Category: Caroline County

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending April 5, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending April 5, 2008:

On March 28, 2008, Major C. S. Moser was contacted in reference to a forged medical note without the Doctor’s permission. After investigating, Frances D. Limberick, 50, of Bowling Green, was charged with forgery and an April 9, 2008 trial date was set.

On March 29, 2008, Sergeant R. L. Hixson stopped a vehicle driven by Brian A. Hill, 27, of Clinton Maryland for weaving and impeding the flow of traffic. After investigating, Mr. Hill was found in possession of marijuana first offense, trial date of May 14, 2008 was set.

On April 1, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. After investigating, Richard John Pietras, Jr., 23 of Colonial Beach, VA was charged with driving while suspended and possession of marijuana. Trial date of May 16, 2008 was set.

On April 1, 2008 Sergeant R. L. Hixson responded to a domestic which took place in Rappahannock Academy area. After investigating, George Fisher, 61, of Rappahannock Academy was charged assault on a family member. An April 3, 2008 trial was set.

On April 2, 2008, Deputy T. P. Connolly responded to New Baltimore road on a disturbance call. After investigating, Jelonny C. Ross, 25, of Bowling Green was charged with being drunk in public. A May 14, 2008 trial date has been set.

On April 3, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb stopped a vehicle on Rt. 606, for defective equipment. After investigating, Tracy R. Houston, 46, of Fredericksburg was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence and being declared a habitual offender. A May 16, 2008 trial date has been set.

On April 3, 2008, Deputy J. K. Miller, observed a vehicle driven by Michelle Ringler, 37, of Ruther Glen. After investigating, Ms. Ringler was charged with driving while suspended and child endangerment. Two trial dates were set, one on April 7 and the other on April 8, 2008.

On April 4, 2008, School Resource Deputy C. M. Hall is investigating an incident at the Caroline Middle School to which a 14 year old male subject was found in possession of a box cutter. There were no other incidents with this investigation and no further information will be released.

On April 5, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb stopped a vehicle for two traffic infractions. After investigating, Darwin K. Kenner, 28, of Whitestone was charged with fail to use a turn signal, defective equipment, and driving under the influence.

On April 5, 2008, Deputy C. A. Heywood responded to a Ruther Glen address on a reported domestic disturbance. After investigating, Edward E. Esturiene, 44, of Ruther Glen was charged with being drunk in public and knowingly making a false report as to the commission of a crime to a law enforcement official with the intent to mislead. A May 14, 2008 trial date has been set.

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 5 drug arrests, 2 driving under the influence arrests, 8 domestic violence arrests, and 76 other criminal arrests during the past week. The deputies served 180 civil papers, issued 222 traffic summonses, handled 11 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 24 alarm calls, and dealt with 7 juvenile offenders. The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 411 calls for service and handled 915 telephone inquiries. The CCSO also logged 41 calls assisting outside agencies and had 155 self initiated calls.

So much for this “safe haven”.

The Free Lance–Star: Caroline skaters finally have place of their own

Check out the pictures (and the comments). Not a helmet or knee/elbow pad to be seen.

And there’s the problem of civil liability: I can just imagine the $100,000,000 lawsuit after some moron cracks his head open.

At the very least, if the county put a sign up that said “Helmets Required” and even if they had no one there to enforce it, it would at least provide some CYA. But instead, they have people invited for an official function with no helmets and/or pads on.

And for history with lawsuits because of skateboard parks: N.J. appeals court: parents can’t waive kids’ rights:

A New Jersey appellate panel, split 2-1, has ruled that parents can’t sign a legally binding waiver of their kids’ right to sue a skateboard park for injuries. And kids can’t sign such a waiver either.

“Stoned Skater Can Sue County”:

[…] a California court of appeals has reinstated 17-year-old Angelo Seaver’s suit against Santa Cruz county, which a trial judge had thrown out. While stoned on pot one moonless night Seaver had gone skateboarding in a public park after closing and crashed into a gate.

UPDATE: And why is the county spending $45,000 on a skateboard park when our schools are in such terrible shape? They fix those bathrooms yet? 66% of the schools fail to make adequate yearly progress, they have the lowest SAT scores in the region, and the priority is a skateboard park.

UPDATE #2: LOL, the county website has even more pictures of the kids using the park without helmets. Bravo, Caroline, Bravo.

FYI, here’s what Ashland says about their park:

The park is intended for use at one’s own risk. For that reason, take note of the following statements:

[…]

  • The Town of Ashland does not assume responsibility for injuries that may occur to people using the park’s equipment.
  • For safety reasons, the Town of Ashland recommends that all those who use the park and its equipment should wear appropriate safety gear, which includes: helmet, elbow pads and kneepads. This gear should be in good condition and accompanied by the wearing of shirts and soft soled shoes.

[…]

Access to the Park

In addition to following the park rules, all skaters, or legal guardians of skaters under eighteen (18), must read and sign the Assumption of Risk Waiver and Indemnity Agreement form. The waiver will be submitted to the Police Department, and the skater will be issued a number to display on their board or helmet. The Town reserves the right to deny access to any skater who has not submitted the Assumption of Risk Waiver and Indemnity Agreement form.

Here’s what Culpeper says about their park:

The following items and activities are strictly prohibited in all Town parks:

[…}

  • Skateboarding or bicycling without a helmet;

[…]

The Town requires all skaters to wear a protective helmet and to purchase a sticker from the Town and to sign. Skaters aged 18 and above and parents of minor children must sign an Assumption of Risk Waiver and Indemnity Agreement. The Town Police Department has officers assigned to the skate park who will enforce the rules and regulations of the facility.

[…]

  • All skaters are required to wear appropriate safety equipment. An approved helmet with chinstrap is MANDATORY. Elbow and knee protection are also required – either with pads or by clothing which covers knees and elbows. The use of a mouthpiece is recommended.

The tax increases are coming…

Richmond Times-Dispatch:

This year, most local government officials aren’t even pretending to cut taxes.

A handful of localities say they’ll cut tax rates — but, as is the recent practice, the cuts won’t be enough to offset rising property assessments.

Two — Caroline and Charles City counties — are raising tax rates.

[…]

Bottom line: Homeowners in 11 area localities will generally see tax bills rise — in some localties by a couple of hundred dollars for a home worth $250,000.

In Caroline County’s case (with their proposed increase $0.07/$100) there would be a $175 increase for someone with $250,000 of assessed value in land. For someone with $300,000 of property there would be $210 increase in your tax bill. Etc. etc.

FYI: There will be a hearing about the proposed tax rate increase at the next Board of Supervisors meeting on April 8th.

Addendum: As I’m writing this The Free Lance–Star‘s RSS feeds update and provides some information on the county’s budget (Caroline County is the first county detailed but for some reason the headings got dropped on the web version of the article).

Another POS arrested in robbery of paraplegic.

The Free Lance–Star:

Another Caroline man has been charged in the robbery of Robert Newcomb, a paraplegic whose prescription drugs were stolen from him at gunpoint.

Norman Michael “Lunchbox” Roberts, 18, of Spotsylvania is charged with breaking and entering, robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony. He is suspected of going into Newcomb’s home, but was never seen by those who lived in the trailer.

On Charity Hill “Hunting Preserve”, et al.

Not sure why it’s a called a “hunting preserve” while they mostly do sporting clays but anyway:

If you want a sure-fire way to annoy the heck out of me use a stupid straw man argument. Case in point: The following was stated by several people speaking in favor of Charity Hill: “If you get rid of Charity Hill, instead of kids shooting sporting clays they will start using drugs or go in schools and shoot kids and teachers!!11!”.

Ipso facto, if you oppose Charity Hill, you’re in favor of school shootings and kids using drugs (“Will someone please think of the children?!”).

It was comments like that prompted to make a public comment stating at the very least that was disingenuous, and at the worst fear-mongering. (Sidebar: I hate public speaking, hence the fact that I do a blog. I speak way too fast. Tip: When the reporter covering the meeting sounds like she’s typing about 200 words per minute to keep up with you, you need to slow down your speaking.) :)

If it wasn’t the straw man arguments, it was some guy that stated the noise complaints were “the fault of the federal government because they outlawed silencers back in the ’30s”. I would love for someone to find me a way to put a silencer (really, they should be called a “noise suppressor”) on a shotgun!

The only person speaking in favor of Charity Hill that tried to explain the shooting after the hours allowed in their permit was the applicant’s attorney: He said that it was the owners shooting “and they can shoot any time they please”. It’s amazing convenient how the owners always seem to be the ones shooting after hours when the documented cases were all on days when they had scheduled tournaments. Just a little too pat, isn’t it?

I would love to know why this place was allowed to operate for years as “private hunt club” when they have a BPOL (Business, Professional and Occupational License [a business license in layman’s terms]) according to a person I talked to. Can someone explain to me why a “private hunt club” lists their membership designation as “public”? Anyone care to explain why they have a website soliciting business for a “private hunt club”?

You have had constant violations over the years with the club violating what is in affect a contract between the club and the county. In the end, Acors moved that Charity Hill should have their permit revoked, with Sili seconding, and the Board agreed 5–0. I know some of the Board members weren’t happy they were forced to do this in the end, but what choice did they have?

Now, where’s Caroline at?

From the City of Fredericksburg:

Beginning this year, the City of Fredericksburg will no longer require city-issued decals to be placed on the windshields of residents’ vehicles.

“We estimate the City will save approximately $10,000 per year in postage alone by not having to mail the annual decals,” Treasurer G. M. Haney said. “The $20 ‘registration fee’ will still be part of the personal property tax bill, but you will no longer be required to have the decal.”

A decal will still be available to residents who wish to have the city identification on their cars. City residents desiring to use the city-only VRE parking lot MUST display the City decal, and others may wish to keep the decal in order to regularly use the Belman Road recycling center.

Decals are available now and may be purchased from the City Treasurer’s Office for $2.

If it saves Fredericksburg $10,000 just in postage it would save Caroline County even more: Fredericksburg has an estimated population of 22,410 while Caroline’s population is 27,282 (probably more cars per person as well).

Also consider the overtime pay that the employees of the Treasurer’s Office received: The Treasurer’s Office stayed open an additional 11 hours over the past week with their employees presumably working overtime to handle the people getting decals. There were five employees (plus Ms. Curran) working when I was in there around 5:00 p.m. on Monday evening.

Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending March 29, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending March 29, 2008:

On March 23, 2008, Deputy J. K. Miller stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction.  After investigating, Travis S. Carter, 27, of Ruther Glen charged with driving on a suspended license – 3rd offense.  He was ordered held under a $1,000 bond and an arraignment date of March 26, 2008 was set.

On March 23, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb responded to a domestic.  After investigating, Maricha L. Jordan-Anderton, 42, of Milford was charged with domestic assault.  She was released on her own recognizance and an arraignment date of March 25, 2008 was set.

On March 24, 2008, Deputy W. M. Jones encountered a subject in Ladysmith.  After investigating, Ishmail Rios, 33, of Midlothian was charged with being drunk in public.  He was released on his own recognizance and a court date of March 18, 2008 was set.

On March 24, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction.  After investigating, Fred C. Miller, 49, of Burlington, NC was charged with being a fugitive from Maryland.  He was ordered held without bond pending his extradition to Maryland.

On March 28, 2008, Deputy K. D. DiGravio-Ferguson responded to a domestic violence call which took place in Bowling Green.  After investigating, Timothy Tolson, 39, of Bowling Green was charged with two counts of domestic assault and one count of brandishing a firearm.  An emergency protective order was issued and an April 1, 2008 trial has been set.

On March 29, 2008, Deputy B. N. Doucet responded to the Howard Johnson’s in Ruther Glen in reference to a domestic violence call.  After investigation, Terrance Shawn Mosley, 43, of Ruther Glen, was charged with domestic assault and held without bond pending an April 1, 2008 trial date.

On March 29, 2008, Deputy F. L. Brennan stopped a vehicle on Rt. 639, driven by Debra D. Weinstein, 53, of Ruther Glen who was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence.  An April 4, 2008 trial date has been set.

On March 29, 2008, Deputy C. S. Wooldridge responded to an address on Cedon Road in Woodford on a reported incident involving an adult with a juvenile who appeared to be intoxicated.  After investigating, Russell M. Bowles, III, 24, of Woodford was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor (17 years of age).

Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Wrap Up

According to Sheriff Tony Lippa, Caroline Deputies made 4 drug arrests, 1 driving under the influence arrest, 7 domestic violence arrests, and 40 other criminal arrests during the past week.  The deputies served 160 civil papers, issued 312 traffic summonses, handled 2 motor vehicle crashes, responded to 35 alarm calls, and dealt with 4 juvenile offenders.  The Sheriff’s Office Communications Center dispatched 414 calls for service and handled 1,682 telephone inquiries.  The CCSO also logged 31 calls assisting outside agencies and had 169 self initiated calls.

April 1st BOS meeting: I think Charity Hill can kiss their permit goodbye.

From Percy Ashcraft’s April Message from the County Administrator:

In addition, a worksession on the 2008-09 Budget will be held Tuesday, April 1 at 6 p.m. at the Community Services Center. Also included on the worksession agenda is a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. to receive comments regarding the revocation of a special use permit for the Charity Hill Shooting Range.

From the board’s public hearing notice:

The Caroline County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, in the Community Services Center, Auditorium, located at 17202 Richmond Turnpike, Milford, Virginia, at 7:30 p.m., to consider the Revocation of the following Special Exception Permit based on the permittee’s failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit:

SPEX-04-2005 – FLOYD S. & CYNTHIA C. SMITH III, OWNER; FLOYD S. SMITH III, APPLICANT: This property is located on Route 601 (9482 Golansville Road), approximately ¾ of a mile east of Route 633 (Bull Church Road), tax on a portion of 68-A-103 consisting of 100 acres, Mattaponi Voting District. Revocation of Private Hunt Club Permit. The 2006 – 2026 Comprehensive Plan identifies this area as rural preservation with a density of one dwelling unit per ten acres of land.

Any persons desiring to be heard in favor of or in opposition to the above is hereby invited to be present at the Public Hearing. Copies of the above are on file in the Department of Planning and Community Development, 233 West Broaddus Avenue, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

Percy C. Ashcraft
County Administrator

The budget work session will include the budgets for the Sheriff’s Office, Commonwealth’s Attorney, volunteer fire/rescue departments, and the Clerk of the Court according to the agenda.

Oh, NOW they are going to do something about it.

The Caroline Progress:

Renowned county historian Herb Collins announced Thursday he is giving his trove of Caroline historical records, hundred’s of rare books, genealogies, cemetery records, family Bibles, plats, files on every aspect of the county, antique photographs and 40 Sidney King paintings to the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center in Fredericksburg.

Frustrated in his years of attempts to give his collection to the County, the former Smithsonian curator and life-long county resident told The Caroline Progress on Thursday, “I cried when I made the decision. I started the collection in order to one day give it to Caroline.”

Collins said he had wanted a site for his collection either in Bowling Green or Port Royal.

County Administrator Percy Ashcraft said the county wants the collection but does not presently have space. “I can’t make something happen that’s not available at this time,” he said.

[…]

Collins pointed out that the neighboring counties of Essex, King William and King George have museums, but Caroline does not. “All we have is a cubbyhole in the back of the library,” said Collins. “It’s embarrassing.”

And now from Percy Ashcraft’s April Message from the County Administrator:

  • Consideration by the Board of Supervisors to receive a large donation of books and periodicals from local historian Herb Collins will be held at the April 8 meeting. The challenge before the Board is adequate County space to house the donation.