement. Detour via 676, and 360.
Bethel and Cluster Springs AHQs – Crews will boom axe and work surfaces.
Volens AHQ – Crew will cut right of way on secondary routes.
Pavement messages – Crew will work on maintenance and repair of messages countywide.
Various–Crews will respond to customer requests.

Lynchburg:
Route 501 S over 29/460 – Bridge deck overlay. Lane closures with 15’ width. Estimated completion 12/15/17.
Route 29/460 (Odd Fellows Rd Int. & Odd Fellows Rd.)– Equipment entering/exiting roadway. Temporary lane closures possible on 460 & Odd Fellows. Est. comp. 8/3/18. Speed – 45 mph.

Nelson County:
No items reported

Pittsylvania County:
Route 29, Gretna AHQ – Crew will clean drop inlet.
Routes 41 and 57 – Crew will repair pavement markings.
Route 694 over Banister River (703-1035) – Road closed 12/4-3/9 for bridge replacement. Detour via 703, 29 and 718.
Gretna and Rondo AHQs – Crews will clean roadsides.
Kentuck AHQ – Crew will limb trees.
Rondo AHQ – Crew will mow at various locations.
Various –Crews will boom axe, work shoulders/surfaces and respond to customers.

Prince Edward County:
Route 460 over Briery Creek – Only one 14’ lane in use during deck repairs. Signs and other traffic control devices in place. Est. completion –December 22.
Route 691, 705 & 784 – Crew will prepare for Rural Rustic projects.
Various – Crew will work surfaces and respond to customer concerns.

District-wide activities:
Bridge maintenance – Crews will perform maintenance on bridges.
Guardrail maintenance – Crews will do guardrail maintenance.
Line painting – Crews will address work orders/requests as weather/schedule permit.
Pipe rehabilitation – Crews will rehab/replace pipe at various locations.

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