24.9 F
Nellysford
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
type here...
Home Blog Page 141

BRP & Skyline Drive : WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY – CANCELED

Tommy
-
0
BRP & Skyline Drive : WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY – CANCELED

VIA NWS : A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY continues until 6AM Monday for a small portion of the area along the Blue Ridge Parkway & Skyline Drive.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY CANCELLED
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC

305 AM EST MON DEC 5 2016

EXTREME WESTERN ALLEGANY-WESTERN HIGHLAND-EASTERN HIGHLAND-
NORTHERN VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE-CENTRAL VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE-

WESTERN GRANT-WESTERN MINERAL-WESTERN PENDLETON-EASTERN PENDLETON-

305 AM EST MON DEC 5 2016
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED…
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS
CANCELLED THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY.
Original post below 

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
1253 PM EST SUN DEC 4 2016

NORTHERN VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE-CENTRAL VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE-
1253 PM EST SUN DEC 4 2016

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
6 AM EST MONDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS
ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW…SLEET AND FREEZING
RAIN…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 6 AM EST
MONDAY.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE…SNOW…SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN.

* ACCUMULATIONS…UP TO 1 INCH OF SNOW AND SLEET…ALONG WITH UP
TO A TENTH OF AN INCH OF ICE.

* TIMING…A WINTRY MIX OF SNOW…SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN WILL
OVERSPREAD THE AREA BETWEEN 5 PM AND 9 PM THIS EVENING.
PRECIPITATION WILL CHANGE TO FREEZING RAIN OVERNIGHT BEFORE
ENDING TOWARD DAWN.

* IMPACTS…UNTREATED ROADS AND SIDEWALKS WILL BECOME SLICK AND
HAZARDOUS DUE TO ICE AND SNOW.

* WINDS…SOUTH 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES…IN THE LOW 30S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW…SLEET…OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES…AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Nelson : Follow-up On Closure Of Re-Use (Free) Shed At Rockfish Valley Recycle Site

Yvette Stafford
-
0
Nelson : Follow-up On Closure Of Re-Use (Free) Shed At Rockfish Valley Recycle Site
Photo courtesy of Victoria Jenkins : Victoria Jenkins holds up a clipboard showing some of the 300+ signatures she got this past Saturday during the INdoor Market held at the Rockfish Valley Community Center in Greenfield / Afton.
Photo courtesy of Victoria Jenkins : Victoria Jenkins holds up a clipboard showing some of the 300+ signatures she got this past Saturday during the Indoor Market held at the Rockfish Valley Community Center in Greenfield / Afton.

Greenfield / Afton
Nelson County, Virginia

On Friday of last week we told you about the closing of the very popular Re-Use (or Free Shed) at the Rockfish Valley recycle / dump center just off Route 151 near the community center in Greenfield. Since then a petition drive has been started by Victoria Jenkins. She’s already got over 300 signatures opposing the closure.

“I had an amazing time at RVCC’S Indoor Market today. What fun to connect with so many community members and talk about the “Free Shed”, a passionate subject for so many people. It was great for me to share my ideas, and also, to listen to all the stories. Thanks to everyone for their signatures, their stories and their solutions. We got a total of 309 signatures in just over 4 hours,” Victoria told us.

©2016 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photos By Yvette Stafford : Closed signs cover the locked doors of the Re-Use Shed at the Rockfish Valley Recycle Center at the Greenfield / Afton locations. Friday - December 2, 2016
©2016 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photos By Yvette Stafford : Closed signs cover the locked doors of the Re-Use Shed at the Rockfish Valley Recycle Center at the Greenfield / Afton locations. Friday – December 2, 2016

The closure of the shed at the Rockfish Valley location has become a hot button issue. Tyler Hawn with CBS-19 out of Charlottesville did a story on the closure Sunday.

“Besides talking to the people interested in keeping the shed, I got a chance to talk with several people who did not want the shed to stay, including a chance meeting and conversation with a staff member just outside the Treasure Chest. Later, I visited and talked with 2 other staff members down at the site to get their opinions.

Looking from all sides, it’s clear that the current problems about the shed are problems created on both sides. The abuse cited by Mr. Carter is coming from both the public and from the staff. There are dated, unclear, unrealistic, and contradictory “Guidelines” posted on the shed that are not being respected by the public or the staff. Bending or breaking the rules, whether it’s done to help someone else out, or whether it’s done to help themselves out, is why the shed is not working,” Victoria went on to tell us.

Photo By Victoria Jenkins : Folks park in front of the Re-Use Shed at the Rockfish Valley location before it was closed last week by the county.
Photo By Victoria Jenkins : Folks park in front of the Re-Use Shed at the Rockfish Valley location before it was closed last week by the county.

Victoria said she has some ideas on how to improve the situation, but not close the shed.

Solutions for keeping the “Free Shed” at Rockfish:

-Move the shed to another location within the site for better entrance flow.
-Reduce the time the shed is open, especially evening winter hours after dark.
-Have the shed open less days per week. Maybe open on Thurs.,Fri.,Sat.,Sun.
-Create a definite no parking zone (painted on the blacktop) in front of the door.
-Hire a staff member to monitor and run the shed.
-Set up a volunteer system to help monitor and run the shed.
-Rewrite, update, and post the new guidelines visibly and clearly on the shed entrance.
-Have the staff all “on board” with the new guidelines.

We will continue following this story and post updates when we have them.

Nelson : Rockfish Valley Re-Use Shed Shut Down

Yvette Stafford
-
0
Nelson : Rockfish Valley Re-Use Shed Shut Down
©2016 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photos By Yvette Stafford : Closed signs cover the locked doors of the Re-Use Shed at the Rockfish Valley Recycle Center at the Greenfield / Afton locations. Friday - December 2, 2016
©2016 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photos By Yvette Stafford : Closed signs cover the locked doors of the Re-Use Shed at the Rockfish Valley Recycle Center at the Greenfield / Afton location. Friday – December 2, 2016

Greenfield / Afton
Nelson County, Virginia

In a phone conversation this afternoon, Nelson County administrator Steve Carter cited safety and traffic issues as being the reason why the Rockfish Valley Re-Use Shed was closed yesterday.

“We’ve had people fight over items … Children have been allowed to run around the site … It’s sort of a Wild West situation there,” he said.

Plastic wire ties hold the doors shit at the recently closed Re-Use Shed at the Rockfish Valley Recycling Center in Greenfield. Friday - December 2, 2016.
Plastic wire ties hold the doors shut at the recently closed Re-Use Shed at the Rockfish Valley Recycling Center in Greenfield. Friday – December 2, 2016.

The shed may be removed as early as Monday. The Rockfish Valley shed is the only one shut down, Carter said. The other sites — which are larger and not as congested — aren’t affected.

A petition is in the process of being circulated in hopes the administration will reverse its decision. Once we have it in our inbox, we will post it.

Developing …

Amherst : Mount Pleasant Roads & Trails Now Open!

Yvette Stafford
-
0
Amherst : Mount Pleasant Roads & Trails Now Open!

usfs

Natural Bridge, Virginia
December 2, 2016

Via USFS

“The USDA Forest Service worked with the Virginia Department of Forestry and a Montana Type 3 Incident Management Team, to contain the wildfire burning on the George Washington National Forest and private land in and around the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area in Amherst County.

The final acreage of the fire is 11,229 acres in size. The combination of good initial response, good interagency cooperation and moderating winds contributed to the successful outcome. No structures were lost and only one firefighter reported a minor injury. The cooperation of the community and its residents was appreciated by all those involved in the suppression efforts.

All closures have been rescinded and the area is now open to recreation again. Please be aware that some hazards remain as a result of the fire. Trees that have been burned and damaged will continue to fall for some time. Use extra caution when accessing the forest in the coming weeks. Smoke will continue to come from the interior for some time. Interior smokes do not need to be reported, they will burn out over the next few days/weeks. Exercise care within the burned area.

As of December 2, 2016: All roads and trails in the area are now open.

As of December 2, 2016: The Appalachian Trail is now open.

The fire ban is still in place for the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests to maintain public safety and protect forest resources during extreme drought. Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire is prohibited on National Forest lands outside of developed recreation areas. For more information regarding the fire ban contact your local Ranger District office or visit the forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/gwj.”

Wintergreen : Snowmaking Resumes! : Opening Day Is December 17th!

Tommy
-
0
Wintergreen : Snowmaking Resumes! : Opening Day Is December 17th!
Photo Courtesy of Wintergreen Resort : With cold temps back in the air snowmaking resumed Friday morning at Wintergreen.
Photo Courtesy of Wintergreen Resort : With cold temps back in the air snowmaking resumed Friday morning at Wintergreen.

Wintergreen
Nelson County, VA

Warmer temps last week made Wintergreen Resort stop making snow for a bit, but the colder temps that moved in over the last 24 hours have allowed them to start making snow once again!

Nelson : Nellysford : Santa’s Mailbox Ready For Letters To North Pole!

Yvette Stafford
-
0
Nelson : Nellysford : Santa’s Mailbox Ready For Letters To North Pole!
©™2016 Blue RIdge Life Magazine : Photos By Tommy Stafford : This special mailbox has been set up inside at the Nellysford Post Office for those special letters to Santa! : Tuesday - November 30, 2016
©™2016 Blue RIdge Life Magazine : Photos By Tommy Stafford : This special mailbox has been set up inside at the Nellysford Post Office for those special letters to Santa! :

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

November is over and December is here! That means Christmas is just a few weeks away. The postmaster in Nellysford has set up a special red post office box just for Santa, so he can get those important Christmas lists in plenty of time.

To be sure Santa gets the letters in time, the postmaster is asking kids to get their letters in the special red mailbox by December 16th.
To be sure Santa gets the letters in time, the postmaster is asking kids to get their letters in the special red mailbox by December 16th.

Naughty or nice? Get your letters off to Santa soon!

Amherst : FINAL UPDATE : MOUNT PLEASANT FIRE – 95% Contained (11.29.16 – 9:30 AM)

Tommy
-
0
Amherst : FINAL UPDATE : MOUNT PLEASANT FIRE – 95% Contained (11.29.16 – 9:30 AM)

Mount Pleasant Scenic Area
Amherst County, Virginia

Good news out of Amherst in this final update from the wildfires that had been burning for well over a week. In the last of the briefings from the US Forestry Service, the fire is now 95% contained as of Tuesday morning. With around an inch of rain falling by Tuesday at noon and more on the way, the threat appear to be over.

Below the last briefing, verbatim, on the fire.

Mount Pleasant Fire
Tuesday, November 29, 2016, 9:30

Contact: Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts
Containment: 95%
Cause: Unknown
Protection: Amherst County
Location: Mount Pleasant Scenic Area, Thrasher’s Creek Community
Ownership: USDA Forest Service, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts
Start Date: Saturday November 19th, 2016 approx. 06:15 PM
Type of Incident: Wildfire
Size: 11,229 Acres
Resources: Engines: 4, Hand Crews: 2 IA Modules, Bulldozers: 1, Helicopters: 1, Overhead Personnel: 3, Total Personnel: 40
MOUNT PLEASANT FIRE – FINAL UPDATE

Yesterday, fire resources continued providing structure protection, patrolling containment lines and mopping-up. Some much needed rain fell over the fire area overnight. The weather forecast is for scattered rain continuing through Wednesday.

Command of the fire will transition from Incident Commander Dave Hamilton’s Montana Department of Natural Resources Type 3 County Assist Team to a type 4 organization led by Incident Commander Chris Henrie Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. Resources remaining on the fire will continue to mop-up and patrol in the coming days.

On behalf of the firefighters, their agencies and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation County Assistance Team Incident Commander David Hamilton, we thank everyone from the community that supported the efforts for the Mount Pleasant fire. We also want to express our appreciation for the efforts of the Glenwood/Pedlar Ranger District, Virginia Department of Forestry, and Pedlar Fire Department for their initial attack for the first couple of days under difficult firefighting conditions. Their efforts helped us achieve success. Thank You to everyone!

Virginia Department of Transportation has opened both the North Fork Road (SR635) and Thrasher’s Creek Road (SR617). Forest Service road closures are still in effect as crews continue mop up operations.
Road Closures:
· The Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area is temporarily closed due to fire activities. All roads and trails within the Scenic Area are temporarily closed including
· Wiggins Spring Road/Hog Camp Gap Road (FR #48) is closed from the junction at State Route 634 (Coffeytown Road) through to Salt Log Gap
· Coon Bridge Road (FR #1167)
· Cow Camp Road (FR #520)
· Fletcher Mountain Road (FR #507)
Trail Closures:
· Appalachian National Scenic Trail (FT #1) from Long Mountain Wayside to Salt Log Gap
· Old Hotel Trail (FT #515)
· Henry Lanum Trail (FT #702)
· Mt. Pleasant Trail (FT #704)

Former Nelson County Sheriff Pleads To Two Counts : Will Not Serve Jail Time (Via CBS-19 & WDBJ-7)

Yvette Stafford
-
0
Former Nelson County Sheriff Pleads To Two Counts : Will Not Serve Jail Time (Via CBS-19 & WDBJ-7)

Lynchburg, Virginia

“A former Nelson County Sheriff has entered a plea that prosecutors say will effectively end his law enforcement career.
According to WDBJ, David Brooks entered Alford pleas on Monday to malfeasance and illegally disseminating images of another person.
An Alford plea means Brooks maintains his innocence while admitting there is enough evidence to convict him. In exchange, counts of illegal filming and a felony count of embezzlement were dropped.”

Previous history here.

More details below from WDBJ-7 or above from CBS-19 Charlottesville.

Amherst : Mount Pleasant Fire Update : 90% Contained – 11/28/16 (10 AM)

Tommy
-
0
Amherst : Mount Pleasant Fire Update : 90% Contained – 11/28/16 (10 AM)
Photo By Lukay Photography : Debbie Wilson : Smoke rises from the wildfire in the Mount Pleasant Scenic area last week. The fire has now taken in over 11,000 acres.
Photo By Lukay Photography : Debbie Wilson : Smoke rises from the wildfire in the Mount Pleasant Scenic area last week. The fire has now taken in over 11,000 acres.

Mount Pleasant Scenic Area
Thrasher’s Creek Community
Amherst County, Virginia

The battle against a wildfire in Amherst County that’s been ongoing for over a week now, continues.

But firefighters have made tremendous progress on the fire, and with approaching rains Tuesday and Wednesday, it should help put the fire out, hopefully for good.

Below the morning update, verbatim, from the US Forest Service:

Don Pyrah, Fire Information Officer
Containment: 90%
Cause: Unknown
Location: Mount Pleasant Scenic Area, Thrasher’s Creek Community
Protection: Amherst County
Start Date: Saturday November 19th, 2016 approx. 06:15 PM
Ownership: USDA Forest Service, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts
Type of Incident: Wildfire
Size: 11,229 Acres
Resources: Engines 22, Hand Crews 2 Type 2, 10 Type 2IA and IA Modules, Bulldozers 1, Helicopters 1, Overhead Personnel 60, Total Personnel 305

REHABILITATION EFFORTS BEGIN

Yesterday, firefighters on all areas of the fire continued efforts to strengthen containment lines. Their efforts included mop-up, structure protection, and patrol. Resources assigned to the fire also began assessing efforts for fire line rehabilitation.

Today fire resources will continue providing structure protection, patrolling containment lines and mop-up.

The weather forecast is for significant rain over the fire area beginning Monday evening and extending through Wednesday.

Road Closures:
· North Fork Road (SR 635) closed at Panther Mountain (FR #1286)
· Thrasher’s Creek Road (SR 617) is closed at Molly’s Mountain due to firefighting activities. Local traffic will be permitted
· The Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area is temporarily closed due to fire activities. All roads and trails within the Scenic Area are temporarily closed including
· Wiggins Spring Road/Hog Camp Gap Road (FR #48) is closed from the junction at State Route 634 (Coffeytown Road) through to Salt Log Gap
· Coon Bridge Road (FR #1167)
· Cow Camp Road (FR #520)
· Fletcher Mountain Road (FR #507)
Trail Closures:
· Appalachian National Scenic Trail (FT #1) from Long Mountain Wayside to Salt Log Gap
· Old Hotel Trail (FT #515)
· Henry Lanum Trail (FT #702)
· Mt. Pleasant Trail (FT #704)

Changing Weather Pattern Will Bring Much Needed Rainfall This Week!

Tommy
-
0
Changing Weather Pattern Will Bring Much Needed Rainfall This Week!

Central Virginia Blue Ridge

It’s been a long, long time since we’ve seen any appreciable rainfall across the Blue Ridge. That’s all about to change over the next 2-3 days with a couple of different rounds headed our way. The first arrives late Monday night into Tuesday, the second arrives on Wednesday. The more significant rainfall is Wednesday’s.

This is great news for those fighting the wildfire in Amherst County that’s taken in over 11,000 acres.

For more details, click on NWS Blackburg’s page at the top and listen to my weathercast down below.

Enjoy the rain!

1...140141142...760Page 141 of 760
- Advertisement -

© Copyright - Blue Ridge Life Magazine