BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

By Staff Reports

Published: January 4, 2009

NEWS NEAR YOU

Chesterfield The deadline to register for a chance to compete in Bandfest, United for Change, is Jan. 19. Bandfest, United for Change is an alcohol-and drug-free event where youths can showcase their music and video-production talents. It will be held March 14 at Southside Church of the Nazarene, 6851 Courthouse Road. Band auditions will be held on Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. To download official rules and a registration packet for either competition, visit chesterfieldsafe.org. Contact Beth Clements at (804) 796-7100.

Richmond The Richmond Police Department's Fourth Precinct operation has moved to 2219 Chamberlayne Ave. It will share space with the department's special events division, which handles traffic and homeland security and includes the motorcycle unit. The department is planning an open house later this month. The precinct's phone number is (804) 646-4105.

Chesterfield A mo-ped rider was seriously injured yesterday afternoon on Cogbill Road near Castlewood Road in Chesterfield County, police said. The 36-year-old victim was heading east on Cogbill when he veered into the westbound lane and sideswiped a car and then struck a guardrail, Chesterfield police said. He was taken to VCU Medical Center. His identity was not released.

King William The King William County School Board will have a budget work session Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the school administration conference room at the School Board offices, 18548 King William Road.

Sussex Wakefield residents began paying higher water rates on Thursday in an effort by the Town Council to collect money to repair Wakefield's aging water system. Residential users of less than 2,000 gallons per month will see $5 increases on their bills.

Cumberland The Cumberland County School Board will meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the high school/middle school complex. The board plans to elect a new chairman and vice-chairman.

Hanover Hanover County landowners who use their property for agricultural, horticultural or forestal uses, or keep it as an open space, may be eligible for the Land Use Taxation Program. Qualified landowners may have their property assessed at "use value," which may be lower than market value. The application period goes through Feb. 1. To qualify, the property must be zoned agricultural or rural conservation, and used for agricultural, horticultural, forest or open space for at least five years. For details, call the commissioner of the revenue at (804) 365-6125 or visit http://www.co.hanover.va.us/comrevnu/default.htm.

AROUND THE STATE

Charlottesville A report from the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service says the number of Virginians 65 or older is expected to double by 2030. The report was compiled using U.S. Census Bureau data. It was done after a request last year by state legislators who wanted a briefing on the graying of Virginians. According to the report, there are high concentrations of people 65 or older living in urban areas, in addition to a large population of the same demographic living in rural areas. The report finds that most elderly have health insurance, primarily through Medicare.

Prince William Registration soon will begin for the spring session of the Virtual High School@ PWCS, the online high school program offered by the Prince William County school system. The program will offer 18 full-credit high school courses for the spring session, which starts Feb. 4. Online registration will be available at pwcs.edu/pwcsvirtualhs between Jan. 12 and Jan. 31. For details, visit the Web site or contact school coordinator Gina Jones at or (571) 261-4517.