“At 5:40 p.m. Thursday (June 7), Virginia State Police Trooper Z.C. Harris responded to a multi-vehicle crash in Albemarle County.
A tractor-trailer traveling east on Interstate 64 ran off the left side of the interstate at the 104 mile marker and into the median. When the vehicle struck the concrete drainage culvert in the center of the median, the trailer swung out into the westbound lanes.
The trailer first struck a westbound tractor-trailer and then two other westbound passenger vehicles – a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck and a 2017 Subaru. The impact of the crash caused the Subaru to run off the right side of the westbound lanes of I-64 and into the guardrail.
The driver of the Subaru, a 61-year-old Fishersville woman, was flown to UVA Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. She was wearing a seat belt.
The driver of the at-fault tractor-trailer, Arnold L. Jones, 63, of Freeman, Va., was transported by ambulance to UVA Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. He was wearing a seat belt.
Neither the driver of the westbound tractor-trailer that was struck nor the driver of the Silverado pickup truck was injured.
Jones has been charged with reckless driving for failing to maintain control of his vehicle.
The crash remains under investigation.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”
Screenshot courtesy of News 12 NY : Anchors with News 12 in New York present the story about a father and son from Suffolk, NY that have been found dead in Rockbridge County, VA.
Rockbridge County, Virginia
Verbatim story copy from News 12 NY:
“A 2-year-old from Smithtown and his father, who is believed to have abducted him, were found in a car on fire Wednesday – both with bullet wounds – in Virginia, according to Rockbridge County Deputy Tony McFadden.
Suffolk police say the toddler, Jovani Ligurgo, who was reported missing by his mother Tuesday afternoon, was discovered in his John Ligurgo’s Jeep Cherokee in the residential neighborhood.”
There’s been great concern about the status of the pig that’s on the poll in front of The Blue Ridge Pig in Nellysford. Over the weekend there was a pretty big traffic accident eight in front of the restaurant.
In the photo I shot above, it appeared that the pig was actually on the back of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue’s engine. I didn’t even notice it until someone dropped a comment to us on the photo.
Thanks to Caitlin Oliver for the photo : Back in February of 2015 the very famous pig that’s been up on the sign at Blue Ridge Pig in Nellysford of Nelson County, Virginia took an unfortunate dive to the ground.
Not to worry, the pig is safe and sound these days and is proudly perched on the pole along Route 151!
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.”
