Advisories posted for winter weather, high winds, bitter cold
The National Weather Service has issued a series of advisories for the region for winter weather, high winds and bitter cold. Some areas may see snow through Monday morning, and all areas will see strong winds push in sharply colder temperatures. The Winter Weather Advisories applies mainly to the New River Valley, Mountain Empire, neighboring portions of West Virginia and Virginia Counties along and north of US 460. Accumulations are not expected to total more than one inch in most areas, but some mountain regions could see up to four inches.
All areas will set high winds and bitter cold overnight. Forecasters say wind gusts may reach 60 miles per hour in places, and wind chill values will range from the single digits in lower elevations to well below zero in higher ones.
Most of the winter weather advisories are in effect until noon Monday. The high wind warnings are in effect until 7:00 am Monday. The full list is a lengthy one, so you may have to scroll down to find your area.
911 service remains disrupted in Altavista, Gladys areas
UPDATE from Campbell County: Those in the Gladys and Altavista areas of Campbell County who need emergency 911 service should call Public Safety’s non-emergency number(s) at: 434-283-9574; 434-332-9574; or 434-592-9574 or call 911 on their mobile devices. At this time 911 landline service is disrupted in those areas due to a cut fiber optic line. Crews are working to locate and repair the problem.
Previous from Campbell County: Rustburg, VA – Campbell County Department of Public Safety has received information that due to a cut in the fiber optic line, individuals in the Altavista and Gladys areas of the locality are experiencing difficulty when dialing 9-1-1 for service needs, and have been unable to connect to dispatch via landline. Citizens that are experiencing difficulty are advised to use your mobile devices until connections are restored. Thank you.
Virginia looks to raise age limit on tobacco products
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Tobacco-friendly Virginia, where the early economy was powered by the leafy plant and the industry continues to hold great sway, is preparing to put new limits on who can buy tobacco products. Citing the rapid growth of teenage vaping, GOP leaders in the majority-Republican General Assembly announced Thursday they are backing legislation to raise the age limit on buying tobacco products from 18 to 21. Virginia-based Altria, one of the biggest tobacco companies in the world, said it supports the proposal.
Campbell County Sheriff Hutcherson will retire at end of year
Steve Hutcherson (CCSO photo)
Campbell County Sheriff Steve Hutcherson announced today he will retire when his current term expires at the end of the year. This will end a 36-year career in law enforcement, the last eight of them as sheriff.
Personal Statement from Sheriff Steve A. Hutcherson: I am announcing that I am retiring and will not be seeking another term as Sheriff of Campbell County. I would like to thank the citizens of Campbell County that I have served over the past 8 years. The men and women that I work with at the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office are a dedicated group of professionals. I appreciate the work that they do each and every day. I feel truly blessed for the 36 year career that I have had between the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Altavista Police Department. I look forward to spending more time with my family and having time for hobbies that I enjoy. My last day as Sheriff will be at the end of my term on December 31, 2019. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Sheriff for the past 8 years. I appreciate all of the support and friendship I have received during my career.
Government shutdown also effecting researchers at Virginia Tech
Federal employees are not the only ones feeling the effects of the partial government shutdown. Researchers at Virginia Tech are also dealing with funding issues, as WLNI’s Ian Price reports:
The Friday Morning Richmond Roundup
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance photo
Chris Faraldi, Director of Government Relations for the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, breaks down the week with the General Assembly.
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