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01:44pm EST, 02/04/12

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Virginia's Wine Industry Grows More Profitable

(Metro) Virginia's wine industry is growing again. Governor Bob McDonnell's office said yesterday that Virginia wine sold a record five-point-five-million bottles last year, an increase of 11-percent over 2010. The governor's office added that the wine industry has increased its impact on the Virginia economy to 750-million-dollars a year, doubling its contribution from 2005 to 2010. The state will play host to one of the wine industry's largest trade shows, Wineries Unlimited, this coming March.

New Dominion Power Plant Approved By SCC

(Metro)The State Corporation Commission is giving Dominion Power the go ahead to build a new electrical power station in Warren County. The SCC announced yesterday that the company could proceed with the one-point-one-billion-dollar project near Front Royal. The commission also announced approval of a fee to pay for the plant which will be added to Dominion Power bills beginning April 1st. The natural gas-fired plant is expected to begin power generation in 2014.

FEMA Awards Funding To Rebuild Louisa Elementary School

(Metro) FEMA is awarding three-point-two-million-dollars in disaster assistance to Louisa County to help rebuild Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, which was badly damaged in last August's earthquake. The total cost of replacing the school is estimated at 13-point-seven-million-dollars, but nine-point-four-million of that amount is covered by insurance. FEMA will pay three-quarters of the rest of the needed funding.

VA Senate Postpones Final Gun Limit Vote Until Monday

(Metro) The Virginia Senate has postponed a final vote on a measure that would repeal the state's limit on purchasing only one gun per-month. According to the "Washington Post" the action was taken to give two senators who were absent Friday, a chance to vote on the bill this Monday. In the past, similar measures to remove the gun limit passed in the Republican-led House, but died in Senate committees which were controlled by Democrats and more moderate Republicans.

Virginia House Passes Bill Allowing Primary Write-In Votes

(Metro) Responding to this year's controversy in the Virginia Republican presidential primary, the Virginia House of Delegates is giving preliminary approval to a bill which would allow voters to write in names on the ballot. On March 6th, voters will only have a choice of Mitt Romney or Ron Paul because the other candidates failed to produce enough valid signatures and write-in votes are not permitted. A final vote on the measure is expected today and then the measure will head to the state Senate. The bill also moves the primary date for federal offices to the date of the presidential primary in presidential election years.

Dispute Over Voter Identification Bill Stirs Rancor, Accusations of Racism

(Metro) A bill seeking to prevent voter fraud at the polls is raising accusations of racism at the Capitol. A rally held on the lawn of the statehouse Tuesday morning accused the Republican majority in the House of Delegates of trying to return the state to the poll tax era. The bill requires voters to show identification at the polls or have their vote set aside as provisional and not counted until their identity is verified. The bill easily passed a first vote yesterday and is also expected to pass during a final vote today.

McDonnell Announced Offshore Wind Energy Progress

(Metro) Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell says his state is one step closer to producing wind energy off its coast. The governor announced yesterday that the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has begun the process of leasing locations where wind power could be harnassed. Developers have 45 days to respond to the call. McDonnell says developing offshore wind resources is part of his plan to make Virginia the "Energy Capital of the East Coast."

Virginia House Passes Anti-Abortion Bill Affecting Poor

(Metro) Legislation which would deny low-income women any state money if they seek certain kinds of abortions is moving to the full Virginia House of Delegates. The House is expected today to pass the bill which repeals a law funding abortions for the poor in cases in which the unborn child is expected to have "gross and totally incapacitating physical deformity or mental deficiency." Meanwhile, a state Senate committee today failed to advance a measure which would have banned abortions for women whose pregnancy exceeds 20 weeks.

Interior Secretary Announces Grant For Richmond Civil War Park

(Metro) Richmond's Civil War identity is getting a shot in the arm thanks to a large federal grant. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced yesterday that the Richmond National Battlefield Park is getting a four-million dollar grant from the U.S. Land and Water Conservation Fund. The money will be used to add 300 acres of land at Glendale National Cemetery. The new acquisition will bring the park's total landholdings to just over 26-hundred acres.

Moran Calls On Komen To Reverse Planned Parenthood Decision

(Metro) Virginia U.S. Congressman Jim Moran says the Susan G. Komen Foundation's decision to pull funding for Planned Parenthood is deeply troubling. He says as an organization dedicated to eradicating breast cancer, it's hard to understand how eliminating funding for preventive screenings is in anyone's best interest. The Democrat is calling on the Foundation to reverse its decision and "not let politics interfere with protecting women's health."

Richmond, Statewide Unemployment Rises In December

(Metro) Richmond's unemployment rate is up just a bit according to the latest state figures. The city's jobless rate from November to December increased point-three-percent as more people entered the workforce pursuing seasonal jobs. The Virginia Employment Commission says the December rate of six-point-eight percent was down point-four-percent from the same month last year. The city had the ninth-lowest unemployment rate of the nation's 49 largest metro regions for the month.

Dry, Warm Conditions Underlie Start Of Spring Fire Season

(Metro) Virginia forestry officials are worried. The spring fire season is almost here and the recent dry, warm weather could spell bad news as officials start to look for wildfires across the state. Officials are urging all residents to heed the state's burn law, which enforces an outdoor burning ban before 4 p.m. each day. Forestry officials say more than 40-percent of the state's eleven-hundred wildfires last year were caused by burning trash or debris outside.

Virginia Governor McDonnell Ranks Second For GOP VP Choice

(Metro) The political publication, "Hotline," ranks Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell as the second most likely choice to become the Republican vice presidential nominee this fall. Hotline points to the importance of Virginia's electoral votes, McDonnell's 62-percent approval rating and his high profile as leader of the Republican Governors Association. Florida Senator Marco Rubio is the top choice.

Bill Requiring Ultrasound Before Abortion Approved By Virginia Senate

(Metro) A bill requiring women seeking abortions to first undergo an ultrasound has the approval of the Virginia state Senate. The House of Delegates is expected to quickly follow the Senate's lead and Governor Bob McDonnell has promised to sign the measure into law. It would go into effect July 1st. Right now, women planning to have an abortion in Virginia can consider an ultrasound, but it is not necessary.

Virginia's Unusually Good Whale Watching Season

(Metro) It's been an unusually warm winter in Virginia and that's making for an unusually good whale watching season. The warmer water temperatures are keeping bait fish from swimming south and that's attracting more whales of the Virginia coast. More than 30 whales have reportedly been spotted this season, which is at least five times the norm.

Virginia Congressman Pushes For Offshore Drilling

(Metro) U.S. Representative Scott Rigell is responding to President Obama's call for an increase in domestic energy production. The Virginia Beach Congressman will introduce legislation that paves the way for oil and gas drilling 50 miles off the coast of Virginia. The plan has support from Governor Bob McDonnell and several other Virginia lawmakers eager to create jobs in the state.

Universities Try To Block Limit On Tuition For Aid

(Metro) University officials are trying to block a law that restricts how much tuition money they can use for financial aid. They say funds from tuition and fees are their largest source for aid to students from middle income families. A representative from Virginia's Council of Higher Education says student need is on the rise because of the economy.

Louisa County Students Return To Normal Schedule

(Metro) Louisa County students are going back to a normal schedule finally after earthquakes rattled their schools five months ago. High school and middle school students have been sharing the area's middle school, while elementary students have been using mobile classrooms. Many students will still attend class in trailers for possibly four more years. Officials aren't yet sure whether to fix or rebuild the high school.

Civil War Center Plans "Richmond On Fire"

(Metro) An interactive project giving visitors the experience of Richmond's explosive final days of the Civil War is close to fruition. The American Civil War Center expects to reach an eight-million dollar fundraising goal for the center at Historic Tredegar to complete the planned 100-seat theater, and make other improvements. Representatives say the million-dollar interactive production tentatively called "Richmond on Fire" will involve all the senses.

Child Protection Advocates Fear Cuts

(Metro) Child protection advocates say Governor Bob McDonnell's plan to cut a million dollars from child abuse centers will cripple their ability to provide help. Representatives from Richmond's Child Advocacy Center say Virginia's centers help more than 37-hundred victims a year. They say cutting funding will have a trickledown effect because the centers provide investigative assistance into alleged abuse, as well as therapy and counseling.

2 Billion Settlement Reached On Disability Services

(Metro) A federal lawsuit against Virginia is forcing the state to close four of five of its facilities for mentally challenged people. It's part of an estimated two-billion dollar settlement with the Justice Department which issued a damaging report last year finding hundreds of mentally and physically disabled people languished in state facilities while waiting for services. The state is now required to provide community-based services, which civil rights advocates say will bring the state in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act and be more cost effective. Federal funds are expected to account for close to half the settlement.

U.S. Home Births At Highest Level On Record

(Metro) Home births in the U.S. are at their highest level on record, after increasing 29-percent from 2004 to 2009. The National Center for Health Statistics reports Montana had the highest percentage of home births, two-point-nine percent, followed by Oregon and Vermont. The authors of the report write, "Women may prefer a home birth over a hospital birth for a variety of reasons, including a desire for a low-intervention birth in a familiar environment."

Senate Committee Supports One Gun A Month Law Repeal

(Metro) A Senate panel is giving its blessing to a repeal of the one gun per month law. The Senate Courts of Justice Committee has okayed a measure that would do away with the state's one gun a month restriction on purchases of handguns. Republican control of the State Senate is expected to result in more gun rights legislation coming out of the Courts committee.

Virginia Senate Approves Sunday Hunting

(Metro) A bill permitting Sunday hunting on private land in Virginia has the strong approval of the state Senate. The vote was 29-to-11. An amendment was added to prohibit hunting within 250 yards of a house of worship. The bill, which is seen by supporters as a benefit to the economy, now goes on to the House of Delegates.

Repeal Of Kings Dominion Law Fails

(Metro) A Virginia Senate committee is rejecting a proposal to repeal the so-called "Kings Dominion" law. The law requires that school districts cannot open after Labor Day unless they can justify receiving a waiver. Most Northern Virginia schools open after Labor Day because of the law which is meant to protect the tourism industry. The effective vote against repeal in the Senate Committee on Education and Health was 9-to-6.

Virginia Senate Committee Passes Requiring Ultrasounds Before Abortion

(Metro) A bill which requires women to undergo an ultrasound before having an abortion is on its way to the full Virginia state Senate after it was passed yesterday by a committee. All eight Republicans on the Education and Health panel voted yes while all seven Democrats voted no. When Democrats controlled the Senate, they consistently voted down such legislation. Under current law, women in Virginia seeking an abortion can elect to have an ultrasound, but the procedure is not required.

Virginia Reaches Agreement With Justice Department on Developmental Disability S

(Metro) Virginia has a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the state's intellectual and developmental disability system. Federal officials had concluded that Virginia was not providing services properly and it had a flawed discharge process at training centers. Four of those centers, including those in Lynchburg and Hillsville, will close as part of the settlement. Several-thousand people in training centers will go through a transition process which will place them back in their own homes, their families' homes or in group homes.

Gun Restriction Repeal Gets Senate Support

(Metro) A state Senate committee is backing what could be one of the biggest changes to Virginia gun laws in years. The proposal eliminates the state's one-gun-a-month restriction on hand gun purchases. Governor Bob McDonnell has mentioned he's leaning toward supporting the bill, while opponents say repealing the law would undermine efforts to control weapons trafficking.

Governor McDonnell Hits Trail With Romney

(Metro) Governor McDonnell is hitting the campaign trail again this weekend to rally support for Mitt Romney. The Governor is scheduled to speak with Romney at a rally for veterans in Florida, where the GOP presidential candidate faces a tough fight with Newt Gingrich. McDonnell is considered a contender for vice president.

Sunday Hunting Measure Moving Ahead In Legislature

(Metro) A measure to permit hunting on Sundays in Virginia is taking the next step toward passage. Senate Bill 464 cleared a key hurdle Wednesday and is poised to pass in the Senate today. The bill was sponsored by Senator Ralph Northam of Norfolk. It would lift the ban on Sunday hunting to permit tracking down game on private land.

Senate Committee Takes Up Gun Measures

(Metro) Armed with its majority status, a Republican Party-led panel is taking up gun measures with the goal of pleasing gun rights activists. Bills being looked at in the Senate Courts of Justice Committee are ones which would dramatically ease laws regulating the carrying, purchase and permitting of firearms in the state. Among them is one which would repeal the state law limiting handgun purchases to one a month, one which allows homeowners to use deadly force against an intruder without incurring civil liability, and one which would allow holders of concealed weapon permits to carry guns on college campuses. The latter is sure to have the full attention of Virginia Tech University, where two deadly incidents have grabbed nationwide attention.

Two Legislators Reach Across Aisle, Agreeing On Tax Credit Sunset

(Metro) A Democrat and a Republican in the state legislature are agreeing it's time to put limits on Virginia tax credits. Democratic Delegate David Englin and Republican Delegate Benjamin Cline are in agreement on Englin's proposed measure to put five-year limits on any new or expanded tax credits or loopholes. Englin's House measure and one proposed by Cline share the same goal. Cline's measure would have the same five-year sunset provision and would require the state tax commissioner to report the estimated revenue loss of each state tax credit due to expire within the next couple of years.

Proposed Legislation Addresses Pensions For Teachers, Local Government Workers

(Metro) A new measure introduced in the state Senate would have all public school teachers and local government workers contributing five percent of their pay toward their retirement plan. The idea behind the measure is to assist school divisions in paying for big increases in pension contributions for teachers, which are required under the budget proposed by Governor Bob McDonnell.

House Dems Concerned About Cuts To Health Programs

(Metro) Democrats in Virginia's House of Delegates are expressing concern about the budget cuts to health programs in Governor Bob McDonnell's budget. Democrats say that McDonnell's proposal to cut more than five million dollars, nearly half of the total amount of funding that comes from the state, is too much and will be crippling to many clinics around Virginia that can provide health care at a reduced cost to low income residents because of funding from the state. A spokesman for Democrats in the House says the cuts may have also given some Republicans a bit of pause, since many of these clinics are in some of Virginia's more rural areas. House Democrats say they're working to restore funding for these services.

Virginia Lawmaker: Legalize Marijuana Sales At State's Liquor Stores

(Metro) A Virginia lawmaker says the state should look into legalizing marijuana sales at state-owned liquor stores. Alexandria Delegate David Englin says safe, regulated pot sales could fund core services like public safety and education. The Democrat adds that prohibition benefits only criminals. Speaker of the Republican-controlled House, Bill Howell, says, while we're at it, why not legalize prostitution? Howell says there are a lot of ways to raise revenue, but it doesn't mean the state should. Englin says he just wants to start a rational conversation based on science and economics.

Virginia Failing In Tobacco Protection

(Metro) Virginia is doing a bad job of protecting kids from the dangers of tobacco. A new report by the American Lung Association says Virginia and most other states are failing, despite improvements by the federal government to help prevent tobacco-related disease. Virginia received an "F," as did West Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina.

Change To Autism Legislation Moving Through House

(Metro) The House will be passing a measure fixing a problem with the autism insurance mandate approved last year. The legislation gives the Board of Medicine the power it needs to create licensing regulations for behavioral analysts who treat kids with autism spectrum disorder. The bill being passed is under the category of emergency legislation, meaning it would take effect immediately after being signed by the governor.

Students To Learn How To Navigate In The Digital World

(Metro) The state is entering into a partnership aimed at teaching students about the digital world. A course for eighth and ninth graders called "My Digital Life" will hit on topics including cyber-bullying, privacy and digital relationships. Northern Virginia-based Neustar will bring the online program to classrooms across the state at no cost to Virginia or school divisions.

Governor Says Uranium Study Needs More Time

(Metro) Governor Bob McDonnell says a ban on uranium mining needs to stay in place so experts can take more time to look at a study on the issue. The governor says taking no action on mining during the legislative session which ends in early march would allow time for "a comprehensive and on-site study of the issue" to be completed by a state created workgroup. Virginia Uranium is looking to mine a deposit about 145 miles from Richmond. A ban on uranium mining has been in place for years.

Senate Committee Supports Texting While Driving Crackdown

(Metro) A Senate panel stands behind a proposed crackdown on texting while driving. Texting while behind the wheel is illegal in Virginia but a bill passed by a Senate committee would give police the ability to pull over a driver for doing so. The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a measure which would make texting while driving a primary offense. At the present time it is a secondary offense, meaning police must have cause to pull over or arrest a driver for another violation in order to issue a citation for texting.

Virginia Senate Passes Congressional Redistricting Plan

(Metro) It's on to the governor's desk, where Bob McDonnell is expected to sign into law a new congressional redistricting plan passed in the state Senate. The Friday vote was 20-19 with one Democrat absent. The plan must still be looked over by the Department of Justice to make sure it complies with the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which ensures that African-Americans are fairly represented in Congress. Democrats have filed suit against the Republican-backed plan.

VA Governor Proposes Naming Rights For Road Funds

(Metro) Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is suggesting naming rights as a source of transportation money. The proposal would allow names on state's bridges, highways, interchanges and other infrastructure for an annual fee. The money would then go to the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund. The governor's plan also authorizes the creation of a Virginia Toll Road Authority to construct, maintain and operate toll road facilities. The General Assembly must pass the proposals before they would take effect.

McDonnell Officially Endorses Romney For President

(Metro) Republican Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is endorsing former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for his party's presidential nomination. McDonnell says there's a lack of leadership in Washington combined with budgets in deficit and "crushing debt." The governor, who some believe could be a vice presidential candidate, says the next occupant of the White House should be a "results-oriented conservative and executive. And that's Mitt Romney." The endorsement comes just ahead of today's South Carolina primary.

Poll Shows Support For Amazon.com Charging Sales Tax

(Metro) A new poll indicates a majority of Virginians believe Amazon.com should pay state sales taxes on purchases made by residents in the state. According to the poll commissioned by the Virginia Alliance for Main Street Fairness, 59 percent of those polled believe Amazon should start collecting the state's sales tax as a requirement for opening a pair of new distribution centers in the Richmond area.

Rail Service From Richmond To Norfolk To Get On Track End Of Year

(Metro) New train service between Richmond and Norfolk is expected to be ready by the end of the new year. The train operated by Amtrak will make stops in Petersburg, Staples Mill station in Richmond and Ashland before heading to Washington and beyond to the Northeast Corridor to New York and Boston. Virginia transportation officials are hoping to expand the service to three trains daily before long.

Southside Groups Push Legislature To Keep Ban On Uranium Mining

(Metro) The Virginia General Assembly is being asked to keep the state's 30-year ban on uranium mining, at least for the time being. Two groups representing business and community leaders in Southside Virginia are pushing the legislature to retain the ban. The Virginia Coalition and the Alliance for Progress in Southern Virginia held a news conference yesterday. Virginia Uranium wants to mine and mill uranium in Pittsylvania County, approximately 145-miles from Richmond.

Virginia Governor Backs Romney

(Metro) Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is endorsing Mitt Romney's run for the White House. McDonnell will make his endorsement official in South Carolina today, where he'll campaign with the former Massachusetts governor ahead of tomorrow's primary election. McDonnell will join Romney at rallies in Charleston and Greenville today.

Virginia State Police "Down" For Five Hours

(Metro) A computer outage cripples the Virginia State Police for five hours on Thursday evening. Virginia Information Technologies runs the system and said it was mostly back on line by about 6:30 Eastern time. During the outage, troopers did not have access to information including wanted and missing persons, sex offenders, stolen vehicles and protective orders. It was the latest in a series of periodic outages that have prompted criticism of the agency from lawmakers and legislative review boards.

VA Pump Prices, No Let Up

(Metro) Triple-A says gas prices continue to rise in Virginia and nationwide. One reason is Iran's threat to block a key supply route, the Strait of Hormuz. The Auto Club says the national average. three-dollars-39 cents, is up four cents in the past week and up eleven cents since January 1st. The state average for unleaded is three-31 and, in Roanoke, three-29. This time last year drivers across the state were paying about three bucks.

Science Museum Exhibit On the Nature Of Race Coming This Month

(Metro) The Science Museum of Virginia will be exploring the nature of race in a new exhibit. The exhibit opens January 28th with the title, "Race: Are We So Different?" It looks at race from historical, cultural and biological points of view. Richmond Hill pastoral director, the Reverend Ben Campbell, tells the "Times Dispatch" that "anything that deepens people's honest conversation is helpful. We all want to grow in this area."

House Republican Group Unveils Job Creation Plan

(Metro) The House Republican Caucus is coming out with its job creation agenda. It is a package of measures which are designed to help businesses secure funds, promoting research and development and extending tax breaks for start-up businesses. One House measure would extend by two years the major facility job tax credit which is due to expire at the end of this year. The tax credit applies to any area or national business which is being created or expanded to add 50 full-time jobs.

Governor Looking To Reduce Mandates On Localities

(Metro) Governor Bob McDonnell wants to cut down on mandates for local governments. The governor said in a news conference Monday his office is proposing a package of recommendations aimed at decreasing "burdensome mandates" on local governments. The governor also said his administration will ask the state's Department of Education to identify "burdensome or unneccesary" statutory and federal data collection and reporting requirements.

VA Democrats Target Delegate Marshall's Personhood Bill

(Metro) Virginia Democrats are speaking out against legislation proposed by GOP Delegate Bob Marshall, which would give the rights of "personhood" to a human embryo at conception. Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Brian Moran says the intention of House Bill 1 is to outlaw abortion and some forms of birth control that prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. Delegate Marshall says his bill creates "a civil cause of action for the wrongful death of an unborn child."

Congressional Redistricting Plan Approved By Virginia House

(Metro) It's on to the state Senate after the Virginia House approved a congressional redistricting plan by a vote of 74 to 21. If approved, it would likely ensure the state's eleven districts would remain split among eight Republicans and three Democrats. The same measure was approved by the House last year, but stalled in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Passage in the upper chamber is now more likely because of a 20-20 split with the potential tie-breaking vote belonging to Republican Lt. Governor Bill Bolling.

Two Man Race In Virginia GOP Primary After Judicial Ruling

(Metro) It'll be a two-man race in Virginia's presidential primary on March sixth. A federal judge in Richmond rejected a legal challenge by Texas Governor Rick Perry. Perry and three other Republican hopefuls fell short of getting the signatures needed to get on the Virginia ballot. The three others are former GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. The ruling means the Virginia ballot will only contain the names of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Texas Congressman Ron Paul.

Governor McDonnell Looking For Increase In State Worker Pension Contributions

(Metro) Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is pushing for state workers to pay more toward pensions. McDonnell is proposing a one percent increase in state employee pension contributions to be phased in over two years. He is also calling for the creation of an optional plan which would give workers the choice to move toward a defined contribution system. The governor sent a memo to state workers Thursday which stated, "our state retirement system cannot be stabilized absent increased contributions from both the employer and employee.

(Metro) If you tend to be superstitious, now is the time to plan ahead for the year 2013 and the DMV wants to help. Virginia is offering car owners the option of renewing tags for multiple years to avoid having the "13" decal on your plates. Multi-year registration saves vehicle owners money while depositing extra funds into state coffers. The DMV is closed tomorrow but not because it's Friday the 13th, rather for the Martin Luther King holiday weekend.

Republicans Officially In Control Of Virginia State Senate

(Metro) Republicans now have control of the Virginia State Senate. GOP Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling yesterday broke a tie between 20 of his fellow Republicans and 20 Democrats to allow his party to impose rules in the chamber. Democrats argue that Bolling does not have the constitutional right to hand over such control to the Republicans. Meanwhile, the GOP will have a large advantage in the House this General Assembly session.

Governor McDonnell Delivers State Of The Commonwealth Address

(Metro) Governor Bob McDonnell has delivered the annual State of The Commonwealth Address, stressing economic development, job creation and touting Virginia's successes. The governor says the state has eliminated six-billion dollars in budget shortfalls - not by raising taxes, but by reforming government and reducing spending. The governor urged lawmakers to work together for results and called for fixes in several areas, including spurring private-sector growth, reforming the pension system and passing a "responsible, structurally balanced" budget - on time.

Search Continues For Missing Virginia Student In NYC

(Metro) Police continue to hunt for a Virginia college student who disappeared on a trip to New York City. Officials say Ian Burnet hasn't been heard from since December 30th, when he told a friend that he was having a horrible time in the Big Apple. A candlelight vigil was held last night in Virginia in hope and prayer for the 22-year-old's safe return. The engineering junior at Virginia Commonwealth University headed to New York City for New Year's and had been staying with friends. Volunteers have distributed flyers and have set up a Facebook page in hopes of finding him.

Governor Outlines Road Ahead For Virginia

(Metro) Governor Bob McDonnell says the state government has shown that even though legislators come from different parts of Virginia and belong to different parties, "we can still come together to make progress on the issues important to our eight-million people." In his State of the Commonwealth Address, McDonnell told the General Assembly "we have to reform our pension system now, so that it will be there for the hundreds of thousands of Virginians depending on it." He also said we have to make the state's education system more accountable and innovative so all its students get a world-class education.

Virginia Senate Gavels To Order

(Metro) The Virginia Senate is getting down to business. On Wednesday, family members and friends stood and applauded and took pictures of the Senate's newest members as they were introduced in the chamber. The introductions included warm applause and standing ovations from members of both parties. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling suggested the legislative session end right then and there with everyone getting along.

McDonnell Lays Out Recommendations For Energy Agenda

(Metro) Governor McDonnell's energy agenda for the upcoming legislative session does not include the controversial proposal to expand uranium mining in Virginia. His package of energy proposals released yesterday includes recommendations to support energy infrastructure expansion, promote conservation and explore alternative energy sources. The governor said he's still reviewing the proposal to lift the state's ban on expanded uranium mining in Southside but he did reiterate his support for offshore drilling, which is prohibited by the Obama administration. According to McDonnell, developing all types of energy like offshore wind farms will reduce the nation's dependence upon foreign sources.

Girl Scouts Debuting New Cookie To Celebrate 100th Anniversary

(Metro) You'll have to add another box to your list of those highly addictive, once-a-year cookies. In honor of their 100th anniversary, the Girl Scouts are debuting a new cookie. Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia and all troops around the country have added the shortbread, lemony "Savannah Smile" to its traditional lineup of Samoas and Thin Mints. Sales kick off tomorrow.

Thieves Make Off with Two Million in Jewelry

(Metro) A Henrico jeweler is ready to end his 25-year-old business after burglars made off with two-million worth of uninsured jewelry. Gary Baker says a team of thieves breaking into his store while it was closed for the holidays were "skilled but disciplined." Police say they cut power to some of the Wistar Center shopping center and managed to disable the store's security system. New York-based Jewelers' Security Alliance puts the heists as one of the biggest nationwide in recent history.

Governor Joins Call to Scrap Oath

(Metro) Pressure is mounting for the GOP to drop its loyalty oath requiring voters to pledge support for the eventual Republican nominee in the presidential primary. The party leadership instituted the measure to keep Democrats from influencing the election, and the ACLU has joined the argument calling it Constitutionally flawed. Governor Bob McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling have joined in support to scrap it.

Governor Touts Tourism, Film Investment to Boost Economy

(Metro) Governor Bob McDonnell is banking on tourism and the film industry to help put people back to work. The Governor unveiled an economic development plan yesterday calling for three million dollars invested in advertising and marketing for tourism, and adding more than a million dollars to the Motion Picture Opportunity Fund to draw more big budget film projects. State tourism officials say the recent filming of Spielberg's "Lincoln" generated 35 million in the state economy and created 400 jobs.

Virginia Among Top Ten Wine Destinations

(Metro) Virginia ranks among the ten best wine destinations this year according to a newly released article. "Wine Enthusiast" magazine places the Old Dominion in the same company as two regions in California as well as Italy and France. The article points to Virginia's "rich history, natural beauty and wine makers" as factors in the selection. More than 200 wineries are located in Virginia.

Governor McDonnell Announces Virginia Legislative Agenda

(Metro) Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is announcing his legislative agenda for the coming General Assembly session. The governor says his focus will be on helping the private sector create good jobs in the state. To do that he wants 37-million-dollars in increased funding for job creation programs and new economic development measures.

GOP Chairman Questions Primary Oath

(Metro) Virginia's Republican Party chairman wants the state GOP to reconsider the loyalty oath they're requiring from voters during the primary. Chairman Pat Mullins is calling for a meeting with committee members on January 21st after they talk to constituents. Mullins says the pledge might keep Democrat loyalist from influencing the nomination process, but it might alienate non-party affiliated voters. The oath requires voters in the primary to sign a form pledging to support the eventual GOP nominee for president.

UVA, William and Mary Ranked in Valued Schools

(Metro) A new Kiplinger report puts two Virginia schools in the top five of best values in public colleges. The survey took into account the schools' tuition price tag, student-faculty ratio, ability to keep students and graduate them on time, and bonus points for low borrowing costs. They rank the University of Virginia number three followed by College of William and Mary at four. UNC at Chapel Hill tops the list.

New Deal To Build Ragged Mountain Dam

(WCHV) Press release about the new agreements on the 50-year-water supply plan for Albemarle County and Charlottesville.

Following many months of negotiations, the City of Charlottesville (City) and the Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) announced today that the negotiations of the Water Supply Cost Share Agreement have concluded, and a proposal will be sent to the City Council and the ACSA Board of Directors for consideration and approval. The Water Agreement would authorize the construction of a new earthen dam at Ragged Mountain, a future replacement pipeline from the Ragged Mountain Reservoir to the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir and maintenance dredging at the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir.

The proposal addresses many complex issues but can be summarized in two parts:

(1) A Property Use Agreement that allows the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA) in early 2012 to construct a new earthen dam at Ragged Mountain, and to construct a future pipeline fromthe Ragged Mountain Reservoir to the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir.

(2) A “Cost Share Allocation” Agreement that will determine the percentage of funding that each entity will be responsible for, in both the near and long term.

The RWSA is the “wholesale” water provider for the area, and sells water to the City and the ACSA for their 35,000 customers. RWSA will be responsible under the proposed terms for constructing the new dam/reservoir at Ragged Mountain, and the future replacement pipeline.

The Proposed Agreement provides for the following:

· Cost allocation/cost sharing for the new Ragged Mountain Dam at a 85% share for the ACSA, and a 15% share for the City.

· A new earthen dam that is 42’ higher than the current dam, with an initial 30’ reservoir pool level; and a data based “Trigger” for the additional 12’ reservoir pool level raise at a future date.

· A cost allocation for the future replacement pipeline at an 80% share for the ACSA and a 20% share for the City.

· Future Purchase of Water - Sharing of the new water supply that is being added by the new dam and future pipeline, at an allocation of 80% for the ACSA, and 20% for the City. The proposal also addresses the circumstances by which either entity would have to “purchase” additional water if it exceeds the agreed upon allocation of new water. If the City’s future water use ever exceeds its 20% allocation it can purchase that additional capacity by an additional payment. Similarly if the ACSA exceeds its 80% allocation, it must then purchase the additional supply.

· A 50% ACSA share and a 50% City share for a maintenance dredging project up to $3.5M at the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir.

· Payment by the ACSA of $765,000 to the City for the value for the increased area at the Ragged Mountain Property that will be used for the new earthen dam and larger reservoir.

· Joint City and ACSA aggressive Water Conservation initiatives to make the best use of our future water supply.

Next Steps: The ACSA Board of Directors will review and discuss the proposal at their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, December 15^th. City Council is scheduled to discuss the proposal at its Monday, December 19^th meeting, followed by a public hearing on January 3, 2012 at its regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Approval is needed by the City Council, the Albemarle County Service Authority and the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority, on both a Property Use Agreement, and the Cost Allocation Agreement.

TN Man To Plead Guilty To Threatening Rep. Cantor, Family

(Metro) A Knoxville, Tennessee man is fessing up about threatening Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor. Sixty-two-year-old Glendon Swift has admitted he got drunk and left two anonymous, profanity-laced voicemails at the office of the U.S. House Majority Leader. Swift was ordered detained Friday pending a December 20th hearing at which he's expected to plead guilty to one count of threatening a federal official's family. The plea deal comes with a 13-month prison sentence.

Governor McDonnell Expresses Sorrow Over Latest VT Shootings

(Metro) Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is expressing his sorrow over yesterday's shootings at Virginia Tech in which a campus police officer and another person were killed. In a statement, the governor says he is deeply saddened by the news of another tragedy affecting the Virginia Tech community. He says his "thoughts and prayers" are with the families impacted by the shootings.

McDonnell Plans Stumping Tour For Candidates

(Metro) Governor Bob McDonnell is planning a last-minute "fly-around" to support Republican candidates in next week's election. The jam-packed state tour kicks off Saturday in Norfolk. There, McDonnell will be joined by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli to stump for Republican Senate candidate Ben Loyola. All 140 state House seats are up for grabs in Tuesday's elections but most eyes will be locked on the Senate races as Republicans try to win the majority from Democrats.

Man Involved in Albemarle County Dog Shooting In Court Tuesday

(WHCV) One of the men convicted for his role in a shooting death of an Albemarle County dog will be in court to hear his sentence Tuesday. 22-year-old Brian Tishner of Dyke was convicted for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A court official says Tishner and 27-year-old Justin Riggs were driving around with another man when Riggs decided he wanted to shoot what he thought was a deer in the yard of a home in Earlysville. The deer turned out to be a family dog. Riggs was sentenced to 30 months in prison back in August. Tishner had testified Riggs was guilty of the shooting.

Earthquake in Central Virginia

(WCHV) An earthquake gave residents a shock in Central Virginia. The U.S. Geological Service reports a 5.9 magnitude with the epicenter about 9 miles southwest of Mineral, Va. It happened at 1:51 this afternoon.A 2.8 magnitude aftershock was felt in Louisa an hour later.

The earthquake caused an evacuation in Washington D-C…the quake was reportedly felt all the way in Ohio, Michigan, Massachutes, and North Carolina.

People reported cell phone and other electronic equipment disruption after the quake. Some minor damage has been reported, but no major damage. The Lake Anna Power Plant reactors automatically shut-down during the earthquake. There was a reported gas leak at a building in Charlottesville.

Louisa county schools and Germanna Community College will be closed tomorrow (Wed). Orange County Schools have cancelled evening activities.

Storms Leave Damage Behind In Central Virginia

(WCHV) Severe weather wreaks havoc on Central Virginia. Trees and power lines were ripped down by blowing winds may cause some travel issues Monday morning as crews continue to clean up. More storms expected are Tuesday and VDOT is urging drivers to watch for flooding.

There were also a number of gas leaks that occurred as a result of trees that had fallen on gas connections on houses. If you suspect you have a gas leak call authorities immediately.

Over 17,000 customers in the Charlottesville area were without power from the storm. While most power has been restored, Dominion Virginia Power officials say some customers may not get their power restored until this afternoon or evening.

Afghan Delegation Tours State Capitol

(Metro) An Afghan delegation is getting a firsthand look at how Virginia's government is run. Fourteen delegates, representing everything from women's issues to the Afghanistan Supreme Court, toured the state Capitol yesterday. In addition to touring buildings used hundreds of years ago by this country's forefathers, the group was able to discuss what it takes to build a stable society with Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. After the meeting, Cuccinelli remarked the long path to building a government is, quote, "a fascinating reminder of just how much we've got in this country and how our history has really blessed us."

The Central Virginia Food Bank is switching to healthier food options. They say they plan to gradually offer fresh produce to replace canned food, and ask for more dairy products, meats and baked goods for donations. The shift is in response to a drop in canned donations and objective to provide healthier food. Central Virginia's Food Bank serves more than 400 agencies.