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VDOT Lifting Most Lane Closures To Make End Of Year Travel More Delightful
BOS Elect, Jessica Ligon, Releases Statement Regarding September Traffic Stop
Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia
Over the last few days WSET ABC-13 in Lynchburg has been airing promotions regarding a story planned for Friday evening on their channel. It centers around a traffic stop involving, then candidate, Jessica Ligon. Ligon ran for, and successfully won the South District BOS slot in the November 2023 election.
Apparently, officer body cam video from the September traffic stop by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department was obtained in a Freedom of Information Act request. It has been shown and linked in a YouTube Channel. It’s being aired in promos on WSET as well. The two don’t overly appear to be related.
Today BRL, along with numerous other news outlets, received the following news release from the Stanley Law Group in Moneta, Virginia. Ligon has retained former Virginia Attorney General Tony Troy and lawyer VA Senator Bill Stanley to assist in responding to the video release and news inquiries.
Below is their release verbatim:
“Nelson, Virginia – “On September 9th, I was stopped for speeding by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, during the course of the traffic stop, I was asked questions regarding if I was impaired in my driving, however, I was not charged with Driving while under the influence. I answered all questions and fully cooperated with the Sherrif Deputies.
On November 28th, post-election, a YouTube video was made using the deputies’ body camera footage, but it was highly doctored; while the body camera footage shows that I voluntarily subjected to a preliminary breath test (PBT), and the results noted that I was at 0.083, and subsequently at 0.80, it was the officer’s discretion not to charge me with DWI.
The doctored video attempts to advocate that I should have been charged with a DUI, solely due to the PBT. However, these results would not be admissible in a court of law, because PBTs have been shown to be unreliable, and prone to inaccurate readings; and the field sobriety tests that were administered are subjective based testing and are solely based on the officer’s observations.
The real question is not what I was charged with, which was speeding, but rather who is it, and for what reason is there an attempt to disrupt my productivity and stifle my voice on the Nelson County Board of Supervisors.
I will not allow this to disrupt my service to the citizens of Nelson County—I look forward to serving, will address the key issues facing the County and will have no further comment on this matter.”
Her attorney’s Senator Bill Stanley and former Attorney General Tony Troy of the Stanley Law Group, made the following joint statement. “It is apparent to us both that whoever posted this video does not understand the judicial system as it pertains to traffic stops. And it is also apparent that the real motivation of the author of this altered video is, in our opinion, a blatant attempt to impugn the character of Ms. Ligon. As trial attorneys, we have defended people charged with DUI, and it is clear to us that Ms. Ligon was not intoxicated at the time: there was no slurred speech, she was cogent and alert in her responses to the officers, she was not unsteady on her feet, she did not have bloodshot watery eyes, and she passed the field sobriety tests on the side of the road. While the preliminary breath test (PBT) registered just at the legal limit, all of us in the legal community know that those machines are notoriously unreliable, and that is why they are not admissible in a court of law to prove guilt.
The deputies there at the scene performed their duties with the utmost professionalism, and did not show any favoritism towards Ms. Ligon because she was a candidate for a position in local governemnt. She has since been elected, and it is now questionable why these allegations are now being presented. It is clear that Ms. Ligon was not under the influence, and that the only thing that she was properly charged with was speeding.”
Wintergreen Says They Will Open The Season Friday Morning
Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia
Wintergreen Resort says they will kick off the 2023-2024 season this Friday – December 15th at 9:00 AM.
“Slopes are predicted to open at that time. “skiing and snowboarding from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The expected open trails include Upper Dobie, Lower Dobie, Patch, Teaching Area, Upper Cross Trail, and Lower Cross Trail.. The Blue Ridge Express and Patch lift will provide chairlift access to the terrain. The Plunge Snow Tubing Park resumes operations on Friday, December 15 after opening December 2 for the season,” the resort posted on their website.
You can get the latest slope conditions and mountain report at this link.
Here’s to the coming season!
Significant Snowfall Hits The Blue Ridge Of Central Virginia
Central Virginia Blue Ridge
Nelson County, Virginia
As predicted some pretty significant snow fell overnight Sunday and early Monday morning in a fairly widespread area across the Blue Ridge of Central Virginia.
Though some folks down below, as far east as Richmond to the east, saw some snowfall in the lower elevations, it was mainly the mountainous areas along the BRP and Skyline that saw the brunt.
The remainder of the week is more or less quite. We will start off pretty cold but temps moderate as we work through the remainder of the week. The next chance for any precipitation comes around Sunday of next weekend when temps are generally in the 50’s for daytime highs.
Weather Bulletin : Winter Storm Warning : Along & Near BRP & Skyline Drive (EXPIRED)
WINTER STORM WARNING
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
820 AM EST Sun Dec 10 2023
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge (Including Wintergreen-Montebello-Humpback Rocks-Afton Mtn & Big Meadows)
820 AM EST Sun Dec 10 2023
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING
TO 6 AM EST MONDAY…
* WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow will range between 2 to
4 inches between 1,000 and 3,000 feet with 4 to 8 inches above
3,000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE…Northern Virginia Blue Ridge.
* WHEN…From 8 PM this evening to 6 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous
conditions will cause snow covered and slippery surfaces.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Rain will change to snow this evening
between between 9 and 11 PM with temperatures rapidly falling
below freezing. The combination of snow and blowing snow will
reduce visibility below one-half mile at times.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on
steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery,
increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Click here for the specific local forecast for the BRP and higher elevations.
Light Dusting Of Snow Hits Wintergreen Overnight
Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia
As expected light snow fell overnight Tuesday in the mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. Most folks just saw a light dusting to about an inch of accumulation.
A sure sign winter is arriving!
AMHERST : Semi Crash Blocks US 29 – Roadway OPEN : Update 4:30 PM
North of Town Of Amherst
South of 29/151 Intersection
Amherst Co, VA
From VSP:
“Virginia State Police is investigating a single-vehicle crash in Amherst County. The crash occurred Dec. 4, 2023, at 9:05 a.m. on Route 29/N. Amherst Highway near Kintyre Lane.
A tractor-trailer was traveling north on Route 29 when it ran off the right side of the highway, struck the guardrail and overturned.
The driver, Michael W. Kimble, 46, of North Carolina, was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was wearing a seat belt.
Kimble was cited for reckless driving.
The tractor-trailer was hauling several hundred live turkeys. Several of the turkeys escaped into the nearby woods following the crash. With the assistance of the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office and multiple area fire and rescue squads, state police were able to round up all escaped turkeys. The turkeys were then transported from the scene.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was also notified of the incident.
Corinne Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”
From VDOT:
“Description:
On US-29 in the County of Amherst, in the vicinity of Kintyre Ln; Rt. 725E/W (Amherst County), motorists can expect delays due to a tractor trailer crash. All north lanes are closed.
Northbound traffic is being detoured of off US-29, onto VA-151 North, then onto VA-56 East, and back onto US-29 North.
Last updated:
Mon 12/04/2023 12:58 PM EST
According to motorists reports and VDOT information, US 29 (northbound) is closed north of the US 29/151 intersection. A detour is in place.
Expect MAJOR delays in this area as cleanup is expected to take a long time. An alternate route is highly advised!
UPDATE: A detour is now in place on Route 29 N, due to a tractor trailer crash near Route 725 (Kintyre Lane). Drivers will take Route 151 North to Route 56 East, back to Route 29. One southbound lane of 29 is now back open. pic.twitter.com/EjMRvY2jqx
— VDOT Lynchburg (@VaDOTLynchburg) December 4, 2023
VDOT : Prepped & Ready For 2023-2024 Winter Weather Season
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Nelson : UVA Makes It Official : New Pharmacy Opens in Nellysford
Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia
Since 2019 the pharmacy location in Nellysford has been vacant. After 32 years, in some form or location, Stoney Creek Pharmacy permanently closed that year. Bob Ladd, the founding owner, went back into business briefly to keep a pharmacy open in Nellysford, but ultimately shuttered it for good.
Blue Ridge Medical Pharmacy in the far south end of the county generally follows clinic hours and is geographically located away from more densely populated areas.
Cheryl above eventually closed the Afton location and moved it to Nellysford. She operated the pharmacy in Valley Green until 2013 when she sadly passed away from cancer.
The pharmacy went through a couple of ownership changes after Cheryl died, but eventually closed. It all came full circle in December 2017 when Bob Ladd, the very first owner of Stoney Creek Pharmacy decades ago reopened the store.
Eventually Bob told me in a June 2019 interview, it just didn’t make financial sense to keep the store open and he was calling it quits.
Thankfully the new pharmacy is now open in Nellysford.
For more information on operating hours and additional services at the pharmacy, head on over to their website page here.
Welcome to Nellysford!
Weather Bulletin : Fire Weather Watch Begins Saturday Morning : 11.18.23
FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC 1125 AM EST Fri Nov 17 2023 Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke- Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper- Fairfax-Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania- King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western Loudoun- Eastern Loudoun-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge- Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Northwest Prince William- Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park- 1125 AM EST Fri Nov 17 2023 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE POTENTIAL OF ENHANCED SPREAD OF WILDFIRES IN CENTRAL AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA... The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the potential of enhanced spread of wildfires, which is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon. * WINDS...Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 27 percent. * IMPACTS...The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong gusty winds may result in favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires. * FUEL MOISTURE...10 to 15 percent for 10 hour fuels. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions may occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. && $$
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 1124 AM EST Fri Nov 17 2023 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH SATURDAY... .A cold front tracks across the area tonight, with little or no rain expected east of the mountains. Northwest winds will pick up Saturday morning at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph possible. At the same time, humidity levels will drop by the afternoon into the 20 to 30 percent range. VAZ022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059-180030- /O.NEW.KRNK.FW.A.0002.231118T1200Z-231118T2300Z/ Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst- Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax- Charlotte- 1124 AM EST Fri Nov 17 2023 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE ROANOKE AND SOUTHERN SHENANDOAH VALLEYS AND PIEDMONT OF VIRGINIA... The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Fire Weather Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon. * AFFECTED AREA...In Virginia, Fire Weather Zone 022 Roanoke, Fire Weather Zone 023 Botetourt, Fire Weather Zone 024 Rockbridge, Fire Weather Zone 032 Patrick, Fire Weather Zone 033 Franklin, Fire Weather Zone 034 Bedford, Fire Weather Zone 035 Amherst, Fire Weather Zone 043 Henry, Fire Weather Zone 044 Pittsylvania, Fire Weather Zone 045 Campbell, Fire Weather Zone 046 Appomattox, Fire Weather Zone 047 Buckingham, Fire Weather Zone 058 Halifax and Fire Weather Zone 059 Charlotte. * WINDS...Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 to 30 percent. * IMPACTS...The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds may result in favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires Saturday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings. && $$ For more information from NOAA/National Weather Service visit http://www.weather.gov/rnk/fire
