Villanova Wildcats win CEOs band together in NCAA National North Carolina against Championship | 8 transgender law | 4 Rockbridge Report Thursday, April 7, 2016 rockbridgereport.wlu.edu

What’s Inside Refugees find a home in Rockbridge Anita Filson appointed Rockbridge County’s Refugee Working Group started gathering volunteers, clothes and furniture months before the new judge of Rockbridge County Circuit Court. Congolese family of eight arived in March. See page 2 By John Tompkins

Rockbridge Area Health After lengthy flight delays and Center expands space temporarily losing all of their bag- gage, the Msimbwas, a family of and services. eight Congolese refugees, finally See page 3 arrived in town March 11. Their arrival is the culmination of efforts by the Refugee Working Group, an Donald Trump backtracks interfaith coalition that is working to resettle refugees in Rockbridge to appeal to women County. voters after abortion “I’m very happy, it’s a very pleas- comments. ing atmosphere,” said Fahizi See page 4 Msimbwa, the family’s father. “I’m especially happy with the peo- ple who already showed me the school. Everyone’s very welcom- Broadband high-speed i n g .” internet to become Eighty local residents welcomed a reality for BARC their new neighbors at an in- customers. formational meeting at Lylburn See page 5 Downing Middle School a few days after their arrival. “The meeting last night was to learn a little bit about what has With the help of the Refugee Working Group, the Msimbwa family is getting acclimated to life in Lexington. Local residents welcomed their new neighbors at New practice fields an informational meeting at Lylburn Downing Middle School on March 15. coming for local, young gone on in the Congo and in cen- tral Africa in the last fifteen years kitchen utensils,” Hansen said. rest of our students are being of- While the United States admit- will in no way solely concentrate athletes. that has resulted in so many peo- She said a number of local resi- fered,” Lexington City Schools Su- ted roughly 70,000 refugees from on or specialize in the resettlement See page 8 ple having to leave that country,” dents have already offered to do- perintendent Scott Jefferies said. around the world last year, the of Syrian refugees. He said he ac- said Anne Hansen, the Refugee nate furniture, and some residents While the idea of bringing refu- issue of resettling Syrian refugees tually respects the actions of these Working Group Leader. have even said they are willing to gees to Rockbridge County orig- in this country has been a hotly Republican governors and under- Joe Biden and Lady Gaga Leaders of the Refugee Working take refugees in, if need be. inated during a meeting of R. E. debated topic over the past few stands their concerns. “We feel completely overjoyed Lee Memorial Church’s Christian months. The rise of ISIS and its “I have no problem with politi- are teaming up against Group, an interfaith coalition that has been working since last fall that our community has been so Outreach Committee, more than pledge to infiltrate U.S. borders cians slowing that process down,” sexual assault. to resettle refugees in Rockbridge welcoming and supportive al- 250 volunteers of various Chris- through the refugee intake process Nay said. “It only protects us. If it See page 7 County, said the Lexington area ready, even without people here tian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist have led some to believe that ac- takes a little longer, we’ll be ready.” will be ready to welcome as many yet,” Hansen said. “We suspected backgrounds have since agreed to cepting such refugees would pose But many local residents have as three refugee families by the it would be like that, but it’s been take part in the relocation process. a risk to national security. been more receptive of refugee The Georgia Zoo opens end of spring. more than we ever truly expected.” Now that the Refugee Working Late last year, 25 Republican gov- relocation, Syrian or otherwise. a new sea lion exhibit The group did not expect the A Washington and Lee student Group has become so diverse, Nay ernors vowed to block the entry Lexington City Council expressed group is helping teach English to said he does not want to tie it to of any Syrian refugees into their its unanimous support for refugee to celebrate 10th Msimbwas to arrive this early, but the community was nonetheless the Msimbwa children, between a single church or denomination. states because of security con- resettlement in Rockbridge Coun- anniversary. prepared. ages 2 and 13, before they attend “It’s really turned into an ecu- cerns. ty in a statement released last No- See page 7 “We fortunately already had school. menical and interfaith exercise,” Nay said any refugee his coali- vember, and both Nay and Hansen teams in place to do things like “Once they feel comfortable, Nay said. “The goal is simply a hu- tion brings to the Lexington area have received very little backlash find furniture, household items once they feel safe, we like our manitarian goal. We’re in no way will be rigorously vetted by the from Rockbridge County residents such as towels and linens and chances of tapping into that and focusing on a particular [religious] FBI and Department of Homeland against giving refugees a home in offering them the curricula the g roup.” Security, and the Working Group the Lexington area. Waddell expects Court fees Labor Day opening plague to be leased an extra two months By Peter Rathmell under the revised schedule. “If you take a month’s worth of prisoners liquidated damages to the tune of The new $13.5 million Waddell $30,000, you pull out $12,000 of Elementary School, which has that and you still have an $18,000 been under construction for about credit. So the cost to cover those By Caroline Boras two years, is going to take even modulars is covered and then longer than expected, Lexington some,” said Jeffries. City Schools Superintendent Scott Jeffries said that the delay boils A life behind bars is not an easy Jeffries said in a school board down to several simple factors: a one, and it’s made much harder meeting March 14. few poor quality contractors, un- when inmates face the burden of Originally estimated to be com- realistic expectations for the foun- paying off debt. pleted by May 19, the project is dation and bad weather. The Code of Virginia affords the court system a little-known way to now scheduled to be finished Jeffries also said that huge frus- Rockbridge County Sheriff’s officers worry about the rise in Spice use. The synthetic ingredients may pose greater around the end of August. For tration came early on in the proj- health risks and more severe legal penalties than regular cannabis. (AP Photo) collect fees from anyone using it, each day construction continues ect when the building’s anchor from people fighting parking tick- beyond May 19, Nielsen Build- bolts failed a safety inspection by ets to those involved in criminal ers Inc. will be penalized $1,000. a third party inspection company. cases and facing imprisonment. Nielsen’s project manager, T.J. “There was about a week and a The Rockbridge Court civil fee Synthetic Marijuana poses schedule is the breakdown of how Burkholder, was unavailable for half, two weeks, where the inspec- comment. tions had to go on for those an- much civil litigation costs and If the delay is accurate, Jeffries chor bolts before the project could how the revenue from fees is used. said that the school could receive move forward,” said Jeffries. risk to Rockbridge area Fees contribute to legal aid, the as much as $60,000 in damages. The contractor responsible for court’s technology fund and even The school division would not the anchor bolts was immediately buy synthetic marijuana in gas are also more unpredictable, ac- to courthouse heating, cooling and keep all of this money however, dismissed, said Jeffries. By Isidro Camacho stations or in convenience stores. cording to the NIDA. construction. some of it would go to renting Even before the anchor bolts Brands like spice and K2 appealed Synthetic marijuana is a Sched- Instead of receiving funding temporary classrooms for the stu- issue arose, Jeffries said the proj- to users by claiming that their ule 1 drug, the same class as her- from all taxpayers, courts are in- dents. ect was already behind because The Rockbridge County Sheriff’s products identically reproduced oin and cocaine. Schedule 1 drugs creasingly relying on this hidden For the past two years, the ele- the building’s foundation was far Office witnessed a handful of cases the mind-altering effects of mari- are highly addictive and offer no user tax. mentary school has been housed rockier than architects had antic- involving synthetic marijuana last juana. medical purpose, according to “Court fees have, nationwide, in two modular buildings on Lyl- ipated. Before the project could year and anticipates seeing more Spice is created by spraying a mix Greg Gardner of the Rockbridge started to account for a larger and burn Downing Middle School’s even get off the ground, workers cases this year. This drug poses of chemicals onto organic materi- Regional Drug Task Force. Reg- larger proportion of the support campus. Combined, the buildings had to rebuild the foundation to serious health risks and legal con- al like dried plants or chopped up ular marijuana, however, is a for courts,” said Kelly Brotzman, cost the division about $12,000 support the new school. sequences to users. herbs. The chemical spray con- Schedule 2 drug. Convictions sur- a visiting assistant professor in each month and are leased “They call it Rockbridge County Investigator Lt. Tony McFaddin tains a mix of one or more syn- rounding marijuana are much less Washington and Lee University’s through June. They would need See WADDELL, 2 recalled that his force dealt with thetic cannabinoids. This is the severe. Shepherd Poverty Program. “The about four or five cases in the last psychoactive ingredient in spice McFaddin explained that in- actual public funding of courts is year involving “Spice” and “K2,” that mimics the effects of mari- dividuals found with spice are sort of gradually eroding and that’s which are other names for syn- juana. prosecuted “to a different level being supplemented with fees that thetic marijuana. Regular marijuana contains nat- than marijuana–one that is much are being collected from litigants, Those two names come from ural cannabinoids, called tetra- higher.” both plaintiffs and defendants.” the two most popular brands of hydrocannabinol, which is more In Virginia, Code 18.2-250 Brotzman worries that this gives synthetic marijuana, according commonly known as THC. This prosecutes individuals who pos- police an incentive to pick up peo- to the National Institute on Drug chemical is produced organically sess a controlled substance. Cer- ple on simple infractions, since Abuse. Spice can go by nearly 500 by the plant as it matures. tain chemical blends of spice are appearing for something like a different names, all of which are The cannabinoids found in spice, deemed illegal under this code, ticket for a broken tail light can listed on the Spice Addiction Sup- however, are produced in labora- but not all of them. The Virgin- cost about $70, even if the ticket is port’s website. It is available in a tories. Both synthetic and natural ia General Assembly is unable to dismissed in court. form that can be smoked, which cannabinoids affect the same re- outright prohibit all of the various These fees are a nuisance in civil is called herbal incense. There ceptor in the brain. Synthetic can- synthetic cannabinoids that exist, matters, but are worse within the are also forms of spice created for nabinoids affect those receptors according to Gardner. criminal justice system. They can smoking out of a vaporizer, which more strongly than the cannabi- Numerous construction delays at Waddell Elementary will cause renovations is known as liquid incense. noids found in regular marijuana. See MARIJUANA, 3 See FEES, 2 to take longer than expected. Nearly a year ago, people could The effects of spice on the brain Thursday, April 7, 2016 Local rockbridgereport.wlu.edu 2 Rockbridge County Circuit Court gets new judge in this Circuit Court. sembly appoints judges. Legis- ginia Beach, Rocky Mount, Win- someone local and that he’s hope- By Caroline Boras “It’s an honor” she said. lators interviewed three candi- chester and Norfolk preside over ful that Filson will be supportive of The local bar is thrilled with the dates -- Filson, Botetourt County cases while waiting for the ap- his plans for a drug docket, which appointment. Commonwealth’s Attorney Joel pointment. The court didn’t know would help combat the volume of The Virginia General Assembly “Members of the bar associa- Branscom; and Lexington Gen- when an appointment would hap- drug crimes present in Rockbridge appointed a new presiding judge tion felt that the appointment of a eral District Court Judge Gordon pen, only that they were guaran- County. for the Rockbridge County Circuit local candidate was crucial to the Saunders -- before appointing Fil- teed one by the time the General Filson said she has to study to Court last week. Judge Anita Fil- efficient administration of justice son last Wednesday. Assembly adjourned March 12. prepare for her new position. “I’ve son, presiding judge of the Lexing- in Rockbridge County as well as The General Assembly appoint- Commonwealth’s Attorney already started reading my bar ton/Rockbridge Juvenile and Do- the cities of Lexington and Buena ed Corry Smith, the assistant com- Chris Billias said he is looking for- book,” she said, holding up what mestic Relations District Court, Vista, and we are pleased that the monwealth’s attorney for Amherst ward to having consistency at the looked like a small textbook. will take over as presiding judge of General Assembly agreed,” Bar As- County, to fill the gap left by Fil- courthouse again. Filson attended Mary Baldwin the Circuit Court starting July 1. sociation President Kent Gibson son in the Juvenile and Domestic “It’s interesting because judg- College in Staunton for her un- “I’m a little overwhelmed…sur- said in an email. Court. es do things differently,” he said. dergraduate degree. In 1982, she prised but grateful,” Filson said. “Judge Filson has shown great The presiding judge position He explained that the judges that graduated from Washington and Judge Anita Filson will be the first “The good thing is I have some concern for our community and opened in January, when Michael he’s been working with sometimes Lee’s School of Law. After grad- female presiding judge in the Rock- time.” individual litigants during her Irvine retired. This led to months have different philosophies and uating, she practiced law for 15 bridge County Circuit Court. (Photo Filson was the first female judge time on the bench…we look for- of scheduling substitute judges to approaches to sentencing or mak- years in a general practice. She by Greg Hemmings) appointed to the district, where ward to her investiture and the hear cases in the Rockbridge Cir- ing deals. worked on juvenile cases, as well ferent types of cases,” she said. “It she’s served for 15 years in the continuation of her thought- cuit Court. “It makes it difficult,” he said. as criminal and civil, until she was will be interesting to work with Juvenile and Domestic Relations ful consideration of the matters Clerk of the Circuit Court Bruce Those difficulties will end when appointed to the Juvenile and Do- juries,” she said, which does not Court. Now she is the first woman brought before her,” he said. Patterson said the courthouse had Filson takes over in July. Billias mestic Court. happen in Juvenile and Domestic to be appointed as presiding judge In Virginia, the General As- retired judges from Roanoke, Vir- said it’s nice to be working with “I’m looking forward to the dif- Court.

Waddell construction delays From A1

“They call it Rockbridge Coun- “Think about it, when you take ty for a reason and we found out possession of a house or an apart- real quick,” said Jeffries. ment, you don’t live there just five Compounding these issues, days a week. You take it and you Nielsen’s enlisted masonry con- have control for seven days. So liq- tractor went bankrupt in early uidated damages count Saturdays, March. According to a story in Sundays, holidays, it doesn’t mat- the Richmond Times-Dispatch, ter. The clock is ticking, day by day Manning Mason pleaded guilty by day,” said Jeffries. for failing to turn over as much as Although it is disappointing not $800,000 in taxes to the IRS. For to finish on time, Jeffries stresses a week or so, says Jeffries, there that building the school correctly was no progress made. A new is the division’s highest priority. masonry company has since been “We want to make sure that we contracted. don’t sacrifice quality for the sake Not all of the delays, however, of getting in there earlier,” said Jef- were under Nielsen’s control. Jef- fries. fries says that the winter weather, Jeffries is not ruling out the pos- which produced above average sibility of the building being com- snowfall and more rainy days pleted earlier, but he is working to than architects had projected, se- provide a realistic calendar and verely contributed to the project’s maintain open communication delay. with students, faculty and parents. “There is going to be, I would “It will all be worth it because say, at most 10 days added on to we have to remember that we are that contract for inclement weath- getting into a state-of-the-art fa- er days where no work was com- cility, a beautiful building, a facil- Seniors play instruments and sing at Maury River Senior Center. In addition to its main programs, the center also offers fun activities for seniors on Tuesday pleted,” said Jeffries. ity that our students and staff and and Thursday mornings. (Photo by Abby Thornton) Inclement weather days are community most definitely de- added to the completion date serve; we just have to wait a little based off of a four-day workweek, bit longer for it,” said Jeffries. Buena Vista braces for aging population meaning that an extra 10 days The Lexington City School would project completion on June board hopes to move the students along with the high poverty rate. died,” Lamont said. “She has slight the city. He acknowledges that the 7. After that, all seven days a week into the new building over Labor By Abby Thornton More than a fourth of Buena dementia, no income, and can’t lack of transportation is a turnoff are penalized. Day weekend this fall. Vista’s residents live below the drive. How’s she going to get to the to millennials, and that Buena Vis- Buena Vista’s population is get- poverty line. This is almost dou- doctor? How’s she going to go any- ta needs young people in order to ting older by the minute. Coincid- ble the state average, and many where? She’s not going to pay for bring in money. ing with a nationwide trend, the of these people are senior citizens R.A.T.S” “Without [millennials], com- number of citizens in Buena Vista who struggle to balance medical Rockbridge Area Transporta- munities may whither,” said who are 65 or older climbed near- bills and the cost of food and util- tion Services, or R.A.T.S, is the Baldridge. “In Virginia, the shift of ly two percentage points to around ities. primary method of public trans- Millennials is to places with strong 18 percent in 2014, according to Laurie Lamont, director of portation serving Buena Vista. public transportation systems and an estimate by the United States Maury River Senior Center, says However it is costly for those who public spaces -- parks, performing Census Bureau. that the winter months are espe- do not receive Medicaid, which venues, eateries, arts, sports. This The result of an aging baby cially difficult for a lot of seniors. reimburses transportation to and generally means away from rural boomer generation, this pattern “I can’t tell you how many calls from doctor’s visits. areas and to small-to-moderate- is beginning to show up in census we get from people who are wor- Lamont says that while the sized cities.” reports across the nation. How- ried that their heat bill is going to city helps the center by paying its Baldridge also noted that the ever, the number of Buena Vista get cut off,” said Lamont. “We try mortgage and utility bills, cheap city’s shifting demographics might residents who are 65 and older to help where we can, but there’s mean a reallocation of funds to- is nearly 4 1/2 percentage points only so much we can do with the ward services that are beneficial to above the national average, and money that we have.” “Something like only a the elderly. the trend has city officials worried. The center, which is headquar- quarter of the homes have “With these trends, we may see The growing population of el- tered in Waynesboro, receives a child under the age of 18 an exploration of funding for ser- Construction crew members work at Waddell Elementary School. (Photo by derly people may not seem like some money annually from the living there.” vices away from public schooling Peter Rathmell) cause for concern on its own, but city, as well as from United Way to elder care,” he said. and other local donors. Most of No plans are in the works yet to Buena Vista is also experiencing - Buena Vista City Councilman this money funds the center’s pri- implement a city transportation flat population growth because Steve Baldridge young people and families are not mary programs, such as Meals on system, but Baldridge said that the Civil fees difficult moving to the city. Wheels, in-home care and insur- city is continuing to do things to “There are issues in the trends ance counseling. But the center support its aging population. of population in [Buena Vista],” will occasionally use discretionary transportation should be its next “Well, we are doing things to be said Buena Vista City Councilman funds to help a senior pay his or endeavor. responsive, but there's not a writ- for prisoners to pay her bills. “Transportation is by far our ten plan. We have [the senior cen- Steve Baldridge. “Something like From A1 only a quarter of the homes have Additionally, the center uses biggest issue,” Lamont said. “I ter] on Magnolia, Carilion medi- lead to a cycle of imprisonment, debt-free,” Brotzman said. “But a child under the age of 18 living some of its funds to transport have people calling me daily ask- cal clinic, and a renewed focus on release and imprisonment again. most of them come out with some t h e re .” seniors to and from doctor’s ap- ing how they’re supposed to get to adult recreation,” he said. “But this The highest charge for a civil criminal justice debt.” Compared to a state average of pointments, but Lamont says that the doctor. If they can’t drive and small city in the most rural part of case at the Rockbridge County There just isn’t enough time for 23 percent, only about 21 percent this is a rarity and affordable pub- don’t have Medicaid, it’s just hard the state needs to consider its path Courthouse is about $345, accord- prisoners to make enough money of Buena Vista’s citizens are under lic transportation is by far the big- sometimes.” in the context of these population ing to its fee schedule. No sched- on work release to pay off their 18. gest void in Buena Vista. Baldridge conceded that the trends.” ule for criminal fees was provided, court fees. Adding to the worry is the lack “There’s a lady that lives down lack of a cheap public transporta- but Brotzman said they can add up Brotzman said that in an ideal of money coming into the city, the street from me whose son just tion system is a shortcoming for to thousands of dollars. If people world, part of the money made at involved in criminal trials can’t work release would go into sav- afford to pay their fees, they begin ings, and another part would go to to build up criminal justice debt, Rockbridge Report which collects interest. The cycle begins when people “If you’re [in prison] for cannot afford to pay off the crim- 10 years or 20 years, you Serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County, Va., since 1985. inal justice debt and are convicted can come out debt-free,” of a crime. Opportunities for pris- Brotzman said. “But most www.rockbridgereport.wlu.edu oners to earn money are limited. of them come out with Those who qualify for work release Editors-in-Chief | Pamela Luecke, Doug Cumming, Kevin Finch some criminal justice Technical Supervisor | Michael Todd make about 20 cents an hour, said Brotzman. debt.” Editors Reporters Superintendent of the Rock- bridge Regional Jail John Higgins - Professor Kelly Brotzman is in charge of managing work Anna Akins Barbara Bent release for the prisoners. He said Rachel Baker Caroline Boras former Presiding Judge Michael It is a cycle that has not gained Athena Cao Isidro Camacho Irvine made sure that all of the much attention. The problem is Lindsay Cates Lindsay Castleberry money made from work release that everyone who has to pay is Emma Deihle Jordan Cohen went directly to paying court fees. already entangled in court cases Zebrina Edgerton-Maloy Nelson Helm Rockbridge Regional Jail is gen- with different levels of severity. Virginia Feddeman Henry Luzzatto erally for people with shorter sen- There is not much to be done at Logan Hendrix Peter Rathmell tences. the local level. Commonwealth’s Attorney Chris Billias said he has Kieran McQuilkin Kylee Sapp Rockbridge County Regional Jail prisoners who owe court fees have “absolutely no control over court Jordan Missal Abigail Thornton difficulty paying them off. fees.” All of the power belongs to Alex Niemann John Tompkins “If you’re [in prison] for 10 years the state. Haylee Rademann or 20 years, you can come out 3 Thursday, April 7, 2016 Local rockbridgereport.wlu.edu United Way of Rockbridge close to meeting its goal Founded more than a century Rockbridge received last year went member Kelly Fujiwara, the proj- By John Tompkins ago, United Way Worldwide is to “safety net” agencies, including ect is crucial to the local commu- America’s largest charity and op- the Rockbridge Area Health Cen- nity. erates as a middleman between ter and the Rockbridge Area Relief “When you come to school, While the slow recovery of private donors and various non- Association. The rest was almost you learn to read to grade three. America’s economy has resulted profits. Each year, charities can evenly split between programs From grade three on, you read to in diminished funding for United apply for funding from their local benefiting youth and families, such learn. So if you’re behind in those Way organizations across western United Way, which assesses needs as the Rockbridge Area YMCA, first four years…your chances Virginia, the United Way of Rock- and decides how to best allocate and charities helping those with of catching up drop dramatical- bridge County will likely meet its the funds it raises. special needs, like the Blue Ridge ly,” Fujiwara said. “So we need fundraising goal of $250,000 for The United Way of Rockbridge is Autism and Achievement Center. to frontload the energy and the fiscal year 2017. currently in the final weeks of its In addition, according to Goo- support and the help so that as Two preschoolers enjoy playtime at the Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center. (Photo by John Tompkins.) According to United Way of annual fundraising campaign and din, the United Way of Rockbridge kids come to school, they come to making sure our systems are as Rockbridge’s vice president and is beginning the process of decid- has a special focus on advancing school ready to learn.” said, but a lot of families can’t af- efficient as possible, making sure marketing chair, Jamie Goodin, ing where its funds will be of best early childhood education. In addition to Rockbridge ford that. our committees are empowered to the quest for donors has become use this year. In 2013, the organization part- Reads!, the United Way of Rock- “So when they come here, at least make autonomous decisions, effi- significantly harder in the digital “The allocations process is pretty nered with local schools, church- bridge has for many years helped we’ve got that little bit of schol- cient decisions so we can move as age, as the Internet has given peo- rigorous,” Goodin said. “It involves es, libraries, and other agencies to to fund the Yellow Brick Road arship that we can offer them,” quickly and transparently as possi- ple so many new vehicles for char- agency visits, getting an under- found Rockbridge Reads!, a pro- Early Learning Center, which Ziegler said. “The more money ble,” Goodin said. itable donations. standing of what the agencies do, gram dedicated to ensuring that provides affordable, daily child- that we can get, the more scholar- But even with all the competition “We’re now finding that people why they do it, if other agencies all children in Rockbridge Coun- care and pre-school for local par- ships we can offer.” the Internet has brought to char- are giving money directly to agen- exist in the county to do the same ty are literate by the third grade. ents of children aged 6 weeks to 5 To ensure that a steady flow of ities around the world, according cies,” Goodin said. “That’s been a things, and also how effective they Rockbridge Reads! organizes free years old. funds continues to reach the Yel- to Goodin, the United Way will challenge,” Goodin said. are at financial management.” pre-school story times in more ru- Yellow Brick Road Assistant Di- low Brick Road and other non- carry on because of the uncom- But despite competition from First incorporated in 1950, Rock- ral areas of the county, coordinates rector Christy Ziegler said that profits across Rockbridge County mon service it provides for com- popular websites like GoFundMe, bridge County’s branch of the activities to ready young children without funding from the United in years to come, Goodin said the munities across America. the United Way of Rockbridge has United Way has raised $3.7 mil- for kindergarten, gives parents Way, the center wouldn’t be able to United Way is now reaching out to “For those people that definitely met its annual fundraising goal lion over the past 62 years and was tools to support their toddlers in provide many of the scholarships younger donors and streamlining want to help but don’t have time to nearly every year. The current able to allocate funds to 18 differ- the early learning process, and dis- it gives to children of low-income its operations. go through the process…it’s just campaign is just about $30,000 ent local nonprofits last year alone. tributes free books throughout the parents. “We’ve been really focusing kind of a one-stop shop for donat- short of its goal. Slightly more than half the do- Rockbridge area. You want young children to have on getting better at what we do, nations that the United Way of According to United Way board a preschool experience, Ziegler ing your money,” Goodin said. Amherst woman pleads guilty to conspiracy, abduction

to the conclusion that George and By Caroline Boras Faidley abducted Pringle for sex. The Rockbridge Area Health Center will treat approximately 1,200 additional patients due to a government grant. (Photo by Henry Luzzatto.) In a recorded interview by an in- vestigator that was played during An Amherst woman could face the trial, George said she did not RAHC to expand life in prison after pleading guilty know what was going to happen Wednesday in Rockbridge Circuit after she sent the text asking for Court to charges of conspiracy a jumpstart, but she and Faidley building, services and abduction with intent to de- talked about “getting her” when vice to a population that maybe file. Pringle arrived. By Henry Luzzatto traditionally hasn’t sought health Aliesha George, 33, who had Joshua O. Elrod, George’s care services unless they were re- been indicted by a grand jury Feb. court-appointed attorney, moved The Rockbridge Area Health ally sick,” Sheridan said. 2, was returned to the county jail Aliesha George Michael Faidley still faces charges. that the charges of conspiracy and Center will use a $1 million feder- Virginia has not expanded Med- to await sentencing. ground. She began to scream. in her hair, torn clothes and hy- intent to defile be struck, but Jared al grant to expand its operations. icaid, the federal health care pro- The victim, Rockbridge County Hannah Glick, one of Pringle’s perventilating. He called the po- Moon, the chief deputy common- RAHC CEO Suzanne Sheri- gram for low-income citizens, resident Elizabeth Pringle, testi- neighbors, testified at the trial that lice, who were already on the way wealth’s attorney, argued against dan said the organization plans making it difficult for some peo- fied at the trial on Wednesday. she heard the screams and called from the earlier call. this. He said the recording showed to build four new medical exam ple to afford health care despite On the evening of Nov. 4, Prin- the police. It sounded “like a mur- Pringle testified that she had that there was both conspiracy and rooms and dental facilities, which the Affordable Care Act. The ru- gle received a text message from der,” she told the court. told investigators that George and will add about 4,500 square feet ral setting of Rockbridge County George that said George’s car Pringle said that Faidley tried Faidley were her attackers. to the health center’s building at complicates the accessibility of needed to be jumpstarted. to force her into the car, which The police had a hard time find- Haver said he found 25 Northridge Lane. More space health care professionals, even for In court, Pringle said she asked George started without the jump. ing George and Faidley, who live Pringle at the bottom will enable the center to increase those with insurance. This makes where George was. Her response: At one point, she was all the way together in Amherst. On Nov. 5, the number of patients it can serve the RAHC a crucial service in the looking at you from the river. of the hill with leaves in in the car, but managed to escape. the Amherst County police ob- from 3,000 to 5,800 by later this county. Pringle lives in an apartment her hair, torn clothes and Thomas “T.J.” Haver told the tained a warrant for their arrest, year. Construction is slated to be- “We try to have our information complex on Beans River Bot- court that he heard the screams but the two were not home when hyperventilating. gin in the spring. available and accessible to the tom Road near the Maury River. while he was unloading groceries police arrived to arrest them. The health center is short on people who need it,” said Kelly She drove her car to the clearing from his car. He had a friend drive An investigator testified that space. Storage closets have been Balthaser, who supervises RAHC’s where George said she and her him to the top of the hill, near the family members had told George transformed into offices, and the enrollment and outreach pro- boyfriend, Michael Faidley, had scene of the attack. that the police were looking for intent to defile. Judge Michael Ir- dental staff is at full capacity. With grams. been fishing. When George and Faidley saw her and Faidley. vine, who was presiding over the the expansion, Sheridan says the Though the RAHC does receive When Pringle arrived in the the car, they fled in their car, but On Nov. 6, George and Faidley trial, denied Elrod’s motion. center plans to add more medical some federal and local funding, clearing, Faidley told her they not before Haver stood in the road went to the Rockbridge County It was then that George switched and dental professionals, as well as it also depends on support from didn’t have jumper cables. Pringle to stop them and questioned them Sheriff’s Office to see why they to a guilty plea. Irvine dismissed administrative help. the Rockbridge community. The said she offered to walk to get ca- through the passenger window were being sought. They were ar- the jury and scheduled George’s The RAHC offers services to peo- organization’s signature fundraiser bles, since the apartment complex about the screaming. Haver said rested. sentencing for June 14. ple of every income level, but most is the Rockbridge Bull and Oyster was only a few hundred feet away. they drove away when Pringle Three officers involved in the in- Faidley, who was originally of its clients are those who have Fest, which features music, food As they started to walk up the started screaming again. vestigation told the court it took George’s co-defendant, is sched- low incomes and no insurance and and drinks. The 10th annual fest hill back to the apartment, Pringle Haver said he found Pringle at time for them to figure out what uled to be tried on April 27 on a cannot afford a visit to the emer- will be 1 to 5 p.m. April 2, at the said Faidley grabbed her around the bottom of the hill with leaves happened, but eventually came charge of abduction with intent to gency room. Devil’s Backbone Brewery. her neck and knocked her to the defile. “We are looking to provide ser- Work release gives inmates a 2nd chance Synthetic marijuana have a big impact on his or her life. From A1 By Nelson Helm “At the end of the day, we want more people to be successful,” It can only strike down known Doctors at Carilion Stonewall Higgins said. combinations of these chemicals Jackson Hospital have yet to see Of the 1500 businesses in Rock- bridge County, John Higgins said “We don’t want them to come as they appear. Eliminating spice a case of spice overdose, but they back here.” from reaching the general public are prepared nonetheless. Karen about half of them have employed people serving jail time. One such success story is Ster- is a cat and mouse game between Lafond, director of emergency ling Long, who was arrested for spice producers and members of services at the hospital, said that As superintendent of the Rock- bridge Regional Jail, Higgins is conspiracy in Buena Vista. He the General Assembly. they are aware of the drug and its was initially placed in a DOC- dangerous effects. in charge of prison work release. Localities, including Rockbridge run prison and not qualified for Spice has been linked to symp- Higgins’ work release program toms of psychosis, according to County, began work release long “He told us it was the worst before Higgins began at the prison due to the length of his sentence. NIDA. There have been several Work release will allow inmates to give back to the community and save money. (Photo thing he’d ever done.” in 1982. According to the Virginia However, Long said Higgins made reported cases of users suffering a promise to him that once his by Nelson Helm.) - Greg Gardner from extreme anxiety, paranoia Department of Corrections web- site, work release provides inmates sentence got under two years, he working to buy clothing and oth- paying for their housing,” Alma- and hallucinations. would move Long to his facility er basic things that a lot of people rode said. Gardner recalled a 45-year-old opportunities for supervised and gradual reintegration into the and put him on work release. are “not fortunate enough to have Higgins and Almarode both That is why one can legally buy spice user in Buena Vista who was “Once I went to prison, he re- when they get out.” agreed that the work release pro- Blunt Effects® Incense and Con- apprehended in an undercover op- community. Higgins said there are about 20 inmates currently ally valued his word,” Long said. Higgins said the program was gram benefits the community in centrated Airfreshener at Stop-In eration last year. “When I got down to 19 months, designed to help out with just that. the long run, as it allows inmates on Main Street in Lexington. It After attempting to sell spice to involved in Rockbridge Regional’s work release program. I received a letter from Mr. King, “Kicking a guy on the street is to continue working as they serve is also legal to buy and sell new an informant, Gardner explained who at the time was the lieutenant no good,” Higgins said. “What are their time. brands of spice on the Internet. that the man quickly confessed to Higgins and Lt. Derrick Alma- rode, who handles the day-to-day on work release. He sent me a let- they going to go back to? It be- “That guy that gets 30 days in If a new brand of spice enters the the mental state in which the drug ter that they were going to come comes a burden until you find a jail for a DUI, 30 days for child market with a completely different had put him. He told the force that operations of the program, said the process is no different than ap- and take me to jail.” job, and they still owe those fines, support, 30 days for petty larce- combination of chemicals, “there he “experienced hallucinations” When Long received that let- still owe child support when they ny, those are the ones you want is nothing in the code of Virginia and was horribly addicted. plying for a job, as both the DOC and jail run background checks on ter, he realized that Higgins was get out.” to keep their jobs,” Higgins said. that makes it illegal,” McFaddin “He told us it was the worst thing a “man of his word.” While on Rockbridge Regional Jail expects “If not, you’re going to encourage said. he’d ever done,” Gardner said. inmates before they are allowed to work in the community. work release, Long worked off his to generate a little over $70,000 them to get out and do something As soon as the General Assembly Gardner also warned of the $5,200 fine with the help of Keith from work release and home mon- wrong again.” strikes one chemical mix of spice drug’s potential appeal to low- “The superintendent and my staff vet you pretty well until we release Holland, who owns both Hol- itoring, which allows inmates who Long was especially thankful for down, producers of the drug are er-income individuals. land’s Construction and Holland’s are approved for electric moni- Higgins, whom he considers a free to move on to another recipe. “It’s not very expensive,” he said. you because we are still responsi- ble for you,” Almarode said. “It’s a Three River Farm. toring to work from home. The friend. This synthetic chemical fami- McFaddin mentioned that anoth- “Keith tries to keep you out as program also saves the taxpayer “I would do anything for him,” ly contains hundreds of different er danger of this drug is its close big deal for us.” Higgins said there are two types much as you can,” Long said. “We money by requiring inmates to Long said. “He wants to see [in- chemical compounds, according resemblance to regular marijuana. would work 16-hour days, but you cover the costs associated with mates] do good, and that’s a good to McFaddin. Producers of spice use organic ma- of people in jail: those who make mistakes and criminals. He said if would much rather be out work- both work programs. thing. If there were more super- Deaths related to spice consump- terials that look nearly identical to ing than sitting.” “If someone is incarcerated and intendents like him, I think there tion are rising nationwide, accord- the green, leafy appearance of reg- you can do something for an indi- vidual who made a mistake, it can After Long was released, he was not on a program fee, the Com- would be a lot better success rates.” ing to NIDA. ular marijuana. able to use the money he made monwealth, we the taxpayer, is Thursday, April 7, 2016 National rockbridgereport.wlu.edu 4 Mock Con speaker Coulter says African-Americans back Trump “Blacks also like that [Trump] only say that about the cops?” said They know. It’s the ethnic activists By Jordan Cohen brags about his wealth. Everything Coulter, “[Police] are under at- and the Al Sharptons who pretend we think is tacky, they think ‘final- tack.” ‘oh we’re so afraid of the cops.’ No ly, a white person who knows how Last year, 291 African-American they aren’t. They’re afraid of other In an interview following Wash- to have fun with his money.’” men were killed by law enforce- blacks.” ington and Lee University’s Mock Coulter went on to say Trump ment officers, and were nine times Coulter was a paid speaker at Convention, Republican activist was supportive of police in light of more likely to be killed by police W&L’s Mock Convention, speak- and author Ann Coulter said black what she deemed “b.s.” discussions than were other Americans, ac- ing for 30 minutes before the en- Americans are more afraid of “oth- of police brutality that have inun- cording to a study by the Guard- tire convention on the topic of er blacks” than of police brutality. dated popular and political discus- ian. immigration. Speaking to writers with W&L’s sion in the past year. Still, Coulter said that black ac- The Rockbridge Report aired conservative magazine The Spec- “Trump is the only Republican tivists only “pretend” to be afraid on Feb. 16 Coulter’s extended in- tator, Coulter also said presidential who just comes out and says ‘I sup- of law enforcement. terview, which spanned Coulter’s hopeful Donald Trump has a good port the cops.’ Not this b.s. about “[Black voters] know they are thoughts on immigration as well relationship with African Ameri- ‘oh there’s some bad apples.’ There’s more at risk from other young as her time at W&L’s Mock Con- can voters. bad apples every place, why do you black men and not a white cop. vention. Republican author and commentator Ann Coulter talks with student journalists after speaking at Mock Con. (Photo by Isidro Camacho) McAuliffe signs 3 gun control bills

The governor and the General Assembly agreed to acknowledge more out-of-state concealed carry permits and to increase checks on gun ownership eligibility.

In most states, including Virgin- By Caroline Boras ia, the application for a concealed permit includes a section where the applicant must show compe- Gov. Terry McAuliffe recently tence in handling a gun, normally signed three new gun control bills by completing a class or training. in a bipartisan compromise with The application also can include the Virginia General Assembly. background checks and even men- These three laws recognize out- tal health evaluations. of-state concealed carry permits, While there are mixed feelings prevent those with protective about the permit reciprocity law, orders filed against them from people across party lines can agree owning or purchasing guns and that the law preventing people require state police to be at gun with protective orders filed against shows to perform background them from obtaining or keeping checks at sellers’ requests. McAuliffe’s office could not be reached for comment by the Rock- “I believe there should bridge Report, but the governor be background checks for told the The Washington Post he is everyone.” proud of the bipartisan agreement that will allow these laws to “serve - High Country Outfitters as permanent protections for our Owner Monte Jessee citizens.” Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump looks to supporters as he leaves a campaign stop Wednesday. (Photo by Nam Y. Huh/AP) Virginia Democrats have criti- cized the legislation on recogniz- ing concealed carry permits, espe- guns is a step in the right direction. cially since state Attorney General “We think it’s a good thing,” Jessee Mark Herring announced in De- said. cember that Virginia would no He explained that anyone who Under fire on abortion, longer recognize concealed carry wants to buy a gun from a federal- permits from 25 states. ly licensed seller, like High Coun- Herring opposes the compro- try Outfitters, has to undergo a mise. Though the Attorney Gen- background check. Trump fights to court women eral’s office was not available for “I believe there should be back- comment, according to The Wash- ground checks for everyone,” he ington Times Herring has said leg- said. “Background checks don’t Donald Trump is fighting to convince a skeptical Republican Party he can improve his standing take that long to do – 10 minutes among women, even as he takes back explosive comments about abortion. islation to remove guns from the hands of domestic abusers “should or less.” That way, it is relatively easy for It took Trump’s campaign just people, yet few dared criticize the said she was grabbed and shoved. mother, two daughters and even not need to come at the price of dangerous or irresponsible people gun store owners to make sure hours to backtrack last Wednes- GOP front-runner directly when The police report said the wom- the family’s nanny in what he they are not selling to a potential- day after he said that should abor- pressed this week. Their silence an’s arm revealed “bruising from called a “celebration of women.” carrying concealed handguns in Virginia.” ly dangerous person, or a person tion become illegal, women who underscored the deep uncertainty what appeared to be several finger “Women are not a special in- who does not qualify to own a gun. undergo the procedure should plaguing the party — particularly marks indicating a grabbing-type terest,” Cruz said. “Women are But Monte Jessee, the owner of gun store High Country Outfitters There is an extensive list of ques- face “some sort of punishment.” its most prominent women — who injury.” a majority of the United States tions on the Virginia State Police The plan sparked an immediate have few options in dealing with “I don’t know who created those of America. And every issue is a in Stonewall Square, said this leg- islation is not as outrageous as its website to determine if someone is backlash from both sides of the de- the brash billionaire. bruises,” Trump said in what was women’s issue.” allowed to legally purchase a gun. bate, prompting Trump to release “A nominee who cannot speak a sustained effort on Wednesday Cruz, an aggressive abortion opponents say. Getting a concealed carry permit In the past, a loophole has en- two statements clarifying his po- to women cannot win,” said New to defend his adviser and discredit opponent, later seized on Trump’s abled a more relaxed approach to sition. His second statement said Hampshire party chairwoman the reporter. comments on the delicate social is “kind of like getting a driver’s li- only those who perform abortions Jennifer Horn, though declining Trump suggested his campaign issue. cense,” he said. See GUNS, 6 would be “held legally responsible, to rebuke Trump by name. manager was simply trying to pro- “Of course we shouldn’t be not the woman.” tect him from Michelle Fields, a talking about punishing women,” “The woman is a victim in this 28-year-old reporter then working he said. “We should affirm their case as is the life in her womb,” for Breitbart News, who was try- dignity and the incredible gift they Trump said. “Women are not a special ing to ask him a question after a have to bring life into the world.” The flap comes as Trump works interest. Women are a March 8 campaign appearance. Women made up 53 percent of to hold off a challenge from chief majority of the United “She’s got a pen in her arm the electorate in 2012. That year, rival Ted Cruz in Wisconsin’s high- States of America. And which she’s not supposed to have they favored President Barack stakes primary on Tuesday. With a every issue is a women’s and it shows that she’s a very ag- Obama by 11 points over GOP win, Trump’s grasp on his party’s issue.” gressive person who’s grabbing nominee Mitt Romney, a divide presidential nomination could be at me and touching me,” Trump highlighted in the Republican Na- unbreakable. A loss would give -Ted Cruz said. “Maybe I should file charges tional Committee’s post-election concerned Republican officials against her.” study. “Our inability to win their across the nation a realistic hope As Trump assailed Fields from a votes is losing us elections,” the re- of wresting the nomination away television studio, Cruz surrounded port’s authors wrote. from the New York businessman himself with women as he court- Yet Trump is poised to fare at the GOP’s national convention Earlier in the week, police in Jupi- ed Wisconsin voters. The Texas worse among women than Rom- in July. ter, Florida, charged Trump cam- senator leads the state by 9 points ney in a general election, accord- Frustrated Republicans are pri- paign manager Corey Lewand- among likely voters, according to a ing to recent polls that put his vately grappling with fears about owski with misdemeanor battery Marquette University Law School negative ratings near or even sur- Trump’s impact on their party’s after examining surveillance video poll released Wednesday. He cam- appeal among women and young of an incident in which a reporter paigned in Madison with his wife, See WISCONSIN, 6 A High Country Outfitters’ employee displays a popular concealed carry gun. (Photo by Caroline Boras). More CEOs seek repeal of North Carolina transgender law RALEIGH, North Carolina (AP) porate leaders after delivering the book, Yahoo, eBay, Twitter, You- debated, and signed last week af- — More than 100 corporate exec- letter and meeting privately with Tube and many others. ter a special session called to keep utives added their names to a let- McCrory. They declined to discuss The new law “will make it far Charlotte’s ordinance from taking ter delivered to North Carolina’s his response. more challenging for businesses effect on April 1. The ordinance governor on Thursday calling for The list now includes leaders across the state to recruit and re- would have provided protections the repeal of the nation’s first state of many sectors of the economy. tain the nation’s best and brightest against discrimination on the ba- law limiting bathroom options for Tourism is represented by Hilton, workers and attract the most tal- sis of sexual orientation and gen- transgender people. Marriott and Starwood hotels; ented students from across the na- der identity. The law signed by Republican AirBnB, Uber and Lyft; and Amer- tion. It will also diminish the state’s The law also forces transgender Gov. Pat McCrory also prohibits ican Airlines, which has a major draw as a destination for tourism, students to use restrooms that local anti-discrimination mea- hub in Charlotte, the state’s largest new businesses, and economic ac- don’t match their gender identity, sures; prevents workers from su- city. tivity,” the letter said. a situation that denies their right ing in state court alleging discrim- Banking and finance executives They know this attack on lesbian, to equal treatment, according to ination on the basis of race, sex include the leaders of Bank of gay, bisexual and especially trans- the federal government. Similar and other factors; and prevents America, Citibank, TD Bank, Pay- gender North Carolinians isn’t just proposals have been considered in cities and counties from requiring Pal, and others. Restaurateurs and morally wrong -- it also puts their other states’ legislatures and even businesses to provide minimum retailers include leaders of Star- employees, customers and North approved this year in South Da- wages or paid sick leave. bucks, Barnes & Noble and Levi Carolina’s economy at risk,” HRC kota, whose government vetoed People protest outside the North Carolina Executive Mansion in Raleigh, Human Rights Campaign and Strauss. Technology leaders joined President Chad Griffin said in a it after meeting with transgender N.C. North Carolina legislators decided to rein in local governments by Equality North Carolina an- in force, including the leaders of statement. students. approving a bill Wednesday that prevents cities and counties from passing nounced the growing list of cor- IBM, Apple, Intel, Google, Face- The law was passed introduced, See CEOs, 6 their own anti-discrimination rules. (Photo by Emery P. Dalesio/AP) Thursday, April 7, 2016 Business rockbridgereport.wlu.edu 5 Dabney S. Lancaster prepares students for welding, maintenance

ing on the level of training stu- By Barbara Bent dents are seeking. Because of the growth of welding jobs in struc- tural steel, aluminum, paper mills, In a Republican presidential de- piping, and maintenance welding, bate last fall, candidate Marco Ru- the program had to expand. The bio said the country needs “more school also offers dual enrollment welders and less philosophers.” programs for high school students In Virginia, the comment rings to give them a head start in the in- true. dustry. Select programs, such as Work- Michael Bryant, Dabney’s certi- force Solutions and Community fied welding instructor, earned a Education (WSCE) at Dabney S. bachelor’s degree in business ad- Lancaster Community College ministration at Roanoke College (DSLCC), work to educate people to take over his family’s sub-con- in skills such as welding, which so- tract welding business. He is both ciety has begun to lack. a certified welding and Occupa- Gary Keener, vice president of tional Safety and Health Adminis- WSCE at Dabney, agrees that tration (OSHA) inspector. Bryant there are not enough young peo- grew up around the trade and at- ple involved in skilled trades such tended a technical high school. He as welding. Keener refers to these even commuted to business classes types of courses as “career and in his welding rig. technology education” (CTE) rath- “I’m a fourth generation welder er than “vocational education” be- and blacksmith,” said Bryant. cause many jobs these days involve In 1999, Bryant began his teach- technology. Welders and indus- ing career at Dabney. He works trial maintenance workers, such with an advisory board to keep a as pipefitters, are sought after by finger on the pulse of the welding many companies. The state needs The vocational education program at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College encourages students to pursue careers in welding and maintenance by giving industry. To prepare graduates for more people with the advanced them the skills necessary to succeed in these fields. upper level positions in the in- skills to work with machinery. company has a specific need, it ing plans specific to the industry. pensive than other schools. The and has a CTE program that ser- dustry, for example, the program “If our heat goes off, we want it looks to WSCE to fill it. The main Some of the skilled trades that age of students in these vocational vices approximately 200 students. added occupational English and fixed quick,” said Keener. facility, the WSCE Center, is locat- Dabney teaches include electri- programs ranges from new high Welding, in particular, is a mathematics courses. Keener said this program does ed on Dabney’s primary campus cal work, instrumentation, EMT school graduates to older folks high-demand and lucrative ca- “As you move into management, well at Dabney because the faculty in Clifton Forge. The Workforce jobs, truck driving and welding. looking to switch careers. DSLCC reer, which Keener promotes. The you need to communicate,” said and staff know there is a need for Development program works with Because it is a public institution, is the second smallest of the 23 hands-on program runs between Bryant. “I have graduates that are advanced skills training. If a local various companies to tailor train- Dabney is considerably less ex- community colleges in Virginia two and three semesters, depend- in supervisor positions of several See WELDING, 6 BARC customers may soon have high-speed broadband Internet based in Virginia that also serves Maryland.and Delaware, decided By Kylee Sapp to bring broadband to its custom- ers because it’s bringing fibers into Efforts to bring high-speed the Rockbridge area anyway in or- broadband Internet to Rockbridge der to bring high speed Internet to County residents are moving its substations. slowly but surely, said Manager of “That’s the genesis of that idea,” Finance and Member Services at Clinton said. “If we’re going to BARC Electric Cooperative Dave bring the fiber there anyway why Clinton. not do it in a way that benefits the He said BARC is currently in customers, the community… it the financing stage of the proj- doesn’t take too much more to al- ect. First, the company contacted low customers to be served off of members to see if they’d be inter- that fiber.” ested in broadband. The second Broadband will offer customers stage was design, which Clinton a much higher quality of Internet said took almost a year. The next service than many are receiving stage will be construction, assum- right now. ing the financing is approved. “You can get Internet; you can “We’ve got an application get video,” Clinton said. “There pending with the federal govern- are ways to get at least some level ment,” he said. “As soon as that’s of service in [areas of Rockbridge County] but the ability to get high speed service in that area, very Customers fill up their cars at a Lexington, Va., station as gas prices rose earlier this year. (Photo by Lindsay Castleberry.) Broadband will offer economical service, especially customers a much higher something that can compete with quality of Internet service what we’re offering, is very limit- Gas prices rise, but not enough to spark concern than many are receiving e d .” right now. When the project was begin- thirty, which really helped me out. tioning what is behind the in- which operates websites and mo- ning, BARC sent a survey to its By Lindsay Castleberry I’m puzzled about [the increase] crease. bile apps that report fuel prices to customers, asking if high speed In- myself, because oil is still down Rising gas prices are typical for the public through crowdsourcing, ternet was something that would Gas prices across the coun- for the 40-gallon barrels they pro- this time of year, when refineries gas stations and credit card com- approved, the effort to gear up to- interested them. The response try are inching up for the third duce.” undergo scheduled maintenance panies. ward construction will move very was overwhelmingly positive, so straight week, but motorists are The average price of a gallon and begin making their summer Rudy said he doesn’t think driv- quickly. We would hope to begin BARC moved ahead. still enjoying the lowest prices in of gasoline in the U.S. on March blends—which are more expen- ers will react until prices reach construction in 2016.” Not only will customers see fast- almost a decade. 21 was $1.98, according to AAA’s sive but required because they higher levels. Clinton hopes to hear back er Internet, they will also not see On average, Virginia residents Daily Fuel Gauge Report. That’s up cause less air pollution at higher “When it starts getting back up from the government within the much of a price differential. are paying 28 cents more per gal- 27 cents, or 16 percent, from the temperatures. to $3 and stuff like that, it’s just go- next month, although he said the Early calculations show that lon at the pump when compared same time last month, but down ing to go crazy,” he said. government is late in responding. prices for the high-speed ser- with the same time last month. But 44.1 cents, or about 18 percent, Virginia drivers still pay the BARC, an electric cooperative vices should be similar to what is compared to this time last year. “The bottom line of my fourth-lowest gas prices in the many drivers in the area say they See BROADBAND, 6 are unfazed by the uptick. Virginia’s average price is be- business depends directly on country, and they could see the low the national average, at $1.835 cheapest average summer prices Ronnie Rudy, who owns Ron- gas prices. It got down to like nie Rudy’s Rug Spa — a carpet and per gallon. That’s up from $1.555 a in a decade, according to a AAA a dollar twenty-something or upholstery cleaning service locat- month ago. A year ago the average Mid-Atlantic report. ed in Lexington—gets his gas from regular gas price was $2.239. thirty, which really helped me While low gas prices are wel- Sheetz, a chain on East Nelson Lexington, Rockbridge Coun- out.” come by consumers and small Street, which offers fuel and con- ty and Buena Vista gas prices are business owners like Rudy, fam- - Ronnie Rudy venience goods. in line with the rest of the state, ilies in other parts of the country Rudy’s business requires gaso- with the lowest regular gas selling who make their money in the oil line to fuel the company’s vehicles this week for $1.75 per gallon at and gas sectors have taken a mas- and to operate the equipment in- Southern States at the intersection The high demand that is typ- sive hit over the past year. side each car. of Waddell and Main streets. The ical during spring and summer Thousands of rigs are put on “The bottom line of my busi- most expensive gas is at Exxon on are also expected to keep driving hold because the cost of extraction ness depends directly on gas pric- North Lee Highway, where regular gas prices up until at least May, is often higher than revenue, and gas is going for $1.85 per gallon. according to Gasbuddy.com, a many have lost their jobs or had to es,” Rudy said. “It got down to An internet user tries out the new higher-speed broadband internet provided like a dollar twenty-something or Some local residents are ques- company out of Gaithersburg, Md. relocate to find new work. by BARC. See GAS, 6 California Assembly OKs highest minimum wage in nation Medicare opens SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) compound California’s image as — The California Assembly on hostile to business. new push on hip, Thursday green-lighted a plan that The Assembly passed SB3 with would create the highest statewide a 48-26 vote. minimum wage in the nation of “While we have made great knee replacement $15 an hour by 2022. strides in recovering from the The proposal now moves on to economic recession, we know the WASHINGTON (AP) — From ordination among hospitals, doc- the state Senate for consideration. bulk of that growth has been to the Akron to Tampa Bay, from New tors, and rehab centers. Improved The state of New York is consider- benefit of the top 1 or 2 percent,” York City to San Francisco, Medi- care should also reduce costs, the ing a similar measure. said Assemblyman Roger Hernan- care on Friday launches an ambi- government says. Gov. Jerry Brown and Demo- dez, D-West Covina. “Too many tious experiment changing how Hospitals are on board, but crats who control both legislative workers are working full-time for it pays for hip and knee replace- orthopedic surgeons have some chambers hailed the increase as poverty wages.” ments in an effort to raise quality qualms. Consumer groups will be a boon to more than 2 million of Republican opponents said the and lower costs. watching closely. California’s poorest workers and plan to raise the wages will further The idea is to follow patients The new system goes into place an example to the nation as it harm California’s already poor more closely to smooth their re- in 67 metro areas across the coun- struggles with a growing gap be- business climate. Assemblyman Teamster member Rocio Mejia, a supporter of a proposal to raise the state’s covery and head off unwanted try that are home to millions of tween rich and poor. Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, said such minimum wage, joins others outside the Assembly Chambers. (AP Photo) complications that increase costs. beneficiaries and around 800 hos- Republicans echoed fears from a drastic increase will force small Hip and knee replacements pitals. Similar experiments may business owners and economists business owners to make layoffs Republican say they would have minimum wages over the next six are the most common inpatient be in store for other procedures, that the annual increases — even- “with tears in their eyes,” ultimate- preferred a tiered approach, such years to $14.75 an hour in cities surgery for beneficiaries, and like heart bypass surgery. the U.S. tually tied to inflation — would ly resulting in less employment. as Oregon’s recent decision to raise and $12.50 in rural areas. Medicare will be using financial health care system toward greater rewards and penalties to foster co- accountability. Thursday, April 7, 2016 Rockbridge report rockbridgereport.wlu.edu 6 Broadband internet also benefits W&L From page 5

charged for lower quality DSL or between $800-$1000. Although wireless services. With broadband, this may seem pricy, he said there Clinton said, people will be getter could be a benefit in the future. a higher quality service at a com- “Nationally there’s information petitive price. that says that having direct fiber But BARC isn’t the first to try access from your home adds as to bring broadband to the Rock- much as $5000 to the value of it,” bridge Area. he said. The Rockbridge Area Network Although only people who live Authority started a project to bring close to the cables are eligible for broadband to the Rockbridge area broadband from RANA, Robert- several years ago. The project was son said people who live in more originally going to cover 120 fi- rural areas will still be able to get broadband through BARC. Two years ago, RANA received a “The county decided to loan from Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County to operate apply for and execute this the broadband project. Robertson project because the county said that although the loans are was a very underserved still on their books, RANA has not area in terms of broadband been back for additional money in access.” over a year. Robertson said that RANA began - RANA Secretary Scott this project to help citizens and Robertson business owners. Pictured is Owner Monte Jessee of High Country Outfitters located in Lexington, Va. (Photo by Caroline Boras) “The county decided to apply for and execute this project because ber miles, but had to scale back to the county was a very underserved around 75 miles of fiber. area in terms of broadband ac- Gun bills encourage background checks The RANA project covers Ra- cess,” he said. phine, Lexington, Buena Vista, Washington and Lee University From page 4 Natural Bridge and Glasgow. Any- also benefits from RANA’s broad- one who lives within a few miles band project. buying guns at gun shows, rather background checks will change the of one of the cables can pay a one- “W&L was a partner because than licensed retailers. way she runs her gun shows. time fee to have fiber installed at they wanted to help attract addi- The loophole authorizes private “It’s not that big a deal,” she said. their home or business. tional long-haul network provid- sellers, who are not federally li- “[The state has already] mandat- RANA Secretary Scott Robertson ers into the area.” Robertson said. censed, to sell guns without per- ed to have police officers at each estimated that the fee is generally forming background checks. Not show.” all unlicensed sellers have bad She said adding the background intentions, but they are not held checks is just an extra responsibil- Welding has waiting list to the same standards as licensed ity the officers will have to shoul- sellers. der, with the help of civil servants. From page 5 Jessee has to run background Elliott said she is concerned with companies in the Rockbridge the men, they are attracted to the checks at gun shows. Unlicensed how expensive these changes will area and students who have also profession for its lucrative pay. sellers do not. The new law re- be. gone self-employed.” Bryant also sees graduates from quiring state police officers to be Despite her concerns, she be- Bryant acknowledges the lack of four-year colleges and universities at gun shows to perform voluntary lieves the background checks are welders on a national scale, but who learn welding to pay off their background checks was proposed smart. “I would like to encourage said that in this region, that’s not student loans after failing to find to address this discrepancy. people to use this voluntary back- the case. There is usually a waitlist jobs in their liberal arts fields. Jessee explained that if a seller ground check,” she said. “It pro- for welding courses at DSLCC. This year, Bryant says about 25 feels uncomfortable with a sale, he tects you from liability.” “There’s a real difference in cul- percent of his students are veter- or she can ask the state police to Donna Tate from the Firearms ture,” said Bryant. “Urban areas ans earning benefits from the GI perform a background check. Transaction Center said Virginia have greater difficulty keeping bill. This legislation allows them Annette Elliott, president of State Police are still figuring out High Country Outfitters owner Monte Jessee shows his concealed their welding departments full.” certain benefits from educational Showmasters, Inc., a large gun how to implement this new pro- carry holster, explaining that if is shirt was untucked, the gun would Bryant said his graduates are institutions. show company based in Blacks- cess, which will go into effect July be concealed. employable, mainly because they “It’s a very affordable education,” burg, does not think the voluntary 1. cannot graduate without a welder said Bryant. Classes cost about qualification test that matches the $160 per credit-hour, and most industry’s standard. This test is not students complete up to 32 cred- required for all welding jobs, but it-hours to graduate. it ensures credibility to employers. Last year, the American Weld- Graduates often move to larger ing Society awarded three section Gas prices highest in Calif., lowest in N.J. cities in the area, such as Roanoke, educator awards and one regional for work that pays well. Some even educator award to instructors at move across the country. DSLCC or those affiliated with Welding is no longer an all-male the college. This demonstrates the occupation. Bryant said he sees quality of DSLCC’s instructors, about two women each year. Like says Bryant.

A student welds at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College located in Buena Vista, Va. Wisconsin poll: Trump unfavorable with women Gas prices increased in March at the Mobil Exxon in Lexington, Va., located on N Lee Highway. (Photo by Lindsay Castleberry) From page 4 From page 5 passing 70 percent among wom- ley, Sens. Susan Collins of Maine Lower gas prices means lower en. In Wisconsin, the Marquette and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, revenue from state and federal tax- poll released on Wednesday found and Reps. Kristi Noem of South es, too. Three Virginia counties— that 76 percent of female Wiscon- Dakota and Mia Love of Utah. Fredericksburg, Stafford and Spot- sin registered voters have an unfa- Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hamp sylvania— saw revenue drop more vorable view of Trump, compared shire, in a tough re-election fight, than $4.5 million combined last with 55 percent for Cruz. issued this statement through year due to loss of income from Few Republican women were spokeswoman Liz Johnson: “As the regional gas tax, according to willing to address Trump’s impact a longtime prosecutor, Kelly be- The Free Lance-Star. on the party publicly, however. lieves Mr. Trump should leave this City Manager Noah Simon Several female Republican of- case to the criminal justice system, said Lexington’s economy has not ficeholders declined to respond to instead of wrongly trying it in the felt the same impact as larger lo- AP requests for comment, includ- media.” calities nearby—one advantage of ing South Carolina Gov. Nikki Ha- small-town America. “We don’t have a large industry, we are not producing or running an assembly line, our economy is tourism based,” Simon said. “If over the next series of months it goes up to three bucks, people are going to do more ‘stay-cations’ Gas prices in the central Atlantic region fell from January to February, but began increasing in March. and things like that, and we could probably see impacts to our econ- omy.” “The prices are not that high at she said. “I don’t travel much Despite low crude oil prices, the But for now, the city’s sales tax this point and I actually think peo- so the rise and fall in gas prices number of U.S. oil rigs rose for the revenue is up nearly two percent ple kind of expect prices to go up doesn’t affect me much.” first time in 13 weeks over the past for the year, and tourism is boom- in the summer when people are California has led the nation with week, signaling strong production ing. traveling.” the highest prices for two consec- in the states, according to a re- “I wouldn’t expect [the in- Betsey Nicely, an administrative utive weeks, with regular gas sell- port by AAA. It also noted global crease] to result in anybody not assistant for Virginia Military In- ing for $2.68 per gallon. Hawaii, oil prices are expected to remain deciding to travel,” said Patty Wil- stitute’s Men’s Basketball team, Nevada, Washington and Alaska volatile as top producers continue liams, director of marketing for says they are not concerned. are close behind. The cheapest discussing the possibility of tem- Lexington and Rockbridge Area “I believe the price increase is prices can be found in New Jersey, porarily halting production. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a Toursim. seasonal, just in time for vacations, at $1.73, the only state currently campaign event, Monday in La Crosse, Wis. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) and expect them to go back down,” offering fuel below $1.75. Thursday, April 7, 2016 Lifestyle rockbridgereport.wlu.edu 7 Augmented reality mapping out tech’s next mind-bending trip

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Vir- in Redwood City, California. In- tual reality is a trip, but an even stead, employees will use virtual wilder ride could be around the screens that are seen and touched corner as mind-bending startups through Meta 2 headsets. and technology trendsetters try to Magic Leap, a startup based in emblazon the world with interac- Dania Beach, Florida, has created tive holograms that enlighten, en- an even bigger buzz given its ties tertain and empower us.www to Google, whose CEO Sundar The concept, known as augment- Pichai sits on its board. In addi- ed reality, looks like something out tion, Chinese e-commerce power- of a science-fiction movie. Think house Alibaba Group was among Tony Stark, the comic-book char- the investors in a $793.5 million acter who scans information-filled round of fundraising completed in holograms beamed in front of his February. “Iron Man” mask, or John Ander- But Magic Leap has also raised in- ton, the character that Tom Cruise trigue with flashy videos providing played while flipping through dig- brief glimpses at what it’s working ital screens floating in the air in on. One clip shows a whale leap- “Minority Report.” ing out of a gymnasium floor and It hasn’t yet advanced as far as then splashing down before disap- virtual reality, which is getting at- pearing. In another scene, a pair of tention with this week’s release of hands open to show a miniature the much-hyped Oculus Rift head- elephant leaping into the air. set from Facebook. The company has said little else But augmented reality has the about what its plans are other than potential to touch far more people its technology will make people because it’s designed as a seamless feel like they are wizards starring supplement to everyday living in- in their own Harry Potter movie. Meta employee Martin Hasek wears a Meta 2 headset, in Redwood City, Calif. While startups like Meta, Magic Leap and Atheer have been making the most visible stead of an escape into the artifi- progress in augmented reality so far, technology heavyweights are also eyeing it. (Stephen Schauer/Meta via AP) “We are giving people a paint- cial dimensions conjured by VR, brush to paint all the world,” Mag- which so far revolves around video ic Leap CEO Rony Abovitz said games and 360-degree video clips. Don a VR headset, though, and to a limited audience of computer alizes his vision, his company will People will be able to reach into during a rare appearance at a tech- “Augmented reality is going to you’re surroundings are blocked programmers, while Alphabet spawn a new form of computing their holographic screen, pull out nology conference last year. have a lot more practical applica- off. You are cast into a differ- Inc.’s Google has been a key inves- that will be just as revolutionary a drawing of the human anatomy Kipper believes tantalizing im- tions simply because there are a lot ent world, as a dinosaur charges tor in the $1.3 billion that Magic as the graphical interface that and remove the skeleton to study. ages and promises like the ones more people out there who inter- through a jungle, or you’re on the Leap has raised during the past enabled personal computers to Or they might look inside a shoe coming from Meta and Magic act with things in the real world,” precipice of a 100-story skyscrap- two years. Apple Inc. signaled its be controlled with a mouse and they are thinking of buying. Phone Leap make it more likely that peo- says Greg Kipper, who studied the er looking perilously at the street interest last year when it bought the touch-screen technology that calls will become obsolete as ev- ple will be disappointed when they technology’s potential in his book, below. It has a lot in common with a startup called Metaio, spurring helped turn smartphones into in- eryone in a conversation appears first experience augmented reality. “Augmented Reality: An Emerging an amusement park ride, includ- speculation that the iPhone mak- dispensable utilities. He describes as holograms that can exchange He predicts a major breakthrough Technologies Guide to AR.” ing the tendency to cause nau- er is exploring ways to infuse the Meta’s technology as “an extension documents and data. is still five to 10 years away. With augmented reality, the sea or dizziness if you wear a VR project in its future products. of your mind because it is built on “Virtual reality is cool, but it’s “When you first see an augment- three-dimensional holograms seen headset too long. Meta, a Silicon Valley start- the principles of your mind.” just a stepping stone to augment- ed reality demonstration, you say, through a headset are meant to be While startups like Meta, Magic up with about 100 employees, is Instead of staring at display ed reality,” says Gribetz, 30. “We ‘Hey, this is great,” and then when a helpful or amusing companion Leap and Atheer have been mak- scheduled to ship its second-gen- screens while pecking at clunky are going to build something that you actually get it, you realize it’s to the real world. When you walk ing the most visible progress in eration headset this summer. It’s keyboards, Gribetz foresees peo- is 100 times easier to use than the not quite what you saw in the vid- through a grocery aisle, you might augmented reality so far, technol- being sold as part of a $949 kit ple navigating through an array of Macintosh and 100 times more eo,” Kipper says. “Everyone in the see a list of ingredients for making ogy heavyweights are also eyeing tailored for programmers to de- holographic screens suspended in powerful.” race pushing for augmented reali- an Italian dish appear on a virtual it. sign more three-dimensional, in- front of their faces and controlled Meta plans to use its own work- ty is sort of in a dead heat, taking screen before your eyes. Or an im- Microsoft has just started ship- teractive applications for the new with the touch of their hands. Vir- ers as lab rats. By next March, Gri- millimeter steps forward.” age of the solar system might start ping a $3,000 version of its aug- headset. tual keyboards will appear for data betz plans to removes all computer orbiting around you as you read an mented reality headset, HoloLens, If Meta CEO Meron Gribetz re- entry. screens from the company’s offices astronomy book. Georgia Aquarium, at 10 years old, Campbell to remove BPA makes splash with sea lion exhibit from its cans by mid-2017 CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — Camp- believes that BPA is among the bell Soup Co. will stop using world’s safest packaging options. the chemical Bisphenol A in its Nevertheless, the Camden, New The U.S. Food and Drug canned products by the middle of Jersey company began studying Administration maintains next year to reassure consumers alternatives to BPA in 2012. that BPA is safe at the worried that the substance may After extensive testing, Campbell harm their health. says all its soups, gravies, Swanson current levels used in food. The pledge announced Monday broth and SpaghettiOs pasta are is a response to concerns that the beginning to switch to cans with- commonly used chemical known out BPA linings. as BPA raises the risk of cancer, About 75 percent of Campbell’s gram manager of packaging. brain damage and hormonal prob- soups will be sold in non-BPA In most instances, Campbell is lems. cans by the end of this year, ac- trying to replace BPA with acrylic The U.S. Food and Drug Admin- cording to the company. and polyester options. istration maintains that BPA is safe “Our priority throughout this Other manufacturers, including at the current levels used in food. transition has been, and will con- the makers of baby bottles, have After more than 40 years of us- tinue to be, food safety,” said Mike been abandoning BPA, too. ing the chemical, Campbell still Mulshine, Campbell’s senior pro-

Trainer Catrina Bloomquist works with Nav, an 11-year-old rescued California sea lion, as part of a new exhibit opening Open casting call for ‘Hamilton’ at the Georgia Aquarium. The aquarium is in the midst of celebrating its tenth anniversary, and as part of the festivities, patrons will be introduced to the newest faces in Atlanta, a group of rescued California sea lions. (AP Photo/David Goldman) causes a little ruckus ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia people to be seafood savvy,” he an performer weighed just 60 to NEW YORK (AP) — The Broad- Aquarium opens a new exhibit said. 80 pounds when he was rescued way smash “Hamilton,” which has Thursday that is sure to make a Four young sea lions are among around a decade ago. been cheered for reclaiming the splash. the aquarium’s new residents, and Nav lived at the Georgia Aquari- nation’s founding story by a mul- As part of the aquarium’s 10th they’ve been working with trainers um before, from 2005 to 2007, but ticultural cast, has oddly come anniversary celebration, it’s intro- multiple times a day to prepare he’s among 14 who’ve been arriv- under fire for specifically seeking ducing 14 rescued California sea for their debut. For the past two ing at the aquarium over the last “nonwhite men and women” for lions. weeks, they’ve been performing in six months. upcoming roles in future versions. The sea lions come from Cali- front of cheering practice audienc- While the group varies in age, That went too far for the Actors’ fornia’s Marine Mammal Center, es, said aquarium spokeswoman none will be returned to the wild. Equity Association union, which which put out a call for aid during Jessica Fontana. Once a sea lion is rescued and said Wednesday that the show’s a mass stranding of sea lions on “These practices help to get them tagged, if it’s found three times, it language was not official or in beaches. used to crowds, people and noise,” is classified as non-releasable. compliance with their rules. New Faces in New Spaces she said. “We are feeling every- Entertaining Education The show responded by saying it Last year was a bad one for sea thing out with the crowds from Elgar said the staff envisions the regretted the confusion and will lions, said Will Elgar, director of our standpoint, too.” show as a dynamic experience, amend the notice to add that “we the aquarium’s animal training for The sea lion exhibit includes aimed at using entertainment to welcome people of all ethnicities pinnipeds, the term for fin-footed mature animals that were rescued help educate the audience about to audition.” marine mammals. Hundreds of years ago as well, including Nav, an the animals they have put so much No such outcry was heard when sea lions have been found starving 11-year-old sea lion that weighs in effort into saving. the show was first being mount- on beaches, including pups aban- the neighborhood of 500 pounds. The sea lions “are very curious ed, which called specifically for doned by mothers venturing far- He may appear clumsy with his and gregarious, but charming and nonwhite actors to play the likes ther out to sea to forage for food. heavy wet fins flopping across the have great characteristics,” Elgar of Alexander Hamilton, George “It could be El Nino or climate stage, but gasps from the audi- said. “This is the perfect setting to Washington, Aaron Burr, Thom- change, but one of the big things ence soon follow when he breaks become aware of just how amazing as Jefferson and Eliza Hamilton. for us is over-fishing our sustain- the water’s surface with the grace t h e y are .” Only King George III was sup- able resources, so we try to teach of an Olympic diver. The veter- posed to be filled by a white man. “Hamilton” producers said such This image released by The Public Theater shows Lin-Manuel Miranda, fore- a stance adheres to the accepted ground, with the cast during a performance of “Hamilton,” in New York. The Biden, Gaga team up to raise practice that certain characteris- cast performed selected pieces from the musical in the East Room of the White tics in certain roles constitute a House in Washington in March. (Joan Marcus/The Public Theater via AP) legal and “bona fide occupational call for “nonwhite men and wom- a terrifically varied score, ranging qualification.” Other shows also awareness of sexual assault en, ages 20s to 30s, for Broadway from pop ballads to gospel to sexy cast with ethnicity in mind. WASHINGTON (AP) — Lady The two teamed up at the Acad- “She’s a survivor who has the and upcoming tours.” Equity, R&B. A Chicago production will Since it opened off-Broadway last Gaga and Joe Biden are bringing emy Awards in February. Biden courage to speak out, and I know which usually reviews casting no- open this fall and a national tour year, the show has been celebrated their act to Las Vegas for an event received a standing ovation when how difficult that can be,” Biden tices, said it had not in this case. will travel to San Francisco and for putting minorities at the center raising awareness about sexual as- he introduced the singer, who per- said. “Our audition rules are created to then Los Angeles in 2017. of America’s birth. The show’s Af- sault. formed her Oscar-nominated song In addition to the Las Vegas rally, provide the broadest access possi- “’Hamilton’ depicts the birth of rican-American, Asian and Lati- The pop star and the vice presi- “Til It Happens to You,” about sex- Biden is holding events at univer- ble for our members to be seen for our nation in a singular way,” pro- no actors have been cheered by dent will hold a rally at the Univer- ual assault on campuses. sities in Pennsylvania and Colo- roles,” the union said. ducer Jeffrey Seller said in a state- President Barack Obama, British sity of Nevada, Las Vegas, on April Biden, in an interview with Bill- rado during a weeklong focus on The show is by Lin-Manuel Mi- ment. “We will continue to cast the actress Helen Mirren and many 7. The White House says they’ll board magazine, said he admired sexual assault prevention. randa, who wrote the show’s book, show with the same multicultural others. speak about the need to prevent Gaga for her courage and he cred- music and lyrics, and stars in the diversity that we have employed The latest snag occurred when sexual assault on college campus- ited her with encouraging other title role. It stresses the orphan, im- thus far.” the show posted on its website a es. women to “step forward.” migrant roots of Hamilton and has Thursday, April 7, 2016 Sports rockbridgereport.wlu.edu 8 Russell apologizes for taking video of Lakers teammate EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — private manner, outside the media. D’Angelo Russell knows he must I think it’s something we really do rebuild the Los Angeles Lakers’ need to sit down and talk about. trust in him after the rookie guard’s That’s about it. What happened is unflattering video exchange with what happened. We’ve got to work teammate Nick Young ended up on it.” on social media. Azalea’s wedding to Young had Speaking before Wednesday been postponed even before the night’s home game against Miami, video drama. The Australian pop Russell apologized profusely for star posted an interesting response recording the video, saying his ac- on her Twitter account: “hmmm i tions have created “a bad vibe” on see D Angelo Russell is trending... the last-place club. I actually liked his film. Thanks Russell also acknowledged that bro.” the video might have imperiled Russell said he intended the video Young’s relationship with his fian- to be a joke between two easygoing cée, rapper Iggy Azalea. players. Young is among Russell’s “I feel as sick as possible,” Russell closest friends on the team, with said. “I wish I could make things Russell claiming they usually share better right away, but I can’t.” a mischievous attitude toward life Russell is a pillar of the last-place and locker-room antics. Lakers’ rebuilding effort, but he “He’s one of the guys that I’ve al- was lightly booed by Lakers fans ways talked to about anything, and in pregame introductions and in I cherished our friendship,” Russell the opening minutes against the said. “And for me to have an inci- Heat. Other fans shouted “Snitch!” dent like this come up and put it in Villanova players celebrate after the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball championship game against North Carolina on Monday. The Wildcats and “Traitor!” from the stands at jeopardy is not what I was intend- defeated North Carolina 77-74 with a 3-pointer at the buzzer. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Staples Center. ing to do.” Lakers coach Byron Scott agreed that the controversy is likely to “You need everybody to hurt his team’s trust in its point Villanova shocks Tar Heels trust each other. You need guard. Even before the video dra- the first guy to trust the ma, Scott publicly questioned the 15th guy, and that’s my maturity level of Russell, who is Kris Jenkins hits buzzer-beater to give Wildcats averaging 13.1 points, 3.4 assists intentions.” and 3.4 rebounds this season. their first National Championship since 1985 - D’Angelo Russell Young hasn’t played for the Lak- ers in 10 straight games, but is un- point, Williams said he promised HOUSTON (AP) — Some plays Roy Williams’ hand. Wright said every coach designs der contract for next season with a his team that if he did what they you can’t draw up. Other plays you Wright has been coaching that plays for game-ending situations In Russell’s video, the 20-year- player option for 2017-18. said, they would have a chance to can. play for months, even years. with less than four seconds, four old point guard asks Young about The video flap is just the latest win. The double-clutch 3-pointer With the game tied and 4.7 to seven seconds, seven to 12 being with women other than tawdry mistake by a roster that sits Then, after Paige hit his shot, the North Carolina’s Marcus Paige seconds left, Jenkins inbounded seconds. Azalea. Russell claimed he has no 29th in the overall NBA standings, senior told his teammates they made came right off a playground. under the Villanova basket to They practice it. A lot. When idea how the video became public, leading only Philadelphia. just needed to play 4.7 seconds of It might go down as college point guard Ryan Arcidiacono. showtime comes, the coach puts claiming he didn’t post it on social Earlier this month, Young and defense, and they would win the basketball’s most spectacular Forward Daniel Ochefu set a pick the ball in his players’ hands and media or send it to any friends. starting guard Jordan Clarkson overtime. footnote ever. at midcourt to free things up, then hopes they can execute. He knows “That’s the two-and-two I’m try- were embarrassed when a woman Never happened. The buzzer-beating 3 that it was up to Arcidiacono to create. that with the senior, Arcidiacono, ing to put together, me and my claimed they made inappropriate, “It was helpless,” Williams said. Villanova’s Kris Jenkins poured He underhand flipped a pass to running the play, odds are the team,” said Russell, who also de- harassing gestures at her while “It was not a good feeling.” in on top of that was the result Jenkins, who was open. The junior Wildcats will get a good look. clined to blame the leak on phone their cars were stopped at a traffic The tears flowed out of the of months, even years, of practice spotted himself up, and with North “Every kid dreams about that hacking. “I have no clue how that light in Hollywood, leading the 65-year-old coach, who fell to 2-3 making perfect. It might go down Carolina’s Isaiah Hicks running at shot,” said Arcidiacono, who got out.” players to claim the incident was in title games. It’s never fun being as the sport’s most memorable him, launched the shot. finished with 16 points and two Russell disagreed with claims “a miscommunication.” on the wrong side of hoops history. game-winner. Swish. Confetti. Party time. Or, assists, one more memorable than that his teammates have isolat- Kobe Bryant’s farewell season Back in 1983, Lorenzo Charles Two huge buckets in the span as Jenkins put it, “One, two step, the other. “I wanted that shot, ed him, but he knows they aren’t also has been a disaster on the dunked after an air ball to lift of 4.7 seconds Monday night shoot ‘em up, sleep in the streets.” but I just had confidence in my happy. court for the Lakers, who are 15- North Carolina State to its turned a back-and-forth, edge-of- teammates, and Kris was able to “I know if I’ve lost anybody’s 59 heading into their meeting with improbable title. your-seat national title game into knock down that shot.” trust, I’m going to work my tail the Heat. They’re wrapping up the In 1987, Keith Smart made one something even better. “Every kid dreams about Not too much earlier, trailing 74- off to gain it back, because that’s worst three-season stretch in club from the side late to lift Indiana to Jenkins walked away the winner. 71, Paige knocked down his. something you need for a winning history after last season’s Lakers that shot.” a championship. His 3 at the buzzer, two steps No coach could draw up that sort team,” Russell said. “You need ev- went 21-61, setting the franchise - Ryan Arcidiacono In 1992, Christian Laettner behind the arc and with a 6-foot- of thing. erybody to trust each other. You record for losses and worst win- took Grant Hill’s pass and hit a 9 defender flying in his face, gave The senior guard took a skip pass need the first guy to trust the 15th ning percentage. turnaround jumper to help Duke Villanova a 77-74 victory and the from Joel Berry II, almost lost the guy, and that’s my intentions.” Russell acknowledged saying beat Kentucky and make the Final second national title in program The Wildcats (35-5) took the title handle, dribbled twice, and with Young was unusually downbeat “crazy things” in his daily conver- Four. history. for the first time since 1985, when Arcidiacono running at him, hit in his own brief comments before sations with Young, but claimed Now, this. “I think every shot’s going in,” Rollie Massimino coached the a double-clutch 3 from two steps Wednesday’s game. The charis- the video wasn’t a prank gone “The last play, we were just Jenkins said, “and this one was no program to a title-game victory behind the arc. matic veteran guard has mostly wrong. calm in the huddle, honestly,” different.” over Georgetown. Villanova shot “He’s been doing that his whole played poorly this season for the “At this point, the damage has Arcidiacono said. “We knew what ‘Nova coach Jay Wright barely 78 percent that night. In this career here,” Berry said. “He’s just Lakers, his hometown team. been done,” Russell said. “The best we were going to do and we just flinched when Jenkins’ shot fell game, the Cats shot 58.3 percent that tough a guy.” “I don’t want to get into my per- thing you can do is own up to it. executed.” with the buzzer blaring. “Bang,” in the first half, 58.3 percent in the The Tar Heels (33-7), the only sonal life right now,” Young said. That’s what I did, and I’m owning he said, calmly, before walking to second half and 100 percent with No. 1 seed in the Final Four, “I think it’s best me and D’Angelo up to it to full effect, and just tak- midcourt to shake Carolina coach the final buzzer sounding. trailed by 10 with 5:30 left. At that handle the situation we have in a ing what comes with it.” Young athletes to have more space to practice with new Brewbaker fields

By Henry Luzzatto

The youth baseball season is in full swing in Rockbridge Coun- ty. However, because of the high number of young athletes, teams are struggling to find practice places. The Rockbridge Area Recreation Organization (RARO) offers youth Svetlana Kuznetsova, of Russia, celebrates after winning 7-5, 6-3, against sports all year long, and serves Timea Bacsinszky, of Switzerland, during the Miami Open tennis tourna- hundreds of children throughout ment. (AP Photo) Rockbridge County. Last year, Buena Vista became part of the Kuznetsova beats Bacsinszky organization, which has caused participation to swell. 7-5, 6-3 in Miami Open semis With such a large group, RARO KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) — needs to expand its practice fields Kuznetsova said. “I haven’t been Svetlana Kuznetsova is back in the to make room for all of its athletes, feeling my best, but I’ve been fight- Key Biscayne final 10 years after RARO leaders say. Starting this ing with every ball and trying to she won the tournament. spring, RARO will renovate the run as much as I could.” Kuznetsova erased 12 of the 14 Brewbaker Field Annex to create If Kuznetsova wins the title, she’ll The scoreboard at Brewbaker Field will soon have more to overlook, as new practice fields are slated to be created at break points she faced and beat new practice fields for baseball, the Brewbaker Field Annex. (Photo by Henry Luzzatto) return to the top 10 for the first Timea Bacsinszky 7-5, 6-3 Thurs- soccer and lacrosse. time since 2010. She’s already as- day in the semifinals of the Miami John Trudgeon, executive direc- could be used for either soccer or Trudgeon also said that a pub- unusable because of the construc- sured of surpassing $20 million in Open. tor of RARO, said that the organi- lacrosse. lic fundraising event is being tion, Bailey said. “There are two at career prize money. The 30-year-old Kuznetsova’s zation has had a shortage of space The renovations will cost nearly planned. An online crowdfunding the [Waddell] mobile site that can’t On a sunny, sweltering after- opponent Saturday will be the available for teams to practice, $180,000 to construct the base- platform is also being established be used anymore.” noon, Kuznetsova earned the first winner of the semifinal Thurs- causing scheduling problems for ball diamond, plant grass on the to continue raising money. Trudgeon said he hopes to begin break of her semifinal in the 10th day night between No. 2-seeded local teams. field, and build a chain link fence An influx of new athletes from the project as soon as the funds are game to take the grueling, 65-min- Angelique Kerber and two-time Kristen Bailey, who has two chil- around the perimeter. Buena Vista, as well as increased raised, which he projects will hap- ute first set. She broke three con- champion Victoria Azarenka, who dren who play baseball through Trudgeon said funding for the enrollment throughout the coun- pen in April. However, the field secutive times in the second set to is seeded 13th. RARO, agrees that space has been project will come from several ty, means demands on the fields will not be available for use until pull away from the No. 19-seeded Kuznetsova hadn’t enjoyed much a problem. sources, including the city of Lex- are high. fall of 2017 because it is necessary Bacsinszky. success at Key Biscayne in recent “We had to practice out at the ington, Rockbridge County, Wash- “With the addition of Buena Vis- to seed the grass before construc- “I was playing to finish it in two years, but she upset eight-time Natural Bridge Elementary field,” ington and Lee University and the ta teams, we’ve got more sports,” tion starts, Trudgeon said. This sets so I have a little bit of time to champion Serena Williams in the Bailey said. “It takes about 40 min- Virginia Military Institute. Trudgeon said. “It won’t totally leaves RARO—and the parents rest,” Kuznetsova said. fourth round and won four con- utes to get there. We had to go out “We’re about 60 percent to our solve field issues, but [the new and children involved with the American twins Bob and Mike secutive three-setters to reach the there because there isn’t enough goal from financial support from practice fields] will help.” organization—with scheduling Bryan, who turned 38 this week, semifinals. At No. 19, the Russian space in Lexington.” the city, the county, universities Bailey said that the lack of space problems for the rest of the year. lost in the semifinals of doubles to is the lowest-ranked women’s fi- The planned renovations to the and clubs,” Trudgeon said. has been exacerbated by the con- “Parents are going to have to be Pierre-Hughes Herbert and Nico- nalist in the event since No. 38 Brewbaker Field Annex would Lexington and Rockbridge struction at Harrington Waddell flexible with where they practice las Mahut, 6-3, 6-3. The Bryans Kim Clijsters earned the 2005 turn the two-acre complex into a County each allotted $25,000 to Elementary School. and how much they drive,” Bailey hold a record 16 Grand Slam ti- championship. baseball diamond and a field that the project in their capital im- “There was at least one baseball said. “It’s going to be a tough sea- tles but haven’t won a tournament provement plans. field at Waddell,” which is now s on .” “I’m happy I could hang in there,” since August.