BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

By Staff Reports

Published: January 2, 2009

NEWS NEAR YOU

Hanover An alert neighbor in eastern Hanover County spotted heavy smoke coming from a house yesterday and warned the residents, who escaped unhurt. "They were sitting in the house and didn't even know it was on fire," said Battalion Chief William Jones of Hanover Fire & EMS. The fire was caused by hot ashes taken from a wood stove and placed in a plastic bucket, which was set on a deck next to the house, Jones said. The fire began about 5:20 p.m. in the 8300 block of Mary Mundie Road. Damage was estimated at $20,000. A house fire a day earlier in the 1600 block of Cactus Road in eastern Hanover resulted in much more extensive damage, estimated at $220,000.

Chesterfield The Board of Supervisors has approved the design, acquisition of right of way and construction of a road-widening project along Woolridge Road across the Swift Creek Reservoir. The project is estimated to cost $12 million.

Richmond Two people were injured, one seriously, when their car went off the road and flipped over in the 2200 block of Semmes Avenue early yesterday. The wreck occurred about 1:50 a.m., Richmond police reported. The names of the victims were not released. The crash is under investigation.

Prince George The library bookmobile will be at Scott Memorial Park, 6680 Courthouse Road, on Monday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Hanover A countywide workshop for parents and teenagers, "The Scoops and Oops of Beach Week," will be held on Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Atlee High School Auditorium. The program on high school graduation celebrations will include topics such as signing contracts, personal liability, and having a safe, memorable experience. For details, contact Kara Dunleavy at (804) 365-4180.

AROUND THE STATE

Martinsville Ten years after it closed its plant outside Martinsville, an embroidery manufacturer has agreed to repay Henry County about $3.3 million. According to the county, the settlement calls for 5B's to pay Henry County at least $25,000 each month, plus interest. The first installment is due this month. The county filed suit in 2007 against 5B's parent company, Bee-Holding Inc., and members of the family that started the company. The embroidery plant filed for bankruptcy in 1999, after the county's industrial development authority issued bonds to finance, build and equip its plant. Money from the sale of 5B's building and machinery was used to reduce the debt.

Nelson A Nelson County grand jury has charged a Lovingston man who authorities said tended a marijuana garden near the Rockfish River. Steven C. Manning, 64, was charged Tuesday with manufacturing and possessing marijuana. Police arrested Manning this summer near Woods Mills. Authorities said he had grown 104 marijuana plants, accessing the garden by kayaking down the waterway. Manning is scheduled to return Feb. 5 to Nelson Circuit Court.

Madison Local schools may receive close to $1 million less in state funding this coming fiscal year, county officials say. Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine recently announced a revised two-year budget plan that attempts to close a $2.9 billion shortfall because of lower-than-expected state income. "It's very serious," Madison school Superintendent Brenda Tanner said of the revised plan that she said would cut more than $900,000 in state funding for fiscal 2009-10.

Orange Interviews will be conducted this month and next month for the job of superintendent of Orange County public schools. Twenty-four educators have applied for the position -- 18 men and six women. Ten are from out of state. Last year the School Board voted not to renew the contract of former Superintendent William Crawford.