Via NWS: The areas in light blue are under a frost advisory from 2AM to 9AM Tuesday.
FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM EDT TUESDAY
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
616 PM EDT Mon Oct 16 2017
Washington-Frederick MD-Carroll-Northern Baltimore-
Extreme Western Allegany-Central and Eastern Allegany-
Northwest Montgomery-Northwest Howard-Northwest Harford-Augusta-
Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-Madison-
Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-
Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-
Jefferson-Hardy-Western Mineral-Eastern Mineral-
Including the cities of Hagerstown, Frederick, Ballenger Creek,
Eldersburg, Westminster, Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Frostburg,
Cumberland, Germantown, Damascus, Lisbon, Jarrettsville,
Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg, Strasburg,
Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market, Winchester, Luray,
Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal, Berryville, Madison,
Washington, Orange, Gordonsville, Culpeper, Warrenton, Turnbull,
Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Romney, Paw Paw,
Martinsburg, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Moorefield, Elk Garden,
Antioch, Keyser, New Creek, Ridgeville, Russelldale, Headsville,
and Fort Ashby
616 PM EDT Mon Oct 16 2017
…FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM EDT
TUESDAY…
* TEMPERATURES…Dropping into the mid 30s by dawn, especially
in the valleys.
* IMPACTS…A Frost Advisory means that widespread frost is
expected. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left
uncovered.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Frost Advisory means that widespread frost is expected.
Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
Photo courtesy of Donna Toms : Three cars collided early Monday morning at the top of Afton Mountain on Route 250 where it meets I-64. Troopers were working to clear the scene as of 9AM. October 16, 2017
Afton Mountain
Route 250 at I-64 Entrance Ramp
As we first pushed in this tweet below:
Motorists report significant car accident with 3 cars involved. Top of Afton Mtn on 250 where you get on 64. Expect delays. Take alternate.
Photo courtesy of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue : A firefighter scales the roof of a home on Devil’s Bend off of Wintergreen Drive early Saturday morning – October 14, 2017. The home was fully ablaze on their arrival.
Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia
By Tommy Stafford
A faulty fireplace most likely caused a morning house fire on Devil’s Bend at Wintergreen Saturday morning. WFD Chief Curtis Sheets speculates that was the cause. “It was occupied, but no injuries,” Chief Sheets tells BRL.
To see additional photos from Saturday’s fire, click on the WFD FB post above.
Though the home received significant damage around the chimney area, Chief Sheets said it was mostly likely salvageable.
Copy via our media partners at CBS-19 Charlottesville
“BC-US–Natural Gas Pipelines,1st Ld-Writethru
US regulators OK Atlantic Coast, Mountain Valley pipelines
Eds: Rewrites with more details. Will be updated.
By SARAH RANKIN
Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – A divided panel of federal regulators granted approvals Friday evening for the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley natural gas pipelines, major East Coast projects.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s authorization had been widely expected by both supporters and opponents of the pipelines. The certificates granted by the commission came with dozens of conditions, and other necessary permits for both projects are still pending.
Both pipelines would start in West Virginia, carrying gas from the Appalachian basin to U.S. markets.
The $3.5 billion, 300-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline would run south from northern West Virginia through the center of the state, cross into Virginia west of Roanoke, and then cut southeast to a point north of Danville. EQT Midstream Partners will operate the pipeline and own a significant interest in the joint venture with other energy companies.
The 600-mile, approximately $5 billion Atlantic Coast Pipeline would start in north-central West Virginia, cross Virginia and bend through eastern North Carolina. Its lead developer is Dominion Energy.
The pipelines have been widely supported by business and political leaders, who say the projects will lower energy costs and boost economic development. But opponents, including environmental groups and landowners, say the projects will infringe on property rights, damage pristine areas and commit the region to fossil fuels just when global warming makes it essential to invest in renewable energy instead.
The approvals mean the pipeline developers will have the authority to use eminent domain to acquire land if they can’t reach an agreement with a landowner.
One of the three commissioners, Cheryl LaFleur, dissented, writing that she couldn’t conclude either project was in the public interest.
That determination was “heavily influenced by similarities in their respective routes, impact, and timing,” she wrote.
“Given the environmental impacts and possible superior alternatives, approving these two pipeline projects on this record is not a decision I can support,” wrote LaFleur, an appointee of President Barack Obama.”
Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal crash that occurred October 11, 2017 in Nelson County.
Around 5:15 p.m. last Wednesday (Oct. 11), Trooper T.A. Hackenbracht was called to a single-vehicle crash on Route 666 (Woodson Road). A 1999 Infinity I-30 sedan was traveling northbound on Route 666 about a quarter mile north of Route 630 (Dillard Hill Road) when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The sedan ran off the left side of the road, struck a tree and overturned in a creek.
The driver – Jamie L. Mays, 35, of Lowesville, Va. – was the only occupant of the vehicle. He was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The crash remains under investigation.
Susan Rowland
Public Relations Coordinator
Virginia State Police
I-81 NORTHBOUND LANE AND ON-RAMP OVERNIGHT CLOSURES OCTOBER 16-20 IN AUGUSTA COUNTY
Staunton, VA
Overnight lane and ramp closures are scheduled for October 16-20 on northbound Interstate 81 at exit 213 (Greenville) in Augusta County. The traffic restrictions allow contractors to extend the northbound I-81 acceleration lane as part of the exit 213 interchange improvements.
On Monday through Thursday nights from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.:
· The right lane of northbound I-81 will be closed from mile marker 212 to 214.
· The on-ramp from Route 11 (Lee-Jackson Highway) to northbound I-81 will be closed. Signs will direct motorists to continue north on Route 11 about 4.5 miles, then turn right on Route 654 (White Hill Road) to access the interstate at exit 217.
These lane and ramp closures are scheduled to be complete by 7 a.m. on the morning of Friday, October 20. All work is weather permitting.
The I-81 exit 213 project includes extensions of the northbound and southbound acceleration lanes. The project was selected for funding through Virginia’s SMART SCALE program for prioritizing transportation projects. In February 2017, The Virginia Department of Transportation awarded a $1,054,458.96 construction contract to Kickin’ Asphalt Paving and Excavating of Strasburg, Va. This project is scheduled for completion in late 2017.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at http://www.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 https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.
The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton. VDOT can be followed on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located at http://www.VirginiaDOT.org.
The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.
Richard Thomas who played John-Boy Walton in the long running CBS TV series The Waltons will be in Schuyler, Virginia October 20-22. Schuyler is the birthplace of the late Earl Hamner, Jr. The Waltons was created out of his childhood experiences growing up there.
Schuyler
Nelson County, Virginia
By Jennie T. Williams
For the first time since 1973, John-Boy Walton is coming home to Schuyler.
Richard Thomas played John-Boy, the oldest of seven children, in the hit tv series The Waltons from 1971 to 1981. He visited Earl Hamner, The Waltons’ creator, and his mother in Schuyler, the town where the show takes place, in the early 1970s, but due to scheduling conflicts hasn’t been able to make it back for any other cast reunions or Waltons Mountain Museum events since.
“Any time I do anything related to the show it feels like a homecoming,” said Thomas. “But I was only in Schuyler once — many, many, many, many, many, years ago. So while it’s a homecoming in the sense that I’ll be connected to the show again, it’s actually sort of a first-time thing for me.”
Thomas is the special guest of the Waltons Mountain Museum 25th Anniversary weekend, Oct. 20-22. Events for the weekend include several autograph shows, featuring Richard Thomas and other special surprise guests, a banquet programs, and a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new addition to the Museum, the Pony Cart Room.
“We’ve made some wonderful additions to the Hamner home to keep Earl’s legacy alive,” said Ray Castro, a third owner of the Waltons Hamner House, formerly the Hamner Homeplace. “And that’s basically what our goal is: to make sure that The Waltons and Earl’s work and his legacy continue long after we’re gone.”
Thomas remembers Hamner, who was born and raised in Schuyler and passed away in 2016 at the age of 92, as a true southern gentleman.
“He had a great run so want whatever he was having,” said Thomas. “He obviously was the father of our show and the father of our success. He was a wonderful writer and a terrific man with a great sense of humor and a very generous spirit.”
The weekend of events kicks off on Friday October 20th at 11:30 AM until 12 Noon at the new Walton’s Hamner House. Richard Thomas will cut the ribbon there officially opening the home.
Above is a complete listing of the events that follow the ribbon cutting.
Photo courtesy of VRLTA : Above Matt Nucci – far left – along with Mandi Smack and Taylor Smack co-owners and founders of Blue Mountain Brewery receive their Best Brewery award from The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association .
Richmond / Afton
The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 VRLTA Ordinary Awards. Recipients were honored at a special dinner at The Westin Richmond on October 2, 2017 in Richmond, Virginia. The winners were announced in front of a sold out audience of more than 175 hospitality and travel industry peers and leaders from across the state.
This was VRLTA’s second consecutive year hosting the Ordinary Awards, which were sponsored by Visit Fairfax, Virginia Business, and Woodford Reserve, which is the evening’s exclusive bourbon sponsor.
During the event, VRLTA honored Speaker of the House William J. Howell with the Legislator of the Year Award for his support of hospitality and tourism during his tenure. Tony DiFilippo, President and CEO of VisitNorfolk, was also honored before the audience with a Golden Pineapple Lifetime Achievement Award for his work to grow the tourism industry in Norfolk and throughout the Commonwealth.
The following individuals and businesses were selected from the more than 100 nominees:
Bartender of the Year
Mary Garriques, Capital Ale House Downtown Richmond
Charlie Buser Award for Attraction Employee of the Year
Dana Staniunas, Massanutten Resort
Hotel Employee of the Year
Rocqui Camm, Delta Hotels by Marriott Richmond Downtown
Restaurant Employee of the Year
Connlan Hogan, Capital Ale House Harrisonburg
Chef of the Year
Tony Cochones, Glory Days Grill restaurants
Supplier of the Year
Jo Diedrich, LeisureMedia360
Rising Pineapple Award for Hospitality & Tourism Student of the Year
Lauren Schlenker, Virginia Tech
Brewery of the Year
Blue Mountain Brewery + Blue Mountain Barrel House, Afton + Arrington
Distillery of the Year
Copper Fox Distillery, Sperryville + Williamsburg
Winery of the Year
Williamsburg Winery, Williamsburg
Hotelier of the Year
Geoff Lawson, The National Conference Center
Jim Ricketts Award for DMO/CVB Employee of the Year
Dan Cook, Discover Prince William & Manassas
Jim Wordsworth Award for Restaurateur of the Year
Tony Stafford, Ford’s Fish Shack restaurants
Attraction of the Year
Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company’s Chincoteague Pony Penning
Restaurant of the Year
Wicker’s Crab Pot Seafood, Chesapeake
Hotel of the Year
The National Conference Center, Leesburg
“The winners of the 2017 Ordinary Awards represent all the extraordinary people and companies that make up Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry,” said Eric Terry President of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association. “On behalf of the VRLTA, our staff, and board, we applaud the efforts of this individuals for the exemplary work they have done and will continue to do.”
About the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA)
The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association is the only unified voice for the restaurant, lodging, travel and hospitality suppliers associations. VRLTA creates value for members by promoting the legislative interests of the industry, networking, educational opportunities, and protecting free enterprise. Inquiries about membership and VRLTA services should be directed to VRLTA at (804) 288-3065 or VRLTA.org.
Photo courtesy of Randy Hite : A school bus and semi truck collided Thursday afternoon on US 29 near Floyd Lane. No one on the bus was injured. October 5, 2017
Faber
US 29 Near Floyd Lane
No one was injured Thursday afternoon when a Nelson County school bus was involved in an accident on US 29 North near Floyd Lane. According to information posted on their Facebook page a substitute bus was involved in the accident.
“During the evening bus run today, Bus Number 10, a substitute for Bus Number 24, was involved in an accident on Route 29 North near Floyd Lane. Thankfully, the one student on board and the driver escaped injury but are most likely still shaken up by the experience. We are thankful for the assistance of our local emergency crews who helped clear the accident and directed traffic to avoid additional mishaps.”
As of late Thursday afternoon crews were working to clear the scene and get traffic flowing normally again.
