Joseph P. Casey Named Chesterfield Administrator
0The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors named Joseph P. Casey as the next county administrator last week at an afternoon press conference. Casey, currently the deputy county manager for administration for Henrico County, will begin his new position July 1. Casey will fill the position of retiring County Administrator James J.L. Stegmaier. Casey has served Henrico County as deputy county manager since 2013. Prior to that, he served Hanover County since 1990, in roles including deputy county administrator and finance director. He has a doctorate degree in public policy and administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as a master’s…
Roundabout proposed at Hopkins, Kingsland roads
0Intersections are changing. Typically a vehicle approaching an intersection will be greeted by a traffic signal, stop or yield sign or more recently a roundabout. Currently there are 10 roundabouts in Chesterfield and more could be coming. Last week the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) held a community information meeting on a proposed roundabout that they plan to build at the intersections of Hopkins and Kingsland roads. According to the state officials, the public information session will be the only time citizens will have an opportunity comment other than online until June 7. The new traffic configuration will address safety…
In port at Bermuda Hundred
0Both passengers and cargo traveled to and from the port at Bermuda Hundred to points along the east coast. The Bermuda Hundred terminus of the narrow-gage Farmville and Powhatan Railroad (track width of 3 ft. 6 in. versus 4 ft. 8 in., the normal width of a modern rail track). The schooner John J. Ward, Capt. Van Clief as skipper, made regular stops at Bermuda Hundred. Ben A. Ruffin of local lore sailed to New York five times on the schooner shown above. This photo was taken in the 1880s.
Housing Market Update
0At this time of year, home buyers begin to shop real estate so they can buy and get comfortable in their new home by the beginning of the school year. This spring home sales increased by 3 percent over last year in Chesterfield. Sales prices have reflected the uptick in sales. In April of 2015 median sale prices were about $213,000. This year in April, sales prices had increase to $225,000 – an increase of 5.5 percent. As April began to stretch into May, the number of days on the market began a downward trend. A home put on the…
Weekly Calendar
0JUNE 1 CHESTER CHOICES – Book discussion: “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: A Savannah Story,” by John Berendt. Chester Library. 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. No registration required. JUNE 2 PERFORMING ARTS SHOWCASE – 8:30 p.m. Salem Church Middle will present a in the Heritage Amphitheater at Pocahontas State Park. More than 250 students will perform selections showcasing the school’s “Journey of Hope” project-based learning units and other spring pieces. The performance by drama, chorus, orchestra, guitar and band students is free to the public, but there is a parking fee of $4 cash per vehicle. JUNE…
Engines 1 and 14 rescue Village Green flag
0The large 8- by 12-foot American flag flying above the Village Green in Chester got caught in its flag pole topper, a couple of weeks ago on what must have been a very windy day. The flag pole is crowned with a highly detailed Eagle Flagpole Finial. Several residents in the area were quiet concerned that the flag was going to be damaged. The Village News and property owner Jim Danielsreceived several phone calls. The Village News did receive a suggestion that the fire department could be called. Before they could be called, the fire department crew from Engine 1…
Lotteries in Virginia and Lions
0Virginia was the 29th state in the United States to legalize a state run lottery when it voted 57 for and 43 opposed in 1987. Virginia was also the first Southern state to allow a lottery. Of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, all now have lotteries with the exception of Alabama, Mississippi, Utah, Nevada, Alaska and Hawaii. The funds collected are divided into a number of pots before any monies reach the education system, which is a major destination for these funds. Each dollar going into the lottery for all tickets (scratch, powerball, etc.) goes roughly 60 percent to prizes,…
Rainy Day Blues
0As I write this, it is raining, again. I am sitting in my comfy clothes (i.e. yoga pants and a stain spattered button-up) drinking my “digestive tea” as “House Hunters” plays in the background. It is cozy, it is peaceful, but if we have to deal with any more rain this spring I will scream. Rainy days are lovable in moderation. If the sun is shining I absolutely feel that I must be out doing something. Whether that means working in the yard, tending to the chickens and the gardens, or running errands, I ultimately feel like I have to…