To the Editor:It is crucial that strong, well-funded schools are sustained in Chesterfield County. The near- and long-term economic strength of the county will depend greatly on maintaining and always improving the quality of strong financially supported schools. Helps economic development, business retention, and house resales, and it positions our students to succeed. It is what can separate Chesterfield County from other jurisdictions. Our kids and community deserves the best we can provide. Support Chesterfield County schools. Bob Innes
Browsing: Commentary
By Del. Carrie Coyner Committee meetings this week were lengthy as bills were pushed through subcommittees in order to allow time for the bills to be vetted in full committees and on the House floor. I presented in seven committees, on the House floor and advanced four of my bills successfully. Of particular note was HB 925, which passed unanimously (22-0) out of the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee and will be on the House Floor for vote by the full membership this week. HB 925 is a bill that requires the Department of Medical Assistance Services to work with…
I had a lady call me one night at Fire Station 1 and say, “Do you respond to the smell of something burning in a home?” I told her, “Yes ma’am, sometimes several times in the same day.”As we were going down the steps, I commented; “Quite the aromatic polecat.” What we would come to find out was that her smell of something burning was the same aromatic polecat that had sprayed her dog, which then went through her house. This is not the point of this article, but it started as the smell of something burning. Every piece of leather,…
Hello and welcome back to the wonderful world of the Dogpound. Some good news to report: I finally got my fireplace installed in the living room. However, I must admit it was not an easy task. My project started back on Nov. 15 when I signed a contract lining out the specifications for my fireplace, and I handed over a large check for half of the cost. Now the clock starts ticking. And ticking. I finally call them and ask for an update on the delivery of my fireplace. Well, the lady on the other end of the phone did…
By Del. Carrie Coyner It was another busy week at the General Assembly. Thousands of people descended upon Capitol Grounds on Monday to lobby for gun rights in the Commonwealth. I also had visits throughout the week from many constituents about education funding, climate change, housing and healthy youth initiatives. My legislation is being heard in committees including House Bill 928 establishing a regional recovery high school for students suffering from substance abuse disorder or disease. HB 928 received unanimous support from the Education Committee and the PreK-12 Education Subcommittee of Appropriations this week. Substance abuse is a persistent…
As much as I hate to say it, we are still in the midst of winter. This could mean cold temperatures, cold wind, snow, freezing rain, or sleet. We have had a relatively mild winter, to this point, but I remember snow in Aprils past. Being ready could mean different things. I am ready for spring, but we need to be reminded that it is still winter. Very cold temperatures for extended periods of time could cause frozen pipes or extreme taxing of your home’s primary heating system. Frozen pipes will usually bust, showing the problem once thawing occurs. Do…
Hello and welcome back to the wonderful world of the Dogpound. How has the new year been for you so far? Mine has been interesting to say the least…and to give you an example…. let’s start with this. Do any of you remember this phrase that was very popular a number of years ago? “Riddle me this?” If you have a few gray hairs, you are sure to remember that this was the famous words of the Riddler; he was one of the key nemeses of Batman and Robin. Back then, the show was nothing compared to recent movies. This…
Cooking-related fires remain the leading cause of residential fires in America. The fire tetrahedron shows the four components necessary for a fire to occur: heat, fuel, oxygen, and a chemical chain reaction that brings them together. Take any of the four components away and a fire cannot occur. The problem is that in the kitchen, the components are brought together more frequently than most other activities in the home. Whatever distracts people causes them to either forget that they are cooking altogetheror delays them long enough for a problem to occur. Cooking-related fires are heavily influenced by the human factor,…
Hello and welcome back to the wonderful world of the Dogpound. Just about a year ago I bought this house, and I had a very good house inspection conducted before the closing. The man found a few things, as can be expected, but he did mention that he was concerned about the master bathroom. The bathroom was an addition to the house, and it was built where the garage used to be. Due to the low ground clearance, there was no room to put in a proper ventilation system, so air movement was done by an overhead exhaust fan and…
Bumper cars was a ride that I first remember riding at the fair. The problem is that people drive on highways the same way that we used to drive bumper cars. I drove home on 288, during rush hour. A whole lot of traffic, with some people in an extreme hurry or who just like to drive fast. Whether 288, I-95, I-295, I-64, or Chippenham Parkway, you take your life in your own hands when you drive on these roadways. To some, the speed limit is more of a suggestion than the law. So what must we do to share…