Your Portal for South of the James

By Jim Tuttle
Smithfield Times Staff Writer
DENDRON — The Dendron Town Council approved land-use applications to build a controversial coal-fired power plant during an intense council meeting Monday night.
One plant opponent called the meeting’s outcome a “travesty of government” while an official from the applicant company, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, called it “another step in the process.”

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 February 2010 09:55 ) Read more...

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Public orchard at Castle draws mixed comments

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By Jim Tuttle
Smithfield Times Staff Writer
The benefactor behind Smithfield’s new Windsor Castle Park has suggested a potentially delicious additional feature for his sprawling gift to the town.
However, some members of Town Council have doubts about his proposal to plant a public orchard of 90 fruit trees on park grounds.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 February 2010 10:14 ) Read more...

Surry Board approves ODEC applications

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BREAKING NEWS

By Jim Tuttle
Smithfield Times Staff Writer
SURRY — The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Thursday night to approve five land use applications for a proposed coal-fired power plant in Dendron.
Voting commenced shortly after 11 p.m., following a heated public hearing that lasted nearly three hours and featured about 60 speakers voicing their opinions on the controversial plant.

Middle school targeted for closure

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By Jim Tuttle
Smithfield Times Staff Writer
Closing Windsor Middle School was one of 35 suggested cuts proposed by Isle of Wight School officials last week in a series of public meetings.
But some employees countered that the School Board and administrators should look at salary cuts as a way to solve the impending budget crisis.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 February 2010 09:59 ) Read more...

Va. fishing rules may tighten

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By Diana McFarland
Smithfield Times News editor
Saltwater anglers would no longer be allowed to fish without an individual license from a private pier or licensed boat if Senate Bill 668 makes it through the General Assembly.
The bill would eliminate certain saltwater license exemptions, such as fishing without a license from a permitted boat.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 February 2010 10:09 ) Read more...

Windsor charter goes to Va. Assembly

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By Jim Tuttle
Smithfield Times Staff Writer
WINDSOR — Long-debated changes to the town’s charter have made it to the Virginia General Assembly, and will likely be discussed in a House subcommittee today.
William K. Barlow (D – 64) is sponsoring House Bill 895, which would repeal Windsor’s existing charter and replace it with a new one.

Last Updated ( Friday, 05 February 2010 10:36 ) Read more...