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Nellysford : Rockfish Valley Baptist Church Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary

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Nellysford : Rockfish Valley Baptist Church Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

The year was 1924. A plaque in the church says, “AFTER MANY YEARS OF TRAVELING 1-2 HOURS BY HORSE AND BUGGY TO CHURCH, A COMMITTEE, LEAD BY J.T. PHILLIPS, WAS FORMED AND IN 1924 ROCKFISH VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH WAS ORGANIZED.” That’s how Rockfish Valley Baptist Church, right off of Route 151 in Nellysford got its start!

Photo By Janie Friedlein : The plaque at Rockfish Valley Baptist Church that tells the history of its beginning roots.

Sarah LaFleur is a former member of RVBC now living in Dyer, Virginia. She remembers her early days at the church. “In a time before electricity had reached the Valley, every stone used in the construction of this church was gathered by hand from the fields of its original members and carted by wagon down mountain roads to build this now historic edifice. What a joy to celebrate 100 years of Rockfish Valley Baptist Church. Our very first church that our family was a part of, where I was baptized, and where all my children had their first taste of corporate worship. While home is no longer in the Blue Ridge, Rockfish Valley Church will always feel like home.”

The 100 year celebration took place in late August to commemorate a century of the church’s existence.

Photo By Janie Friedlein : A younger generation, Alice LaFleur, holds up a celebratory 100 year cupcake during RVBC’s 100 year anniversary celebration. Saturday, August 25, 2024

In addition to celebrating 100 years, Sarah LaFleur the former member mentioned above, submitted many photos from the early days of church.

To learn more about Rockfish Valley Baptist Church, you can visit them on their Facebook page by clicking here.

Happy 100 RVBC!

 

Firefly Fiber Network Suffers Damage From Dove Hunters

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Firefly Fiber Network Suffers Damage From Dove Hunters

Central Virginia Blue Ridge Area

Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC), suffered damage to its infrastructure during opening day of the 2024 Dove Hunting Season on September 2. The costly damage resulted in internet and phone outages across Appomattox, Buckingham and Cumberland counties.

In the days leading up to hunting season, Firefly advocated to protect their fiber lines from this unlawful destruction by educating the public on the dangers of shooting at electric and communication lines. Firing at power lines is a federal offense and can cause costly damage to electric and fiber infrastructure.

In the opening season of 2023, Firefly’s fiber optic cable was damaged in six localities from birdshot, resulting in internet and phone outages for thousands of customers and a hefty bill for Firefly. The Firefly footprint has expanded to over 30,000 customers and is growing by 200-250 per week. Fiber optic cable is being placed adja­cent to overhead electric lines at a rapid pace to deliver world-class broadband services to central Virginians. The optical fibers used to deliver internet are protected by glass tubing, which shatters upon impact when shot and can disrupt internet and phone services.

“The damage to our fiber network caused by bird shot is a reminder of the continued challenges we face,” said Firefly Communications and Customer Service Manager, Melissa Gay. “However, I firmly believe that with our collective resilience and determination, we can turn this setback into an opportunity for education and growth.”

Dove hunting season will continue in segments through January 2025. Firefly is urging the community to share this information with family and friends.

Nelson : VSP Investigating Serious Tractor Trailer Versus Car Crash In Woods Mill

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Nelson : VSP Investigating Serious Tractor Trailer Versus Car Crash In Woods Mill

Woods Mill
Nelson County, Virginia

Press Release verbatim from VSP:

“Virginia State Police is investigating a two-vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer that occurred at approximately 7:57 a.m. today at the intersection of River Road (Route 6) and Thomas Nelson Highway (Route 29) in Nelson County.

A tractor trailer was traveling southbound on Route 29 when it was unable to avoid a sedan, which was attempting to turn left onto River Road from the northbound lanes of Route 29.  The tractor trailer struck the sedan on the passenger side.

The occupants of the Sedan were transported to UVA Medical Center.  One occupant suffered serious injuries.

The driver of the sedan was also charged with speeding.

The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

Matthew Demlein
Interim Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”

Nelson Sheriff & Commonwealth Attorney Make Statement on Traffic Fatalities & Violations

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Nelson Sheriff & Commonwealth Attorney Make Statement on Traffic Fatalities & Violations

Verbatim joint press release from Nelson County Sheriff Mark Embrey and Nelson Commonwealth Attorney Daniel Rutherford – Friday – August 30, 2024

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

“In response to a troubling increase in motor vehicle accidents resulting in serious injuries and fatalities from traffic-related violations where speed has been a factor, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office has forged a strong partnership with the Nelson County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, in collaboration to curb this dangerous trend and make our roads safer for all motorists.

Speeding is not only a violation of the law; it is a direct threat to the lives of everyone in our community. Accidents involving speeding are absolutely preventable. We each have a responsibility to adhere to posted speed limits in an effort to protect each other.

The partnership between our offices will enforce stricter consequences for speeding violations, and any other traffic-related violation that is a direct contributor to motor vehicle accidents. This collective effort is designed to send a clear message: If speed limits on Nelson County highways are not followed, violators can expect enhanced enforcement and more severe penalties. We are working together to reduce speed-related incidents and save lives.

The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney urge all residents and visitors to slow down, follow speed limits, and help prevent unnecessary tragedies on our highways.

Together, we can create a safer, stronger community by making responsible choices behind the wheel. Let’s al do our part ot protect the lives of our neighbors and loved ones, as every effort counts.”

Sheriff Mark Embrey
Nelson County Sheriff’s Office
84 Courthouse Square
Lovingston, VA 22949

Augusta : VSP Med-Flight-1 Rescues Hiker In St. Mary’s Wilderness Area

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Augusta : VSP Med-Flight-1 Rescues Hiker In St. Mary’s Wilderness Area

St. Mary’s Wilderness Area
Augusta County, Virginia

From VSP:

“On 5:23 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 24, 2024), members of the Virginia State Police Med Flight -1 team responded to a call for a fallen hiker in Augusta County

The hiker, a 20-year old female, sustained serious back injuries after jumping into the Saint Mary’s River from a cliff along the Saint Mary’s Falls Trail.

For this rescue mission, the Med-Flight 1 crew consisted of a Virginia State Police Trooper-Pilot and four Chesterfield County Fire and EMS flight paramedics. Once on scene, the ground crew directed the helicopter into position over the scene and Med-Flight lowered a rescuer from the aircraft to the ground. Augusta Fire-Rescue personnel on scene assisted in securing the injured hiker for a hoisting operation back to the aircraft some 175’ above.

Photo Courtesy of VSP : The injured hiker was placed inside the helicopter, where the crew then transitioned from a rescue operation to a medevac transport to UVA Medical Center for further treatment. – Saturday – August 24, 2024

This call was part of a busy afternoon for Med-Flight-1, as just proceeding this rescue, at 3:55 p.m., the team responded to a farm machinery entrapment in Amelia County. Med-Flight-1 also responded to an ATV incident involving a child in south Chesterfield that came in at 5:23 p.m., approximately the same time as the Augusta County call.  Both the Amelia patient and the Chesterfield patient were individually transported to area hospitals before Med-Flight 1 refueled and flew the 82 nautical miles to the Augusta County rescue.

Med Flight-1 is a joint effort between Virginia State Police pilots and paramedics from the Chesterfield County Fire and EMS Department.

Video from the rescue recorded by Augusta County Fire and EMS can be viewed here:  youtu.be/RQ-v_VefD88

Matthew Demlein
Interim Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”

VDOT : Lifts Lane Closures to Ease Travel During Labor Day Weekend

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VDOT : Lifts Lane Closures to Ease Travel During Labor Day Weekend

 

VDOT – Richmond, VA

Venturing out on the roads for one final summer holiday weekend? Planning ahead could make all the difference between smooth sailing or getting stuck in congestion.

Labor Day weekend marks the end of the summer season, and whether it is to explore one of Virginia’s many scenic trails or lounge at a beach, many people will be traveling through Virginia. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) wants to help make the trip a safe one and reminds motorists to be alert.

VDOT will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Friday, Aug. 30, until noon on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. Check VDOT’s Travel Advisories for the latest travel alerts in your area and around the state.

Additionally, VDOT offers several resources to help plan travel ahead of time.

TRAVEL TRENDS MAP HELPS ESTIMATE CONGESTION

VDOT’s online, interactive travel trends map shows peak congestion periods anticipated on Virginia interstates during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. While it cannot precisely predict when congestion will occur this year, it can help motorists avoid travel when traffic has historically moved the slowest.

Based on historical data:

  • Heavier congestion is expected throughout Virginia on Friday, Aug. 30, and Saturday, Aug. 31. In the Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg areas, it is likely travelers will experience heavy congestion on the interstates from mid-morning through early evening on Friday and Saturday. Additionally, Interstate 95 northbound is expected to be heavily congested between Richmond and Fredericksburg throughout the day on Monday.
  • Heavy congestion is also expected on Interstate 64 in the Hampton Roads area throughout the holiday period, especially around the bridges and tunnels.

PLAN AHEAD WITH VDOT 511: TRAFFIC INFO AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

VDOT’s free mobile 511 app offers information about construction, traffic, incidents and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and more. Use 511’s “speak ahead” option for hands-free and eyes-free audible traffic alerts for incidents and construction along your route. Traffic information is also available at 511Virginia.org or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA EXPRESS LANES SCHEDULE AND OTHER INFORMATION

Find directional schedules for the reversible I-95 and I-395 Express Lanes, and information for the I-495 Express Lanes at expresslanes.com.

HAMPTON ROADS TUNNELS AND OTHER INFORMATION

Travel to Virginia Beach — Peninsula traffic to Virginia Beach is encouraged to use the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT) as an alternative to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). If traveling to Virginia Beach, take I-664 south to the MMMBT. Then take the Portsmouth/Norfolk exit (exit 15A) to I-264 east to Virginia Beach.

Travel to Outer Banks — Traffic to North Carolina’s Outer Banks should use I-664 and the MMMBT as an alternative to the HRBT to save time. From I-664 south, take I-64 west (exit 15, Chesapeake/Virginia Beach) to exit 291B [Chesapeake Expressway (Route 168)/Great Bridge/Nags Head]. Continue south on Route 168 to the Outer Banks.

STAY SAFE

Here are some additional tips for safely navigating the roadways during the holiday weekend:

  • Buckle up every time and ensure passengers and car seats are secured.
  • If you plan to drink, have a designated driver.
  • Be patient and follow the posted speed limit, and consider leaving early to allow extra time to reach your destination.
  • Put your phone down and don’t drive distracted.
  • Identify rest areas in advance and take a break to avoid drowsy driving.
  • If an outdoor recreation site is full, never park along road shoulders, as this is not safe for those on the roadway, including emergency response vehicles.
  • Use caution as more pedestrians and cyclists are outdoors taking advantage of warm weather.
  • Obey the “Move Over” law, requiring motorists to move over one lane, if possible, for all vehicles with flashing lights, flares, or warning signs stopped on the side of the road. If drivers are unable to move over, they should reduce their speed and use caution.

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

Nelson : VSP Releases Name & Details From Wednesday Traffic Death (Updated 8.22.24)

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Nelson : VSP Releases Name & Details From Wednesday Traffic Death (Updated 8.22.24)

Faber
Nelson County, VA

Latest release from VSP on 8.22.24 at 11:17 AM

“Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday (Aug.  21, 2024) at 2:14 p.m. on Thomas Nelson Highway (Route 29) southbound at the intersection with Jackson Lane.

A 2010 Ford Escape was heading southbound on Route 29 at Jackson Lane when it slowed to a stop to speak with VDOT employees who were in the Route 29 median.  A 2009 Honda Accord, also traveling southbound, then struck the rear of the Ford.   This caused the Ford Escape to spin, eventually coming to a stop facing eastbound in the right lane of Route 29.  The Accord went off of the left side of the highway and struck a guardrail.
The driver of the Ford Escape, Marette L. Legeer, 86, of Milford, Va., died at the scene.  She was wearing a seatbelt.

The driver of the Honda Accord, Maximus A. Debilzan, 21, of Lynchburg, Va., suffered minor injuries.  Debilzan was also wearing a seatbelt.  Charges are pending against Debilzan.
The crash remains under investigation.

Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Manager
Virginia State Police”

Original post 8.21.24 3:58 PM
For the forth time in less than a week someone has been killed in a traffic accident in Nelson. The latest is on US 29 southbound – south of Route 6E (Irish Road). The scene is still being worked as of this post.

More information later. See below.

Verbatim from VSP below:

“ Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal head-on crash that occurred today (Aug. 21, 2024) on Thomas Nelson Highway (Route 29) near the intersection with Jackson Lane in Nelson County.
State Police were notified of the crash at approximately 2:18 p.m.
There is at least one fatality.

Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Manager
Virginia State Police”

Nelson : Third Crash Fatality Of Weekend Happened Sunday Evening (Updated 3:05 PM)

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Nelson : Third Crash Fatality Of Weekend Happened Sunday Evening (Updated 3:05 PM)

Colleen
Route 29 & 56W (Tye Brook Highway)
Nelson County, Virginia

Virginia State Police continue their investigation into a second accident Sunday evening in Colleen that’s left another person dead. There was another separate accident on Saturday that resulted in two fatalities.

The most recent one was just after 7 PM Sunday evening when a firey crash occured at Route 29 and the Route 56W intersection in Colleen.

Below is the verbatim info thus far from VSP Richmond as of 3:05 PM – 8.19.24

Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal two vehicle crash that occurred Sunday (Aug. 18, 2024) at 7:04 p.m. on Route 29 southbound, at the intersection with Tye Brook Highway, in Nelson County.
A 2001 GMC Sierra was heading southbound on Route 29 when it was unable to avoid striking a 2019 Ram 1500, which had entered the intersection.  The Ram 1500 then struck two road signs and came to a rest in the median, where it caught fire.
The driver of the Ram, Avis W. Armentrout, Jr., 75, of Roseland, Va, died at the scene.  He was not wearing a seatbelt.
A passenger in the Ram, Martha J. Armentrout, 74, suffered serious injuries.  Armentrout was transported to an area hospital.  Armentrout was not wearing a seatbelt.
The driver of the Sierra, a 16-year-old female from Nelson County, suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital. She was wearing a seatbelt.
The crash remains under investigation.

Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Manager
Virginia State Police

News Bulletin : Nelson : VSP Investigating Double Fatal Saturday Semi Crash (Updated 8.19.24)

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News Bulletin : Nelson : VSP Investigating Double Fatal Saturday Semi Crash (Updated 8.19.24)

Faber
Nelson County, Virginia

Verbatim Information From Virginia State Police

Updated release from VSP at 2:24 PM – 8.19.24

“Virginia State Police is investigating a double fatal crash that occurred on Saturday (Aug. 17, 2024) at 8:47 p.m. on Route 29 northbound at the intersection with Irish Road in Nelson County.

A 2024 Freightliner Cascadia was heading northbound on Route 29 when it was unable to avoid striking a 2011 Chevrolet Aveo which had entered the intersection.
The driver of the Aveo, Samantha L. Lively, 22, of Barboursville, Va., died at the scene.  A passenger, Heather E. Lively, 19, of Covesville, Va., was taken to UVA Health where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The driver of the Freightliner was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Manager
Virginia State Police”

Original post
“Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal crash involving a tractor trailer and a vehicle that occurred last night (Aug. 17, 2024) on Route 29 northbound near the intersection with Irish Road in Nelson County.

The initial call was made to State Police at approximately 8:57 p.m.
There was at least one fatality and at least one reported injury in this crash.

Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Manager
Virginia State Police”

Augusta : Train-Van Crash Kills 3 People Monday Night In Stuart’s Draft – Updated W/Deceased ID

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Augusta : Train-Van Crash Kills 3 People Monday Night In Stuart’s Draft – Updated W/Deceased ID

Stuarts Draft
Augusta County, Virginia

Latest update from VSP at 1:20 PM – 8.12.24
“Three people (two men and a woman) were ejected from the van and died at the scene.   They have been identified as Abner Comete, 48, of Boynton Beach, Fla., Jacner Comete, 44, of Lauderhill, Fla., and Wilda Comete, 38, of Lithia Springs, Ga.  Abner Comete is believed to be the driver of the passenger van.
A fourth passenger, Ronide P. Louis, 28, of Lithia Springs, Ga., who was in the front seat and wearing a seatbelt, survived.  Louis was taken first to Augusta Health, and then to UVA Health with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.”

Latest update from VSP at 9:24 AM – 8.12.24
“Virginia State Police is investigating a triple fatal crash involving a passenger van and train that occurred at approximately 8:08 p.m. Monday (Aug. 12, 2024) on tracks near Wayne Avenue in the town of Stuarts Draft in Augusta County.
A 2019 Ford transit van was traveling along a private drive, heading towards Wayne Ave, when it crossed train tracks located in the area.  A train travelling northbound on the tracks then struck the van, causing the van to roll over.
Three people (two men and a woman) were ejected from the van and died at the scene.  A fourth passenger, who was in the front seat and wearing a seatbelt, survived.  That passenger, a woman, was taken to UVA Health with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Virginia State Police is still working to notify next-of-kin.
The crash remains under investigation.

Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Manager
Virginia State Police“

As we first told you Monday night in this post below on our BRL Facebook page, a van that was hit by an oncoming train claimed the life of 3 people attempting to cross the tracks in a passenger van.

Virginia State Police released some preliminary information shortly after the crash, but didn’t confirm the fatalities at that time. We were able to independently confirm the deaths. Other news outlets were reporting the same.

We will have updates on this story throughout the day as they become available.

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