News 2008-07-25 Andanh.com

Think Virginia is short on transportation money? Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:32:20 -0500
It's no better anywhere else. This story from Stateline.org shows how other states are facing similar funding shortages for highways. Blame high gas prices, for one. The revenue from federal and state gasoline taxes is falling off because consumers are spending less at the pump. "The slippage exacerbates a looming crisis with the $40 billion federal highway fund, already projected to run out of money before the start of the next budget year Oct. 1," writes Stephen C. Fehr. To compound the problem, states are paying more for petroleum-based products that go into building and maintaining roads. The story notes that Virginia is spending $688 a metric ton for asphalt this summer, up 272 percent in five years. "A perfect storm" is the characterization from...

Jim Gilmore is paying a visit. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:53:06 -0500
If you live in Hampton, Williamsburg, Smithfield or Suffolk, you just may see Republican Jim Gilmore next week. The former governor and current U.S. Senate candidate is continuing his Working Families Tour. Expect to hear a lot of talk about lower taxes and lower gas prices. Gilmore also prides himself on listening, so if you run into him on the street, feel free to bend his ear. Monday Noon: Vanasse Bait and Tackle Shop, 28 Dandy Point Road, Hampton. 4 p.m., President's Park Museum, "meet and greet," 211 Water Country Parkway, Williamsburg. Tuesday: 6:50 a.m.: Smithfield Foods, North Building, 601 N. Church St., Smithfield 8 a.m. Suffolk "meet and greet," Lee-Jordan Club House, Pitchkettle Road and 58 Bypass, Suffolk

Virginia lawmakers rally around McCain's energy and gas proposals Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:45:27 -0500
Virginia lawmakers are coming out swinging for Republican presidential candidate John McCain today. State Sen. Frank Wagner, R-Virginia Beach, who first proposed allowing offshore drilling for oil off the coast of Virginia, has released a video touting McCain's candidacy and, in particular, his energy proposals. Here it is: And in Washington this afternoon, U.S. Reps. Thelma Drake, Rob Wittman and Eric Cantor are scheduled to hold a press conference to build support for McCain's proposals for lowering gas prices.

Post: Gilmore filed false campaign information; Politico: Gilmore's a "laughingstock" Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:38:08 -0500
Tim Craig at the Washington Post is reporting that GOP Senate candidate Jim Gilmore "submitted false information on two financial disclosure forms that hid his ties to a government contractor embroiled in a legal dispute over allegations that two of its executives had conspired to defraud the federal government." The Gilmore campaign says it was a clerical error. For the full story, click here. This follows hard on the heels of a Politico story from yesterday that describes Gilmore as "the laughingstock of this year's crop of GOP Senate recruits." (Here's a link to the full story.) Anyone have thoughts on what this does for his already struggling candidacy?

The original night light Sun, 8 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0400
The form and function of the lighthouse make for a fun visit

Of all the structures in American architecture, few are as celebrated as the lighthouse. Photographers adore them. Painters render them. Poets use them as metaphors for everything from God to romance.

Military bands offer relaxing sounds for summer nights Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
I n Hampton Roads, the hazy days of August turn into relaxing nights of military band music.

These can handle the heat Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
P arts of the Peninsula have enjoyed decent rainfall in recent weeks. I'm happy for fellow gardeners, but I believe there's an umbrella over my neighborhood because little rain falls on my yard. Which is why I've given up trying to grow finicky moisture-loving plants. In my corner of the gardening world, it's getting hotter and drier every year, and I'm tired of replacing plants that wilt and succumb to Mother Nature's kiss of death.

Gilmore to make four local stops Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
He'll visit Hampton and Williamsburg on Monday, and Smithfield and Suffolk on Tuesday.

Residents of Hampton, Williamsburg, Smithfield and Suffolk have a chance to bend the ear of the Republican candidate for governor.

Hospitalized man arrested in shooting Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Police have arrested a Virginia Beach man who was injured alongside his wife in a double shooting at their Virginia Beach home last week.

Donations drop, but need rises at food banks Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Economic woes are starving food banks in Hampton Roads and across Virginia as more needy families seek help and fewer donors give canned goods and cash.

Mudcat's advice to Obama: Sing the blues Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Democrats' "bubba" consultant says the blues will work as well as bluegrass in Virginia.

In 2001, a Democratic yuppie appealed to back-mountain Virginia voters with a campaign set to bluegrass music and colored in hunter's blaze orange.

Newport News man spared jail time in public masturbation case Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:49:00 -0400
A man will be spared jail time for masturbating in public.

School Board wants input on graduation ceremony rules Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
After a slew of complaints in Smithfield, members voted to make some changes.

Isle of Wight is revamping its guidelines for graduation ceremonies in the wake of complaints of verbal abuse and offensive behavior at Smithfield High School's ceremony June 14.

News now Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A 24-hour fitness club plans to open in Eagle Harbor.

Free clinic to move, expand services and size Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Western Tidewater Free Clinic has already helped patients get $217,000 in free prescriptions.

The Western Tidewater Free Clinic had just settled in, but it's already time to move.

Waterside dining area can open Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
But a Suffolk restaurant owner has to tear down unpermitted structures over Bennett's Creek.

Virginia marine officials have backed a decision that says a Suffolk restaurant owner must tear down unpermitted piers and structures built over Bennett's Creek.

Two men mugged in their own home Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Police are looking for two men who mugged two others at gunpoint in Suffolk.

CW's Ellis to help create African-American museum Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Williamsburg native hopes to tackle everything from slavery to Chubby Checker.

One of the people who built Colonial Williamsburg's African-American history program will help build an African-American museum on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

Ship 'Pokey' a mainstay for years Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
For 27 years, the steamboat S.S. Pocahontas would leave Norfolk at 6 a.m. and cross Hampton Roads, stopping at Old Point and Newport News before heading up the James River. She was built of steel and wood at Wilmington, Del., in 1893 for the Virginia Navigation Co.

Two men charged with arson in 2007 fires Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The pair had been suspects since the blazes that caused more than $30,000 in damage.

Two James City County men have been arrested and charged with arson in connection with a pair of fires that broke out last year behind the Ewell Station shopping center.

Lightning strike is prime suspect in condo fire Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A four-unit condominium in Williamsburg was badly damaged Tuesday night by a fire that might have been started by a lightning strike.

Trucker violation ranking was accurate but misleading Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
"This is one of the safest places in Virginia," the city's police chief says.

Williamsburg ranks No. 1 out of thousands of cities and counties nationwide in the rate of medical violations issued to truckers. At least that's what the statistics say.

Union Baptist yielded 4 offspring Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Union Baptist Church was started about 1775 by Iverson Lewis, who also established a church in Mathews.

Oil gains ground; natural gas fizzles Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Crude recoups only about a quarter of Wednesday's decline. Prices at the pump fall more than a penny.

Crude recoups only about a quarter of Wednesday's decline. Prices at the pump fall more than a penny.

Rising above credit crunch Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
TowneBank will sell preferred stock to take advantage of competitors who are cutting back lending to save money.

TowneBank announced plans on Thursday to sell $25 million of preferred stock that will pay an 8 percent annual dividend.

Sales fall to lowest level in over a decade Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Sales of existing homes tumbled more sharply than expected in June, pushing activity down to the lowest level in more than a decade.

Airport owners announce new top officers Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Peninsula Airport Commission, owners and operators of the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport have appointed new officers for the fiscal year that started July 1. The commission has appointed Herbert H. Bateman, Jr., of Newport News as its new chairman. Other appointees are: James J. Lockhart, of Hampton, vice chairman; Aubrey Fitzgerald, of Newport News, secretary; LaDonna Williams, of Newport News, treasurer; Edgar E. Maroney of Newport News, assistant secretary; Stephen Mallon, of Hampton, assistant treasurer.

How to qualify for a mortgage Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Qualifying for a mortgage is certainly not as easy as it used to be. The turmoil that has gripped the housing and the credit markets has led to lenders tightening their approval standards. But while it is more difficult to qualify, it is not impossible.

Wachovia begins search to replace CFO Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Wachovia says its chief financial officer is stepping down and that it plans to begin an immediate search for his replacement.

Ford posts worst quarterly loss ever; Daimler, Hyundai down Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Ford Motor Co. posted its worst quarterly loss ever, $8.67 billion, in a roiling global auto market that also saw profits fall at Daimler AG, Hyundai Motor Co. and AutoNation Inc. Renault SA reported a profit increase in the first half of the year but still plans to cut jobs and scale back production.

Leaders brace for final showdown Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Tour title hopefuls have Saturday's pivotal stage on their minds. The finale is Sunday.

No "crazy" attacks, conserve energy, and hope for the best in the time trial: Tour de France leader Carlos Sastre is tipping his strategy as the race creeps toward its finish in Paris on Sunday.

Barack Obama has a 10 to 1 advantage over John McCain in expatriate donations from Europe Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:19:00 -0400
LONDON (AP) _ Barack Obama's campaign has received roughly 10 times more money from declared U.S. donors living in Germany, France and Britain than his Republican rival, reflecting his popularity in Europe as he makes his first tour of the continent as the presumed Democratic nominee.

Investigators say State Department needs to overhaul the passport application process Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:47:00 -0400
WASHINGTON (AP) _ The State Department urgently needs to overhaul the way it handles passport applications to avoid a repeat of the massive backlogs last summer that frustrated countless travelers, congressional investigators concluded.

In Washington, China and critics spread separate versions of upcoming Beijing Olympics Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:20:00 -0400
WASHINGTON (AP) _ In an air-conditioned room in the Chinese Embassy, a vice minister from Beijing chastises Americans for their "very limited" understanding of violent anti-government protests in Tibet.

Air Force missile launch crew fell asleep; officials say codes remained secure Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:27:00 -0400
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Three ballistic missile crew members in North Dakota fell asleep while holding classified launch code devices this month, triggering an investigation by military and National Security Agency experts, the Air Force said Thursday.

New 'skate park' is the right move to keep our kids from becoming outlaws Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
T he announcement last week that Newport News may soon have its first privately run indoor skateboard park is the most awesome news of the year — past, present or future.

Graduations deserve respect, class Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
I t's the most bracing letter to the editor I've read in a long, long time.

Support ramps up for city-owned skateboard park Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
After public interest was expressed, preliminary plans will most likely be discussed in November.

— Wanted: Anything that's smooth, looks like a gigantic bowl, has steps and rails, and comes with a bunch of intriguing ramps and ledges.

Bethel graduate Ellis signs with Bills Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:06:00 -0400
Defensive end Chris Ellis, a third-round pick from Virginia Tech, agrees to a deal the day before Buffalo's camp. UVa product Branden Albert signs with the Chiefs.

Bethel High graduate Chris Ellis from Virginia Tech signed Thursday with the Buffalo Bills, and former Virginia offensive tackle Branden Albert signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hampton teen charged in shotgun attack Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:04:00 -0400
A 17-year-old Hampton resident has been arrested and charged in an incident in which police say he injured three people while shooting at them with a handgun and a shotgun on Wednesday.

Is this area the best place for Hinckley? Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The man who shot Reagan has been rejected for volunteer positions in Williamsburg.

A federal judge is questioning whether Williamsburg is the best community for John Hinckley Jr. after testimony the would-be presidential assassin has been rejected from volunteer positions there.

July 25: Feedback from newspaper readers Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
John, Smithfield: Are women's orgasms really worthy of front-page news on the national section? Couldn't you have handled that headline more discreetly or are you just following the current culture's obsession with sex?

July 24: Feedback from newspaper readers Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
In Tuesday's Nation & World section, the map with the article about truckers being unfit for medical-related violations shows Williamsburg has the highest rate of such violations in the entire country, at 40 percent. But there is no mention in the article. Is the DP planning a follow up on this local factor?

Please help Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
For some, the economic downturn means no dinner

The numbers make our eyes, and maybe our hearts, glaze over. In the last year, the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula distributed 9.5 million pounds of food to people in need — up 16 percent from the year before. That's enough for 6.6 million meals. All told, between 60,000 and 65,000 different individuals — most children, the elderly and the working poor — were able to get food when they needed it because of the generosity of the people and organizations that support the Foodbank.

Denounced Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Focus on the actual candidates, not their "known associates"

Call us Denunciation Nation. Seldom does the day fail to produce, via e-mail, letter or press release, a stern demand for some candidate to repudiate some supporter or other because of some affiliated sin.

Still stalled Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Federal or state, the prospects for more road money are dim

Now, weren't those back-ups on I-64 fun this weekend? Great for tourism, and what a grand message to send to the business world: Visit the Peninsula and watch the bumper in front of you.

By the rules Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Crabs are getting what they need from VMRC: Strict enforcement

It must feel, to some watermen, a little like being smacked when they're down. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission has been out on a law- enforcement blitz, checking crab pots to make sure they're legal.

Free to choose Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Riverside's proposed hospital would add choice in Williamsburg

The third time might be the charm. Riverside Health System is again submitting its application to build a hospital in the Williamsburg area.

Anchors away Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Obama's a Pied Piper for the Big 3 newcasts

The big three in broadcast news — NBC, ABC, CBS — have sent their news superstars trailing around Barack Obama as the Democrat heads to Europe and the Middle East. With Brian Williams, Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric reporting from the field, you can be sure Obama's trip will lead the evening news.

Whiplash Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The InBev takeover rewrites the outlook for Williamsburg

The Anheuser-Busch buyout came on so quickly, and so radically, that the region has scarcely had time to respond.

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