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Bedford County, Virginia, Advances Towards Universal Broadband Coverage with New Partnerships

Bedford County, Virginia, Advances Towards Universal Broadband Coverage with New Partnerships

Bedford County, Virginia, is making significant strides toward achieving universal broadband coverage, addressing previous delays and expanding its network. The county has authorized a contract with ZiTEL, a local internet service provider, to complete the Broadband 2026 New London Project. This decision follows the termination of a partnership with RiverStreet Networks, which failed to complete the project as contracted, leaving approximately 2,150 out of 3,200 planned addresses serviced. John Putney, government relations manager for Bedford County, expressed frustration over the delays but noted the county's proactive stance in pushing for an ISP change. ZiTEL, a proven partner in fiber broadband expansion, was the only company to submit a proposal to take over the project and has pledged a 50% cost match, ensuring no additional cost to the county. Additionally, Comcast Xfinity has announced its own broadband network expansion, connecting over 4,500 homes and businesses in the Town of Bedford and more th...

Virginia Allocates Record $304 Million for Agricultural Conservation Practices

Virginia Allocates Record $304 Million for Agricultural Conservation Practices

Virginia has committed a record $304 million to its Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program (VACS) for the 2027 fiscal year, which began on July 1. This funding represents an $81 million increase over the previous fiscal year and marks the fifth consecutive year of record allocations for the program. The VACS program provides financial and technical assistance to farmers for implementing over 60 approved conservation practices. These practices are designed to protect water quality, improve soil health, and support the long-term sustainability of agricultural operations. Eligible measures include planting cover crops, developing nutrient-management plans, installing livestock stream-exclusion systems, and implementing rotational grazing. Farmers can qualify for up to $300,000 in state cost-share reimbursement, depending on the proposed practices and program requirements.

8-Foot Python Blamed for Virginia School Fire; Teacher Disputes Claims

8-Foot Python Blamed for Virginia School Fire; Teacher Disputes Claims

An 8-foot python named Nanner is being blamed by fire officials for starting a fire at Forest Middle School in Bedford County, Virginia. Firefighters responding to an alarm found a fire on the second floor and encountered the large snake underneath a desk in a classroom. The Fire Marshal’s Office believes the fire started after the python escaped its cage and knocked over a heat lamp. However, Brittany Jacobs, a life science teacher at the school and the snake's owner, disputes this claim. Jacobs stated in a Facebook post that Nanner broke out of her tank after the fire had already begun, seeking to escape the intense heat. She also mentioned that a tortoise was killed in the fire and that eight classrooms sustained water damage from the sprinkler system.

Virginia Teacher Disputes Firefighters' Claim That Python Caused School Fire

Virginia Teacher Disputes Firefighters' Claim That Python Caused School Fire

A science teacher in Virginia is disputing claims by authorities that her python, Nanner, was responsible for starting a fire at Forest Middle School in Bedford County. Firefighters reported that the blaze, which occurred on August 13, started in a second-floor classroom and that they encountered an 8-foot python loose amidst the flames. Chief Fire Marshal Steven Whipple stated that the snake 'contributed to starting the fire' by knocking over a heat fixture. However, the teacher, Brittany Jacobs, maintains that all light fixtures in her classroom were securely placed and that the heat fixture for the tortoise, which perished in the fire, was clamped and positioned to prevent such incidents. Jacobs argues that Nanner escaped her enclosure due to the intense heat of the fire, not as its cause, and that surveillance video shows the fire was visible for 20 minutes before Nanner was seen exiting the classroom.

National Weather Service Reports 90 MPH Winds in Albemarle County, Virginia

National Weather Service Reports 90 MPH Winds in Albemarle County, Virginia

The National Weather Service (NWS) Sterling has released a preliminary post-storm survey indicating that winds reached speeds of 90 mph during a severe thunderstorm that impacted Albemarle County and Charlottesville, Virginia, on Friday. The storm rapidly intensified into a supercell thunderstorm over southeastern Rockingham County before weakening as it approached Charlottesville, only to strengthen again as it moved across the north side of the city. The damaging straight-line winds and large hail, measuring 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter, occurred between 5:33 and 5:42 p.m. over approximately a three-square-mile area. Ground and drone photos confirmed that the damage was consistent with a straight-line wind event, showing damage primarily in the southeast direction, though lacking true linear continuity and appearing in several north-to-south swaths. The NWS will deploy investigators to the area early in the week to conduct a first-hand survey of the damage. Local emergency management agencies, including A...

National Young Farmers Coalition Launches $1 Million+ Next Generation Farmer Fund for Sustainable Agriculture

National Young Farmers Coalition Launches $1 Million+ Next Generation Farmer Fund for Sustainable Agriculture

The National Young Farmers Coalition has announced the launch of its Next Generation Farmer Fund, a new grant program exceeding $1 million. This initiative aims to provide direct financial support and technical assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers under the age of 40 who are practicing sustainable farming methods. Applications for grants, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, will open in October 2026, with recipients announced in early 2027. Eligible practices for funding include carbon sequestration, soil health efforts, water quality improvements, biodiversity initiatives, and supply chain resilience. This program is a significant expansion from previous microgrants, which were deemed insufficient to meet the infrastructure and practice needs of farmers. The fund is partially supported by a $500,000 dollar-for-dollar match from Whole Foods Market.

Mount Crawford Farm Fire Causes $400,000 in Damages

Mount Crawford Farm Fire Causes $400,000 in Damages

A fire at a farm in Mount Crawford, Virginia, on Tuesday morning resulted in an estimated $400,000 in damages. Firefighters were dispatched to 1299 North River Road around 9:15 a.m. and found flames emanating from the building upon arrival, according to Rockingham County Fire and Rescue. All animals on the property were safely evacuated. The blaze destroyed a tractor, approximately 20 to 30 bales of hay, and other farm equipment. Fire departments from Bridgewater, Dayton, Weyers Cave, Grottoes, and Rockingham County collaborated to extinguish the fire, deploying five engines and three tankers. The fire was brought under control within 30 to 40 minutes. This incident marks the second fire on the property, and the cause is currently under investigation.

Cushman Wakefield | Thalhimer Facilitates Land Sale for New 7Brew Drive-Thru in South Boston, Virginia

Cushman Wakefield | Thalhimer Facilitates Land Sale for New 7Brew Drive-Thru in South Boston, Virginia

Cushman Wakefield | Thalhimer Facilitates Land Sale for New 7Brew Drive-Thru in South Boston, Virginia

U.S. Army Acquires Middleburg Training Center for Caisson Horses, Raising Economic Concerns for Virginia's Equine Industry

U.S. Army Acquires Middleburg Training Center for Caisson Horses, Raising Economic Concerns for Virginia's Equine Industry

The U.S. Army has finalized an $8.6 million acquisition of the Middleburg Training Center in Virginia to house and train the caisson horses of The Old Guard, which perform ceremonial duties at Arlington National Cemetery. This move follows an internal review in 2022 that found inadequate facilities at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and Fort Belvoir, contributing to the deaths of several horses. While the Army aims to provide better care for its horses, the purchase has sparked significant concern among Middleburg residents and local officials. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) stated that the facility contributes "thousands of jobs and tens of millions of dollars to the local economy that may be lost." During a town hall, Subramanyam questioned whether the Army could lease back portions of the property to support Virginia's thoroughbred racing industry, which relies heavily on the center's unique 7/8-mile sand track.

Colonial Heights City Council Advances $150 Million Sports Tourism Complex Proposal on Former Landfill Site

Colonial Heights City Council Advances $150 Million Sports Tourism Complex Proposal on Former Landfill Site

Colonial Heights City Council Advances $150 Million Sports Tourism Complex Proposal on Former Landfill Site

Man Injured in Centreville Road Crash; New Dessert Shop to Open in Falls Church

Man Injured in Centreville Road Crash; New Dessert Shop to Open in Falls Church

An adult male driver sustained life-threatening injuries in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Centreville Road and Compton Road in Fairfax County, Virginia, on Monday afternoon. Northbound Centreville Road, also known as Route 28, was closed for an extended period as detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) investigated the incident. In other local news, a new dessert shop named Lil’ Cakes & Creamery is preparing to open in Falls Church. The shop, which will offer cupcakes, ice cream, and other sweet treats, is expected to open at 120 Founders Avenue by the end of August. This regional chain already has two other Virginia locations in Sterling and Alexandria City.

Severe Weather and Flash Flood Threats Target East Coast and Appalachians

Severe Weather and Flash Flood Threats Target East Coast and Appalachians

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to impact the East Coast and parts of the Appalachians as the new week begins. A Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk has been issued for areas including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore through Monday, with rainfall totals ranging from 1 to 2 inches. Additionally, a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk is in place for parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and northern North Carolina. The strongest storms could bring damaging wind gusts of 50 to 65 mph. The cold front driving these conditions will move across the East Coast on Monday, with thunderstorms expected from the Northeast to the Mid-South. Rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour could exacerbate flooding risks, particularly in areas already saturated from recent storms.