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Nelson : FCC Approves $220 million for 33 Electric Cooperatives to Provide Rural Broadband

Yvette Stafford
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Nelson : FCC Approves $220 million for 33 Electric Cooperatives to Provide Rural Broadband

The following information is from The Rural Electric Cooperative Association:
See CVEC mention down below

ARLINGTON, Va. – Thirty-three electric cooperatives were announced today as winners of the Federal Communications Commission Connect American Fund II (CAF II) reverse auction. Those winning electric cooperatives will collectively receive $220 million over ten years to help defray the costs of deploying broadband in unserved areas.

The CAF II auction marks the first time that the FCC allowed electric cooperatives to bid for funding as broadband service providers. Click here for a full list of winning bidders.

“Today’s auction results highlight the power of cooperative partnerships and collaboration as electric co-ops work to bring broadband to unserved communities in rural America,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “We thank the FCC for allowing electric co-ops to participate in this auction, and look forward to building on this success moving forward. We are committed to continuing the rural broadband conversation and working with policymakers at the federal, state and local level on technology and funding solutions that will enrich the lives of rural American families and businesses.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape. As local businesses built by the consumers they serve, electric cooperatives have meaningful ties to rural America and invest $12 billion annually in their communities.

Barry Electric Cooperative (MO)
HolstonConnect, LLC (TN)
Illinois Electric Cooperative (IL)
Lake Region Technology & Communications, LLC (OK)
Maquoketa Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (IA)
Meriwether Lewis Connect LLC (TN)
Orange County REMC (IN)
Roseau Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MN)
Tombigbee Communications, LLC (AL)
Tri-County Electric Cooperative (MI)
Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PA)
Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium includes the following cooperatives:

Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation (AR)
B-A-R-C Electric Cooperative (VA)
Callabyte Technology, LLC (MO)
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (VA)
Co-Mo Comm, Inc. (MO)
Consolidated Electric Cooperative (OH)
Douglas Services, Inc. (OR)
Great Lakes Energy Cooperative (MI)
Midwest Energy Cooperative (MI)
NEXT, Powered by NAEC, LLC (AR)
OzarksGo, LLC (AR)
Prince George Electric Cooperative (VA)
GoSEMO, LLC (MO)
South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AR)
Sullivan County Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PA)
Gibson Connect, LLC (TN)
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative (VA)
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OK)
East Central Oklahoma Cooperative, Inc. (OK)
Conexon, LLC (AR)
Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (A.A.L.) (MS)

Here’s additional press information from PR Newswire.

Nelson : Schuyler – Commonwealth Attorney Announces Conviction In Strangulation Case

Yvette Stafford
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Nelson : Schuyler – Commonwealth Attorney Announces Conviction In Strangulation Case
File photo : Publicity – Nelson CA Daniel Rutherford made the conviction announcement this past Monday – August 27, 2018.

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

“Monday afternoon, Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Daniel Rutherford announced that on August 24, 2018, a jury in Nelson County convicted Jeffery Michael Adams, age 48, from Schuyler, of strangulation, violating a protective order by causing bodily injury and domestic assault and battery. The jury recommended a total of 7 years incarceration for all charges.

The charges arose out of an incident that occurred during the winter of 2018. When deputies arrived at Adams’ residence, they observed a juvenile that had injuries consistent with strangulation.

The jury deliberated for two hours before returning guilty verdicts. After further deliberation on sentencing, including evidence of the defendant’s previous convictions, the jury recommended a sentence of 5 years for the strangulation, 1 year on violating the protective order by causing bodily injury and 12 months for the domestic assault and battery.

Strangulation and violating a protective order by causing bodily injury are each a Class 6 felony and have a maximum punishment of up to 5 years incarceration. Domestic assault and battery is a class 1 Misdemeanor and carries a maximum punishment of up to 12 months in jail.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Erik Laub prosecuted the case. Jeffery Michael Adams was represented by Rebecca Wetzel from Lynchburg, Virginia.
Formal sentencing is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on November 20, 2018 in the Nelson County Circuit Court.

“Seeking justice for those who are victims of domestic violence is a top priority for my office. I am proud of the outstanding work by my Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, Erik Laub, and my Victim Witness Advocate, Beth Cunningham. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who commit acts of domestic violence.”

Daniel Rutherford
Commonwealth’s Attorney
Nelson County”

Nelson : Nellysford : Nelson Sheriff Investigating Fatal Tractor Accident

Yvette Stafford
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Nelson : Nellysford : Nelson Sheriff Investigating Fatal Tractor Accident

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

Very sad news coming into Blue Ridge Life this Sunday night. Nelson County Sheriff David Hill tells BRL that the woman who died from injuries in a Sunday evening lawn-tractor accident is Diane Purvis of Nellysford.

Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.

We, here at BRL, know the Purvis family. Like many of you, we are heartbroken over this news.

 

Wintergreen : Black Bear Wanders Into Fire Station On The Mountain

Yvette Stafford
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Video screengrab courtesy of Wintergreen Fire Department : Early Thursday morning a black bear found his way into Wintergreen Fire Station 1 on the mountain at Wintergreen Resort.

Wintergreen Resort
Nelson County, Virginia

 

Some stations have spotted dogs. When your station is in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains you just never know what might wander in the bay.

Recently firefighters Buddy Ford and Deric Meakins surprisingly bumped into a black bear in the station. Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time this has happened, but it is the first time it’s been captured on video.

 

Bear Cub Inside Firehouse At Wintergreen from Tommy Stafford on Vimeo.
Video above courtesy of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue

 

Wintergreen Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone that we’re all guests in the Bear’s home and we have a responsibility to coexist safely.  Visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/bear/living-with-black-bears/ to learn more.

Thanks to WFD Chief Curtis Sheets for giving us the 411 on on the 911 bear in the house!!

Nelson : Devil’s Backbone Opens New Headquarters At Basecamp

Yvette Stafford
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Nelson : Devil’s Backbone Opens New Headquarters At Basecamp
Photo courtesy of Heidi Crandall : After months and months of construction, the Devils Backbone Headquarters opened earlier this week at Basecamp in Nelson County. The building is where support staff and administrative offices are housed for the operation.(BRL V2.0)

Roseland
Nelson County, Virginia

For the first time in a decade DBBC support staff and management have a place to locate and work from. The Devils Backbone Headquarters opened earlier this week in Roseland just across the way from the brewpub and restaurant.

Photo By Heidi Crandall : The newly finished Devils Backbone Headquarters in Roseland at the Basecamp.

“It is a wonderful healthy environment with work stations, a kitchen, game area, educational loft and outdoor decks to soak in the mountains. We have approximately 40 full time staff coming in daily with additional field staff who are mobile,” said Heidi Crandall, Co-Founder of Devils Backbone.

She and her husband Steve started the brewing and restaurant operation back in 2008. Since then the company has exploded across the Eastern United States and was eventually purchased by Anuhesr Busch back in April of 2016.

Photo By Heidi Crandall : The new workspace gives employees a place to finally have deskspace to work from. Before they were camping out anywhere they could find to do work.

This is a gorgeous and contemporary building that brings the DB family together in one spot instead of in hidden corners at both locations,” Heidi continued.

The new building was designed and built by Tectonics II in Roseland, Virginia.

Severe Weather Possible Across Blue Ridge Today

Tommy
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Severe Weather Possible Across Blue Ridge Today
The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the Central Virginia in the slight risk category for severe weather this Tuesday – August 21, 2018. That means there Is a decent shot at severe storms somewhere in the area highlighted in yellow.

Central Virginia Blue Ridge

Certain factors are coming together today to create an environment that makes severe weather possible across the Blue Ridge area.

The Storm Prediction Center discusses the potential in this post. It’s mostly science and weather speak. But it generally says the chances are there for some severe weather outbreaks in our area. A lot of that will depend on cloud cover. If we get breaks of sunshine the risk for severe storms is greater.

I’ll keep you posted throughout the day should any real concerns arise.

Tommy

VDOT : NELSON COUNTY MOTORISTS URGED TO PLAN FOR POSSIBLE CONGESTION

Yvette Stafford
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VDOT : NELSON COUNTY MOTORISTS URGED TO PLAN FOR POSSIBLE CONGESTION

Lynchburg / Arrington

Nelson County motorists should be aware of possible congestion and changes in traffic pattern on US 29 and side roads near Oak Ridge Estate in Lovingston from Wednesday evening, August 22 through midday Monday, August 27 due to an event. The highest volumes of traffic on Route 29 are expected to occur during the overnight hours of Wednesday through early Thursday evening, late afternoon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and into midday Monday, while heavier-than-normal traffic will likely occur on Route 665 from Route 29 to Route 668 and Route 668 to Route 650 on Thursday.

Contractors for the festival in collaboration with the Virginia State Police (VSP) and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will begin setting up traffic control south of the Lovingston area on Wednesday. Due to the possibility of increased congestion, several changes in traffic pattern are planned.

Early festival arrival traffic on Wednesday will be directed off Route 29 to Route 29 Business (Front Street) in Lovingston, to Route 56 and right onto Route 650.

 Crossovers – From Wednesday evening to Thursday evening, all crossovers from the U-turn location (between Ross Road and Morse Lane) to the first crossover north of Route 650 will be closed. On Thursday evening, the U-turn will be shifted north to South Lena Rose Lane. The crossovers south of Route 56 will be opened and those between the U-turn and the first crossover north of Route 650 will remain closed until Sunday evening.

 Closures – On Wednesday evening through the day on Thursday, Route 650 between Route 56 and Route 29 will be closed intermittently. Route 653 may be closed to event traffic.

Through traffic: Through traffic on Route 29 South will use the right lane; event traffic will use the left lane, and through traffic on Route 29 North will use the left lane from north of Route 739; event traffic will use the right lane.

If considering an alternate route, motorists are encouraged to use Route 151  from the intersection of Route 29/151 in Amherst County to the intersection of Route 250/151 in Albemarle County.  This route is not recommended for trucks.

Message boards and other traffic control devices will be used to alert motorists to these changes in traffic pattern and any major congestion issues.

For additional up-to-date information throughout the event, please call 511 or visit www.511Virginia.org, follow VDOT on Twitter @VaDOTLynchburg, or contact VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-367-7623 (800-FOR-ROAD).

Hurricane Camille – 49 Years Ago Today on August 19, 1969 The Skies Opened Up

Tommy
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Hurricane Camille – 49 Years Ago Today on August 19, 1969 The Skies Opened Up
A shot from our cover story back in 2008. Brower York had recently released some never before seen color photos of the 1969 destruction from Hurricane Camille.


Our September 2008 (Then Nelson County Life Magazine) revealing some the the very first color pictures taken by Photographer Brower York of the tragedy that struck Nelson County, killing dozens and destroying millions in property. Click on issue above to read the entire article and see the photos starting on page 12.

Nelson County, VA
Below, our 2011 story on the placing of a wreath on the marker at the Rockfish Trail Loop to remember those who lost their lives in August 1969

Photo By Tommy Stafford : ©2011 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Amy Webb, owner of Blue Ridge Floral Designs, places a commemorative wreath on the historical marker at the Rockfish Valley Trailhead Friday morning (8.19.11) to remember the dozens killed in Nelson County during Hurricane Camille in August 1969.


Above in this USDA film made decades ago, they track the progress of Camille from landfill in Mississippi to the Virginia Blue Ridge. Lots of video in this we’ve never seen before. The portions mentioning and showing Nelson and nearby areas starts around 12 to 13 minutes.

South Of Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia
Back in 2008 Peter and Betsy Agelasto of Elk Hill made sure there was a permanent marker put up to remember the dozens of people that died here in Nelson. Hurricane Camille was their fate. Camille was one of the 10 most devastating hurricanes in history. Each year The Agelasto’s have Amy Webb place commemorative wreath where the marker is at the start of the Rockfish Valley Trailhead.

Graphic courtesy of National Hurricane Center : Camille came ashore as a deadly category 5 hurricane on the Mississippi Gulf Coast then stalled over Virginia as a major tropical depression dumping 20+ inches of rain on Nelson County in less than 24 hours.
Old Photos By Brower York : ©1969-2011 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Nelson County, VA destruction in 1969 from Hurricane Camille as seen through the lens of photographer Brower York.
Relief helicopters line up along Route 29 in 1969.
Traffic being diverted by state police at Route 6 & 151 in the Martins Store area. This is where the large CVEC electrical substation is toady.
Photographer Brower York captures this shot in 1969 of a landing strip set up on Route 29 to render aid to victims of Hurricane Camille.

Nelson County’s Historical Society has an entire room devoted to the history of Hurricane Camille and its effect on Nelson County at the Oakland Museum.You can see the old photographs above along with countless more from photographer Brower York’s collection.

You can read all of our past coverage and mentions of Hurricane Camille by clicking here.

Nelson : 2018 Lockn’ Festival Transportation Information

Yvette Stafford
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Nelson : 2018 Lockn’ Festival Transportation Information
Via VDOT Lynchburg : Click on image above to see the traffic routing plans for the Lockn’ 2018 festival.

FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION:

Be aware of possible congestion and changes in traffic patterns on US 29 and side roads near Oak Ridge Estate from Wednesday evening, August 22 through midday Monday, August 27. The highest volumes of traffic on Route 29 are expected to occur during the overnight hours of Wednesday through early Thursday evening, early on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, and during the departure period Sunday afternoon into midday Monday.

On Wednesday, contractors working for the Lockn’ Festival, in collaboration with the Virginia State Police and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), will begin setting up traffic control south of the Lovingston area. Due to the possibility of increased congestion, several changes in traffic patterns are planned, including:

-On Wednesday evening, early arrival event traffic will be directed off Route 29 onto Route 29 Business (Front Street) at the traffic signal at Lovingston, from there onto Route 56 (James River Rd,) and then right onto Oak Ridge Rd.( Route 650)

-From Wednesday evening to Thursday evening, all cross-overs from the U-turn location (between Ross Road and Morse Lane) to the first cross-over north of Oak Ridge Road will be closed..

-On Thursday evening, the U-turn location will be shifted north of Route 56 (to South Lena Rose Lane) and crossovers between the U-turn and first cross-over north of Oak Ridge Rd. will be closed until Sunday evening. Crossovers south of Route 56 will be opened.

-Heavier than normal traffic over Arrington Road (Rte. 665) from Route 29 to Diggs Mtn. Rd and over Diggs Mountain Road (Route 668) to Oak Ridge Road (Rte. 650) can be expected throughout the day on Thursday.

-Oak Ridge Road between Route 29 and Route 56 will be closed to through traffic at various times on Wednesday evening and throughout the day on Thursday.

– Wilson Road (Route 653) may be closed to event traffic. As a contingency plan, Wilson Road will be used for event vehicles (no oversized vehicles or RVs).

-Through traffic on Route 29 South will use the right lane; event traffic will use the left lane, and

– Through traffic on Route 29 North will use the left lane from north of the abandoned cross over at Nelson County High School; event traffic will use the right lane.

If considering an alternate route, motorists are encouraged to use Route 151 (Patrick Henry Highway) from the intersection of Route 29/151 in Amherst County to the intersection of Route 250/151 in Albemarle County. This route is not recommended for trucks.

Motorists should anticipate additional vehicles, including recreational vehicles on Route 29 and several adjoining secondary routes, including Oak Ridge Road (Route 653), Arrington and Variety Mills Road (Route 655), Williamstown Road (Route 722), James River Road (Route 56), and Findlay Mt. Road (Route 647).

Message boards, other traffic control devices and a Traffic Hazard Advisory Radio will be used to alert motorists to these changes in traffic patterns and any major congestion issues. A Safety Service Patrol unit will also be available during peak traffic periods to assist with any incidents that may occur.

NEWS ALERT : Fatal Shooting in Afton – VSP Releases ID Of Victim & Other Details : Updated 10:05 AM – 8.13.18

Tommy
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©2018 Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Use must include credit : By Yvette Stafford : Officers draw their guns and order someone out of a car at the scene of a fatal shooting Sunday morning in Afton, Virginia on Avon Road. August 12, 2018

Avon Road
Afton / Nelson County

Scroll down below video for updated info from Virginia State Police (5:10 PM)

Tense moments this morning as investigators piece together the events that led up to a fatal shooting in Afton in a house on Avon Road.

Police draw their weapons on a car matching the description of the getaway vehicle as it approached the crime scene on Avon Road. The drivers of the car were cleared and allowed to proceed. VIDEO CREDIT: BlueRidgeLife.com

Latest update from VSP at 10:05 AM – 8.13.18

Shortly before 11 a.m., Sunday (Aug. 12, 2018), the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police responded to a residence in the 1700 block of Avon Road. Upon arriving, Alexia S. Lockett, 29, of Afton, Va. was found deceased inside the residence. Her remains were transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Richmond for autopsy and examination.

Further investigation confirmed that Anthony M. Hutchinson, 40, of Waynesboro, Va., fled the residence after fatally shooting Lockett.

The Amherst County Sheriff’s Office received a lookout for the vehicle Hutchinson was driving, a 2014 Nissan Altima, which they located as it was traveling south on Route 29 in Amherst County.

The Sheriff’s Deputy attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. After the Deputy activated his emergency equipment, the Nissan sped away and continued south at a high rate of speed on Route 29. As the Nissan approached Spencer Mountain Road, it ran off the left side of the roadway and crashed.

As the deputies exited their vehicles, Hutchinson remained inside the Nissan and began shooting at the deputies. One of the deputies was struck. The deputies returned fire striking Hutchinson.

Hutchinson died at the scene.

The deputy who was shot was treated for a non-life threatening injury.

In accordance with Amherst County policy, three deputies have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is being completed.

The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating both shootings.

Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police

Latest update from VSP at 5:10 PM – 8.12.18

VIRGINIA STATE POLICE INVESTIGATING AMHERST COUNTY PURSUIT AND OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

AMHERST, Va. – At the request of the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office the Virginia State Police is investigating a motor vehicle crash which involved an officer involved shooting. The crash and shooting occurred following a pursuit on Sunday (Aug 12) at approximately 11:18 a.m. on Route 29 near Spencer Mountain Road.

Amherst County Sheriff’s Office received a lookout for a 2014 maroon Nissan Altima which may be traveling on Route 29, which was a suspect vehicle in a shooting in Nelson County. A vehicle matching the description was spotted traveling south on Route 29 in Amherst County. The Sheriff’s Deputy attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. After the Deputy activated his emergency equipment the Nissan fled continuing south at a high rate of speed on Route 29. As the Nissan approached Spencer Mountain Road, the vehicle ran off the left side of the roadway, lost control and crashed.

As the deputies exited their vehicles, the driver of the Nissan opened fire with a handgun from inside the Nissan striking one of the responding deputies. Deputies returned gunfire striking the suspect.

The suspect was identified as Anthony Makai Hutchinson, 40, of Waynesboro, Va. Hutchinson died at the scene.

One Amherst County Deputy received a non-life threatening gunshot wound in the exchange.

In accordance with Amherst County policy, three deputies have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is being completed.

The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (Appomattox) is investigating to determine if this pursuit is related to a shooting which occurred in the 1700 block of Avon Road in Nelson County, which occurred shortly before 11:00 a.m.

Virginia State Police are investigating two incidents in Nelson and Amherst counties:

Incident #1: 

Shortly before 11 a.m., Sunday (Aug. 12, 2018), the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police responded to a residence in the 1700 block of Avon Road where a deceased individual was located. The incident is being investigated as a homicide and search efforts were immediately underway for the suspect.  The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Appomattox Field Office is at the scene and investigating.
Incident #2:
In Amherst County at approximately 11:20 a.m., a vehicle crashed while traveling along Geddes Mountain Road in Amherst County. As Amherst County Sheriff’s Deputies engaged with the driver of the crashed vehicle, a deputy was shot. The driver of the vehicle is deceased. The deputy was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Appomattox Field Office is at the scene and investigating.
State police is working to determine if these two incidents are related.
Thanks,

Corinne N. Geller

Public Relations Director

Virginia State Police

 

From earlier post:
Here’s what we know:
– One woman is dead
– The Amherst County deputy that responded to the shooting is being treated for an injury to his leg
– The suspected gunman has been apprehended in Amherst County
This story is developing …

 

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