News for today's 2018

McDonnell: Homelessness down in Virginia

4:04 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWoxncR_C5Zbb9KU5DjquMW_QypjR-YLnXngijO-Cx6zf8ivWEfMvvTWW4xnt42z-dDgR0qxdeIRBd-L30CCiRI0C-sOT-wFtNgbJWqNbaOH3G-zsKFHKeSith4aqAJrl0KicKTedJ7lA/s1600/Virginia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWoxncR_C5Zbb9KU5DjquMW_QypjR-YLnXngijO-Cx6zf8ivWEfMvvTWW4xnt42z-dDgR0qxdeIRBd-L30CCiRI0C-sOT-wFtNgbJWqNbaOH3G-zsKFHKeSith4aqAJrl0KicKTedJ7lA/s320/Virginia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Good news and better news today from Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R) who announced that homelessless is down 17 percent in the Commonwealth, not just among the general population but also among military veterans. The Governor has made reducing homelessness a goal in his administration, and noted: <blockquote>“Preventing and ending homelessness is a significant component of our ongoing efforts to build a healthy and prosperous Commonwealth, and I am pleased that such positive progress has been made in reducing homelessness in Virginia. "A focus on this important effort, and shifting some resources from shelters to rapid re-housing, has led to more Virginians living in safe, stable homes. More Virginians today have a place to call home, and that is great news for them and for our entire Commonwealth. However, despite this tremendous progress, we still have much work to do, and that’s why our efforts to further reduce homelessness across Virginia will only increase moving forward. Our work will not be done until all Virginians have a home.”</blockquote>The Governor's Monday press release: <blockquote>Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that overall homelessness in the Commonwealth has declined 16 percent from 2010 to 2013 with a 17 percent decrease in family homelessness in the same period.  Of special note is the decrease in homeless veterans, where between 2012 and 2013 there was an 18 percent reduction in the number of veterans experiencing homelessness. The new numbers originate from annual point in time data collected by local Continuum of Care groups across Virginia in January each year and compiled by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Early in his administration, Governor McDonnell issued Executive Order 10 creating a housing policy framework, including policies to more effectively address the issue of homelessness. The resulting Homeless Outcomes Advisory Committee Report and Recommendations set the goal of reducing overall homelessness by 15 percent by 2013. The successful reduction of homelessness can be largely attributed to the shift in focusing resources to rapid re-housing, moving people into permanent housing more quickly while providing appropriate services through community resources. Senior Economic Advisor Bob Sledd and Dr. Bill Hazel, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, spearheaded the Homeless Outcomes Advisory Committee, which identified five primary goals to reach the targeted reduction in homelessness.  The collaborative efforts of many at the state and local levels and working through private and public agencies and organizations, including the National Alliance to End Homelessness, have provided the structure for this successful effort.  The reductions in homelessness have resulted from shifting some state resources from traditional shelter services to rapid re-housing. Additional resources were provided in the FY2013 budget for rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing with continued support in the FY 2014 budget.</blockquote>

McDonnell: Homelessness down in Virginia

Good news and better news today from Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R) who announced that homelessless is down 17 percent in the Commonwea...

Cranberry's in Staunton

8:40 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ2PbCI8crCTRh3kMflMQaf-5q-Kmd3_4UblsgMw-hviofKuIe87W6k7GYeQV9mHVjr4oiYjGC7SNH0aAjr0Y9Qnn3LeJyG5cojG1QSovQsy-_G26Z5AKbt9PXqf1eLjCOdJMcRyVcDTD/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ2PbCI8crCTRh3kMflMQaf-5q-Kmd3_4UblsgMw-hviofKuIe87W6k7GYeQV9mHVjr4oiYjGC7SNH0aAjr0Y9Qnn3LeJyG5cojG1QSovQsy-_G26Z5AKbt9PXqf1eLjCOdJMcRyVcDTD/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Outdoor seating at <a href="http://gocranberries.com/">Cranberry's</a> on downtown Staunton's New Street. Just a moment before, SWAC Niece and a friend were sitting at that table, enjoying lunch after a stroll around town on a rainy afternoon. Both were in last summer's Governor's School French Immersion Camp at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, and both have continued with their French studies. Their meeting today was a French immersion experience as they spoke, texted, and greeted shop owners only in French.</div> Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell June 18, 2013

Cranberry's dining in central Shenandoah Valley Historic Downtown Staunton Virginia Cranberry's in Staunton

Outdoor seating at Cranberry's on downtown Staunton's New Street. Just a moment before, SWAC Niece and a friend were sitting at tha...

Thunderstorm over Staunton

7:59 PM Tukiyooo 0

Shenandoah Valley Staunton Virginia Thunderstorm over Staunton

The sky darkened over Staunton, Virginia, Monday afternoon as storms rolled into the area. Heavy downpours lasted into the night, causing fl...

Tuesday is Primary Day in Virginia

4:38 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5H-RBXkYO2w18-QV8PLNABY5DgyBsRYjNCS_p5ISh7VhTQCbdOkjcH6e2uyZY0rHIXJ6mujJ15xE1-zeyiOjTJRaHdqisX-YE7DkWDQe9sc8XIxeJ_Q0rPDA0zNCEFPdzwSzW33RGjdI3/s1600/voting+booth+graphic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5H-RBXkYO2w18-QV8PLNABY5DgyBsRYjNCS_p5ISh7VhTQCbdOkjcH6e2uyZY0rHIXJ6mujJ15xE1-zeyiOjTJRaHdqisX-YE7DkWDQe9sc8XIxeJ_Q0rPDA0zNCEFPdzwSzW33RGjdI3/s1600/voting+booth+graphic.jpeg" /></a></div> Tuesday, June 11, 2013, is Primary Day in Virginia. Voting takes place at your regular polling place between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. <a href="http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/votinginperson.html">Identification will be required</a>, just as last year's November General Election. Changes to the law related to photo ID requirements to vote will not be effective until July 2014. For Democrats, Tuesday is the opportunity to vote for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General candidates. The gubernatorial choice is already in place -- Terry McAuliffe -- because no one stepped up to challenge him. That leaves two choices for lieutenant governor: State Senator Ralph Northam (D-6th Senate District) and Aneesh Chopra who is a techie guy out of the Obama administration. Also two choices for attorney general: State Senator Mark Herring (D-33rd Senate District), and former federal prosecutor Justin Fairfax. If you're a Republican, the Top Three candidates were chosen for you at the recent Republican Party of Virginia convention in Richmond: Ken Cuccinelli for Governor, E.W. Jackson for Lieutenant Governor, and Mark Obenshain for Attorney General. Republicans have <a href="http://electionresults.virginia.gov/resultsSW.aspx?type=HOD&map=CTY">eight contested House of Delegates races</a>: - 15th District: Incumbent Todd Gilbert versus Mark Prince - 16th District - Open Seat: Les Adams versus Ken Bowman - 28th District: Incumbent Speaker of the House Bill Howell versus Craig Ennis - 29th District: Incumbent Beverly Sherwood versus Mark Berg - 33rd District: Incumbent Joe May versus David LaRock - 54th District: Incumbent Bobby Orrock versus Dustin Curtis - 6th District: Jeffrey Campbell versus Jack Weaver - 85th District: Scott Taylor vs Gary Byler vs Jeremy Waters Democrats have <a href="http://electionresults.virginia.gov/resultsSW.aspx?type=HOD&map=CTY">three contested House of Delegates races</a>: - 63rd District: Evandra Thompson versus Rosalyn Dance - 86th District: Jennifer Boysko versus Herbert Kemp - 90th District: Rick James versus Algie Howell, Jr. For more information, check out the <a href="http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/votinginperson.html">State Board of Elections website</a>.

Attorney General candidates governor Lieutenant Governor Primary Virginia Tuesday is Primary Day in Virginia

Tuesday, June 11, 2013, is Primary Day in Virginia. Voting takes place at your regular polling place between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 7:00...

Severe weather warnings over most of Virginia

12:22 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-qtUtjJkCaOIrlJRNBq5ooQwBQwr6-CAsMrhbrwOt1ZVjnv2PQx78I3wI314Vrs98Oo6sWT-dX5tXBBGv3ctdZzJXxQrIA_Of8-LTZaT6wOqfRElNLUs9rkxsoacNWLbQHCQi2d1Poxl/s1600/Weather+map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-qtUtjJkCaOIrlJRNBq5ooQwBQwr6-CAsMrhbrwOt1ZVjnv2PQx78I3wI314Vrs98Oo6sWT-dX5tXBBGv3ctdZzJXxQrIA_Of8-LTZaT6wOqfRElNLUs9rkxsoacNWLbQHCQi2d1Poxl/s400/Weather+map.png" width="400" /></a></div> This weather map is from Richmond-based <a href="http://www.wtvr.com/weather">WTVR CBS-6</a> with a note from meteorologist Zach Daniel that he cannot remember ever seeing a single tornado watch cover this much of Virginias (areas in red). In the Shenandoah Valley, those areas include Augusta, Highland, Rockingham, Page, and Shenandoah until 10:00 p.m. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for thunderstorms to possibly become capable of producing tornadoes. Here is the latest information passed along by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SVFC14?fref=ts">Swoope Volunteer Fire Department</a> located in Augusta County west of Staunton: TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 293 NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK 200 PM EDT MON JUN 10 2013 TORNADO WATCH 293 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM EDT FOR OUR AREA 953 AM EDT MON JUN 10 2013   ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR ... * PORTIONS OF VIRGINIA AND NORTHEAST WEST VIRGINIA...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...INV IRGINIA...ALBEMARLE...AUGUSTA... CULPEPER...EASTERN HIGHLAND...GREENE...MADISON...NELSON... NORTHERN FAUQUIER ... ORANGE... PAGE ...RAPPAHANNOCK... ROCKINGHAM... SHENANDOAH... SOUTHERN FAUQUIER...  WARREN AND WESTERN HIGHLAND. IN NORTHEAST WEST VIRGINIA ... EASTERN PENDLETON AND WESTERN PENDLETON. * UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING * AFTER A SOAKING RAIN THIS MORNING...SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL PRODUCE HEAVY RAIN THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING.ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED. WITH THE GROUND ALREADY SATURATED FROM PREVIOUS RAINFALL ... IT WILL NOT TAKE MUCH RAIN TO PRODUCE FLASH FLOODING OF STREAMS AND LOW LYING AREAS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

flash flood watch severe weather Swoope Fire Department tornado watch Virginia Severe weather warnings over most of Virginia

This weather map is from Richmond-based WTVR CBS-6 with a note from meteorologist Zach Daniel that he cannot remember ever seeing a single ...

Rainy nights

7:50 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3da9jM5nPYv1wK6IJrBRHUX_T99FKV19K_ANxOl5u89ObNHOgYF6HvtWpcCpFfO7RJ9SbOxUbCl57QaVVEGnNZ0U5F4MdOu2FyfbJCsYDGO5MpJndHt0I9tptT6XMl6mkFeJyCVI2F5L/s1600/Rain+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3da9jM5nPYv1wK6IJrBRHUX_T99FKV19K_ANxOl5u89ObNHOgYF6HvtWpcCpFfO7RJ9SbOxUbCl57QaVVEGnNZ0U5F4MdOu2FyfbJCsYDGO5MpJndHt0I9tptT6XMl6mkFeJyCVI2F5L/s1600/Rain+1.jpg" /></a></div>Lightning streaks across the western sky as thunder rolls along the ridges of the Allegheny Mountains of Augusta County. Weather forecasters have issued flash flood warnings for up to three inches of rain through Monday afternoon as powerful storms roll through the area. The windows are open as the cool night air drifts in ... it will be a night to fall asleep to the sound of falling rain and the smell of freshly soaked dirt. It's raining in Augusta County....

Augusta County Virginia Rainy nights

Lightning streaks across the western sky as thunder rolls along the ridges of the Allegheny Mountains of Augusta County. Weather forecasters...

Garden flowers

6:57 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsq-MRz9j2wc4PdV6kPqwdkRwNxCfpocpAdg6NqC5z6JBCdpxF6x1_fpj4Z7RKFuIouDDIvoRn9K4hH1jLDXYj-hNYZuKwjjtCsQonh_qjLuyvkbH5o3hznlZ43rv26M9BLAZA1izKOSz/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsq-MRz9j2wc4PdV6kPqwdkRwNxCfpocpAdg6NqC5z6JBCdpxF6x1_fpj4Z7RKFuIouDDIvoRn9K4hH1jLDXYj-hNYZuKwjjtCsQonh_qjLuyvkbH5o3hznlZ43rv26M9BLAZA1izKOSz/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTJRRyp8ID1h5k9CJNYS5MaeYqwj679H-9fGj-RZpybmY9gXpog3BQA6_MImRoJgETEyFsjgkaBqhoc-7THOUknVV5V_6gSmdKPXHu2f2UUkt_Z_7kB9hJUVWD73LeQfBQePFoQ_cLZAK/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTJRRyp8ID1h5k9CJNYS5MaeYqwj679H-9fGj-RZpybmY9gXpog3BQA6_MImRoJgETEyFsjgkaBqhoc-7THOUknVV5V_6gSmdKPXHu2f2UUkt_Z_7kB9hJUVWD73LeQfBQePFoQ_cLZAK/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pNhDnybW4QtjH7JPA1ZPihgFLsKGGpaRKWu5DyZb9hb03iz_sMLfA_48zgdV-uVXoe0zKopiPuU91u4uKhIpaiIhd9ZRvArqNk2CkxRRbMx9Pp_QSWdexb06RROoyXVqR7XAKIZwu8o0/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pNhDnybW4QtjH7JPA1ZPihgFLsKGGpaRKWu5DyZb9hb03iz_sMLfA_48zgdV-uVXoe0zKopiPuU91u4uKhIpaiIhd9ZRvArqNk2CkxRRbMx9Pp_QSWdexb06RROoyXVqR7XAKIZwu8o0/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WGsHtBKqzO14WYczVomrSxy1aVP7aDFVFwxh5ZxrFrhZBuOH82Qc-hyD-ysozIudh-qpi08Mkx7OfC_SQuhum_XQXDMT9Wdgg0GHH8SXP_LRme3bpruyRLwgQnDZgrYLZxJnGLK69DA_/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WGsHtBKqzO14WYczVomrSxy1aVP7aDFVFwxh5ZxrFrhZBuOH82Qc-hyD-ysozIudh-qpi08Mkx7OfC_SQuhum_XQXDMT9Wdgg0GHH8SXP_LRme3bpruyRLwgQnDZgrYLZxJnGLK69DA_/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell June 5, 2013