Rappahannock Record The lower Northern Neck’s most complete news source since 1916
75¢ Volume 97 No. 11 Thursday, December 12, 2013 www.rrecord.com Lancaster school board addresses fiscal issues by Audrey Thomasson
KILMARNOCK—A third school nurse may be added as early as January if supervisors agree to a Lancaster school board request to move $44,000 from instruction into the administration category of the budget. Also at its Monday night’s meeting, the school board endorsed an architec- tural plan for future facilities but refused to prioritize capital improvement projects for the current year, saying all the project funding was approved by supervisors last June. Superintendent Dr. Daniel Lukich turned the issue of a school nurse into a discussion over next semester’s school budget allocation. “If the board of supervisors doesn’t act (at their December 16 meeting), there will be no schools in January,” warned the superintendent. “Supervisors haven’t done anything about the school nurse.” During a lengthy discussion, the board decided the funding should come from the largest and most flexible category—instruction. According to the category budget, there is over $11 million in instruction and less than $700,000 in administration, where the nursing position falls. “We were very grateful that the board of supervisors granted the instruc- tional budget that they did,” said finance director Sue Salg. She said it was much more flexible than the administration budget. But she was reluctant to take the money from that category based on both boards’ prior expressed reluctance to reduce instruction funding. “The other categories are too tight,” said Lukich. “It’s instruction or noth- ing.” District 1 member and board chairman Alex Fleet passed the gavel to his vice chair, District 2 member Ella Davis, in order to make the motion to hire the nurse by transferring the funds from the instructional category. The motion passed on a 5-0 vote. Stating the immediate need for the nurse, District 4 member Patrick McCranie said if the supervisors reject the measure, they should set up a joint meeting of both boards to hammer out the situation Away in a manger before kids return to class in January. Siblings join in a living nativity scene at Historic White Marsh Church’s Christmas program Saturday, In other business, District 3 member Don McCann proposed the board December 7. “I was trying to think of a good way to have a true-meaning-of-Christmas thing going approve plans for future school facilities prepared by the consulting firms of on,” said Brenda Hall, who helped organize the event. “You can take a picture with Santa, but you can’t DeJong/Richter and RRMM Architects and send them to the board of supervi- really take pictures with the Bible.” From left are (front row) Abigail; (next row) Caleb, Jimmy, Michael, sors. Ashton; (next row) and Erika Cook. The program also featured Christmas stories with Mrs. Claus and Lukich spearheaded the planning process at a cost of $55,000. Render- photos with Santa. The photos will be mailed to families in time for Christmas. Historic White Marsh will host a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7:30 p.m. Photo by Renss Greene
LANCASTER SCHOOL BOARD, continued on page A2 www.whereiswhitestone? Some say town needs an internet presence by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi website or Facebook page and vol- teenage and college-age employees. “I think [a website] is going to be was our problem before. Nobody would unteered her time to help get the task The decision was one of the best she’s a tremendous help for our town,” said keep up with it.” WHITE STONE—It’s time for accomplished. made, said Sawyer. Carter. “We’re not in the 1950s any- According to Jones, the town had a White Stone to join the computer “White Stone doesn’t have a pres- Carter said when searching for more...People don’t go to print to find website before but it was unsuccessful. networking community, according to ence on the internet,” said Carter. White Stone on the internet, a directory information anymore.” They don’t use Jones added he is “all for anything business owner Pam Sawyer and town Sawyer, who owns the Country Cot- is the only listing available. He noted the yellow pages, he added. They go to [council] can do to help the businesses,” resident Roy Carter. tage, said she was first reluctant to start that Kilmarnock, Irvington and Lan- the internet for information. but he is concerned about people post- Sawyer urged the town council at its a Facebook page for her own business caster County all have websites, which “Who is going to keep up with it?” ing negative or derogatory comments meeting last Thursday to start a town but did so at the urging of her younger, pop up with a Google search. said councilman David Jones. “That on a Facebook page and the manpower needed to monitor that page or a town website. “We tried it before and we didn’t get any hits and had old, outdated informa- tion on it,” said Jones. “It didn’t work.” Jones was also concerned about the financial burden of paying someone to update and monitor a website, noting the town has limited resources. Sawyer said she could devote some time to monitoring a Facebook page and she was sure she could convince WHITE STONE WEBSITE, continued on page A2 Record holiday schedule listed The Rappahannock Record will close at noon today, December 12, for the staff Christmas luncheon. The office will reopen at 9 a.m. Friday. Next week’s Record will be the Natalie MacMaster brings fiddling Christmas concert to Kilmarnock final issue in 2013 and the office will be closed December 19-26 for the 'ETI&VIXSR-WPERH½HHPIV2EXEPMI1EG1EWXIV VMKLX SR(IGIQFIVFVSYKLXLIV±'LVMWXQEWMR'ETI&VIXSR²XSYVXSXLI0ERGEWXIV1MHHPI School Theater in Kilmarnock. The concert featured hymns, carols, jigs and strathseys. Between the heel-stomping tunes, step dancing Christmas holiday. and the song introductions, MacMaster entertained the audience with tales of family, friends, house parties, Scottish heritage, food and The office will reopen December festive Christmas traditions in her native country. She was joined on stage for a medley of three songs by a third- and fourth-grade chorus 27 and the first issue of 2014 will of Chesapeake Academy students (left), directed by Beth Somers. She also was joined by four of her children. Mary Frances, 8, played the appear January 2. Because of the New ½HHPIERHHERGIH 1MGLEIPTPE]IHXLI½HHPIERHHERGIH ERH'PEVIERH.YPMEEPWSHERGIH1EG1EWXIVERH½HHPMRKLYWFERH(SRRIPP Year’s holiday the news and advertis- 0IEL]EPWSLEZIEWSR%PIGERHERSXLIVGLMPHHYIMR%TVMP1YWMGMERWXSYVMRK[MXL1EG1EWXIVMRGPYHIH1EG1SVMRTMERS )VMG&VIXSR ing deadline for that issue is noon on TIVGYWWMSR 1EXX1EG-WEEGTMTIW[LMWXPIWERHFERNS 2EXLERMIP7QMXLGIPPS ERH/EXI5YMRRZSGEPW8LITIVJSVQERGIQEVOIHXLIXLMVH Monday, December 30. MRWXEPPQIRXSJXLI6ETTELERRSGO*SYRHEXMSR*SV8LI%VXW3R7XEKIWIVMIW8LIGSRGIVX[EWQEHITSWWMFPIF]TVSKVEQWTSRWSV The office will close again at noon River Counties Community Foundation, season sponsor Chesapeake Bank and Chesapeake Investment Group, the Virginia Commission for on December 31 and reopen at 9 a.m. XLI%VXWXLI2EXMSREP)RHS[QIRXJSVXLI%VXWWIEWSRWYFWGVMFIVWERHPS]EPGSRXVMFYXSVWPhotos by Robert Mason Jr. January 3.
Business ....C6-8, D4-5 Churches ...... B6-8 Directory ...... D7 Obituaries ...... B7 Police ...... A3 Sports ...... C1-3 Calendar ...... B2 'PEWWM½IH ...... D1-4 Notices ...... D6 Opinion ...... A6-8 Schools ...... C4-5 Upcoming ...... B1-5 6 56525 10491 6 December 12, 2013 Rappahannock Record A2 InsideNews Kilmarnock, VA 804 Unless noted, all phone Planning commission suggests school numbers in this publication carry the 804 area code. board prioritize capital improvements by Audrey Thomasson with the purchase and instal- telephony, allows the routing SbbSZS``aU] lation, the board of supervi- of voice conversations over the LANCASTER—The plan- sors asked the commission to internet instead of over phone WUadV ning commission last week review the request based on lines and would result in imme- USPS (455-600) asked the school board to the approved capital improve- diate cost savings for the district. D27 N. Main St., P.O. Box 400 prioritize its planned capital ment projects for the schools. Commission members Kilmarnock, VA 22482-0400 improvements in order to reach The additional approved noted the VOIP shortfall and 804-435-1701 a consensus for fully funding items are $127,500 for school the HVAC project both total Fax: 804-435-2632 a $165,000 Voice Over Inter- security upgrades, which are some $80,000, he said. They www.RRecord.com net Protocol (VOIP) phone currently being installed, and suggested the school board Mr. & Mrs. Frederick A. Gaskins, system, according to planning/ $80,000 for the third phase decide which project can be General Managers The White Stone Town Council on December 5 land use director Don Gill. of replacing the heating, ven- deferred to the fiscal 2014-15 Robert D. Mason Jr., Editor unanimously adopted a resolution of appreciation for Last month, supervisors tilation and air conditioning capital improvement budget. Alice M. Toleman, who worked with the town council learned the project did not (HVAC) units at the middle The commission returned J.E. Currell, Publisher, 1927-1993 ERH XLI XS[R´W TSPMGI GLMIJ XS WXEVX E 2IMKLFSVLSSH qualify for some $80,000 in school, said Gill. the item to the board of super- Published weekly except Christmas week ;EXGL4VSKVEQMR7LIVIGIRXP]VIWMKRIHLIVTSWX federal E-rate reimbursement. The VOIP, also known as visors, pending a school board at Kilmarnock, Lancaster Co., VA. as captain of the program. From left are WSPD Chief Rather than move forward internet telephony or broadband recommendation. Periodicals Postage Paid at Kilmarnock, VA 22482 and additional mailing offices. 'PMJJ (E[WSR 8SPIQER ERH 1E]SV 0PS]H & ,YFFEVH Photo by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi Postmaster: Send address changes to Rappahannock Record the Rappahannock Record, P.O. Box 400, Lancaster school board Kilmarnock, VA 22482-0400 Deadlines Subscriptions (payable in advance): $27 per continued from page A1 year in the Northern Neck and Middlesex White Stone website County; $37 per year elsewhere. ings of the three schools were include school security, phase Display Advertising: Single copy: $.75. continued from page A1 presented to the public in Feb- three HVAC systems at the Monday @ 5 p.m. Member: Virginia Press Association other business owners to help. a Facebook page. ruary and the improvements middle school and a Voice Classified Advertising: and National Newspaper Association Jones said he would want Hubbard asked Frere to inves- would cost from $37 million to Over Internet Phone (VOIP) a town employee or council tigate the management and cost $56 million. system. Tuesday @ NOON Printed on recycled paper. member to monitor the page. of Kilmarnock’s and Irvington’s “It’s time to take it to the next “The board has already News: Ginger Philbrick, who serves websites and said council would level,” McCann said. “We’re voted on this four times,” said All items submitted for publication are Tuesday @ NOON subject to inclusion in digital or other on the town’s planning com- revisit the issue at its next meet- certainly not ready to start Lukich. “The board already electronic formats for use in other mission, suggested checking ing. building for several years,” approved the CIP for all three Rappahannock Record products. with Rappahannock Coommu- 3XLIVFYWMRIWW but this is a good start for new projects.” 804.435.1701 How to reach us: nity College’s IT department With only one comment from schools in the future, he added. The measure had been sent To reach members of the staff, dial the or computer students to see if the public and no discussion, “Every other county has back to the school last week main phone number, 435-1701, and someone would volunteer to newer schools and improved after the county was advised then the employee’s extension when council unanimously adopted prompted, or use the e-mail address. build a town website. an updated land use and water facilities over Lancaster the $165,000 VOIP project was Newsroom: “If this gets into the newspa- quality plan. The revised com- schools,” said District 5 not eligible for a federal E-rate Robert D. Mason Jr., Editor per, maybe someone in the com- prehensive plan, which was first member and board chairman supplemental reimbursement extension 25, [email protected] munity would come forward adopted by the town in 2000, Alex Fleet. He called Lan- of $80,000. County officials Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi and be able to help us,” said extension 23, [email protected] includes updated census infor- caster facilities “patched, glued asked the board to select a proj- Audrey Thomasson Philbrick. mation, charts and maps. and twisted. In 13 school dis- ect to be bumped into the next extension 22, [email protected] Town attorney Matson Terry The only comment during a tricts, Lancaster is the only one fiscal next year. Shannon Rice extension 28, [email protected] agreed a website would be public hearing on the plan came that doesn’t have an audito- The school board sent it back Renss Greene helpful for “people with ques- from planning commission rium at its high school. That’s to supervisors without a vote. extension 28, [email protected] tions about an ordinance.” All chairman John Taliaferro, who ridiculous...I don’t understand The measure will go before Display Advertising: the information could be right said he recommended council why parents aren’t more inter- supervisors at 7 p.m. Monday, Sara Amiss, Manager there online for them to read, he adopt the revisions. ested...you need to be at the December 16. extension 13, [email protected] added. K.C. Troise Irving Brittingham made forefront...you need to come Lukich called for a special extension 19, [email protected] During his report, town the motion to adopt the plan together.” closed session of the school Marilyn Bryant manager Patrick Frere recom- with Blair Kenyon making the “I’m in favor of new school board at 5:30 p.m. December extension 11, [email protected] mended council form a com- second. Voting to adopt were construction, but I’m not put- 16 in the school board office. Troy Robertson mittee on marketing in the new ting a time frame on it,” said The meeting will address extension 15, [email protected] Brittingham, Kenyon, Jones, year. The committee could William Hubbard, Joe Sliakis District 1 member Robert emergency personnel matters. Classified Advertising: decide how to best handle inter- Smart. classifi[email protected] and Jennifer Hodges. Council- or dial the main number: 435-1701 net advertising of the town. man Randy Reeves was not in Members voted 5-0 to send or click “Classifieds” at www.RRecord.com “We just really need to attendance. the plans to the board of super- 7+(5,9(50$5.(7 Production: remember we don’t have a tax Council also decided to visors. Wayne Smith, Manager except our cigarette tax,” said reschedule its January meeting A county request to priori- extension 26, [email protected] Jones. “We’re unlike Kilmar- tize school projects in the fiscal 6WDQGLQJ5LE5RDVW Susan Simmons, Publications Manager to Thursday, January 9. Council extension 18, [email protected] nock and Irvington, which has will hold a public hearing on a year 2013-14 CIP budget (see Hillary Greene a lodging tax. They benefit from rezoning request at that meet- related story above), elicited &KULVWPDV7HQGHUORLQ extension 17, [email protected] advertising.” ing. It also will hear a presen- little favor from the school Gloria Bosher, Jones suggested to council tation from Davenport LLC on board since the member felt the 0RQWR6DWDPSP extension 17, [email protected] Brenda Burtner, that the town’s business associa- possible financial investments projects already had approved 5DSSDKDQQRFN'ULYH:KLWH6WRQH extension 24. [email protected] tion design a website or manage for the town. funding. The three projects Publishing/Business: Frederick A. Gaskins, President In case you missed it December 7th extension 20, [email protected] Bettie Lee Gaskins, Treasurer NEWS BREAKS Irvington United Methodist Church extension 21, [email protected] Kate Oliver, CPA, Business manager ■ Bridge work the Rappahannock River at ■ Historyland celebrates extension 21, [email protected] White Stone. The 2013 Historyland Work- DISTINCTIVE BAZAAR Lindsay Bishoff, Accounts manager Through mid-December, extension 14, [email protected] motorists can expect weekday Traffic will be reduced to a shop gift sale raised approxi- will open the next two Saturdays, Dec. 14 & Dec. 21 Angela Garrett, Accounts manager delays at the Robert O. Norris Jr. single-lane over a small section mately $10,000 towards schol- 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. extension 12, [email protected] Memorial Bridge from 9 a.m. to of the bridge, where Virginia arships and educational pro- Our Bazaar is like walking into a gift shop! Subscriptions: 3 p.m. The Norris Bridge is on Department of Transportation grams. The funds will be dis- Theme Baskets s (OLIDAY )TEMS s "AKERY "OOTH Anna Ticer, Circulation manager (VDOT) and contractor crews extension 16, [email protected] Route 3 between Lancaster and tributed in 2014, said publicity %NTERTAINMENT 'IFTS s Special Tables s 7REATHS Middlesex counties, and crosses will patch the deck. chairman Luci York. /N THE CORNER OF )RVINGTON 2D +ING #ARTER $R Following the sale, History- #ASH OR #HECK /NLY land members celebrated over dinner at the Car Wash Cafe, Subscribe to the Record! Kilmarnock. For papers mailed to addresses ■ Closings in Lancaster, Northumberland, Q $27.00 Newspaper only Lancaster County govern- Richmond, Westmoreland Q $39.00 Newspaper & PDF ment offices will be closed and Middlesex counties: December 23, 24 and 25, as well as January 1. Q $37.00 Newspaper only Northumberland County For papers mailed to other areas: government offices will be Q $49.00 Newspaper & PDF closed December 24 and 25, as Designed to suit your needs well as January 1. (804) 758-8887 Student subscription: Q $26.00 Newspaper only Draperies Cornices (9 months) Serving Q $38.00 Newspaper & PDF :PVS)PMJEBZ4IPQQJOH Valances Middle Peninsula Shades and PDF only: Q $35.00 per year 4UBSUT)FSF Blinds Northern Neck 20% off Shutters www.rrecord.com Order your subscription online! ¬ classified Courtesy In-Home Consultations Free Installation Go to www.RappahannockRecord.net/archives Q Payment enclosed Q New Q Renewal Q Bill me Q Charge to
Name:______Address:______JewelryRAL Cards City:______State:______Zip:______Holiday Gift Email: ______Phone: ______Artwork Credit Card No.: ______Exp. Date: ______Shop Crafts Sculpture Signature: ______Ceramics November 20 - December 28 Mail to: Rappahannock Record Circulation Dept. R RAL Studio Gallery, 19 North Main St, Kilmarnock, VA RAPPAHANNOCK 0 / "OX s +ILMARNOCK 6! ART LEAGUE 804- 436 - 9309, ralgallery.com 0HONE EXT OR EMAIL CIRCULATION RRECORDCOM RAL is a proud affiliate of VMFA and is partially supported by grants from VCA, NEA, RFA and RCCF /MPQEVRSGO :MVKMRME 6%44%,%223'/6)'36( (IGIQFIVA3 DMV urges :PVS)PMJEBZ4IPQQJOH4UBSUT)FSF drivers to get ÜÜÜ°ÀÀiVÀ`°V ¬ V>ÃÃwi` plenty of rest Kilmarnock Antique RICHMOND—The Virginia Gallery Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) urges drivers to be extra WE BUY SILVER AND GOLD cautious during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays due to & higher traffic volumes and an Take quality consignments increased number of out-of-state visitors to Virginia. 144 School Street, Kilmarnock, VA “To lessen your risk, never drink alcohol before driv- 804-435-1207 ing, always wear your seat- belt, don’t be distracted while behind the wheel, and get enough sleep before driv- ing,” said DMV spokesperson Sunni Brown. Being sleepy and driving drowsy affects one’s ability to From From left are Erik Brown , Ellen McBride and Jaime Townsend. drive safely. Drowsiness makes drivers less attentive, slows reac- Adventure Travel tion time and affects a driver’s Squad members visit Virginia Beach VRS ability to make decisions. The VIRGINIA BEACH—Two members of With a real strong support system from their warning signs of drowsy driving A Gift That Lasts a the Kilmarnock-Lancaster County Volun- city, they do not bill for any services, said include yawning or blinking fre- teer Rescue Squad, Erik Brown and Jaime McBride. Every year they save their city $22 quently, difficulty remembering Townsend, recently visited the Virginia Beach million. she said. the past few miles driven, miss- Lifetime... Travel Volunteer Rescue Squad. The trip was to build a good working rela- ing your exit, and drifting from Perfect for the person that has everything Virginia Beach VRS captain of administra- tionship with other agencies within the state your lane and hitting a rumble tion Ellen McBride gave them a tour of facili- and also to learn new methods for recruitment/ strip. Adventure Travel Chesapeake Commons, Kilmarnock ties and familiarized them with operations of retention, said Brown. “Get a good night’s sleep, 804-436-9200 1-877-436-9200 the largest volunteer emergency medical ser- The Kilmarnock-Lancaster County VRS is eight to nine hours for adults “Come join us -- we’re going places” vices organization in the U.S. The Virginia seeking new members, he said. and nine to ten hours for ado- Beach VRS responded to approximately 13,000 Those who cannot support the local rescue lescents, and set out on the road calls last year and has a membership of over squad by membership can always assist in donat- when you are feeling fresh,” said 200 active members, said McBride. ing, which is equally important, added Brown. Brown. SHERIFFS’ REPORTS 0ERGEWXIV 'SYRX] 27, of Newtown Road was A Sandlin Drive man, 50, berland County Sheriff’s Sheriff Ronnie Crock- charged December 5 with was charged December 6 Office responded to an armed ett this week reported obtaining money by false with contempt of court. robbery in the Wicomico charges against 12 individu- pretenses and grand larceny A Lancaster area man, Church area. An assault and als. (both felonies). 33, and his female compan- a larceny of several firearms Felonies John Christopher Robbins, ion, 33, were each charged occurred. Jordan Alonzo Segar, 21, 27, of Windmill Point Road December 9 with domestic There is a $5,000 reward of Roseneath Avenue was was charged December 6 assault and battery. offered for the arrest(s) of charged December 2 with with four counts of burglary 2SVXLYQFIVPERH the person(s) involved in this burglary, grand larceny (both and five counts of grand lar- County Sheriff Chuck incident. Call the Crime-Tips felonies) and assault and bat- ceny (all felonies). Wilkins this week reported line at 580-8477. tery. Misdemeanors charges against four individ- Christmas at Rajaeh Jeffaries Smith, A White Stone area man, uals. 18, of Mosquito Point Road 41, was charged December 3 Felonies was charged December 2 with contempt of court. David Elwood Sutton, 36, with burglary, grand larceny, A Hayes man, 33, was of Kilmarnock was charged abduction, aggravated mali- charged December 4 with December 3 with assault cious wounding, and use of contempt of court. and battery of a police offi- a firearm in commission of a A Carters Cove Drive man, cer, intentionally damaging felony (all felonies). 23, was charged December a police car, and assault and Derrick Antonio Saunders, 5 with failure to appear in battery of a family member. 22, of Lumberlost Trail was court. He was also charged with charged December 4 with A River Road man, 21, was attempting to assault a police felony probation violation. charged December 5 with officer and drunk in public. Ronnie O’Neil Morris, petit larceny. Misdemeanors A White Stone man, 23, was charged December 4 with failure to appear in the Northumberland County The Agenda General District Court. Local Government News A Heathsville man, 38, was charged December 7 with HEATHSVILLE—The 2SVXLYQFIVPERHFSEVHSJ failure to appear in the Nor- supervisors will meet at 5 p.m. today (December 12) in thumberland County General the courts building at 39 Judicial Place in Heathsville. District Court. School superintendent Dr. Rebecca Gates will address the A Burgess man, 20, was board at 5:05 p.m., followed by representatives of the Vir- charged December 7 with ginia Department of Transportation, Northern Neck Resi- driving under the influence dency. of alcohol, possession of County administrator Kenneth Eades will address the alcohol under the age of 21 board at 5:15 p.m., followed by board members wishing to and reckless driving. comment on items not otherwise addressed by the agenda. Reward offered According to the agenda, supervisors may call for a closed On July 21, the Northum- meeting to discuss a personnel matter involving compensa- tion of an employee. Following a dinner break, the board will reconvene at 7 p.m. for public hearings. Among December hearings, Thomas Dale and Lacie D. Gaskins of Thomas Dale Gaskins Seafood seek authoriza- tion to allow commercial use of an existing private-use pier, and construct a commercial pier expansion for a seafood pecials landing. The property is on Cabin Point Drive near Ophelia and on Ellyson Creek. S Janice Walton seeks authorization to operate a tourist home at 710 Forest Green Road near Burgess. The board recently continued a decision on allowing tourist homes by right until at least February. Until and unless the board changes current zoning regulations, tourist homes in Nor- SAVE 25%-75% thumberland require conditional use permits. A public comment period on items not otherwise covered by the agenda will follow the hearings. STOREWIDE IRVINGTON—The town council will meet at 7:30 p.m. tonight (December 12) in the town hall, 235 Steamboat THROUGH SUNDAY Road, Irvington. Discussion items will include the filling of vacancies on the planning commission, a licensing agreement for use of the commons and applications for commercial sign permits SAVE 33% ON FEATURED from Patricia Richards at 4353 Irvington Road and William Newborg for Metrocast. BONN BONS BRACELETS LANCASTER—The 0ERGEWXIV FSEVH SJ WYTIV- visors will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, December 16, at the County Administration Building, 8311 Mary Ball Road, SAVE 33% ON FEATURED Lancaster. Supervisors will conduct a public hearing on a proposed TROLLBEADS BRACELETS amendment to the zoning ordinance. As proposed, the amendment will allow installation of sin- gle-pole, high-speed data communication antennas of less than 100-feet in height without a public hearing or permit OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK fees, in all zoning districts except the waterfront overlay. Supervisors also will conduct a hearing on a proposed amendment to the county code that would enable the board to establish and modify by resolution exemptions to the pay- 82&.3897**90.12&734(0\\\8UJHNFQXQYIHTR ment of fees assessed for emergency medical services. 2TSIF^8FYZWIF^ 8ZSIF^ %(IGIQFIV 6%44%,%223'/6)'36( /MPQEVRSGO:MVKMRME Genetic tests lead to search for her real father
The second in a three-part series chronicling Cheryl Whittle’s search for her biological father. by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi a hint. Maybe she took me in after the weekend. It was storm- there because maybe my father ing really bad and Daddy took y the time Cheryl Whittle worked there and maybe I’d see [Sandi and me] out in the woods Bwas 15, she’d lived in a him or he’d see me. I just don’t and dug holes in the leaves and dozen different homes and with know. But we never went there pulled the leaves over us so several different families. She’d again.” Momma and the police couldn’t fallen in love with a man six Growing up find us.” years her senior, had become Cheryl’s childhood was Cheryl now believes her pregnant, gotten married and lost unstable, beginning as a toddler father had post traumatic stress a child. when her parents took her to live disorder stemming from his It was not a typical childhood with friends. military service. by any means, said the retired “That couple was very good “We even had Daddy hold a registered nurse. She often felt to me, but I always wondered, gun on us and threaten to kill unwanted and her father, Joe why [did my parents] do that. us.” Wilmoth, always treated her just Why give me away?” said Although her father’s actions a little differently than her sib- Cheryl. make sense now, as a child lings. Her whole life had been a She lived with the couple, Cheryl was very frightened of clue to the family secret Cheryl who were childhood friends of him and withdrawn. uncovered three years ago when Joe’s, for two years. Then one In 1963, Cheryl’s family she convinced her husband, day Vivian and Joe returned moved to a home in Chester just Dickie, and half brother, Milton, for her. Her mother was four down the street from Dickie. He to take an online DNA test from months pregnant with her sister, was considerably older, but they 23andMe. Sandi, at the time. Cheryl was became sweethearts and Cheryl Joe Wilmoth was not her bio- told her mother had been ill with got pregnant. She was only 14 logical father. tuberculosis while she was living and Dickie was 20. The two “I was not entirely surprised,” with the couple but she’s always have been married for 47 years said Cheryl, as she spread photos questioned that. and share a wonderful family, and papers across her dining For the next 10 years, Cheryl, but admit how odd it was that room table at her waterfront Sandi and her parents moved her parents would allow their home on the Rappahannock From left, Joe Wilmoth and his wife, Vivian, pose for a family photo with their to Florida and back to Vir- teenage daughter to date such an River in upper Lancaster County. daughters, Sandi and Cheryl. ginia, living in several different older man. “I always felt like something homes. During that time, Cheryl The best kept secret wasn’t quite right.” “that she’d slipped on some said. “They both worked at a reason or another, she left that remembers Joe being very vio- Cheryl’s mother died of Cheryl’s mother, Vivian Tipton ice and went into labor. But I tobacco company in Petersburg, job,” said Cheryl. lent towards her mother and her cancer when she was only 58. of Petersburg, was thin, with weighed almost seven pounds, but Mom also had a part-time Years later, when Cheryl and Sandi. Although Cheryl was a diligent shoulder length dark hair and which is pretty big for a prema- job with a department store on was about to deliver her own “Daddy had been in World caregiver during her mother’s eyes. A photo of her at age 16 ture, seven-month baby. Sycamore Street, Rucker Rosen- child, Vivian took her to Rucker War II. He was in the military final years, Vivian never dis- shows a stunningly beautiful “Momma also said Daddy stock.” Rosenstock. police and had seen a lot of cussed Cheryl’s biological young woman. took her to the hospital and Apparently, Vivian left her “A few weeks before I had action, so I’m told. When I was father or the fact that Joe wasn’t. “Momma was very pretty, didn’t come back to see me until job at the department store at the baby, Momma took me to doing research on him about Cheryl wonders why her mother very pretty,” said Cheryl. he came to get her a week later the end of March 1951. Accord- the doctor over in Petersburg ten years ago, before I knew he never felt the need to unburden Vivian had married at 16 and when she called him. Now, why ing to Cheryl’s calculations and and then said, I think we’ll run wasn’t my father, I found out he herself of the secret. had three girls with her husband, would you do your wife and genetic testing, if she was deliv- by Rucker Rosenstock. Now had received lots of medals. Joe too is deceased, along Richard Thompson, before he child that way? Maybe he had ered at full term, her mother Momma had never taken me “But there were many times with Cheryl’s grandparents, was tragically killed in an acci- questions about whether I was would have conceived her the there before, but she said maybe Daddy acted a little bit strange. aunts and uncles. Almost every- dent in 1949. A few months later, his or not.” final week of March or early we could pick up something One time he took us out in the one who could shed some light Vivian left the girls to be raised Cheryl has tried to piece April. nice for the baby, maybe a little woods. Momma and Daddy on Cheryl’s lineage is gone, by their grandparents. And that’s together the puzzle of how her “Actually when I did it with christening gown or shawl or were separated at the time and leaving her with so many ques- where Cheryl finds a gap in her mother and father met and what WebMD, [my conception date] something,” said Cheryl. “So we Momma had come to get us tions and no one to ask. mother’s life. was happening in her mother’s was March 22,” said Cheryl. went there and Momma bought In 1951, Vivian married Joe. life at the time. Coincidentally, Vivian’s birthday me a pretty little christening They moved to Chester, where “When you’re in this situa- was also March 22. gown, some booties, a sweater Cheryl was born seven months tion, you try to find anything “A couple of things about that set and a shawl. into their marriage on Christmas possible as a hint, try to find department store interest me. “Momma never did stuff like Eve. a name, anything. I got my Maybe she had gotten to know that for me and now as I look “Momma always told me I mom’s and dad’s social security someone there or someone had back on it I think, wow, it says was premature,” said Cheryl, numbers and work history,” she attacked her there. For some something. That must have been Search begins for new school superintendent by Audrey Thomasson from Lancaster citizens on what qualifica- the selection of the superintendent. tions they would like to have in their new The school board will accept applica- KILMARNOCK—The Lancaster superintendent. tions from qualified candidates between school board began the selection process “Hiring a new superintendent is the January 20 and February 14. To qualify, to identify and hire a new superintendent biggest task facing a school board,” said candidates must hold or be eligible to during a special session Monday morning chairman Alexander Fleet. “We want to hold a valid division superintendent at the central office. make sure that the public has a voice in license issued by the Virginia Board of Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department According to Virginia School Board this process. We hope that parents, staff Education. Association (VSBA) deputy executive and residents will take time to fill out A special post office box has been set director Gina Patterson, 52 of the 133 the survey and attend the public hear- up to secure and protect the identity of %HQHÀW$XFWLRQ school districts in Virginia are searching ing.” applicants. Applications from internal and for a new superintendent in 2014. The survey is available at www.sur- external candidates should be addressed $SULO District three member Don McCann veymonkey.com/s/lcpssupt, the school to Lancaster School Board, P.O. Box 112, made the motion to work with VSBA at district homepage and the central office. Kilmarnock VA 22482. Call Johnny Smith, 804-436-2002, a cost of $5,500 and to approve a time- January 15 is the deadline for completing Applications will be reviewed by the line for the search. The measure passed the survey. board and VSBA in a closed session on to schedule donation drop-off at on a 4-0 vote. District 4 member Pat- A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. February 25. Interviews with qualified Kilmarnock Mini Storage. rick McCranie could not attend the January 15 in the media center at Lan- candidates are expected to begin around meeting. caster Middle School, 191 School Street, March 15 with the announcement of a This week, the school board launched Kilmarnock, to gather feedback from par- new superintendent planned for April or an electronic survey seeking public input ents, citizens and community leaders on May. Dr. Lukich announces his resignation effective June 30 by Audrey Thomasson accepted by the board in a roll “This has become a habit.” The $1.6 million figure rep- call vote.” The practice makes it impossi- resents cuts to Lukich’s budget KILMARNOCK—Super- However, since the letter ble to make an informed deci- requests and cuts in federal 35th Annual Kilmarnock intendent Dr. Daniel Lukich was read at Monday night’s sion since members cannot funding. At the beginning of Monday night handed the meeting before a regular vote read the material and famil- this school term supervisors school board a letter announc- and not a “roll call” vote, the iarize themselves on the issue shaved $165,882 from the $15 Lighted Christmas Parade ing his resignation effective question was raised with citi- prior to a vote at the meeting, million school appropriation. the final day of his three-year zens as to how Lukich knew in he said. “It’s been an interesting pro- December 13, 2013 contract on June 30, 2014. advance how the board would McCann acknowledged that cess just to survive,” he said. “Christmas by the Bay” The resignation came two vote. Smart made a valid point. He noted the 990-hour school months after the October 14 When Smart objected to the Smart later noted the prac- year was dramatically defi- 5:30-6:30 p.m. announcement by school board vote, Lukich argued that it was tice was the opposite of being cient and should be restored to Visit with Santa Claus at the Kilmarnock chairman Alexander Fleet that something Smart has wanted. transparent since it did not give the full 180-day calendar. the board had decided not to “How did he know it would the public or board the oppor- “In terms of county super- Volunteer Fire Dept. on School Street renew Lukich’s contract when be accepted,” asked Smart tunity to find out in advance visors, I wish them the best it expires on June 30. after the meeting. “This was the subjects that would be cov- in their role as the governing 6:00-7:00 p.m. The letter was accepted one of many add-on agenda ered at the meeting, especially body in trying to make the “Pre-parade” Fun in a 3-2 split vote. Voting items that was not included controversial topics. very best school system they to accept were District 5 in the board packet...This was During the meeting, Lukich can make. I didn’t come here Music, carolers and “glow” member and board chair- the last of the pre-planned, made a statement that he to butt heads with any par- in downtown Kilmarnock man Alex Fleet, District orchestrated board meetings,” intended to work with the new ticular board...but I’ve never 3 member Don McCann he predicted. board, which will include Dr. encountered that kind of resis- and District 2 member Ella Fleet confirmed he approved Robert Westbrook when he tance to moving the school 7:00 p.m. Davis. Opposed to accepting additions to the agenda a takes Fleet’s seat in January. system forward. It’s been Parade steps out down Main St. the resignation were District couple of hours before the “The reason I submitted the an interesting experience. I 1 member Robert Smart and meeting. resignation now is to make my choose not to retire...but to District 4 member Patrick While Fleet and Lukich intentions clear” as the board move on to a more productive GRAND MARSHAL: McCranie. have made claims the school begins the search for a new environment.” Meredith Robbins of White Stone “There was no purpose to district and school board are superintendent, Lukich said. He attacked Smart, calling the motion since the contract transparent, Fleet has contin- “My intention is to work with him “one of the most divisive Lancaster Square & Chesapeake Commons will end and the board had ued to allow the superinten- this board and the next board... and destructive people I have already announced his con- dent to add a host of agenda with budget planning and per- ever met. I think you achieved Parking Lots Will Be Closed at 6:45pm tract would not be renewed,” items at the last moment, sonnel planning...over the your objective...and I’ll be No Entrance/Exit To Main Street Until Smart later explained. including Monday night when course of the next six months. happy to move on.” In his letter, Lukish thanked the “add-ons” more than dou- It’s only human and the right Smart replied that most of 8:00 pm For Christmas Parade bled the number of items on thing to do.” what Lukich said was inac- the board for their positive Like us on Facebook at Kilmarnock, Va Christmas evaluation halfway through the original agenda. He said it’s been financially curate, but he asked the clerk his second year. McCann defended the difficult handling budget cuts to make sure his words were Parade & Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce Lukich wrote that he had action, saying it is sometimes of $1.6 million over two years fully recorded in the minutes. submitted his resignation as an necessary to add things at the “to a district that has dramati- After the vote, Smart stated, “action item on the December last minute. cally been addressed and kept “This vote will not bind the 9, 2013, board meeting and Smart objected, saying, it together as best they could.” new board.” /MPQEVRSGO :MVKMRME RAPPAHANNOCK RECORD (IGIQFIVA5 Recount slated Dec. 17-18 in race for attorney general RICHMOND—A Richmond Circuit Court Judge recently set Winter Wonderland the statewide recount in the attorney general’s race for December 17 and 18, and gave Fairfax County a one day headstart. Collection The Virginia State Board of Elections on November 25 certi- fied Democrat Sen. Mark R. Herring the winner by 165 votes. Republican Sen. Mark D. Obenshain on November 27 announced his decision to seek a recount. The November 5 election tally was Sen. Herring 1,103,777 and Sen. Obenshain 1,103,612. Herring’s winning margin was 0.007%, of more than 2.2 million votes cast in 2,558 voting pre- cincts statewide. Because the margin was less than 0.5%, the One bracelet with interchangeable clasps! public will pay the expenses associated with the recount. Once localities complete the recount, a panel of three Circuit Court judges will convene in Richmond to settle any challenged ballots or other issues arising from the recount. The three are Judge Beverly W. Snukals, Judge Junius P. Fulton III and Judge Joseph W. Milam Jr. Steve Keith returns Locally, Sen. Obenshain won both Lancaster and Northumber- land. In Lancaster, he received 2,564 votes, or 57.32% of 4,473 International recording artist Steve Keith returned from votes cast. In Northumberland, he received 3,033, or 58.96% of 2SZE7GSXMEXSXLIPSGEPWTSXPMKLX(IGIQFIVEX;MPPEF]´W 5,144 votes cast. Cafe’ near White Stone. In addition to originals, blues, Look for this trademark GSYRXV]%TTEPEGLME-VMWLERH2I[3VPIERWJEZSVMXIWLI Made in the USA introduced the audience to several Canadian pieces. For CHRISTMASCHRISTM AS TTREES!REES FSSOMRKGEPP*SVEGEPIRHEVSJYTGSQMRK Live U-cut! BRILLIANCE YOU DESERVE® shows at Willaby’s and a link to You Tube recordings of LocusvilleLocusville PPlantationlantation prior performances, visit willabys.com/cafe’/Events/ Ross’s Rings and Things, Ltd. Events.htm. Shop in Our Country Store! Wed.-Sun.Wed.-Sun. 110a.m.-5.pm0a.m.-5.pm )RVINGTON 2D s +ILMARNOCK s 583 Slabtown Rd., Lancaster -ONDAY &RIDAY