Local News for Madison News

Man charged in concrete block attacks

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:59:00 EST

A Madison County man reportedly attacked and seriously injured two Madison County women Sunday, choking and kicking them, throwing them against a wall and beating them with a concrete landscape block, authorities say. The man, David F. Campbell, 45, of Poorhouse Road was arrested and charged with aggravated malicious wounding, simple assault and destruction of property, according to a Madison County Sheriff’s Office news release

Some zoning fees up five-fold

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:49:00 EST

If you’re thinking about rezoning your property – think again. As of July 1, it now costs Madison County property owners at least $2,000 to rezone a piece of land – five times greater than the county’s previous $400 flat rate fee.

Officials OK $37.7 million budget

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:28:00 EST

Later this year, most Madison County residents will be forced to fork over more money to cover their tax bills. The board of supervisors recently approved a 10 percent increase of the equalized real estate rate – bringing it to 44 cents per $100 of assessed value.

MC hosts Living Towns workshop

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:04:00 EST

In terms of zoning and planning in Madison County – “density” is usually frowned upon. But increasing the number of homes and businesses in certain areas can be a good thing for a community, according to some of those who spoke at the 2008 Living Towns Planning Workshop, which took place in Madison last week.

MCHS-WMS revamp mulled

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:57:00 EST

Madison high school and middle school students may present plays and perform music in a brand new auditorium in the near future. That’s just one idea school officials are looking at as part of possible plans to improve the Madison County High School-Wetsel Middle School complex.

Gun range to re-open July 1

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:18:00 EST

Madison County’s shooting range will re-open to local law enforcement officers July 1. The supervisors recently approved a temporary policy – that expires Dec. 31 – which will cut back the range’s hours and the number of days it can be used each month.

Aroda man: Twister hit

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:10:00 EST

At about 3:40 p.m. on June 16, Aroda resident Ken Angus was sitting in a rocking chair on his porch when he saw a disturbing sight. High winds blew by bending a large maple tree in his front yard sideways and forcing rain to fall horizontally, he said. “It was like a wall of rain,” Angus recalled of the June 16 storm, which ripped through his Elly Road property.

Citizens to county: Spend less

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:46:00 EST

With most Madison County taxpayers’ everyday expenses increasing, residents are pleading for county officials to cut spending during the coming fiscal year. Officials hosted a second – and final – public hearing June 16 regarding the proposed 2008-2009 budget, which totals $37.9 million and includes a 12.5 percent increase of the equalized real estate tax rate – bringing it to 45 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Supervisors OK new cell towers

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:33:01 EST

Two new 199-foot tall “monopole” cell towers will soon be up in Shelby and Radiant. At a June 4 meeting, the Madison County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1, with Supervisor Bob Miller casting the lone no vote, to approve two special use permits allowing the construction of these new towers, according to officials.

Schools slim budget request

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Earlier this week, the school board approved yet another revised budget – its third revision this year – which includes the same amount of county money as it received during the 2007-2008 fiscal year. In order to offset decreases in state and federal funding and increases in fuel and electricity costs, officials eliminated a proposed average salary raise of five percent for all employees.

MCHS to graduate 140 seniors

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:13:00 EST

It’s a mix of bittersweet emotion in the halls of Madison County High School as seniors prepare to don their caps and gowns. The 2008 high school graduation ceremony – which is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 7 in the Wetsel Middle School gym – will honor approximately 140 graduating seniors, according to MCHS Principal Mike Sisler.

Likely county tax hikes loom

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:02:00 EST

Madison County residents will likely face increases to most county tax rates and fees later this year. The proposed $37.9 million budget contains a 12.5 percent increase of the equalized real estate tax rate – bringing it to 45 cents per $100 of assessed value. Officials estimate the rate and fee increases will provide the county an additional $1.78 million for the 2008-2009 fiscal year – including an additional $195,500 to support Madison County Public Schools.

County to scrap auto decals

Thu, 29 May 2008 16:41:00 EST

Next spring, Madison County drivers will scrape off county auto decals from their car windows for the last time. Officials recently announced that they will stop using the county stickers this coming year.

Ten MC cell tower projects eyed

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:11:00 EST

Wireless service providers are continuing to try and increase their offerings in Madison County. Multiple residents have submitted a total of 10 special use permit applications in order to erect antennas and poles to provide wireless cell service in the area. Officials will consider these applications at the Madison County Board of Supervisors-Madison County Planning Commission joint meeting set for 7:30 p.m. June 4 in the auditorium of the County Administration Center.

Brightwood’s Purdum’s info quest wins top award

Fri, 23 May 2008 15:22:00 EST

Brightwood resident Leigh Purdum is this year’s recipient of Virginia Coalition for Open Government’s Laurence E. Richardson award for individual citizen contributions to open government. The award honors the memory of a longtime Charlottesville broadcaster and VCOG founding director. Purdum, a former part-time Madison County Sheriff’s Office public information officer, won a landmark court decision against Madison County Sheriff Eric J. Weaver for willfully violating the state’s Freedom of Information Act, imposing a $250 fine and court fees. The decision possibly represents the first finding by a Virginia district court that a public official willfully violated FOIA.

County shooting range may re-open

Thu, 22 May 2008 17:28:00 EST

Officials propose to re-open the county’s shooting range and shrink its usage. The range was shut down in June 2007 reportedly due to a noise complaint from a nearby property owner. Following the complaint, the zoning administrator and county attorney looked into the allowed usage of the county-owned property off Route 662 (Shelby Road) where the shooting range is located. Officials determined that the county’s zoning ordinance requires the supervisors to apply and be granted a special use permit in order to operate the range on a portion of the 240-acre agriculturally zoned site.

Less MC road work funds available

Thu, 22 May 2008 17:16:00 EST

Madison County road fix-ups have hit a pothole – there’s less money than expected for road paving and widening this year. Virginia Department of Transportation officials recently changed the county’s six-year plan so it only lists projects that are set to receive money during the coming fiscal year. The change resulted in three road projects being cut from the roadwork priority list, leaving seven projects set to receive some money this year.

Officials face off on budget

Thu, 22 May 2008 10:24:00 EST

UPDATE

Madison County supervisors and school officials argued May 20 about the trust issues and communication problems between the two groups that have “gridlocked” this year’s budget process.

Plug pulled on summer school

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:53:00 EST

Most summer school students will be forced to make other plans this year. Due to decreases in state and federal money and rising costs, Madison County school officials announced Monday that they are cutting back summer school, usually open to children in kindergarten through 12th grade during the month of July.

MC supervisors nix funding appeal

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:47:00 EST

The Madison County Board of Supervisors voted May 13 to deny a request to pay for Sheriff Erik Weaver’s appeal of a lower court ruling that he willfully violated Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act. The appeal, which had been set to go to trial late last month, was postponed to first decide if the county must pay the sheriff’s attorney fees – to the tune of $250 per hour. Earlier this month, Harrisonburg attorney Mark Obenshain, representing the sheriff, sent the board of supervisors a formal request that the county agree to pay for Weaver’s “retention of counsel to defend the [Freedom of Information Act] action asserted against him by [Brightwood resident Leigh Purdum].”

Citizens sound-off on MC budget

Thu, 08 May 2008 10:46:00 EST

Madison County residents blasted officials at a May 6 meeting for proposing a budget they say includes “flawed priorities.” A standing-room only crowd filled the County Administration Center for close to two hours while the board of supervisors listened to more than 40 local residents sound-off on the proposed 2008-2009 fiscal year budget.

Mayor, all four town councilors re-elected

Tue, 06 May 2008 22:59:00 EST

BREAKING NEWS
Town voters swept Madison Mayor Willie Lamar to a third four-year term Tuesday. The Church Street resident and Madison Drug Company pharmacist fended off a challenge by South Main Street resident Zane Byram, owner of Byram’s Automotive Works Inc. Lamar defeated Byram in the May 6 election by a seven-vote margin, 38-31.

MCSO: Man kills wife, self

Sun, 04 May 2008 15:57:00 EST

UPDATE
Authorities are working to establish a timeline leading up to Madison County shootings that left a couple dead. A preliminary report released earlier this week confirmed that Manuel Paul Nicholson Jr., 35, of Madison County, died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the upper torso. He was found dead in the garage of his Ridgeview Road home shortly after 10 p.m. May 2, according to Madison County Sheriff Erik Weaver. His wife, Cynthia D. Nicholson, 34, was also found dead at the home with a gunshot wound to her upper torso.

Taxpayers may fund sheriff’s appeal

Thu, 01 May 2008 16:16:00 EST

Taxpayers may have to foot the bill for Madison County Sheriff Erik Weaver’s appeal of a lower court ruling that he willfully violated Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act. The appeal had been set to go to trial this week, but a judge postponed it Monday to first decide if the county must pay the sheriff’s attorney fees – to the tune of $250 per hour.

Ex-MC school bus driver convicted on sex charges

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:03:00 EST

After about 90 minutes of deliberation April 30, an Albemarle County jury found Oscar Robert Lemen guilty of both forcible sodomy and object penetration. The jury suggested the Madison County man spend 35 years in prison—15 on the sodomy count and 20 on the penetration charge. Lemen was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs after his bond was revoked.

Rt. 600 re-opens after rockslide

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:13:00 EST

UPDATE
Huge boulder cleared Wednesday, major Syria artery now open for travel.

Old Rag lot input sought

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:19:00 EST

Proposed plans to build a new parking lot in Nethers to serve one of the state’s most popular hiking spots are moving forward. Citizens are invited to comment on a recently completed study regarding how nearby residents, wildlife and waterways will be affected by the construction of a new parking area to serve Old Rag Mountain hikers. A meeting to gather comments from the community about the lot’s effects on its surrounding environment is set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 25 at the Belle Meade Schoolhouse located at 353 F.T. Valley Road in Rappahannock County just past Etlan.

Plug pulled on partial paving

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:45:00 EST

Residents of Wright’s Lane (Route 700) in Radiant say they have been waiting for improvements to their unpaved, curvy road for years. Some of the road’s homeowners were elated when they saw Virginia Department of Transportation workers preparing recently to begin the long awaited road improvement project, according to Wright’s Lane resident Brenda Ryder. But their joy was shortlived—they soon discovered that the tar and gravel was only going on a section near new homes.

Return of Yoder’s Lassie bittersweet

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:34:00 EST

Lassie, the longtime “greeter dog” at Yoder’s Country Market in Pratts that went missing in January was found — but died a few days later. A woman who runs a rescue dog operation and who is a friend of the Yoders found Lassie tied to a gate outside her Rappahannock County home on April 1 – April Fools Day – Michael Yoder said.

Foes of MC cuts, taxes blast board

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:04:01 EST

Community representatives blasted both proposed budget cuts and possible tax increases at the supervisors meeting April 7. The board was met with criticism regarding the proposed 2008-2009 budget, including a proposal to “flat line” funding for Madison County Public Schools.

Where will MC schools cut costs?

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:59:00 EST

Budget cuts may force officials to slash summer school. In addition, students in after-school programs – such as sports, band and clubs – may see less money next school year to support their hobbies. April 14 the Madison County School Board discussed a laundry list of items that may be cut back if the board of supervisors “flat line” the school system’s 2008-2009 fiscal year budget.

Jenkins crowned Miss Madison

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:42:00 EST

The crowning of Ashlyn Jenkins as 2008 Miss Madison highlighted the April 12 Miss Madison Scholarship Pageant at Madison County High School.

Shelby shooting range may re-open

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:14:00 EST

Officials are considering re-opening the Madison County Sheriff’s Office shooting range after it was closed this past year due to a noise complaint.
The range, which had been in use since the mid-1980s, is located on a portion of county-owned land off Route 662 (Shelby Road), also home to the county transfer station and its animal shelter.

Fire displaces Rochelle family

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:59:00 EST

UPDATE

Firefighters arriving on the scene of blaze Thursday at 170 Shiffletts Corner Lane in Rochelle found the home there engulfed in flames.

Group of deputies plead for more money

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:27:00 EST

Twenty Madison County Sheriff’s Office employees filled the county auditorium Tuesday requesting the supervisors higher their salaries. Sheriff Erik Weaver told officials mid-year salary increases would help him retain his current staff and would be covered by money leftover in his budget due to recent vacancies.

Firefighter chaplain receives Clore Award

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:07:00 EST

Hunter Weaver, the longtime chaplain of the Madison County Volunteer Fire Company, received its prestigious James O. Clore Award Saturday. Citing Weaver’s skill inspiring others, MCVFC President Robert “Radar” Finks presented the award at the company’s 52nd annual banquet, which was March 22 at the Madison fire hall.

Duo face forcible sodomy charges

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:48:00 EST

Two men were arrested in Madison County recently on sex charges in unrelated cases. Fifty-six-year-old Wolftown resident Donald Wayne Merritt was arrested March 4 in connection with a forcible sodomy charge, according to a Madison County Sheriff’s Office news release. In an unrelated incident, 29-year-old Jason A. Dyer, who authorities say is originally from Madison County although he has no fixed address, was arrested March 23 on a forcible sodomy charge, according to Weaver.

County shaves budget proposals

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:15:00 EST

County officials have proposed to “flat line” the school board’s budget. This proposal would keep local funds to support the schools’ 2008-2009 budget the same as the current one, rather than accepting its requested 13.7 percent increase.

MC man killed in Haywood crash

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:05:00 EST

A Madison County man died after his truck slammed into a three-foot-wide oak along the 1500 block of West Hoover Road (Route 609) in Haywood March 29. The man, Robert Lee Jenkins, 50, died at the scene, Virginia State Police Sgt. F.L. Tyler reported.

Popular Syria fishing event gets new name, date

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:24:00 EST

Graves Mountain Lodge’s annual Kids Day fishing event has undergone a makeover. Besides being pushed forward a few weeks, the yearly Syria trout-fishing affair has been expanded to include a variety of educational offerings for the whole family.

Site quirks send athletic complex costs soaring

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:20:00 EST

The Hoover Ridge athletic field complex project has stretched about 10 percent over its original price, according to officials. Since this past December, the Madison County Board of Supervisors has approved a total of about $77,000 of additional money toward the $772,000 project to construct 11 athletic fields on a section of the 182-acre county-owned site behind Madison Primary School.

MC to consider noise ordinance

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:35:00 EST

Madison County officials are considering a noise ordinance for small home businesses. A public hearing to discuss this proposed change to the county’s zoning ordinance, and two other suggested amendments, is set for Wednesday, April 2.

MCHS Forensics Team Continues Winning Ways

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:05:00 EST

Death, spiders and blood all fall behind public speaking as the country’s No. 1 fear, according to national surveys.

Where Will Madison Get Money For New Budget?

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:03:00 EST

Proposed county spending for the coming fiscal year is $6 million more than Madison County’s estimated 2008-2009 income.

Proposed 170-Unit Apartments Draw Fire

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:48:00 EST

A dozen Madison County residents spoke out March 11 against the construction of an apartment complex near downtown Madison, a project officials say is unlikely to happen.

Project To Extend Sidewalks Moves Forward

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:22:00 EST

Local officials recently agreed to pay a total of $65,000 in matching funds required for an additional Main Street streetscapes grant. However, some county and town representatives question whether this is enough money to receive the federal enhancement grant, which would expand sidewalk improvements on Main Street in downtown Madison.

Glitch Prints Dog Tag Info On Car Decal Notices

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:21:01 EST

Some Madison County residents may have received some funny looking car decal notices this year, according to officials.

Mayor, Councilors Will Face Opposition

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:19:01 EST

Town voters will have a choice when they head to the polls in May. Qualifying in the Madison mayoral and town council races closed last week, but not before two new challengers emerged to take on the incumbents.

Pollution In Hughes River A Concern

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:24:00 EST

Area officials hope to restore a three-and-a-half mile section of the Hughes River—which they say is polluted—by creating a pollution reduction plan for residents of the stream’s watershed, including those living in the Nethers and Etlan areas.

County Plans Web Site Improvement

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:24:00 EST

Officials plan to bring some “depth” to Madison County government’s Web site. The county has hired a Web developer to make the site user-friendly for both staff and county residents.

Extended Sidewalks Coming?

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:23:00 EST

A $350,000 grant may stretch sidewalk improvements farther south down Main Street, as long as local officials find a way to finance approximately $87,000 needed in local matching funds.