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Bulletin : 2nd Day For Elevated/Enhanced Fire Danger Across Blue Ridge

Tommy
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Bulletin : 2nd Day For Elevated/Enhanced Fire Danger Across Blue Ridge

ELEVATED/ENHANCED FIRE DANGER TODAY

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
927 AM EST Wed Nov 15 2023
…ELEVATED FIRE DANGER THROUGH EARLY EVENING FOR NORTHERN AND
CENTRAL VIRGINIA, WESTERN MARYLAND, AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA…

Elevated fire weather conditions are expected through early
evening across northern and central Virginia, western Maryland, and
eastern West Virginia. Relative humidity values are expected to
drop back to around 20-35 percent this afternoon (lowest in far
western MD and the WV mountains, highest across the VA Piedmont
and eastern portions of the WV Panhandle). Winds will be out of
the south at around 5-10 mph with gusts to around 15 mph in most
locations, but locally higher along the Allegheny Front (10-15
mph, with gusts to 25 mph at times). 10-hour fuel moisture will be
as low as 10 or 11 percent.

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling
open flames or equipment that creates sparks. Also, dispose of
cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in
appropriate containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey
local burn bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree
litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. For more information
about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention
and eduction, please visit your state’s forestry or environmental
protection website.

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
841 AM EST Wed Nov 15 2023

VAZ007-009>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059-WVZ042>044-507-508-
152300-
Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-
Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-
Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-
Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-Mercer-Summers-
Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of Tazewell, Marion, Bland, Pearisburg,
Wytheville, Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, Independence, Whitetop,
Troutdale, Volney, Galax, Floyd, New Castle, Clifton Forge,
Covington, Hot Springs, Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle, Lexington,
Buena Vista, Stuart, Rocky Mount, Bedford, Amherst, Martinsville,
Danville, Lynchburg, Appomattox, South Boston, Keysville,
Bluefield, Flat Top, Hinton, Hix, Union, Lewisburg,
White Sulphur Springs, Alderson, Quinwood, Duo, and Rainelle
841 AM EST Wed Nov 15 2023

…ENHANCED FIRE DANGER TODAY…

Very low humidities this afternoon, along with ongoing drought
conditions will lead to an elevated fire danger risk today.

Humidity values will drop as low as 20 to 25 percent. Winds will
be from the south to southeast at 3 to 9 mph.

Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities on whether
you can burn. If you do burn, use extreme caution since fires can
quickly get out of hand under these conditions.

Bulletin : Elevated Fire Danger Through This Evening – EXPIRED –

Tommy
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Bulletin : Elevated Fire Danger Through This Evening – EXPIRED –

ELEVATED FIRE DANGER THROUGH EARLY EVENING
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
918 AM EST Tue Nov 14 2023

Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-
Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Stafford-Spotsylvania-King George-Northern Fauquier-
Southern Fauquier-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Northwest Prince William-
Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-
Hampshire-Hardy-Western Grant-Eastern Grant-Western Mineral-
Eastern Mineral-Western Pendleton-Eastern Pendleton-
Including the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft,
Harrisonburg, Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market,
Winchester, Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal, Berryville,
Lovingston, Charlottesville, Stanardsville, Madison, Washington,
Orange, Gordonsville, Culpeper, Falmouth, Fredericksburg,
Dahlgren, Warrenton, Turnbull, Hightown, Monterey, Big Meadows,
Wintergreen, Haymarket, Dale City, Manassas, Woodbridge,
Lake Ridge, Montclair, Romney, Moorefield, Bayard, Mount Storm,
Petersburg, Elk Garden, Antioch, Keyser, New Creek, Ridgeville,
Russelldale, Headsville, Fort Ashby, Riverton, Brandywine,
Franklin, Oak Flat, Ruddle, and Sugar Grove
918 AM EST Tue Nov 14 2023

…ELEVATED FIRE DANGER THROUGH EARLY EVENING FOR NORTHERN AND
CENTRAL VIRGINIA, AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA…

Elevated fire weather conditions are expected through early
evening across northern and central Virginia, and eastern West
Virginia. Northwest winds later this morning and into the
afternoon will gust 20 to 30 mph, with minimum relative humidity
values between 15 and 30 percent. 10-hour fuel moisture will be
as low as 10 or 11 percent.

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling
open flames or equipment that creates sparks. Also, dispose of
cigarette buds, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate
containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn
bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could
easily ignite and spread fire quickly.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. For more information
about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention
and eduction, please visit your state`s forestry or environmental
protection website.

Wintergreen: Burn Ban Enacted For Some

Tommy
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Wintergreen: Burn Ban Enacted For Some

Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia

From Wintergreen Fire & Rescue :

“As many of you know, Governor Youngkin recently declared a statewide state of emergency due to extreme drought and active forest fires. Specifically, there is a multi-thousand-acre fire to our North in Madison County, as well as a large fire to our South in Patrick County.
Today, Augusta County enacted a burn ban effective at 5:00PM, meaning for 200+ parcels at Wintergreen, it is currently unlawful to ignite an outdoor recreational fire. Nelson County released today that a total burn ban is “imminent”. The bans remain in effect for 60 days, unless they are renewed and/or cancelled by the jurisdiction.
Conditions at Wintergreen are extremely dry, and there is no significant rain in our forecast. Our new WPOA Board of Directors will meet just after the annual WPOA meeting this Saturday, at which time they are expected to adopt a short-term policy prohibiting open burning anywhere within the Wintergreen Master Plan. If they don’t enact a ban, I will notify you.
What does this mean?
Even if you have a fire pit which is fully compliant with WPOA regulations, you will not be permitted to use it during the burn ban. It is the property owner’s responsibility to assure that all guests are aware of the prohibition. If fires are reported to Wintergreen Dispatch, (434-325-1106) the Fire Department will respond to immediately extinguish the fire.
Propane fire features are not included in this prohibition. Propane fires don’t emit embers, and they can simply be extinguished with the turn of a valve. We’re hopeful this ban period will incentivize owners to throw away their wood-burning pits forever and replace them with much safer propane alternatives.
Obviously extinguishing fires requires water. While we have not yet reached mandatory restriction thresholds, we’re right on the cusp and now is the time to start voluntary water conservation measures.
Other than not lighting fires, what can you do to improve fire safety during these hazardous times?
• Be very careful with your ashes from indoor fires. They can remain hot enough to ignite a fire for days. Please only dispose of ashes in the metal barrels provided at dumpster sites.
• Do not park your vehicle on top of dry leaves or grass. Your exhaust system is hot enough to ignite fires. Years ago a Wintergreen home burned to the ground due to a fire started by a car parked on leaves.
• If for some reason your car catches fire while driving, please do not pull off on the shoulder if the shoulder includes grass or leaves. Place the vehicle in park, set the emergency brake, turn it off, and exit. Always remember to evacuate uphill from a car fire and avoid the smoke.
• If you see a fire, or suspect there may be fire, don’t assume someone else has already dialed 9-1-1. Call it in. Begin your call with “I’m at Wintergreen” and then give your precise location.
• If you discover a “spotfire” on the side of the road and you’re able to safely attempt extinguishment, do. Don’t wait for the Fire Department, get started. Any non-flammable liquid will do. Kicking gravel, stomping, rain dances, ….get creative! The easiest fire to extinguish is a small one. Fires can double in size every 60 seconds.
• Become a volunteer with Wintergreen Fire Department. We can provide all the training.
The annual Wintergreen Property Owners Association will begin Saturday at 9:00AM in the Skyline Pavilion. We hope you will come early to visit with Wintergreen Fire & Rescue, as well as Wintergreen Police. Your public safety team will be on hand beginning at 8:00AM to answer any questions you may have. If you have not yet cast your vote for the WPOA Board of Directors, you may bring your ballot to the meeting.
Thank you for being a part of making our community safe. I hope to see you Saturday.
Curtis
—

Curtis N. Sheets, MPA
Chief of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue”

New Faces Enter Nelson Politics After November 7th Election

Tommy
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New Faces Enter Nelson Politics After November 7th Election

 

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

A few new faces entered key political offices in Nelson County during Tuesday night’s election. As we mentioned in this news bulletin Tuesday night, Mark Embrey unseated long time incumbent Sheriff David Hill.

Another winner and newcomer to Nelson politics is Dr. Jessica Ligon, DVM. She, and her late father, have been veterinarian owners of Lovingston Animal Hospital for decades.

Dr. Ligon won the race with a couple hundred vote margin in the preliminary “uncertified” numbers. Her opponent was Mary Kathryn Allen.

In the west district, incumbent David Parr won re-election, by a 65% margin, against newcomer Mark Franklin.

Below are other numbers from school board races in the south and west districts, as well as the Soil and Water Conservation Director race.

Some local races were uncontested.
Here’s a link to all of the numbers from Nelson that includes the races above and other local and state races. 

Nelson : Newcomer Mark Embrey Wins Sheriff’s Race – Incumbent Concedes (Updated) 11.8.23

Tommy
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Nelson : Newcomer Mark Embrey Wins Sheriff’s Race – Incumbent Concedes (Updated) 11.8.23

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

Incumbent Nelson County Sheriff David Hill has lost to newcomer candidate Mark Embrey.

For quite sometime Tuesday night the results were slow to come in.

Just after 8PM Tuesday night – November 7, 2023 no results had propagated to the official Virginia Elections website.

In a written message from Nelson County Election Registrar Jackie Britt at 9:05 PM, she confirms that Mark Embrey has won the sheriff’s race.

“Unofficial totals Embrey 3347 Hill 2963 Still have provisionals & hand counts to add but not enough to make a difference.”

Dr. Jessica Ligon, DVM also won in the south district BOS race.

Totals for Nelson County can be found here.

Augusta: Traffic Alert : Traffic Snarled At 250/64 Interchange On Afton Mountain -CLEARED

Tommy
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Augusta: Traffic Alert : Traffic Snarled At 250/64 Interchange On Afton Mountain -CLEARED

Afton Mountain
I-64/250 Interchange – Exit 99
Augusta County, Virginia

From VDOT 6:50 PM

“On US-250 in the County of Augusta, in the vicinity of the ramp from I-64E and West, motorists can expect delays due to a vehicle crash. All east lanes are closed. The west right lane and right shoulder are closed.
The left turn lane is open.
Last updated:
Tue 11/07/2023 6:50 PM EST”

Wintergreen : Large Truck Through Guardrail – CLEARED (Updated 11.8.23)

Tommy
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Wintergreen : Large Truck Through Guardrail – CLEARED (Updated 11.8.23)

Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia

From Wintergreen Fire & Rescue:

Original post : 11.7.23 6:11 PM
“There has been an accident on Wintergreen Drive which will require closure for approximately 1 hour. Single lane traffic will remain open until approximately 6:30PM. If you need to leave the mountain, please do so immediately. If you are returning, please make alternate plans.

Once the crane begins lifting the moving truck, we will not be able to pause operations”

Fall Back 1 Hour This Weekend : Daylight Saving Time Ends 2 AM Sunday (Nov 5, 2023)

Tommy
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Fall Back 1 Hour This Weekend : Daylight Saving Time Ends 2 AM Sunday (Nov 5, 2023)

Central Virginia Blue Ridge
The time has come once again, that is if you like those carefree long summer days! I sure do!! Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. It officially ends at 2AM Sunday morning (November 5, 2023). But for those of us that turn in at a reasonable hour, it’s best to set your clock back one hour before heading to bed Saturday night.

Here’s to that perceived extra hour of sleep we lost last spring!

The time doesn’t change again until March 10, 2024 when we will once again spring forward.

Saying Good-Bye : Margaritas Restaurant Closes After Nearly A Decade

Tommy
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Saying Good-Bye : Margaritas Restaurant Closes After Nearly A Decade

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

By Tommy Stafford

Just shy of ten years. Nine and some change to be more precise. That’s how long Gibran Carnevali (known to locals as just “G”) and the crews at Margaritas in Nellysford have been cranking out food and drinks to locals and tourists. The final drink was poured and the final meal was served this past Sunday night, October 29th as the popular Mexican restaurant closed forever.

Photo By Tommy Stafford : Friends of Margaritas stopped by for one last meal and drink this past Sunday night before the restaurant closed for good around midnight. October 29, 2023

Our own kids grew up in the restaurant more or less. Second only to Basic Necessities down the street where they were literally in the infant carriers during those days.

G, one of the owners and managers, is a special kind of person. He’d give you the shirt off of his back and took his duty to serve locals seriously. While he was glad to wait on those vacationing in the area, G never forgot his survival was dependent on locals coming in when times weren’t rocking during ski season or leaf looking months.

Dr. Jim Rice, DDS (L) and his wife across the table to the right in glasses, Dr. Jennifer Rice, DDS along with their entire office crew stopped in a day or two before closing to say farewell to G. Dr. Rice and many of his staff would walk over several times a week to have lunch. October 26, 2023

And twice a year G would change things up a bit and have his semi-annual wine dinners that were always a hit. He’d feature foods from all different regions of the world. Above, we were hanging out with Nelson’s own celebrity sweetheart and musician, Sally Rose and her beau David Withers, at one of the wine dinners held a couple of years ago.

The week leading up the closure was a somber one. Folks knew the final day was just around the corner but also wanted to make sure G knew he was loved and appreciated.

Above G hands off an old hanging Margaratis welcome sign to our daughter Peyton. She wanted the sign as a memento of the place she’s had countless lunches over the years. October 29, 2023

In 2020 and 2021 when Covid hit and governments mandated most restaurants close, G kept cranking takeout-out for everyone. Locals still flocked there to support the restaurant and get them over the hump.

Kortni Fitzgerald was one of the first waitresses during the early years. She stopped by Sunday night to say, “so long” to G and the crew. October 29, 2023
Me along with some of the original crew at Margaritas in this December 22, 2018 photo . Nikki Louk on the right (blond hair in center) was one of the longest serving waitresses and managers there. About a year and a half ago she left to make her part-time cleaning business Nikkicleans.com a full time venture. She’s just one of the many faces that passed through over the years.

The thing that’s always stuck with me about G over the years was his loyalty to locals. As I mentioned above, he knew they mattered. He once told me, “At the end of the day, they make or break you. Tourists even want to go where the locals go. We couldn’t make it on just the tourist crowd alone. The locals are there when no one else is.”

One of the original founders of the restaurant, Elmer Brito, on a bench out front during the first year of operations in June 2014.
One of the final photos before they closed for good this past Sunday night. This was some of the remaining crew of the final year. That’s me, Sabrina, Henry, Micaela and Greg Lipscomb of Beech Grove. Greg has been a longtime regular since the beginning. Many of you remember Greg from his days at Hickman’s at the foot of Wintergreen.

I recently asked G why now, why close? He simply told me in a very kind voice with his heavy accent, “It’s time Tommy. It’s just time.”

G and his partners continue to operate other Mexican restaurants across the area and are opening a new one in Scottsville, El Cazador Tradicional Mexican Food

So, that’s it. The final taco. The building stands mostly empty now and all of the people that have passed through, will be moving on to other spots.

The old booth where Yvette and I along with the kids sat for years in Margaratis. Tipped over for a final cleaning late Sunday night – October 29, 2023.

G, you are a kind soul and we all appreciate what you have done. Best of luck in your new ventures and we’ll be sure to stop in down in Scottsville now and then for a visit!

Fall Colors Peaking In And Around Wintergreen & BRP

Tommy
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Fall Colors Peaking In And Around Wintergreen & BRP

Near Wintergreen & Along The Blue Ridge Parkway
Nelson County, Virginia

If you want to see the peak colors of fall this weekend would be the time to go! For the first time in the last three to four years fall colors are perfect and on fire. The picture above was coming down 664 toward Beech Grove on October 24th. Colors were already peaking and now are right in the sweet spot.

Colors on top of Devils Knob are at peak. This photo was shot coming down the mountain from the resort on Tuesday – October 24th, 2023
Even down below in the valley portions of Nelson trees are near peak. This photo was shot on October 20, 2023 in Roseland / Bryant. Colors have since reached peak and leaves will began rapidly falling soon.
Graphic via Virginia Dept of Forestry : Here’s a rough idea of fall colors and the best times to catch them at peak in Virginia. Click on the map above for more over at VDF!

Here’s more from the U.S Forest Service on peak fall colors across the area.

Enjoy the views!

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