Nelson County, VA
The Atlantic Coast Pipeline formally filed its application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Friday in order to move forward with building the $5 billion natural gas pipeline. To read more click in the Facebook post below.
ACP Asks FERC For Permission To Build
Posted by Blue Ridge Life Magazine on Friday, September 18, 2015
Via VSP:
Virginia State Police are currently investigating a self-inflicted shooting that took place in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart in the 1000 block of Richmond Avenue in the City of Staunton. The male subject was transported to Augusta Health and then flown on to UVA Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police
-All Virginia regions saw increased tourism revenue while Virginia topped $22 billion-
Nelson County, VA – (September 14, 2015)
Data released by the United States Travel Association (USTA) reveals that every region in Virginia posted an increase in tourism revenue last year.
According to the US Travel Association, tourism in Virginia generated $22.4 billion in travel spending. Tourism also supported 216,900 jobs in the Commonwealth and $1.5 billion in local taxes, an increase of 5.6 percent compared to 2013. The increase is largely attributed to Virginia’s authentic, local travel experiences and surging culinary scene.
Tourism was again an important contributor to the local economy in 2014. Tourism revenue for Nelson County reached $5,259,142. Local tourism-supported jobs totaled 1,631, while local tourism-related taxes received were $879,731 in meals taxes (and increase of 6.3% ) and $417,453 in lodging taxes. All data was received by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) from US Travel Association and is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.
“These new figures illustrate the importance of investing in tourism, an industry which is helping to build a new Virginia economy, creating solid, good-paying jobs for our residents,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “Travelers are coming to Virginia to experience our oysters, wine, craft beer and cider, as well as exceptional opportunities for outdoors lovers, history buffs, and people who just love adventure.”
“Tourism is one of the five largest industries in Virginia, generating economic growth in all regions of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Today’s news is excellent. What is even better is we have more opportunities for prosperity in this strategic sector. With continuing teamwork among state, local and private sector partners, we will capture to the fullest the benefits of our tremendous tourism assets.”
“Tourism is an instant revenue generator for the Commonwealth, attracting millions of visitors every year looking to discover why Virginia is for Lovers,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “2014 was another exciting year for the travel and tourism industries in Virginia, and we are thrilled to see such continued improvement in our tourism economy. Tourism is a driving force of Virginia’s economy–it creates jobs, generates economic impact, and benefits businesses and communities across the state.”
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The Virginia Tourism Corporation receives its annual economic impact data from the U.S. Travel Association. The information is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per-person trips taken 50 miles or more away from home. Detailed economic impact data by locality is available on www.vatc.org under Research.
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
Arrington
Nelson County, Virginia
@NelsonVAEmrgncy Director @JDMiller42107 “School officials are closing Nelson Public Schools Friday. Check their Facebook page for more.”
— BlueRidgeLife (@BlueRidgeLife) September 10, 2015
Creativity??? I don’t know about this one. He’s just hangin’ out. #Lockn @Newsplex pic.twitter.com/Y6LUlwMtNz
— Brit Moorer (@britmoorer) September 10, 2015
Campgrounds at Lockn’ to open first thing Friday morning http://t.co/03fzpLWXHc
— Lockn’ (@locknfestival) September 10, 2015
Mandi @BlueMtnBrewery says their Barrell House in Colleen is open today & Lockn goers welcome!
— BlueRidgeLife (@BlueRidgeLife) September 10, 2015
Heidi at @dbbrewingco in Roseland: “Primitive camping on our grounds for displaced Lockn ‘ campers on Thur. No RV hook ups but welcome RV’s”
— BlueRidgeLife (@BlueRidgeLife) September 10, 2015
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some without power across area per @MyCVEC map: http://t.co/v1ecfB1ZJ2 pic.twitter.com/lSykhR7bzO
— BlueRidgeLife (@BlueRidgeLife) September 2, 2015
As of 6:37 PM here’s the @MyCVEC areas reporting out via their outage map. pic.twitter.com/Q5IbzmQq5Y
— BlueRidgeLife (@BlueRidgeLife) September 2, 2015
Tommy says we can expect more scattered thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon as well, but the Labor Day Weekend is looking very nice!
Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia
Via Virginia State Police
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
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.
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.
