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Veritas’ Starry Nights Says So Long To 2015 Season

Yvette Stafford
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Veritas’ Starry Nights Says So Long To 2015 Season
©2015 Blue Ridge Life : Photos By Paul Purpura : After a rainy start earlier in the day, folks enjoyed a cool and rain free evening for the final Starry Nights of the 2015 season held this past Saturday - September 12, 2015 at Veritas.
©2015 Blue Ridge Life : Photos By Paul Purpura : After a rainy start earlier in the day, folks enjoyed a cool and rain free evening for the final Starry Nights of the 2015 season held this past Saturday – September 12, 2015 at Veritas.

Afton
Nelson County, Virginia
With a crispness in the air, folks said so long to the final Starry Nights of the season at Veritas Vineyard & Winery in Afton. The night featured Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees along with Chamomile and Whiskey

To see more of Paul’s pictures from Starry Nights check out our Facebook album below.

See you next year for the 2016 season!

Saturday (09/12) was the last Starry Nights Celebration at Veritas Winery. The rains that came earlier in the day moved…

Posted by Blue Ridge Life Magazine on Sunday, September 13, 2015

Severe Storms Rip Through Lockn’ Festival Grounds – Rescheduled To Open Friday

Yvette Stafford
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Severe Storms Rip Through Lockn’ Festival Grounds – Rescheduled To Open Friday

Screengrab courtesy of CBS-19 The Newsplex : Severe thunderstorms ripped through the Lockn' Festival ground in Arrington at Oak Ridge Estate late Wednesday afternoon - September 9. 2015
Screengrab courtesy of CBS-19 The Newsplex : Severe thunderstorms ripped through the Lockn’ Festival grounds in Arrington at Oak Ridge Estate late Wednesday afternoon – September 9. 2015 Click on image above for the story from our media partners over at CBS-19.


Arrington
Nelson County, Virginia

Just before 11pm Wednesday night organizers of Lockn’ announced the Thursday performances have been cancelled and the campgrounds would be closed until assessments and repairs could be made. 

Their statement below:

“IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE LOCKN’ ORGANIZERS: Opening of Campgrounds Delayed Until Further Notice and Thursday Performances Canceled

Earlier this evening, a severe thunderstorm with high winds passed over Lockn’ and caused damage to the festival grounds, particularly the parking and campground area. The good news is that no one was injured and the entire team is focused on cleaning up and preparing for a great festival. The unfortunate news is that we will be forced to delay the opening of the campgrounds and cancel Thursday’s performances in order to give the team the time necessary to make sure the festival grounds are safe for both our guests and our artists.

Despite the inconvenience the storm has caused, we count ourselves lucky that everyone is safe and that we have three great days of music ahead of us. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Stay tuned for new campgrounds opening times and other updates.”


Original post 

Severe thunderstorms moved through SE Nelson County late in the afternoon Wednesday causing significant damage to portions of the tent and RV areas of the Lockn’ grounds at Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington. “I don’t know how our medical tent is still standing, but it is…I have never seen such force…our tent flaps were nearly straight out and rain drove way inside…tremendous force,” said Betsy Smith of Roseland. Betsy is an RN at this year’s festival.

Video courtesy of Gouda Boys. Click above image to see video of the dameg Wednesday afternoon.
Video courtesy of Gouda Boys. Click above image to see video of the damage Wednesday afternoon.
“We had heavy lightning winds of approximately 50 miles per hour. Hail and heavy rain. Crews will be working through Wednesday night,” Wintergreen Fire & Rescue Chief Curtis Sheets added.

Around 5:20 PM Wednesday The National Weather Service had issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for that part of Nelson County.

Lockn’ 2015 will kick off on Thursday September 10th and run through September 13th.

 

 

Unofficial End To Summer Winds Down

Yvette Stafford
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Unofficial End To Summer Winds Down
Photos By Mountain Photographer Paul Purpura : Click on the image above to see more of Paul's photos from our Facebook album.
Photos By Mountain Photographer Paul Purpura : Click on the image above to see more of Paul’s photos from our Facebook album.

Wintergreen
Nelson County, VA
The unofficial end to summer wrapped up Monday as most folks headed back after a Labor Day weekend stretching for three days. Lots of activities were happening across the Blue Ridge including a bike and foot race held at Wintergreen Resort. You can see those pics by clicking on the photo above.

Tommy says this week will feel like summer for sure! Though the official end to summer happens on September 23 at 4:21 A.M. (ET) Temps will be around the 90 degree mark for the first part of this week, but cooling into the 70’s for daytime highs by the second half of the coming weekend. Listen to his forecast below.

Big Storms Move Through Blue Ridge Area – Flooding In Waynesboro

Yvette Stafford
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Big Storms Move Through Blue Ridge Area – Flooding In Waynesboro
©2014 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photo By Tommy Stafford : This dashcam shot taken Wednesday afternoon looking south toward Brents Gap shows some dark ominious clouds. A heavy line moved across the Central Blue Ridge Area around 5PM. September 2, 2015.
©2014 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photo By Tommy Stafford : This dashcam shot taken Wednesday afternoon looking south toward Brents Gap shows some dark ominious clouds. A heavy line moved across the Central Blue Ridge Area around 5PM. September 2, 2015.

Central Virginia Blue Ridge
A line of heavy thunderstorms moved across the area Wednesday afternoon resulting in high winds, heavy rains and some vivid lightning.

Our BRLM Weathernet stations had each picked up over 1/2″ of rain by 6:30 PM Wednesday evening with heavier amounts in other locations. Our BRL-Trager Brother’s station had .53″ of rain by 6:30 PM Wednesday. Up at 3500′ our BRL-Nature Foundation at Wintergreen station has .90″.

Some power outages were also reported as shown below in our tweet just after 6:30PM Wednesday evening.

 

Screengrab courtesy of WHSV television Harrisonburg : By far one of the worst areas hit was Waynesboro with flooding in some parts of the city. Click on the image above to read more from WHSV.
Screengrab courtesy of WHSV television Harrisonburg : By far one of the worst areas hit was Waynesboro with flooding in some parts of the city. Click on the image above to read more from WHSV.
Photo By Helen Taylor Pannell: Some small hail was reported in Massies Mill in SW Nelson County.
Photo By Helen Taylor Pannell: Some dime to nickle sized hail was reported in Massies Mill in SW Nelson County.


Tommy says we can expect more scattered thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon as well, but the Labor Day Weekend is looking very nice!

Nelson: VSP Investigating Fatal Traffic Crash

Yvette Stafford
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Nelson: VSP Investigating Fatal Traffic Crash

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

Via Virginia State Police

vsp graphic

Virginia State Police Trooper J.A. Barbour is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash in Nelson County. At 11:44 a.m., on Sunday (Aug. 30), Trooper Barbour responded to the scene of the crash on Route 29 at the intersection of Callohill Drive.

A 2005 Toyota Scion was traveling north on Route 29 when it made a left turn onto Callohill Drive. As the Scion turned, it pulled into the path of a southbound 2006 GMC Canyon. The vehicles collided in the intersection.

The driver of the Scion, Charlotte M. Bertsche, 76, of Lovingston, Va., was transported to UVA Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. She was wearing a seat belt.

The passenger of the Scion, Anne C. Currie, 88, of Lovingston, Va., was transported to UVA Hospital, where she died later Sunday. She was wearing a seat belt.

The driver of the GMC, Keith A. Hall, 59, of Lynchburg, Va., was not injured in the crash. He was wearing a seat belt.

Charges are pending. The crash remains under investigation.

Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police

LYNCHBURG DISTRICT TRAFFIC ALERT : September 6-12, 2015

Yvette Stafford
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LYNCHBURG DISTRICT TRAFFIC ALERT : September 6-12, 2015

VDOT_Logo

LYNCHBURG

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

Amherst County: Don Austin, Residency Administrator
Route 501/130 (Snowden) – Traffic control/flaggers in use. Use caution, expect delays. End: 4/21/17.
Route 643 over Horsley Creek and Route 635 connection – Thru 10/15/15, bridge replacement and approach work. Traffic control devices and flaggers in use. Use caution; expect delays.
Various – Plant mix schedules underway. Be alert and expect delays.

Appomattox County: Don Austin, Residency Administrator
Route 667 over Wreck Island – Road will be closed between Rt. 608 – Rt. 611 from 8/10 – 10/30 for bridge replacement. Detour via Rt. 608, 653, 721, 611.
Various locations – Plant mix and surface treatment schedules underway. Be alert, use caution and expect delays.

Buckingham County: Kevin Wright, Residency Administrator
Route 631 (20 – 700) – Road closure in effect with detour using Route 700. Est. comp. 9/18/15.
Various locations –Plant mix operations will take place. Flaggers and pilot vehicles will assist. Crews will make surface repairs, mow and respond to customer requests.

Campbell County: Don Austin, Residency Administrator
Route 29 – Crews will inspect overhead signs at various locations on 9/15-16. Temporary lane closures are possible.
Route 643 over Falling River –Road closed and detour in place through 7/22/16 for bridge replacement and approach work. Traffic control devices/flaggers in use. Expect delays.

Charlotte County: Kevin Wright, Residency Administrator
Route 603 over Branch – Bluestone Creek – Road closed 9/8-9/25 for culvert work. Detour: 607 and 603.
Route 634 (Craftons Gate AHQ) – Crews will replace pipe.
Craftons Gate AHQ – Crews will boom axe.
Phenix AHQ – Crews will cut brush and make shoulder repairs.
Various – Crews will make surface repairs, mow and respond to customers.

Cumberland County: Kevin Wright, Residency Administrator
Route 620 (Amelia/Cumberland line) – Closed for structure replacement. Detour: 621, 13, 654 & 600.
Various locations – Surface treatment operations continue. Flaggers will assist in work zones. Crews will work surfaces, mow and respond to customers.

Halifax County: Kenneth Martin, Residency Administrator
Route 675 (Rt. 756 – Rt. 665) –Road closed 7/13-9/18 for bridge replacement. Detour via Rt. 57.
Various –Plant mix schedule is underway. Expect delays. Crews will also mow, perform surface work and respond to customer requests.
Volens AHQ – Crews will boom axe.

Nelson County: Don Austin, Residency Administrator
Route 56 (Rt 722 – Rt 648) –Plant mix operations from Monday, Sept. 7 to Friday, Sept. 11. Be alert, use caution and expect delays. Flaggers and pilot vehicles will assist motorists.
Route 814 (Blue Ridge Parkway to Augusta Co. line) –Plant mix operations from Monday, Sept. 14 to Friday, Sept. 18. Be alert, use caution and expect delays. Flaggers and pilot vehicles will assist motorists.

Pittsylvania County: Kenneth Martin, Residency Administrator
Route 644 (Rt. 750 – Rt 799) –Closed 8/17– early Sept for culvert replacement. Detour 750, 649 and 799.
Route 676- Bridge replacement; road closed through 11/18/15. Detour in place.
Route 713 (Rt. 714 – 729) – Road will be closed for pipe replacement. Detour via 714, 360, 726 and 729.
Route 726 – Be alert to improvements, including turn lanes for local and school traffic. Signs and other traffic control devices in place. Estimated completion-April 29, 2016.
Route 758- Crews will work on rural rustic project.
Brosville, Gretna, Kentuck and Mt. Airy AHQ- Crews will boom axe.
Brosville, Kentuck, Mt. Airy and Rondo AHQ – Crews will work shoulders.
Various – Plant mix work is underway. Expect delays. Crews will work surfaces/ditches, mow, and respond to customers.

Prince Edward County: Kevin Wright, Residency Administrator
Route 643, Back Hampden Sydney Road – Road under construction near Route 644 to 0.899 miles east of Route 644- Traffic controlled by flaggers; speed limit reduced.. Est. completion – April 2016.
Route 664 over Tributary of Buffalo Creek – Road closed between Rt. 665 and 669 from 8/24-9/11 for culvert rehabilitation. Detour via 665, 670, and 669.
Various routes – Crews will perform surface treatment operations at various locations Flaggers will assist in work zones. Crews will work surfaces, mow, cut brush, clean ditches, and respond to customers.

District-wide activities:
Bridge and guardrail maintenance – Crews will perform bridge/guardrail maintenance.
Surface treatment – Surface treatment underway at various locations. . Be alert and expect delays.

Update: Person Falls To Death Saturday At Crabtree Falls : (Victim Identified) 8.30.15 – 1:48 PM

Tommy
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Update: Person Falls To Death Saturday At Crabtree Falls : (Victim Identified) 8.30.15 – 1:48 PM
Map via google.com : Rescue crews are currently working a call of a person over the falls at Crabtree Falls in South Nelson County.
Map via google.com : Rescue crews are currently working another fatality where a person has fallen at Crabtree Falls in South Nelson County just after noon Saturday – August 29, 2015

Crabtree Falls
Nelson County, Virginia

Updated: 1:48 PM 8.30.15 : Victim identified

Criminal Investigator Lt. Billy Mays with the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department told BRLM early Sunday afternoon the identity of the person that fell to their death on Saturday ahs been released. “His name is Daniel Wayne Kistner, 31 years old of Chesapeake. He was there with his younger brother and fell while trying to take a picture. We believe he worked for Volvo Penta.”

This makes the second death at Crabtree Falls this year. Back on June 8th – 20 year old Franklin Miguel Guevara of Annandale, Virginia was there with a church group and family. He too stepped off the trail to get a better view and a picture and fell down below.

Original Post Saturday 8.29.15 at 1:05PM
Law enforcement and emergency crews are working another fatal accident at Crabtree Falls in Southern Nelson County. This is the second fatal fall there this year.

Nelson County EMS Director Jaime Miller confirmed to BRLM that the fall resulted in another death. “The call came into the dispatched center around 12:19 Saturday afternoon,” Director Miller told us.

Franklin County Sheriff Releases More Info On Double Murder Of WDBJ-7 News Employees

Yvette Stafford
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Franklin County Sheriff Releases More Info On Double Murder Of WDBJ-7 News Employees
Screen Grab courtesy of WDBJ7 Roanoke : Allison Parker and Adam Ward of WDBJ TV News in Roanoke were shot and killed early Wednesday morning (August 26, 2015) during a remote liveshot they were doing at Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County.
Screen Grab courtesy of WDBJ7 Roanoke : Allison Parker and Adam Ward of WDBJ TV News in Roanoke were shot and killed early Wednesday morning (August 26, 2015) during a remote liveshot they were doing at Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County.

Via @Franklin County Sheriff’s Office – Virginia via Virginia State Police:

Investigation Continues into Double Homicide at Smith Mountain Lake

MONETA, Va.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is still actively investigating the fatal shootings that took place the morning of Aug. 26, 2015, at the Bridgewater Plaza near Smith Mountain Lake. The incident claimed the lives of two WDBJ-TV employees and seriously wounded a Bedford County resident. The shooting suspect, Vester L. Flanagan, 41, of Roanoke, Va., then shot himself hours later while driving along Interstate 66 in Fauquier County, Va. He died a short time later at a Northern Virginia hospital.

Investigators with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, FBI and ATF have been working around the clock since the shootings occurred to collect, analyze, and process a significant amount of evidence, interviews, documentation, etc. That work will continue for several more weeks as investigators proceed with the investigation. At this stage of the investigation, we are able to release the following new information:

• Based on evidence collected at the Franklin County scene, Flanagan fired 17 rounds from a Glock pistol.
• State police recovered two handguns, both Glock pistols, from Flanagan’s rental vehicle that crashed along Interstate 66 in Fauquier County.
• No additional firearms have been recovered at any other locations associated with Flanagan.
• At the time of his apprehension in Fauquier County, Flanagan was not wearing any type of body armor or other protective clothing. Investigators are still working to determine if he was wearing protective clothing or gear at the shooting scene in Franklin County.
• Based on the evidence collected and analyzed to date, it is evident that Wednesday morning’s attack was well planned and pre-meditated.
• Investigators also believe, at this stage of the investigation and based on careful scrutiny of the evidence and numerous interviews with friends, family, former colleagues, and other associates, that Flanagan acted alone and shared his plans with no one.
• Despite the large number of documents, to include the manifesto faxed to a national news organization, writings he left behind at his apartment, and letters seized from the Chevrolet Sonic in Fauquier County, Flanagan left no indication as to his eventual destination or his next/final actions.
• Based on careful scrutiny of those writings and evidence seized from his apartment, it is apparent that Flanagan closely identified with individuals who have committed domestic acts of violence and mass murder, as well as the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office expresses its sincere appreciation to the law enforcement response and assistance with this complex investigation. We also cannot thank the public enough for their support, tips, and assistance in the wake of this tragic incident.

Franklin County: Two Dead After WDBJ News Crew Shot During Live Remote Broadcast : Shooter Dead : Update 1:30 PM

Yvette Stafford
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Franklin County: Two Dead After WDBJ News Crew Shot During Live Remote Broadcast : Shooter Dead : Update 1:30 PM
Screen Grab courtesy of WSET-13 Lynchburg : Allison Parker and Adam Ward of WDBJ TV News in Roanoke were shot and killed early Wednesday morning during a remoted liveshot they were doing at Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County.
Screen Grab courtesy of WSET-13 Lynchburg : Allison Parker and Adam Ward of WDBJ TV News in Roanoke were shot and killed early Wednesday morning during a remoted liveshot they were doing at Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County.

Near Smith Mountain Lake
Franklin County, VA
Two WDBJ news staffers are dead after an early Wednesday morning shooting. Reporter Alison Parker and photographer Adam Ward died after a gunman opened fire on them during an interview at Bridgewater Plaze at Smith Mountain Lake.

Screen Grab courtesy of WDBJ broadcast : Above a still frame of the shooter Wednesday morning at Smith Mountain Lake. This was from the photographer's camera when he was rolling during the liveshot. As of 9:45 Wednesday, he was stil at large.
Screen Grab courtesy of WDBJ broadcast : Above a still frame of the shooter Wednesday morning at Smith Mountain Lake. This was from the photographer’s camera when he was rolling during the liveshot. As of 9:45 Wednesday, he was still at large. Police say he is a light skinned black male, possibly driving a sliver or gray mustang. He’s described as 6’3″ and 250 pounds.

More here from WSET and WDBJ.

Spartan Race 2015 At Wintergreen Resort

Yvette Stafford
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Spartan Race 2015 At Wintergreen Resort
©2015 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photo By Paul Purpura : Men, women and children Spartans took to (what's normally) the ski slopes of Wintergreen as part of Spartan 2015 held this past weekend.
©2015 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Photo By Paul Purpura : Men, women and children Spartans took to (what’s normally) the ski slopes of Wintergreen as part of Spartan 2015 held this past weekend.

Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia
Thousands flocked to Wintergreen Resort this past weekend as part of Spartan Race 2015.

We’ve covered the race before when here at Wintergreen.

Paul Purpura was there to grab some of the shots of the 2015 race!

To see all of Paul's photos, click on the image above to view his Facebook album.
To see all of Paul’s photos, click on the image above to view his Facebook album.

Congrats to all of the Spartans!

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