News

Rockbridge

EDA Forwards Idea To Board Of Supervisors

Brendan Perry is the newest appointee to the Lexington City School Board, thanks to a 5-0 vote at last Thursday’s City Council meeting.

New Room Dedicated At BVPD

The hearing in Lexington/ Rockbridge General District Court on animals seized from the Natural Bridge Zoo began last week, as the state brought in evidence and experts in an effort demonstrate neglect and abuse by the zoo.

During last week’s hearing on the animals seized from the Natural Bridge Zoo, the topic of previous inspections by the USDA was raised by the zoo’s attorney.

As we bid adieu to the year 2023, we are saying goodbye to a number of local government leaders whose terms of office are ending and who have made significant contributions to the Rockbridge area community.

Wins Addresses VMI December Graduates

A proposal for a dog park on city-owned land between McCorkle Drive and the U.S. 11 bypass was made to Lexington City Council during a work session this past Thursday. Patrick Madigan and Thomas Wagner of the city’s Public Works Department made a presentation on a conceptual plan to develop the dog park on a long, narrow .2-acre strip of land. Preliminary cost estimates for the project, eyed for the spring of 2024, were estimated at $54,240. The project would include a 48-inch-high split-rail fence with wire fabric, posts and dual gates, signage, riprap around a slope and an adjacent paved parking lot. The consensus of Council was to have staff develop more detailed plans.

Rockbridge

Following a preliminary hearing in Lexington General District Court last week, several charges against a Natural Bridge man have been certified to a Rockbridge County Circuit Court grand jury.

Center Will Be Located Near Stadium

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 31 sponsored the annual Cops N Kids Christmas shopping spree at Walmart earlier this month for several qualifying area children. Law enforcement officers from all over the Rockbridge area escorted children through the store, allowing them to choose their own presents with FOP-sponsored donations. Among the scenes were Chris Wheeler, the SSO at Enderly Heights, assisting Laine Day (above) and Terry Martin with the Buena Vista Sheriff’s Office helping Joshua Hinkle. (Mary Woodson photos)

Last week, this column covered the lingering effects of drought and the reality that many Rockbridge farmers are short on hay. The points covered last week were: 1.) If a round bale cost $50 per bale but the livestock stomp-on and soil 30% of it, it means the hay actually cost $70 per bale; 2.) If a round bale costs around $70 it is likely purchased grain or grain-byproduct is a less expensive alternative to feeding hay alone; and 3.) Grazing livestock have a fiber requirement and that fiber requirement can be met if they are presented daily with an amount of fiber equivalent to a little less than 1% of bodyweight (12 pounds for a 1,200pound cow).

I wrote last August about the financial challenges that newspapers face, and particularly about how The News-Gazette might begin to evolve to a new business model, incorporating elements of philanthropic support for our news gathering and reporting efforts.

Forfeiture Hearing Today In District Court

Stephen Shank has been appointed to be the new CEO of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation early next year. He will officially take the reins of the horse center March 26, succeeding Glenn Petty, who has held the post since May of 2021.

Bench Dedicated To Village Leader

County Hearing On Proposal Continued