UPDATED: Gun found at Bowling Green Primary School in Caroline

NBC12 News: Gun found at Bowling Green Primary School in Caroline:

A gun was found at Bowling Green Primary School in Caroline County Thursday.

The Sheriff’s Office is releasing little information at this time, but say they got a call about the weapon from the school and quickly recovered the gun.

They could not say whether it was or loaded or not.

The investigation continues.

UPDATE: From The Free Lance-Star: Boy, 4, brings gun to school in Caroline:

A 4-year-old brought a loaded pistol to Bowling Green Primary School yesterday, but didn’t intend to hurt anyone, according to the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office and school officials.

Lt. Col. Michael Timm of the Sheriff’s Office said no one was hurt and immediate action was taken after the boy was seen in class with the gun.

The weapon was confiscated and the boy’s family was called, he said.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating but no charges are expected, Timm said.

According to Virginia law, “recklessly” leaving a loaded firearm within reach of anyone under age 14 is a Class 3 misdemeanor.

The student will be suspended, said School Board member Tamara Redding, who said she spoke with Bowling Green Primary Principal Debra Holt.

Another student saw the gun in the boy’s backpack and thought it was a toy but told the teacher anyway, Redding said.

The teacher immediately took the backpack to the office, she said. “My understanding is that [the gun] was never out of the backpack.”

Redding said she thinks students aren’t even allowed to bring toy guns to school.

Holt called the student’s mother and asked her to come to the school before calling police, Redding said.

In a letter sent home to parents, Holt wrote that there was never a threat.

“Upon discovery, the situation was appropriately and immediately resolved,” she wrote. “No one was injured, nor was there ever any threat of injury.”

This new story brings up an even bigger question: who the heck is Lt. Col. Michael Timm?!

There’s a Major Michael Timm of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office as of September 27, 2007, from The FL-S: CAR WASH CAPER Two NABBED IN STRING OF COIN THEFTS PAIR DIDN’T GET AWAY CLEAN:

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office received a tip Tuesday night that two men would soon be pulling one of the burglaries somewhere on Jefferson Davis Highway, said Maj. Michael Timm.

UPDATE #2: The story has since been fixed at The FL-S and now reads “Lt. Col. Michael Hall”. The original story (without corrections) can be viewed here (courtesy of Google Cache).

For closings and delays, go to:

http://www.fredericksburg.com/gtl/closings

Via e2Campus Alert System:

Germanna Community College will close at 11:00am today
Germanna will close early today (17 January), due to inclement weather.

Via Caroline County Alert:

Middle and high schools will close early at 10:30 and primary and elem. schools will dismiss at 11:30.

Carmel Christian Academy closing at 9:30 AM. No aftercare available.

Now might be a good time to sign up for the various alert systems available:

I’m a descendant of President George Washington — wait, never mind…

The Journal Press: Republican Lee Anne Washington is facing Democrat Albert Pollard for 99th District seat:

Republicans have now assured Democrat Albert Pollard the he will not get a free ride on February 19.

White Stone attorney and Town Council member Lee Anne Washington is now the Republican candidate for the 99th District House of Delegates position that was vacated one month ago, when Delegate Rob Wittman resigned from the elected position in order to begin his duties as a U.S. Congressman. A special election will be held on Tuesday, February 19.

[…]

Questions emerged about the single mother’s family and Washington corrected the record, explaining that she is not a President George Washington descendant but a cousin or niece, many times removed.

I may not have the best of them “book smarts”; but how could anyone be a descendant of President George Washington when he had no biological children?!

What next? Is she going to say she’s a descendant of Robert E. Lee or Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson?

New prediction: Albert Pollard win with 75% of the vote (up from my prediction of 70%).

(H/t: Fred2Blue)

Great — we made the AP…

And that’s never good — because they never write anything good about this area.

From the AP via Richmond Times-Dispatch: Caroline woman’s cats found gutted:

A Caroline County woman became suspicious that someone was targeting her cats after they started showing up dead on the side of the road in front of her house.

A veterinarian’s report and a Caroline animal control investigation shows that Karen Mikkelsen’s suspicions might be right: at least two of the five cats that have died were cut vertically along their abdomens and gutted.

Mikkelsen says her first cat died three years ago, but she didn’t become suspicious until four were found dead since Thanksgiving.

Caroline Animal Control Deputy Assistant Officer J. Heffler says the office began an investigation after they were alerted to the deaths last week.

The perpetrator could be charged with a class 6 felony and face up to five years in prison.

The Free Lance-Star article has more details (the next post down).

Alright, this is just plain sick…

The Free Lance-Star: Caroline woman fears her cats being killed:

Karen “Micky” Mikkelsen had eight pet cats that kept her company through her multiple transplant surgeries over the past year.

But Mikkelsen became suspicious when her beloved cats started showing up dead on the side of the road in front of her house.

Since she moved into her Caroline County home, just south of New Post, Mikkelsen has lost five cats.

A veterinarian’s report and a Caroline animal control investigation shows that at least two of the cats weren’t hit by cars; they were cut vertically along their abdomens and gutted.

[…]

Mikkelsen, who rents a home on 32 acres in the county, said that when her first cat died three years ago, she didn’t suspect foul play. But after four died since Thanksgiving, she recruited a friend to help figure out what was going on.

[…]

According to the Hartwood Animal Hospital report, the two most recently killed cats, Andy and Momma Kitty, were gutted.

“This is obviously not a case of being hit by a car or killed by another animal, for the bodies are unremarkable except for the incision line,” the report, dated Jan. 8, says.

There were no broken bones or evidence of gunshot wounds, according to the report.

Caroline Animal Control Deputy Assistant Officer J. Heffler said the office began an investigation after a call last week alerting them to the deaths.

“We canvassed the area, but nobody had seen anything particular,” Heffler said.

The officer said they have asked neighbors to let them know if there is suspicious activity, but right now, “there’s no proof to tie it to anybody.”

While no charges have been filed in the case, according to Virginia code, if someone is found to have tortured and killed the cats, he could be charged with a class 6 felony and serve up to five years in prison.

Heffler said all they can hope for is that it doesn’t happen again.

“Hopefully this is a one-time incident,” she said.

Yeah, one-time incident until you find someone’s body in the weirdo’s freezer.

Bartz said Shadow Cat Advocates will be offering a reward for information connected to the cats’ deaths.

Mikkelsen said she will be keeping her remaining cats in the house until she can build another enclosure for them on her property.

*Sigh* No more Richmond Braves…

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Atlanta Braves confirm move of Richmond team:

This year will the Richmond Braves’ last.

The Atlanta Braves will move their triple-A Richmond team to Gwinnett County, Ga., for the start of the 2009 baseball season, executive vice president Mike Plant said today.

Plant said a “lack of clarity” over how to finance a new Richmond stadium and delays in reaching any definitive plan were key factors in the decision to leave.

He said the opportunity to move to Gwinnett came suddenly, in October, and that discussions over the past few moths quickly nailed down questions of financing and a site.

Lashawn Monroe appeared in court today — will update.

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Man charged with teen’s slaying to appear in court:

A man charged with killing a 16-year-old outside a Ruritan clubhouse in Caroline County will appear in court today.

Lashawn Monroe, 22, is charged with murder and illegal use of a firearm in the November slaying of Raquel Hunter.

Hunter’s body was found on the ground outside the Madison Ruritan Club hall in Ladysmith about 11 p.m. Nov. 10. The hall had been rented for a birthday party for another teen. That party started about 7 p.m. and was just ending when the shooting occurred.

Monroe told an investigator that he fired shots during the incident, according to a court affidavit filed in connection with a search warrant issued in the case.

Busy Week: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 12, 2008

From the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office: Weekly News Media Briefs – Week Ending January 12, 2008:

On January 6, 2008, Deputy S. Mullane stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. After a narcotics canine alert and further investigation, Latoya A. Price, 27, of Landover, MD was charged with possession with intent to distribute Ecstasy. She was ordered held under a $3500 bond and an arraignment date of January 9, 2008 was set.

On January 7, 2008, Deputy T. J. Ketchem stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Kevin L. Gray, 46, Georgetown, SC was charged with possession of marijuana -2nd offense and driving on a revoked driver’s license. He was ordered held under a $1600 bond and an arraignment date of January 9, 2008 was set.

On January 7, 2008, Deputy C. S. Wooldridge stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Randolph V. Liles, 30, of Bowling Green was charged with driving on a revoked driver’s license – 8th offense. He was ordered held without bond and an arraignment date of January 9, 2008 was set.

On January 8, 2008, Deputy J. K. Miller stopped a vehicle fro a traffic infraction. After investigating, Paul E. Barnett, 42, of Ruther Glen was charged with being a fugitive from South Carolina. He was ordered held without bond to await extradition.

On December 27, 2007, Deputy J. K. Miller handled a breaking and entering. After investigating, Jermaine T. Brown, 20, of Ruther Glen was charged with breaking and entering and grand larceny on January 9, 2008. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and an arraignment date of January 16, 2008 was set.

On January 9, 2008, Deputy C. M. Polliard stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Allyson B. Durham, 24, of Stafford was charged with driving on a suspended driver’s license, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Also charged was Daniel M. Fallon, 33, of Ruther Glen. He was charged on a probation violation, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and obstruction of justice. Both were ordered held without bond and a court date of January 11, 2008 was set for both.

On January 9, 2008, Deputy C. A. Heywood responded to a residence in Ruther Glen for a reported disturbance. After investigating, Lindsay A. Stanley, 50, of Ruther Glen was charged with brandishing a firearm. She was ordered held without bond and a court date of January 11, 2008 was set.

On January 10, 2008, Deputy M. M. Ellett stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Brian K. Hopson, 36, of Madisonville, TN was charged with felony driving under the influence – 5th offense; refusing to submit to a chemical test and drinking while driving. He was ordered held without bond and an arraignment date of January 11, 2008 was set.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy F. L. Brennan responded to a disturbance at a business in Carmel Church. After investigating, Terrance Mosley, 42, of Ruther Glen was charged with trespassing. He was released on a personal recognizance bond. Imed Chama, 43, of Brooklyn, NY was charged with trespassing and resisting arrest. He was ordered held without bond and a court date of January 16, 2008 was set for both.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy G. J. Hamilton stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Andre During, 19, of Ruther Glen, was charged with possession of marijuana. He was released on a summons and a court date of January 23, 2008 was set.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb responded to a Bowling Green residence for a domestic. After investigating, Dana C. Bailey, 41, of Bowling Green was charged with domestic assault and battery. She was ordered held under a $1500 bond and an arraignment date of January 15, 2008 was set.

On January 12, 2008, Deputy W. D. Lipscomb stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction. After investigating, Judy F. Thompson, 52, of Fredericksburg was charged with driving under the influence – 2nd offence and refusal to submit to a chemical test. She was ordered held under a $1500 bond and a court date of February 21, 2008 was set.

Ouch, that has to hurt…

I’m not sure how many of you guys are familiar with the television show Jericho but the second season was supposed to premiere on February 12, 2008.

However, about eight hours ago, the first three episodes of the second season were posted on a BitTorrent tracker, making it possible for people anywhere to download the episodes for free (albeit illegally). Judging by the comments left by people on the tracker site, the episodes posted are in fact the real deal.

It was just a couple months ago when Battlestar Galactica: Razor was released (illegally) on BitTorrent in the end of October when the scheduled premiere wasn’t until November 24.

I almost forgot about when the first four episodes of 24‘s sixth season were released on BitTorrent and also posted on YouTube a couple weeks before the television premiere. The copies that made their way to the internet were made from a DVD that was in the process of being produced for release following the television premiere (they release the four episodes on DVD following their television premiere). Fox subpoenaed YouTube seeking the poster’s identify but I’m unsure of the deposition of the subpoena or if any further legal action was taken against the person that posted the episodes on YouTube or the individuals that posted them on BitTorrent.

Makes you wonder if companies should start doing premieres on iTunes or something instead of relying on broadcast/cable television for premieres…

And, no, I won’t give you a link to download the episodes.

Caroline County to spend $700,000 on land for the Sparta fire station…

That was already paid for by volunteers at Sparta Volunteer Fire Department?

Appears so…

From The Free Lance-Star: Less is more for Caroline station:

Estimates in the report put a $700,000 price tag on 2 acres and almost $2 million for the station itself. Designs will cost $200,000 and a construction contingency of $265,300 is included in the proposed budget.

The Caroline Progress also reported that the $700,000 was to purchase land as well (I can’t locate a copy of that edition [might have been used to house train a dog]).

From the November 9, 2005 minutes of the Emergency Services Commission (ESC) on the proposed Station Replacement Policy:

Example: Some stations that need to be replaced have already purchased land in different locations for a new station. Sparta station 4 at the top of the list. Based on the criteria in the program, if it meets that criteria it will be one of the first to be replaced, because of the fact that is sits in a flood plain and has had damage from rising waters, they have outgrown the facility and it is a dated facility. They have purchased property on the top of the hill across from Salem Baptist Church, but they want a stake in the building.

Of course, that isn’t the funniest part of the minutes (Ibid):

The Board did set aside $1 million dollars in the 2006 budget for Sparta’s building, but turned it over to the Commission, we need to act quickly so we do not lose the funds.

From the September 13, 2006 minutes of the ESC:

SPARTA FIRE STATION’S $1,000,000 IS STILL IN THE CIP AND THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN PERMISSION TO START THE PROCESS FOR A NEW STATION. INCLUDED AN EXTRA $500,000 DUE TO THE 1 MILLION ESTIMATE BEING SEVERAL YEARS OLD.

ARCHITECT FOR STATION REPLACEMENT: CAROLINE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS AND PUBLIC UTILITIES HAVE SPLIT INTO TWO DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS. GAVE PUBLIC WORKS AND MR. RAMSEY THE ABILITY TO OVERSEE COUNTY BUILDINGS. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR PERCY ASHCRAFT ASKED MR. RAMSEY TO OVERSEE THE ARCHITECT FOR THE SPARTA BUILDING. MIKE BROWN STATED THAT HE HOPED THEY FOUND AND ARCHITECT WHO UNDERSTOOD FIRE-RESCUE AND NEEDS OF PERSONNEL.

SPARTA IS OUTSIDE OF THE STATION REPLACEMENT POLICY AND WILL NOT BE HELD UP. ARCHITECT CAN DESIGN A BUILDING THAT CAN BE REUSED BUT MAY TAKE TOO LONG FOR THIS BUILDING. MAY LOOK AT A DESIGN BUILD FOR THE SPARTA FIRE STATION.

795 days later and still no Sparta fire station…