Denver Riggleman, founder and owner of Silverback Distillery in Afton, Virginia was chosen at a caucus of republican committee members Saturday afternoon in Nelson County to be their candidate that will run in the November general election. 5th District U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett announced last week he won’t seek re-election. In that press conference Garrett said he was battling alcoholism.
Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia
In a heated race against other republicans, Nelson County distillery owner Denver Riggleman snagged the spot to run as the republican in the 5th district U.S. Congressional seat in November.
#BREAKING: @CBS19News Denver Riggleman has been picked as the replacement Republican nominee in the 5th District race.
Click on the image above for the lates updates from NWS.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1059 AM EDT Sat Jun 2 2018
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT…
The Flash Flood Watch continues for
* Portions of Maryland, The District of Columbia, Virginia, and
West Virginia, including the following areas, in Maryland,
Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Central and Eastern Allegany,
Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast
Montgomery, Charles, Extreme Western Allegany, Frederick MD,
Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Northwest Howard,
Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford,
Southern Baltimore, St. Marys, and Washington. The District of
Columbia. In Virginia, Albemarle, Arlington/Falls
Church/Alexandria, Augusta, Central Virginia Blue Ridge,
Clarke, Culpeper, Eastern Highland, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax,
Frederick VA, Greene, King George, Madison, Nelson, Northern
Fauquier, Northern Virginia Blue Ridge, Orange, Page, Prince
William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Rappahannock, Rockingham,
Shenandoah, Southern Fauquier, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Warren,
Western Highland, and Western Loudoun. In West Virginia,
Berkeley, Eastern Grant, Eastern Mineral, Eastern Pendleton,
Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Morgan, Western Grant, Western
Mineral, and Western Pendleton.
* Through late tonight
* Numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon
and continue through tonight. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain can
be expected this afternoon, with locally higher amounts. Due to
recent rainfall, the ground will not be able to absorb this
rainfall.
* Rapid rises of creeks and streams will be likely due to
repeated rounds of torrential rainfall. Low lying areas will
be particularly susceptible. Runoff from the heavy rainfall
likely will accumulate on roads making them impassible. Flash
flooding may develop quickly. Be prepared to act if
floodwaters threaten.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1132 AM EDT Sat Jun 2 2018
…Flash Flooding Possible Through Early Tonight…
.Showers and thunderstorms along with areas of persistent heavy
rainfall will develop across portions of the Appalachians and
central mid Atlantic region today. There is abundant moisture in
the air today and excessive rainfall is expected to develop. This
will create rapid runoff and may quickly bring streams and creeks
out of their banks and create significant ponding of water in
urban areas.
Rockingham-Caswell-Giles-Montgomery-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-
Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-
Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-
Charlotte-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of Eden, Yanceyville, Pearisburg,
Blacksburg, 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, Hinton, Hix,
Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Alderson, Quinwood, Duo,
and Rainelle
1132 AM EDT Sat Jun 2 2018
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING…
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a
* Flash Flood Watch for most of southeast West Virginia, most of
southwest Virginia east of Interstate 77, and portions of the
piedmont of North Carolina.
portions of north central North
Carolina, Virginia, and southeast West Virginia, including the
following areas, in north central North Carolina, Caswell and
Rockingham. In Virginia, Alleghany VA, Amherst, Appomattox,
Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte,
Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Halifax, Henry, Montgomery,
Patrick, Pittsylvania, Roanoke, and Rockbridge. In southeast
West Virginia, Eastern Greenbrier, Monroe, Summers, and
Western Greenbrier.
* Through this evening
* Showers and thunderstorms will produce excessive rainfall over
the watch area.
* Rapid flooding of streams and creeks is possible, along with
flooding of roads and poor drainage areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Remember…TURN AROUND…DON`T DROWN!
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) will be employing cutting-edge drone technology from June 11-16, 2018 to complete this year’s annual inspection of its transmission infrastructure. Though CVEC conducts some of its inspections from the ground, using linemen on foot or in trucks, many areas of CVEC’s 36,000 miles of line cut through areas where the terrain makes it difficult and unsafe to access. With drones, CVEC will be able to conduct these inspections more efficiently, covering larger areas and maximizing the reliability and integrity of its transmission system. As one of the first utility cooperatives in the state to embrace this safe and innovative option, CVEC looks forward to using drones to boost reliability and better serve its members.
In past years, CVEC has relied on helicopters to conduct transmission system inspections. However, with the introduction of drones, CVEC will be able to get closer to transmission lines and structures and collect clearer footage of CVEC’s electrical system. Because drones are smaller aircraft and move slower than helicopters, they will provide clearer, closer photos, as well as videos, and will have a considerably smaller impact on the environment.
CVEC will be partnering with PrecisionHawk, a leading provider of commercial drone technology, to complete these inspections. PrecisionHawk pilots are trained and Part 107 certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide advanced drone services. PrecisionHawk was also granted the first waiver by the FAA to fly drones beyond line of sight (BVLOS). By partnering with PrecisionHawk, CVEC will be able to take advantage of the ability to fly BVLOS to achieve improved efficiency for transmission system inspections.
PrecisionHawk, a stakeholder in developing privacy best practices for drone operators, will only collect footage of CVEC’s infrastructure. Members along the flight path will be notified prior to inspection.
In 2014, CVEC set a goal to improve reliability and reduce outage times by 20%, and has invested over $1 million per year in vegetation management and millions more in adding protective equipment to distribution lines. These efforts have enabled the cooperative to reduce outage times by more than 40% over the past three years. Now, CVEC looks forward to incorporating drones into its innovative technology portfolio in order to further improve reliability and maximize the integrity of CVEC’s transmission system.
Headquartered in Lovingston, Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric-distribution utility serving over 36,000 meters in 14 counties across central Virginia. For more information, visit www.mycvec.com.
“Virginia State Police Trooper C.S. Peer is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash in Albemarle County. The crash occurred May 31, 2018, at 7:20 a.m., on Interstate 64 at the entrance ramp to the westbound Rest Area.
A 2006 BMW 321 sedan was traveling west on I-64. As it exited the interstate to head into the Rest Area, the vehicle ran off the right side of the road and struck a disabled tractor-trailer that was parked on the right shoulder.
The driver, Ahmed M. Shelton, 36, of Norfolk, Va., died at the scene.
The tractor-trailer was fully out of the travel lane and did have its emergency triangles placed behind it to alert oncoming drivers.
The crash remains under investigation.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police“
Verbatim update from VSP
At 7:20 a.m., Thursday (May 31), Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash in Albemarle County. The crash occurred in the westbound lanes of I-64 at the 113 mile marker. There is one confirmed fatality. The crash investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police
Photo courtesy of Greene County, VA Sheriff’s Office : Route 33 West where VDOT was clearing the roadway from a mudslide. Thursday – May 31, 2018
Central Virginia Blue Ridge Area
Updated Thursday afternoon at 4:15 PM with Albermarle County PD statement:
“The Albemarle County Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit and members of the Criminal Investigations Division are currently investigating an incident involving two vehicles swept downstream as a result of heavy rains and flash flooding.
On May 30, 2018 at 2138 hours, two vehicles to include a Toyota Prius traveling west, stopped due to high water in the 900 block of Old Ballard Road. Rapidly rising water levels swept both vehicles off the roadway and downstream. Two occupants of the Toyota Prius were also caught in the flash flood. One occupant has been located and is deceased. The second occupant is still missing. The occupant of the second vehicle was able to swim to a safe location.
The identity of both the deceased and the missing person are being withheld until the missing person is located and family members can be notified of the search results.
Lieutenant Miller Stoddard
Albemarle County Police Department
Special Operations Division”
Original post at 8:17 AM – 5.31.18
Major floods hit the area overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning. Three people are still missing that were swept away from floodwaters and many roads are closed across the area due to either being washed out, collapsed, or mudslides.
Below are some of updates from our own feeds and those of our media partners at CBS19 News in Charlottesville.
Situation update: –2 people are missing in Albemarle Co. 1 person missing in Madison Co. All 3 were swept away by flooding. –Route 33 is closed west of Stanardsville because of a mudslide. –There's limited water service in northern Albemarle because of treatment plant issues pic.twitter.com/m8Z7R2FURp
Curious about how much rain has actually fallen over the area? Here's a radar estimate showing potentially 9" fell over the last 24 hours just west of #Charlottesville#vawxpic.twitter.com/sw9BTSIOq3
#albemarle service authority reports drinking water in north area of county near Rt 29 compromised due to broken pipe at river crossing. Check local news outlets for more details.
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
424 AM EDT Wed May 30 2018
Augusta-Rockingham-Page-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Including the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft,
Harrisonburg, Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Lovingston,
Charlottesville, Stanardsville, Madison, Big Meadows,
and Wintergreen
424 AM EDT Wed May 30 2018
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM NOON EDT TODAY THROUGH THIS
EVENING…
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Flash Flood Watch for portions of central Virginia, northwest
Virginia, and western Virginia, including the following areas,
in central Virginia, Albemarle, Central Virginia Blue Ridge,
Greene, and Nelson. In northwest Virginia, Madison, Northern
Virginia Blue Ridge, and Page. In western Virginia, Augusta
and Rockingham.
* From noon EDT today through this evening
* Numerous showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy
rainfall are expected this afternoon and evening. Localized
rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are expected.
* Rapid rises of creeks and streams will be possible due to
torrential rainfall, potentially spilling beyond their banks.
Flash flooding may develop quickly.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
&&
$$
HTS
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
355 AM EDT Wed May 30 2018
…Flash flooding from torrential downpours still possible
through early this evening…
.The broad circulation around the remnants of Alberto will
continue to pump tropical moisture into the region today. Higher
rainfall rates from showers and embedded thunderstorms are
possible especially this afternoon and evening. The resulting
heavy rainfall will impact many locations with already saturated
ground. This will heighten the risk of flash flooding.
VAZ023-024-035-301600-
/O.EXB.KRNK.FF.A.0003.000000T0000Z-180531T0000Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Botetourt-Rockbridge-Amherst-
Including the cities of Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista,
and Amherst
355 AM EDT Wed May 30 2018
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING…
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has expanded the
* Flash Flood Watch to include portions of central Virginia and
west central Virginia, including the following areas, in
central Virginia, Amherst. In west central Virginia, Botetourt
and Rockbridge.
* Through this evening
* Abundant tropical moisture will again lead to more showers and
thunderstorms that could produce very heavy rainfall in spots
through early this evening. Rainfall totals could reach 1 to 2
inches within the heavier downpours with locally higher amounts
possible.
* Flash flooding will be possible in areas of torrential
rainfall. Flash flooding of streams and creeks may develop very
quickly under these circumstances.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Remember…TURN AROUND…DON`T DROWN!
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
File photo : Publicity – Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Daniel Rutherford (pictured above) announced that on May 29, 2018, Otis L. Knapp, Jr. pled guilty to one count of racketeering as well as several counts of drug distribution, possession, and a firearm charge.
Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia
Verbatim release from Nelson Commonwealth Attorney’s Office:
Tuesday afternoon Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Daniel Rutherford announced that on May 29, 2018, Otis L. Knapp, Jr. pled guilty to one count of racketeering as well as several counts of drug distribution, possession, and a firearm charge. This case is a continuation of the vigorous prosecution of those who distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in Nelson County. From December 2015 until March 2016, Mr. Knapp would transport over one pound of methamphetamine per month from Atlanta, GA to the Central Virginia area and then distributed methamphetamine to individuals in Nelson and the surrounding counties. The sentencing for Otis L. Knapp, Jr. will occur on October 15, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
These charges stem from a lengthy investigation by the Virginia State Police and the Skyline Task Force, which is composed of investigators from the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, Waynesboro Police Department, Staunton Police Department, Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Appomattox Field Office.
“This case became a priority when I took office. Those involved in investigating this complex case poured their hearts into it and saw this case to completion. I am honored to be given the opportunity to work alongside those in the law enforcement community and I will continue to vigorously prosecute those who distribute drugs.”
Virginia State Police Trooper J.R. Harris is investigating a fatal crash in Nelson County. The crash occurred May 27, 2018, at 3:40 p.m., on Route 29, less than a mile north of Route 6.
A 2009 Pontiac G8 was traveling north on Route 29 when it ran off the right side of the highway. The car struck the embankment, the culvert and then a tree.
The driver, Wallace L. Morgan, 74, of Chesterfield, Va., died at the scene. He was wearing a seat belt.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police
Photo courtesy of Coronal Energy. Left, Gary E. Wood President and CEO of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative shaking hands with Governor Ralph Northam after “flipping the switch” – Wednesday – May 23, 2018
Arrington
Nelson County, Virginia
Wednesday Coronal Energy, a leading independent power producer focused on utility-scale solar and storage projects, and Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC), a member-owned electric distribution cooperative, celebrated the commissioning of the Palmer and Martin solar centers in central Virginia. Governor Ralph Northam joined public officials, CVEC’s board, landowners, and representatives from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to mark the occasion with an on-site ceremony.
“I applaud CVEC for demonstrating that low-cost renewable energy is a viable concept in rural Virginia,” said Governor Northam. “It is critical that the Commonwealth of Virginia not be left behind as a destination for the one of the fastest-growing sectors of our economy, and these projects set the example that solar energy can compete anywhere.”
Located along the Interstate 64 corridor, the two projects totaling 10 megawatts (AC) were constructed by EPC contractor McCarthy Building Companies and will generate enough clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to power roughly 1,200 homes annually. Together, they combine to make up the largest solar project in the state for an electric distribution cooperative. CVEC will purchase the projects’ output under a 25-year power purchase agreement, while Coronal Energy will own and operate the facilities.
“Virginia is open for solar business,” said Danny Van Clief, president of Coronal Energy. “With Charlottesville as our east coast hub and a decade of continuous operations in the state, Coronal is proud to partner with CVEC on a pair of projects that will pave the way for the accelerated adoption of solar energy.”
CVEC serves some 36,000 members across 14 Virginia counties, and is one of 11 cooperatives in the state currently using solar energy, according to NRECA. The Palmer Solar Center in Troy and the Martin Solar Center in Kents Store are located in Fluvanna and Goochland counties, respectively, where CVEC serves over 9,000 members.
CVEC plans to offer 4 of the 10 megawatts (AC) generated by the solar centers to its members as a part of Solar Share, its community solar program. CVEC is the first electric cooperative to receive approval of the community solar rate under the new statute.
“As a not-for-profit, member-owned organization, CVEC’s strategy remains focused on capturing tremendous value for our co-op members,” said Gary Wood, president and CEO of CVEC. “Adding cost-effective solar power to our diversified portfolio furthers that mission, as we continue to provide reliable, affordable energy to the communities, businesses, and residents we serve.”
One of the two sites also boasts a coincidental but fitting connection to CVEC through Grover Palmer, a 39-year veteran of CVEC who retired in 2002, and his wife, Wanda. About 41 acres of their land in Troy now host the eponymous Palmer Solar Center. Previously contracted out to corn and soybean growers, the land proved attractive for solar development because of its flat ground and close proximity to co-op electricity grid infrastructure.
“It’s the first time in my history of solar development where the landowner is also a former employee of the utility,” said Kyle West, vice president of development for Coronal Energy. “What a fitting testament to just how connected co-ops are to their members and communities.”
Electric cooperatives are accelerating the procurement of solar energy on behalf of their members and customers across the country. According to NRECA, by the end of 2017 the total solar energy capacity of America’s electric cooperatives had tripled in the past three years and increased fivefold in the last two years alone. By NRECA’s most-recent count, 443 co-ops in 43 U.S. states are using solar energy today.
“CVEC’s two new solar facilities wonderfully embody the community spirit of America’s electric cooperatives,” said Jim Matheson, CEO of NRECA. “Co-ops empower local communities to thrive by providing affordable, reliable, and—more than ever—clean energy. The Palmer and Martin solar centers are the latest testament to co-op’s role advancing the development of solar energy in communities across the country.”
The Martin and Palmer Solar Centers are part of Coronal’s expanding Virginia portfolio. In addition to developing and transacting 6 PV projects in the state, which total 80MWac, the firm manages a strong Virginia pipeline of projects at various stages of development.
About Coronal Energy, powered by Panasonic
Coronal Energy, powered by Panasonic, is a leading independent power producer focused on utility-scale solar and storage projects. The firm provides turnkey solar energy solutions tailored for diverse enterprise customers across North America, including utilities, corporations, and the public sector. Uniting 3 gigawatts of completed project experience with the financial strength of a Fortune Global 500 company (#110), Coronal Energy, powered by Panasonic, owns and manages a 333 megawatt operating portfolio and a multi-gigawatt development pipeline in more than 20 US states.
For more, please visit CoronalEnergy.com and follow them @CoronalEnergy on Twitter.
About Central Virginia Electric Cooperative
Headquartered in Lovingston, Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric distribution utility serving over 36,000 meters in 14 counties across central Virginia. For more information about Central Virginia Electric Cooperative, visit the company’s website atwww.mycvec.com.
About the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states. Learn more at www.electric.coop.
Photo Via VSP : At 10:55 a.m., Tuesday (May 22), Virginia State Police was called to the scene of a plane crash in Augusta County. Neither the pilot, a 24-year-old Rockingham County man, nor the co-pilot was injured.
Craig Shop Road
Weyers Cave
Augusta County, Virginia
Press release via Virginia State Police, verbatim:
At 10:55 a.m., Tuesday (May 22), Virginia State Police was called to the scene of a plane crash in Augusta County. Neither the pilot, a 24-year-old Rockingham County man, nor the co-pilot was injured.
A single-engine, Piper Arrow had taken off from Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport and was en route to Farmville when the aircraft experienced engine problems. The pilot was trying to return to the airport in Weyers Cave when he realized they were not going to make it. So, he made a forced landing in an open field along Craig Shop Road in Weyers Cave. The plane suffered minor damage.
No one on the ground was injured.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police
