Caroline County Sheriff's Office | I'm Surrounded By Idiots

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Receives Accreditation!

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office (PDF):

Caroline Sheriff A. A. “Tony” Lippa is pleased to announce that accreditation of the Sheriff’s Office by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC) has been granted. This 187 step process involves assessors verifying all aspects of the sheriff’s office operations to see that standards for efficient and effective agency operations are met. The stated goals of VLEPSC include: To increase the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth through the delivery of services; To promote cooperation among all components in the criminal justice system; To ensure the appropriate level of training for law enforcement personnel; and To promote public confidence in law enforcement.

Achieving accreditation is one step further than state certification, which the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office was awarded in 2006. Accreditation standards are more comprehensive and stringent than those involved in certification. “Certification was akin to the agency getting its high school diploma. State accreditation is like receiving our bachelor’s degree,” said Sheriff Lippa.

The Caroline County Sheriff’s Office was recommended for accreditation by a team of reviewers who report to the VLEPSC Board of Directors. At its regular meeting on October 16th, the Board of Directors voted to grant accreditation status to the Caroline Sheriff’s Office. The board remarked that Caroline County had “one of the best” initial accreditation surveys” they had ever conducted. The Board also stated that it was wonderful to see representation and support from County Government, as Sheriff Lippa was joined at the accreditation award ceremony by County Administrator Percy Ashcraft, Deputy Administrator Alan Partin and Sheriff’s Office Citizen Advisory member Bob Gordon.

Sheriff A. A. “Tony” Lippa remarked, “I am both pleased and proud to announce that your Caroline County Sheriff’s Office has been granted accreditation for the first time ever. I am extremely proud of the men and women of this agency who have worked long and hard to see that these standards were met. Becoming accredited at the state level is yet another step to bring your sheriff’s office to the forefront of modern law enforcement.” Mr. Ashcraft remarked, “On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I want to commend Sheriff Lippa and his staff for their hard work and dedication in achieving this significant milestone. This accreditation puts the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office in an elite group of law enforcement professionals. It is a proud day for Caroline County and the citizens we all serve.”

The sheriff’s office is placing new accreditation decals, shown above, on all marked cruisers to indicate to the public this outstanding achievement.

Sergeant A. W. Lambert, Deputy Sara Harper, VALEPSC Director Gary Dillon, Sheriff Lippa, Lt. Col. M. W. Hall, Admin Asst. Ms. Wimmer and Major Moser pose together at the VALEPSC Board meeting following the accreditation award.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending October 11, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

On September 30, 2008, Deputy C.M. Hall investigated a narcotic violation at the Caroline High School. After investigating, a juvenile was charged with Possession of Marijuana. He has a pending court date in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On September 6, 2008, Investigator M.M. Ellett responded to a Ruther Glen address for a larceny call. After a follow-up investigation on September 30, 2008, Warren V. Deloach, Jr., 23, of Ruther Glen was charged with four (4) counts of Larceny of a Firearm. He was released on a $1,500 unsecured bond and a court date of October 8, 2008 was set.

On October 3, 2008, Deputy P.H. Blasiol completed a follow-up investigation from a breaking and entering incident that occurred at a Milford address on September 24, 2008. Upon completion of the investigation, Eric King, 21, of Milford was charged with Breaking and Entering, Larceny, Forgery and Uttering. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of October 10, 2008 was set.

On October 5, 2008, Deputy T.P. Connolly responded to a Woodford address for a disturbance call. After investigating, Michael W. Simms, 26, of Woodford was charged with Filing a False Police Report. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of October 8, 2008 was set.

On October 6, 2008, Deputy C.M. Hall responded to Caroline High School for disorderly subject. After investigating, a juvenile was charged with Threaten to Burn and Disorderly Conduct. He has a pending court date in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On October 6, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb stopped Roosevelt F. Rousey, 44, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Rousey was charged with Operating an ATV on the Highway, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Refuse Chemical Test and Felony Drive after Habitual Offender. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of January 23, 2009 was set.

On October 7, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard stopped Donald G. Jones, 47, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Jones was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Drinking While Driving and No County Decal. He was held on a $1,000 secured bond and a court date of October 8, 2008 was set.

On October 7, 2008, Deputy T. J. Ketchem responded to a Ruther Glen address in reference to a trespassing. Upon further investigation, Theresa M. McCenny, 18, of Ruther Glen is charged with trespassing. She was released on her on recognizance and an October 15, 2008 date of trial was set.

On October 7, 2008, Deputy C.M. Hall investigated a fight that occurred at the Caroline High School. After completion of the investigation, two (2) juveniles were charged with Assault and Battery. Both have pending court dates in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On October 8, 2008, Deputy C.M. Hall investigated a fight that occurred at the Caroline High School. After completion of the investigation, a juvenile was charged with Assault and Battery. He has a pending Court date in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On October 9, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard stopped Matthew C. Groves, 46, of Colonial Beach for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Groves was charged with Driving Under the Influence, Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol and Possession of Marijuana. H was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of October 10, 2008 was set.

On October 10, 2008, Deputy J.K. Miller responded to a Ruther Glen business for a report of a shoplifting. Upon further investigation and with the assistance of Deputy G. J. Hamilton, Neal T. Lickey, 34, of Ruther Glen and Tracey M. Ferguson, 24, of Ruther Glen were charged with Shoplifting. Additionally, Ferguson was charged with Obstruction of Justice and is being held on a $1,000 secured bond. Lickey is being held on a $2,000 secured bond and a court date of October 17, 2008 has been set for both subjects.

On October 10, 2008, Deputy C.M. Hall investigated a fight that occurred at the Caroline High School. After completion of the investigation, a juvenile was charged with Assault and Battery. She has a pending court date in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 4 drug arrests, 4 DUI arrest, 7 domestic violence arrests, 101 other criminal arrests and 14 animal control summons or arrests during the past week. The deputies served 295 civil papers, issued 349 traffic summonses, handled 7 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 31 alarm calls, and dealt with 8 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 607 calls for service and handled 1,476 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 33 calls assisting outside agencies and had 327 self-initiated calls.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending October 4, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

On August 16, 2008, Deputy F.L. Brennan arrested James W. Conley, 19, of Rappahannock Academy for being Drunk in Public. Upon further investigation of the incident, Conley was charged with Possession of Cocaine. He was released on a $2,500 unsecured bond and a court date of October 8, 2008 was set.

On September 28, 2008, Deputy S. Mullane stopped Delores M. Baker, 54, of Ruther Glen, for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Baker was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Refusal to Submit to a Test. She was held on a $1,500 secured bond and a court date of October 8, 2008 was set.

On September 28, 2008, Deputy C.S. Wooldridge was called to assist Caroline Fire and Rescue Personnel. After investigating, Donald R. Jackson, Jr., 42, of Ruther Glen was charged with Being Drunk in Public. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of October 8, 2008 was set.

On September 28, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard stopped Karen B. Warren, 38, of Fairfax, for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Warren was charged with Being Drunk in Public, Possession of PCP and Improper Stopping on a Highway. She was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of October 1, 2008 was set. A passenger in the vehicle, Michael A. Coleman, 43, of Stafford, was charged with Possession of PCP and was also arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Stafford County for Possession of PCP. He was held on a $5,000 secured bond and a court date of October 1, 2008 was set.

On September 29, 2008, Deputy D.W. Mundie stopped Stephen C. Boyle, 20, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Boyle was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Suspended and Possession of a Radar Detector. He was held on a $5,000 secured bond and a court date of October 8, 2008 was set.

On September 30, 2008, Deputy C. M. Hall (SRO) observed a male juvenile smoking in the bathroom. Upon further investigation, the 15 year old was charged with possession of marijuana and released to his parents.

On September 8, 2008, Investigator M. M. Ellett was assigned to investigate the larceny of firearms in the Ladysmith area. On October 1, 2008, Warren V. DeLoach, Jr. was arrested on three counts of larceny. He was released on a $1500 bond and a court date of October 8, 2008 was set.

On October 1, 2008, Deputy T.P. Connolly was on patrol when he encountered Billie Jo Williams, 37, of Ruther Glen. Upon further investigation, Williams was served an outstanding warrant for Petit Larceny. She was released on her signature and a court date of October 3, 2008 was set.

On October 1, 2008, Deputy R.J. Anderson responded to a Ruther Glen address for an assault call. Upon further investigation, John R. Skinner, 34, of Milford was charged with Breaking and Entering and Assault. He was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date was set.

On October 1, 2008, Deputy G.J. Hamilton and Investigator M.M. Ellett responded to a Bowling Green address for a larceny call. After investigating, a male juvenile was charged with Breaking and Entering, Larceny of a Firearm and Grand Larceny. He has a pending court date in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Additionally, Jessica N. Spurell, 22, of Ruther Glen, was charged with Obstruction of Justice. She was released on a summons and a court date of December 2, 2008 was set.

On October 2, 2008, Deputy C.M. Hall responded to the Caroline Middle School for an unknown situation. Upon investigating, Delores M. Baker, 54, of Ruther Glen, was charged with Being Drunk in Public. She was released on a summons and a court date of November 26, 2008 was set.

On October 2, 2008, Deputy P.E. Ford stopped James A. McFall, 39, of Fredericksburg for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, McFall was charged with Driving Revoked-Habitual Offender, 3^rd offense. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of October 3, 2008 was set.

On October 3, 2008, Investigation M.M. Ellett responded to a Ruther Glen address for a forgery and construction fraud call. Upon investigating, Wayne T. Allen, 42, of Ruther Glen was charged with Construction Fraud, Forgery, and 2 counts of Operating without a Professional License. He was released on a 43,500 unsecured bond and a court dte of October 3, 2008 was set.

On October 3, 2008, Deputy P.E. Ford stopped Tamara L. Mariner, 48, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Mariner was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Speeding. She was released on her own recognizance and a court date of October 8, 2008 was set.

On October 4, 2008, Deputy P.E. Ford responded to a Ruther Glen address for a trespassing call. Upon investigating, Kunte K. Foxx, 30, of Ruther Glen was charged with Assault. She was released on a $2,500 unsecured bond and a court date of October 7, 2008 was set.

On October 4, 2008, Deputy B.N. Doucet was on patrol in the Ruther Glen area when he encountered Kadeen L. Montgomery, 19, of Ruther Glen. Upon further investigation, Montgomery was charged with Possession of Marijuana. He was released on a summons and a court date of November 7, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 16 drug arrests, 1 DUI arrest, 17 domestic violence arrests, 163 other criminal arrests and 13 animal control summons or arrests during the past week. The deputies served 272 civil papers, issued 197 traffic summonses, handled 9 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 35 alarm calls, and dealt with 8 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 591 calls for service and handled 1,741 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 36 calls assisting outside agencies and had 250 self-initiated calls.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending September 27, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

On September 23, 2008, Deputy M.J. O’Connor responded to a Ruther Glen business to complete a follow-up investigation on a larceny that occurred on September 15, 2008. After investigating, Mary R. Lee, 33, of Ruther Glen was charged with Embezzlement. She was ordered held without bond and a court date of September 24, 208 was set.

On September 19, 2008, Deputy C.M. Hall encountered 3 juveniles, while on patrol at the Caroline High School football game. All three juveniles were charged with trespassing and one juvenile was also charged with Underage Possession of Alcohol. All three juveniles have a pending Court date in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On September 20, 2008, Deputy G.J. Hamilton responded to a Ruther Glen address in reference to Destruction of Property. After investigating, a juvenile was charged with Throwing a Missile at an Occupied Vehicle and Destruction of Property. The juvenile has a pending court date in Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On September 21, 2008, Deputy W.D. Lipscomb stopped Derrick J, Rippy, 29, of Richmond, for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Rippy was charged with Destruction of Property. He was released on his own recognizance and a Court date of November 28, 2008 was set.

On September 21, 2008, Deputy J.O. Cecil responded to a Ruther Glen address for a report of Animal Cruelty. After investigating, William G. Dean, 46, of Hanover was charged with three counts of Failing to Pay License Tax and three counts of Failing to have Dogs Vaccinated for Rabies. He was released on a summons on all charges and a court date of January 21, 2009 was set.

On September 21, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood stopped Michael B. Harris, 23, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Harris was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Fail to Drive on the Right Side of the Highway. He was released on a $2,000 unsecured bond and a court date of October 1, 2008 was set.

On September 22, 2008, Deputy C.M. Hall encountered a juvenile acting disorderly at the High School. After investigating, the juvenile was charged with Disorderly Conduct. He has a pending court date in the Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On September 22, 2008, Deputy C.M. Hall encountered juvenile at the Caroline High School. After investigating, the juvenile was charged with trespassing. He has a pending court date in the Caroline Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On September 22, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood responded to a Ruther Glen address for an intoxicated person. Upon investigating, Donnie L. Poindexter, 46, of Ruther Glen was charged with being Drunk in Public, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Obstruction of Justice. He was ordered held without bond and court date of September 24, 2008 was set.

On September 23, 2008, Deputy D.W. Mundie responded to a Ruther Glen address for a report of a sexual assault. After investigating, Brian M. Braxton, 27, of Ruther Glen was charged with Sexual Battery. He was held on a $1,500 secured bond and a court date of September 24, 2008 was set.

On September 23, 2008, Deputy K. Digravio-Ferguson responded to a Bowing Green address for a Domestic Disturbance. Upon investigating, Michael W. Henson, Sr., 36, of Bowling Green was charged with Domestic Assault. He was ordered held without bond and court date of September 25, 2008 was set.

On September 23, 2008, Deputy S. Mullane encountered Keith A. Pleasants, 34, of Ruther Glen. Upon further investigation, Pleasants was charged with Driving Suspended, Possession of a Schedule I or II Narcotic, and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs. He was held on a $2,000 secured bond and a court date of September 24, 2008 was set.

On September 24, 2008, Deputy C.M. Pollard stopped Erik H. Ingram, 39, of Port Royal for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Ingram was charged with Felony Habitual Offender and Fail to Obey a Stop Sign. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of September 26, 2008 was set.

On September 26, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood stopped Basil E. Fountain, 56, of Highland Springs for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Fountain was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Refusal to Submit to a Test and Littering. He was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of October 1, 2008 was set.

On September 27, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood stopped Christopher R. Cannon, 27, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Cannon was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Defective Equipment. He was released on a $2,500 unsecured bond and a court date of October 3, 2008 was set.

On September 27, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard stopped Ann McCrummen, 48, of Bowling Green for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, McCrummen was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drive Revoked – DUI related. She was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of October 1, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 9 drug arrests, 5 DUI arrests, 13 domestic violence arrests, and 70 other criminal arrests during the past week. The deputies served 221 civil papers, issued 264 traffic summonses, handled 6 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 36 alarm calls, and dealt with 12 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 548 calls for service and handled 850 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 27 calls assisting outside agencies and had 324 self-initiated calls.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending September 20, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

On September 14, 2008, Deputy G.W. Honeycutt stopped Robert W. Williams, Jr., 52, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Williams was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Reckless Driving by Speed 58/35. During this incident Lt. J.H. Crowder observed marijuana in Williams’ vehicle and subsequently charged Williams with Possession of Marijuana. He was held on a $1,500 secured bond and a court date of September 19, 2008 was set.

On September 14, 2008, Deputy P.E. Ford responded to Ruther Glen for a trespassing call. After investigating, Herbert R. Coleman, 47, of Ruther Glen was charged with trespassing. Coleman was also served with an outstanding capias out of Caroline County. He was held on a $3,000 secured bond and a court date of September 16, 2008 was set.

On September 14, 2008, Deputy F.L. Brennan responded to Rappahannock Academy for a domestic disturbance. Upon further investigation Lewis R. Nestor, 41, of Elkridge, Maryland was charged with Domestic Assault. He has a pending court date in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On September 14, 2008, Deputy J.K. Miller responded to Ruther Glen for a disorderly subject. Upon investigating, Adam Villaronga, 35, of Ruther Glen was charged with being Drunk in Public. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of November 17, 2008 was set.

On September 15, 2008, Deputy S. Mullane stopped Letitia D. Baylor, 30, of Bowling Green, for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Baylor was charged with Driving Suspended and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana. She was ordered held without bond and a court date of September 17, 2008 was set.

On September 15, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard stopped Tyrone R. Burruss, 49, of Ruther Glen. Upon further investigation, Burruss was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. He was held on a $1,000 secured bond and a court date of September 17, 2008 was set.

On September 16, 2008, Sgt. R.L. Hixson stopped Kevin B. L. Brown, 50, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Brown was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, 2^nd offense in five years, Defective Windshield and Fail to Stay to Right of Center. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of September 17, 2008 was set.

On September 17, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood encountered Stewart A. Ison, Sr., 45, of Ruther Glen at a Ruther Glen business. After investigating, Ison was charged with being Drunk in Public. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of November 26, 2008 was set.

On September 17, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood responded to a Ruther Glen business for a report of a shoplifting. After investigating, Melinda S. Martin, 20, of Ruther Glen and Ashley D. Martin, 18, of Woodford were charged with Shoplifting. Both subjects were released on a summons and a court date of November 26, 2008 was set.

On September 17, 2008, Deputy W.D. Lipscomb stopped Charity C. O’Connell, 32, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, O’Connell was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol- 2^nd offense in five years and Driving Revoked – DUI Related. She was ordered held on a $2,000 secured bond and a court date of November 28, 2008 was set.

On September 18, 2008, Deputy T.P. Connolly stopped Sherry A. Campton, 37, of Fredericksburg for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Campton was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test and Fail to Keep to Right of Highway. She was held on a $3,500 secured bond and a court date of September 19, 2008 was set.

On September 19, 2008, Deputy G.J. Hamilton stopped Lloyd H. Keller, 43, of Fredericksburg for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Keller was charged with Driving Suspended – 2^nd offense, No valid County Decal and No Insurance. He was held on a $1,500 secured bond and a court date of September 26, 2008 was set.

On September 19, 2008, Deputy W.D. Lipscomb stopped Teren B. Fields, 55, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Fields was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. He was held on a $1,000 secured bond and a court date of November 28, 2008 was set.

On September 19, 2008, Deputy C.A. Heywood responded to Ruther Glen for a destruction of property call involving a school bus. After investigating, 1 juvenile was charged with Throwing a Missile at an Occupied Vehicle and Destruction of Property. Another juvenile was charged with Obstruction of Justice. Both juveniles have a pending court date in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

On September 20, 2008, Sgt. R.L. Hixson, stopped Anthony A. Coleman, 47, of no fixed address, for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Coleman was charged with Felony Habitual Offender, Felony Driving Under the Influence, Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test and Felony Attempt to Elude. Coleman was also served two (2) capias’ out of Caroline County. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of September 24, 2008 was set.

On September 20, 2008, Deputy W.D. Lipscomb stopped Tyree O. Curtis, 23, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Curtis was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of November 28, 2008 was set.

On September 20, 2008, Deputy M.J. O’Connor stopped Steven S. Martell, 43, of Ruther Glen for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Martell was charged with Felony Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving Revoked – DUI Related. He was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of September 24, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 6 drug arrests, 6 DUI arrests, 9 domestic violence arrests, and 58 other criminal arrests during the past week. The deputies served 303 civil papers, issued 337 traffic summonses, handled 5 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 30 alarm calls, and dealt with 6 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 601 calls for service and handled 1,127 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 34 calls assisting outside agencies and had 290 self-initiated calls.

If you want to know what’s going to be in The Free Lance–Star a week in advance, just check out my blog.

What a rag. They can’t seem to get by without going to, and taking stories from, my and other’s lowly little hate-blogs.

On September 14, 2008, I published a post about how the fine folks at Germanna Community College decided to spend money to send staff to India to find IT internships for people at the college.

On September 21, 2008, The Free Lance–Star published a story talking about how great the whole trip was. The college spends $12,000 that’s supposed to go to “professional development” to send staff on a trip to India, and it’s a great thing!

You gotta love when a newspaper caters to whomever is in a position of power.

I’ve heard of this mythical place to the north called “Novaville”, it’s supposed to contain hundreds — if not thousands — of technology companies that need interns.

So instead of getting local technology companies involved in the college, they think that students have thousands of dollars to go to India for an internship during a sagging economy. According to priceline.com, a round-trip to India is going to cost you at least $1,100 in airfare alone (and that’s if you schedule it for January, five months in advance).

For that cost, you could pay for 12 credit hours at Germanna instead.

I just hope they don’t plan on setting up any internships in Delhi since “a top tourist spot” just got hit by a suicide bombing that killed 60 people and wounded 150 more (CNN). “India ranks among the countries where terrorism is most common” as well, according to the United States State Department (Ibid).

They really don’t seem to have problems like that in Novaville.

And The Free Lance–Star didn’t just happen upon that trip-to-India story on their own. There were visits to my blog from the paper at around 9:47 a.m. on September 15, 2008 going to the post I did. Then there were dozens of hits from the Virginia Community College System that started at 11:20 a.m. on the same day — going directly to that post — as if someone had e-mailed them a link.

Further, this trip to India happened two months ago, and the news story about it doesn’t even appear on Germanna’s homepage anymore.

Of course, this isn’t the first time something like this has happened.

Take for example, the resignation of Caroline County Finance Director Garland Adkins: The story was originally posted on Tom James’s blog on October 11, 2007, with quotes from, at the time, a non-password protected employee page.

On October 14, 2007, The Free Lance–Star published a story announcing Adkins’s resignation citing the employee page. No mention of Tom James’s blog was in the story. Are we to believe that someone from the paper just happened to wonder onto the county’s employee page?

On June 15, 2008, I published a post pointing out that Haymount had been bought out for $21,500,000.

On June 22, 2008, The Free Lance–Star published a story about Haymount being bought out.

Those aren’t the only times it has occurred, but I’m too lazy to track the other articles involved.

Hell, if they don’t have anything better to do, people from The Free Lance–Star will kindly point out when I use the wrong tense of a verb.

Frankly, why should I allow them to take stuff that I post on my blog, and use it for commercial profit?

I’m not making money of this site. Sure, I have ads on the page but it doesn’t offset the cost of the hosting package.

That’s why, beginning at midnight tonight, access from that rag of a paper will be blocked.

We can do it, we have the technology.

Actually, it’s pretty easy, just a few lines in the .htaccess file and boom, we’re done.

No worries, no one outside the people at the paper will be affected.

I guess they will have to find another source for news in the area.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending September 13, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

On September 11, 2008, Sgt. C.A. Rozell conducted a follow-up investigation of a Bad Check. Tara M. Coghill, 32, of Fredericksburg was charged with Bad Check. She was released on her own recognizance and a court date was set.

On September 6, 2008, Deputy J.K. Miller responded to Rappahannock Academy for a domestic disturbance. Upon further investigation, Deborah K. Carter, 40, of Rappahannock Academy was charged with Domestic Assault. She was released on her own recognizance and a court date of September 8, 2008 was set.

On September 7, 2008, Deputy P.E. Ford was on patrol in the Rappahannock Academy area when he encountered Christina M. Turner, 33, of Rappahannock Academy. Upon further investigation, Turner was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. She was held on a $1,500 unsecured bond and a court date of September 19, 2008 was set.

On September 7, 2008, Deputy B.N. Doucet stopped Gordon G. Embrey, 32, of Partlow for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Embrey was charged with Driving Revoked, Failure to Dim Headlights and Possession of a Schedule I or II Narcotic. He was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of September 10, 2008.

On September 7, 2008, Deputy S. Mullane stopped William R. Rudd, III, 55, for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Rudd was charged with being Drunk in Public and Obstruction of Justice. He was held on a $1,500 unsecured bond and a court date of September 17, 2008 was set.

On September 7, 2008, Sgt. S.L. Cary responded to Ruther Glen for a domestic disturbance. After investigating, David L. Hopkins, 21, of Ruther Glen was charged with being Drunk in Public. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of September 19, 2008 was set.

On September 8, 2008, Deputy F.L. Brennan responded to Ruther Glen for a disturbance. After further investigation, John R. Skinner, 34, of Milford was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Drunk in Public. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of September 17, 2008 was set.

On September 10, 2008, Deputy D.W. Mundie stopped Rhonda L. Denton, 44, of Ashland for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, Denton was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drinking While Driving. She was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of September 12, 2008 was set.

On September 11, 2008, Deputy C.M. Polliard responded to Woodford for a domestic disturbance. After investigating, Walker C. Callahan, 66, of Woodford was charged with Domestic Assault, Drunk in Public and Obstruction of Justice. He was held on a $2,000 secured bond and a court date of September 16, 2008 was set.

On September 12, 2008, Deputy J.R. Shelton responded to a domestic situation in Woodford. After investigating, Brad L. Billingsley, 29, of Woodford and Ashley L. Billingsley, 25, of Woodford were charged with domestic assault. Both parties were released on a $1,500 unsecured bond and a court date of September 18, 2008 was set.

On September 13, 2008, Deputy B.N. Doucet responded to Ruther Glen for a disturbance call. Upon further investigation, Taylor N. Lickey, 34, of Ruther Glen was charged with Domestic Assault and Tracy M. Ferguson, 24, of Ruther Glen was charged with Assault and Battery. Lickey was held on a $3,500 secured bond and a court date of September 16, 2008 was set. Ferguson was held on a $2,500 secured bond and a court date of September 17, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 8 drug arrests, 1 DUI arrests, 11 domestic violence arrests, and 76 other criminal arrests during the past week. The deputies served 144 civil papers, issued 211 traffic summonses, handled 3 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 33 alarm calls, and dealt with 10 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 577 calls for service and handled 1,849 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 14 calls assisting outside agencies and had 223 self-initiated calls.

So, what’s that $18,000,000 “technology center” at Culpeper doing?

From The Free Lance–Fish Wrap:

Germanna Community College may lose state funding if it can’t come up with its share for a third building at its Fredericksburg-area campus.

Last year, Gov. Tim Kaine presented a bond package that included $23.3 million for the building at the Massaponax site.

But before construction can start, the college needs to raise $2.6 million locally. Fundraising has barely begun.

Well, folks, instead of building the Daniel “Technology Center” (DTC) at Culpeper, you could have used the money to build Phase III at Fredericksburg (FAC III) years ago.

But, instead of expanding a campus that’s located close to the population hubs of the area (Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties and the city of Fredericksburg), they decided to build a new campus in Culpeper.

Right now, there’s talk of moving the nursing program that is currently located at the Locust Grove campus (LGC) to FAC III when it’s complete. That would work well because of the new hospital that is being built by HCA at Massaponax.

Right now, the Daniel “Technology Center” in Culpeper — a 40,000 square foot building — is only hosting 30 classes worth a total of 90 credit hours. That’s 444.44 square feet per credit hour.

Meanwhile, Phase II of the Fredericksburg Area Campus (FAC II) — also a 40,000 square foot building — is hosting 160 classes worth a total of 514 credit hours. That’s 77.82 square feet per credit hour.

And if the campus in Culpeper is supposed to be a “technology center”, it ain’t doing a very good job of it. This semester, there are only two IT classes being taught at DTC worth six credit hours, and both of those classes are a basic Microsoft Windows and Office competency class (ITE-115).

Meanwhile, FAC II is hosting 32 IT classes worth 100 credit hours, including 22 Windows/Office competency classes, one computer science class, a computer-aided design (CAD) class, three database-related classes, three computer networking-related classes (including the first part of the curriculum that allows for Cisco Certified Network Associate certification), and two computer programming classes.

More than one instructor that I’ve talked to at Germanna has stated that it’s impossible to get instructors to drive out to Culpeper, and when they do schedule classes out there, they only have two or three people sign up.

Real good use of $18,000,000, eh?

The college might also have money to build buildings if they didn’t send their staff on vacations trips to India.

I guess it was one of those patented “working vacations” that Supervisor Wayne Acors and (former) Supervisor Calvin Taylor were talking about when they went to Hawaii to learn about rural roads (snort).

One regular donor to the college stated that he was seriously considering not donating any more to the college after the trip to India fiasco.

The college also needs to find a source of money to expand the parking lot at FAC, especially since their current parking capacity can’t handle the number of students they have now! Who knows how bad the situation is going to be after they add another building to the mix?

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending September 6, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

On August 26, 2008, Deputy C. S. Wooldridge stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. Upon further investigation the driver gave false information to avoid prosecution. Terrance S. Mosley, 43, of Ruther Glen was charged with identity theft, driving with no license (4^th offense), and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was wanted on a capias from Stafford County, along with a probation violation from Hanover County. He was held on a $3000 secure bond and the trial date is pending at the time of this report.

On August 31, 2008, Deputy T.P. Connolly observed Donnie L. Poindexter, 46, of Ruther Glen standing in the roadway in the Ruther Glen area. After investigating, Poindexter was charged with Being Drunk in Public. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of October 1, 2008 was set.

On September 2, 2008, Deputy J.K. Miller responded to Bowling Green for a domestic dispute. After investigating, Carol R. Queen, Jr., 48, of Bowling Green was charged with being Drunk in Public. He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of October 17, 2008 was set.

On September 3, 2008, Deputy P. E. Ford responded to a Milford address for a report of a domestic assault. Upon further investigation, William G. Zuidema III, 23, of Milford was charged with Domestic Assault. He was held without bond and a court date of September 4, 2008 was set.

On September 3, 2008, Deputy C. A. Heywood responded to the Family Dollar store in Ladysmith in reference to a shoplifting call. Petitions for a male, 15, of Ruther Glen are being sought at this time.

On September 4, 2008, Deputy T. P. Connolly responded to the Cedon Market area of Woodford in reference to a complaint. Upon investigating, Timmy Joe Sargent, 49, of Ruther Glen was arrested for Drunk in Public. A court date of October 1, 2008 was set.

On September 4, 2008, Deputy F. L. Brennan responded to a Ruther Glen address for a report of a domestic assault. Upon further investigation, Edwin E. Esturiene, 45, of Ruther Glen was charged with Felony Domestic Assault and Batter of a Family Member. He was held on a $2500 secure bond and a court date of September 9, 2008 was set.

On September 5, 2008, Investigator B. L. Fedder obtained warrants for Burglary, Grand Larceny, and two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor on Brendan Conley, 18, of Milford. The break in occurred in the nighttime of a Ruther Glen address. Petitions for two 15 year old juveniles, one female and one male who reside in the Ruther Glen area are being obtained. Conley is held without bond. A court date of September 10, 2008 was set.

On September 5, 2008, Deputy C. M. Garnett responded to a Sparta address in reference to an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and stolen checks. Upon investigating, Allen R. Mundie, 19, of Sparta was charged with 4 counts of forgery, 4 counts of uttering, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was issued a $2500 secure bond and a court date of September 9, 2008 was set.

On September 6, 2008, Deputy B. N. Doucet stopped a vehicle driven by Jessica A. Kovalenko, 21, of Chester, VA for a traffic infraction. Upon further investigation, Kovalenko was charged with the traffic infraction and Driving Under the Influence. She was held on a $1500 bond and a court date of September 17, 2008 was set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 5 drug arrests, 3 DUI arrests, 12 domestic violence arrests, and 55 other criminal arrests during the past week. The deputies served 193 civil papers, issued 130 traffic summonses, handled 12 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 34 alarm calls, and dealt with 9 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 627 calls for service and handled 1,903 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 35 calls assisting outside agencies and had 239 self-initiated calls.

Two Search Warrants Executed in Ruther Glen Area

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office:

According to Sheriff A. A. “Tony” Lippa, the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division assisted Stafford County Sheriff’s Office with the execution of a search warrant of a Ruther Glen address. Elvis Usual, Jr 28, of Ruther Glen was charged on a warrant from Stafford County for Aggravated Malicious Wounding.

In another non related incident, the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Investigators and Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) were deployed to assist the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents with the execution of a Federal Search Warrant early this morning. “Since this is an ongoing Federal Investigation, no further information will be released from this office. Further inquiries should be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Richmond, VA at 804-819-5400” Sheriff Lippa stated.