Podcasts about Stafford County

Scott Harris previews upcoming events at Belmont in Stafford County--including Art After Hours, Plein Air Days, Cars and Coffee and Garden Strolls.   garimelchers.org

Originally broadcast: Tuesday, December 14, 2021.   A charity encounters surprising roadblocks to building a new cemetery for low-cost Muslim burials in Stafford County, Virginia. In this episode, host Allan Marks follows the cemetery's path to justice with the lawyers who handled the civil rights case, Tawfiq Rangwala and Melanie Westover Yanez, and their pro bono client, the All Muslim Association of America, at the intersection of religious freedom, land use, and local politics in America today. For additional information, click here. About the SpeakersTawfiq Rangwala is a partner in Milbank's New York office and a member of the firm's Litigation & Arbitration Group. His practice focuses on the defense of US and international regulatory and criminal enforcement matters, as well as internal investigations across multiple jurisdictions and industries. He also has extensive experience handling federal and state court litigation of complex commercial cases involving securities and corporate law, contract disputes and financial restructuring.Melanie Westover Yanez is special counsel in the Washington, DC office and a member of the firm's Litigation & Arbitration Group. She represents clients in federal and state courts in complex commercial litigation and financial restructuring litigation and has experience defending clients in individual and class action cases involving antitrust, securities, and commodities issues.Podcast host Allan Marks is one of the world's leading project finance lawyers. He advises developers, investors, lenders, and underwriters around the world in the development and financing of complex infrastructure projects, as well as related acquisitions, restructurings and capital markets transactions. Mr. Marks also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley at both the Law School and the Haas School of Business.For more information and insights, follow us on social media and podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart, Google and Audible.Disclaimer

On Episode 68 of the Podcast, Director of Child Family Services at Community Action Partnership of Stafford County and Black Lives Matter Seacoast Co-Founder Tanisha Johnson guest co-hosts a conversation about the power of empathy as a building block to belonging. And later award-winning business leader, entrepreneur, advocate, and speaker, Flo Nicolas joins the show to discuss identity, authenticity, and activating a community mindset.Support the showLISTEN on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ask your smart speaker to play NH Family NOW!

WMAL GUEST: 7:05 AM - INTERVIEW - LT. COL. JEFF SACKS -  twenty-year veteran of the U.S. Army and a Republican running for the 7th District congressional seat in Virginia TOPIC: Sacks on his run for office and his rally today with Riley Gaines ABOUT VA-7 DISTRICT: Virginia's seventh congressional district is a United States congressional district in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The district is currently represented by Democrat Abigail Spanberger, first elected in 2018. She won reelection in 2020 and 2022. In November 2023 Spanberger announced that she would be retiring from the House in order to run for governor of Virginia. The district spans across much of Central and Northern Virginia including all of Orange, Culpeper, Spotsylvania, Greene County, Madison County, Fredericksburg, Caroline County, King George County, Stafford County, and the eastern half of Prince William County, and a small sliver of Albemarle County. WEBSITE: www.jeffsacksforcongress.com Where to find more about WMAL's morning show:  Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock,  @patricepinkfile and @heatherhunterdc.  Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Thursday, January 4, 2024 / 7 AM Hour  O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas Academy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stafford School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor talks about high school #6 and elementary schools #18 and #19.  Discussions on a plan to help students with mental health issues.  Updates on Chart Your Future and Middle School Pathways.

Soil is important infrastructure on our landscapes and in our communities. Jeff Ishee, Eric Bendfeldt, and Mary Sketch Bryant talk with Carl Stafford of Virginia Cooperative Extension in Culpeper County about the George Washington Carver Center, a food and business incubator and agricultural service center serving communities in and around Culpeper County. Carl is the Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension Agent in Stafford County and has an expertise in livestock forages, beef cattle management, and has been an active member in the community for years. In this episode, Carl discusses the intersection of food, soil, history, and community that the Carver Center embodies. To learn more about The George Washington Carver Center and educational programming of Virginia Cooperative Extension in Culpeper County, please visit https://www.ext.vsu.edu/carver-center and https://culpeper..ext.vt.edu/Learn more about the Virginia Soil Health Coalition and pledge your support for soil health at https://www.virginiasoilhealth.org/ and https://www.4thesoil.org.

What does the health of plants and animals have to tell us about life underground? In this episode, Jeff Ishee, Eric Bendfeldt, and Mary Sketch Bryant talk with Carl Stafford of Virginia Cooperative Extension in Culpeper County about the importance of grazing with intent for the benefit of plants, animals, and the soil. Carl is the Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension Agent in Stafford County and has an expertise in livestock forages, beef cattle management, and is an active leader in the Graze 300 program. In this episode, Carl discusses the importance of paying attention to the biological components of soil and the role that well managed livestock and grass management systems can play in supporting life underground. He shares who his mentors have been over the years and the importance of peer-to-peer networks for promoting innovation. To learn more about Graze 300 and educational programming of Virginia Cooperative Extension in Culpeper County, please visit https://ext.vt.edu/agriculture/graze-300.html and https://culpeper..ext.vt.edu/Learn more about the Virginia Soil Health Coalition and pledge your support for soil health at https://www.virginiasoilhealth.org/ and https://www.4thesoil.org.

Crystal Vanuch, Stafford County Supervisor, joined WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" radio program on Tuesday morning about Stafford residents facing a massive tax increase. Stafford residents facing historic tax increase https://www.potomaclocal.com/2023/03/24/stafford-residents-facing-historic-tax-increase/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter Stafford's proposed $947 million budget comes with a tax increase https://fredericksburg.com/news/local/staffords-proposed-947-million-budget-comes-with-a-tax-increase/article_9f0cb9dc-b906-11ed-af09-5f778e072a0b.html According to the latest figures, owners of averaged-sized single-family homes in Stafford County could be slapped with a $4,811 Real Estate tax bill next year — nearly 40% larger than a year ago, a $1,331 increase. The Board of Supervisors voted to advertise a $1.175 Real Estate tax rate (including a 3-cent levy to fund fire and rescue services) on every $100 of a home's value, during its Tuesday, March 21 meeting. The supervisors who voted to advertise the higher rate said they wanted to hear from the public during a hearing on the tax rate on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Vanuch's website: https://staffordcountyva.gov/government/elected_and_appointed_officials/board_of_supervisors/crystal_vanuch.php?EID=267 For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, visit www.WMAL.com, download the WMAL app or tune in live on WMAL-FM 105.9 FM from 5-9 AM ET. To join the conversation, check us out on Twitter: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock,  @patricepinkfile and @heatherhunterdc.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born in 1965, Carol Long was raised on a farm in Stafford County, Kansas. She draws influence from plant and animal life. With joy, whimsy and beauty as her goal, her work continues to evolve as she experiments with new ways of expressing these qualities of her surroundings. She enjoys learning from other contemporary artists while keeping an eye on historical ceramics. http://ThePottersCast.com/894

Stafford County Administrator Randy Vosburg previews the Christmas tree lighting this Friday night.    He's been in Stafford since July.  We learn about his background and goals moving forward.

I know I said I was going to talk about wasps, but I had another idea - come along with me as I take a hike at Crow's Nest Natural Preserve Area - a 2872-acre peninsula situated between two tidal creek tributaries of the Potomac River in Stafford County, Virginia.  This property has been used by humans for the last 11000 years and with its mature hardwood forests and freshwater marshes it has a fantastic amount of biodiversity!  What did I see?  Listen and find out!

Police are hoping the public will provide more than just information to help solve a Centerville cold case from the 90's. And, Stafford County school division leaders are apologizing for holding an outdoor event in weather that left many people struggling in the heat. Those have been among the most read stories over the past […]

#OTD Anthony Burns, who was captured under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and subsequently freed by abolitionists, was born in Stafford County, Virginia.

Stafford School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor closes out the school year and looks toward summer programs.

In the fourth hour of the morning show, Larry O'Connor and Julie Gunlock talked to VA-10 Congressional Candidate Hung Cao about his run and Fox's Peter Doocy about the latest White House news. They also gave an update about Rep. Madison Cawthorn's DC orgies claim and the latest public sighting of Chris Rock.  Plus, a potted plant thief driving a Beetle is on the loose. Madison Cawthorn Admits His Claims Of Lawmaker Orgies And Drug Use Were ‘Exaggerated': GOP Leader Chris Rock broke his silence about Sunday's Oscar smackdown NY POST: Will Smith refused to leave Oscars, broke conduct code: Academy Potted plant thief caught on video stealing flowers from Stafford County homes: police For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, visit www.WMAL.com, download the WMAL app or tune in live on WMAL-FM 105.9 FM from 5-9 AM ET. To join the conversation, check us out on Twitter: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @amber_athey and @patrickpinkfile. Show website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" podcast is sponsored by Cornerstone First Financial: https://www.cornerstonefirst.com/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan, Kyle, Nate, and Heath sit down to review multiple auctions coming up in Stafford County. -Ruby O'Dell Trust 160+/- Acres, Oil Production, Home, Shed, and Pond March 26th, 2022.-86 Guns Selling April 2nd, 2022-Greg Fisher Estate 473+/- Acres of Dryland Tillable Selling April 16th, 2022.They discuss the red hot real estate market, the new Missouri office, food plot season, Muddy blinds / Hawk blinds, shed hunting, and turkey season. To view our auctions head to www.redcedarland.com

This set of new year's twins born on different days, months, and years are making all the headlines at the start of 2022. Now that is one way to start off your life in the world!ANDNoel of Stafford County ended up going into labor during a snowstorm with trees blocking vehicle access to and from the home. So, she set out on foot.To see videos and photos referenced in this episode, visit GodUpdates!https://www.godupdates.com/new-years-twins-born-on-different-days/https://www.godupdates.com/going-into-labor-during-a-snowstorm/

Curling is Cool Day. Inconvenience Yourself Day. National Rationalization Day. These are some of the themes supposedly associated with February 23, 2022, another day with a little more light than the one day before. I suppose it is inconvenient that it’s way too warm and there’s no local ice rink to go curling. Instead, dig in for another installment of Charlottesville Community Engagement, a podcast and newsletter that seeks everyday to emulate the principles of World Understanding and Peace Day. On today’s program:Albemarle County Executive Jeffrey Richardson presents a fiscal year budget for FY23 that’s 20 percent higher than the current yearAmazon will build a 1 million square foot fulfillment center in Fishersville Governor Youngkin signs four more bills into lawCharlottesville’s Parking Advisory Panel further discusses civilian enforcement of parking First two shout-outs go to good cheer and local mediaLet’s begin today with two Patreon-fueled shout-outs. The first comes a long-time supporter who wants you to know:"Today is a great day to spread good cheer: reach out to an old friend, compliment a stranger, or pause for a moment of gratitude to savor a delight."The second comes from a more recent supporter who wants you to go out and read a local news story written by a local journalist. Whether it be the Daily Progress, Charlottesville Tomorrow, C-Ville Weekly, NBC29, CBS19, WINA, the Crozet Gazette, or some other place I’ve not mentioned - the community depends on a network of people writing about the community. Go learn about this place today!Amazon to open fulfillment center in FishersvilleGovernor Glenn Youngkin has announced that the internet distribution company Amazon plans to open a 1 million square fulfillment center in Fishersville, creating 500 jobs where workers will specialize in packing and shipping bulky and large-sized items. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and the Shenandoah Valley Partnership have been working to secure the project. “It has been a great pleasure to work with the Amazon team and Augusta County to secure this major expansion by one of the world’s largest corporations,” said Shenandoah Valley Partnership Executive Director Jay A. Langston, Ph.D. “We are excited about the expanded logistics infrastructure that will exist as a result of Amazon’s location.”Youngkin said the economy is a top priority for his administration. “Amazon’s new fulfillment center in Virginia is a testament to the Commonwealth’s exceptional infrastructure, competitive business costs, and long-term commitment that I’ve made to make sure we are developing talent and training workers to make Virginia the best state for business,” Youngkin said.  Amazon has over 30,000 full-time and part-time employees in the Commonwealth of Virginia already and recently launched delivery stations in Louisa County and Waynesboro. They opened a robotic fulfillment center at Richmond Raceway in Henrico County and both a delivery center and a “cross-dock fulfillment center” in Stafford County last year. The announcement is a sign that economic development is bipartisan. Last year, the Shenandoah Valley Partnership worked with the Northam administration and the VEDP to locate: An Italian cured meats producer to Rockingham CountyThe expansion of Virginia Industrial Plastics in RockinghamA distribution center for the restaurant chain CAVA in the Mill Place Commerce Park in AugustaA factory in Rockbridge County for Modine Manufacturing Company, a company that makes cooling systems for data centersExpansion of textile-based engineering firm Ryzing TechnologiesLearn more about the announcement on Virginia Business.Youngkin signs four billsThis morning, Governor Youngkin signed four more bills that have passed both houses of the General Assembly. HB55 will require the State Registrar of Vital Records to provide a weekly update of recently deceased people to the Department of Elections “to promptly cancel the registration of a person on the list.” HB195 would allow a locality’s registrar to waive requirements for location of polling places if a suitable building cannot be found within legal parameters.HB386 adds the Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge to a list of those where D.C. and Maryland have jurisdiction to clear disable vehicles. HB971 would grant additional tax relief to Virginia businesses “Through this bill, Virginia expanded and made retroactive tax benefits related to Paycheck Protection Program loans and Rebuild Virginia grants to ensure COVID-19 aid granted to businesses would not be treated as taxable income,” reads a press release. “Altogether, this bill will save Virginia individual and business taxpayers $201 million in taxes.”Charlottesville Parking Advisory Panel discusses civilian enforcement of parkingCharlottesville in November 2020 was in a different place, with interim City Manager John Blair at the helm. At that time, the city’s Parking Advisory Panel endorsed a proposal to ask the City Council to transition enforcement of on-street parking limits from the police department to a civilian contractor. (Parking panel supports non-police enforcement, November 18, 2020)Since then, Blair left the city. Chip Boyles was hired and resigned within nine months, shortly after he terminated former Police Chief RaShall Brackney. Charlottesville’s Parking Director Rick Siebert told the panel earlier this month that neither the policy or parking enforcement appears to be a priority at this time. “I’m aware the police have a lot of challenges right now but parking seems to have fallen pretty far down the list,” Siebert said. Now the interim City Manager is Michael C. Jones, and his primary focus is getting together Charlottesville’s budget for next fiscal year. “He has not been briefed on this issue at all,” said Chris Engel, the city’s economic development director.The panel discussed whether they should bring the matter up during the city’s budget development process. Siebert said there would be be no additional revenue, but panel chair Joan Fenton said switching to a civilian firm could free up resources in a department that is understaffed. “And it would free up the [Community Service Officer] or somebody else to do other duties which they are short-handed for so perhaps it does make sense to present it as part of the budgeting,” Fenton said.Engel said it was more of a policy issue than a budget one and suggested this was not the right time to approach Jones or Council. “It might be the type of thing that a citizen could submit as an idea though rather than coming officially from one of you all,” said panel member Kirby Hutto. The panel then suggested resending its previous letter. Siebert urged them to be realistic until after the city’s FY23 budget is adopted later this spring.“We only have an acting chief of police and this kind of policy issue is just not on anyone’s radar right now compared to trying to hash out what the city is going to do about its budget,” Siebert said. Siebert suggested trying again in May. The panel agreed to wait. Third shout-out goes to Camp AlbemarleToday’s first subscriber-supported public service announcement goes out to Camp Albemarle, which has for sixty years been a “wholesome rural, rustic and restful site for youth activities, church groups, civic events and occasional private programs.”Located on 14 acres on the banks of the Moorman’s River near Free Union, Camp Albemarle continues as a legacy of being a Civilian Conservation Corps project that sought to promote the importance of rural activities. Camp Albemarle seeks support for a plan to winterize the Hamner Lodge, a structure built in 1941 by the CCC and used by every 4th and 5th grade student in Charlottesville and Albemarle for the study of ecology for over 20 years. If this campaign is successful, Camp Albemarle could operate year-round. Consider your support by visiting http://campalbemarleva.org/donate. Richardson presents $565M “Transform Albemarle” to SupervisorsA strong projection of revenues in Albemarle has led County Executive Jeffrey Richardon to present the Board of Supervisors with a budget for fiscal year 2023 that is twenty percent higher than the existing year. (download the budget)“This fiscal year’s recommended budget is built to transform Albemarle,” Richardson said. The property tax rate will remain at 85.4 cents per $100 assessed value. Property assessments in Albemarle are up an average of 8.4 percent in 2022. Sales tax, food and beverage tax, and transient occupancy taxes are up 17.1 percent from FY21.However, Richardson said not all signs are positive. “We are mindful that those indicators don’t highlight some of the challenges in the local economy,” Richardson said. “The prices that consumers are paying have risen, they’ve risen by 7.5 percent when comparing January 2022 to January 2021. Gas prices are up nearly 40 percent from where they were a year ago. Participants in the SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program remain higher than in pre pandemic 2019.” Richardson said he has had direction from Supervisors to reduce the amount of the county’s budget that is based on the property tax. In fiscal year 2007, sixty percent of Albemarle’s revenue came from that source, but that has increased to 68.5 percent in the current year’s budget.The budget is built on an increase in the food and beverage tax from two percent to six percent, and an increase in the transient lodging tax from three percent to eight percent. That would match the same rates in Charlottesville. “Thousands of people visit our community for vacations, sporting events, weddings, and to visit our natural and historic resources,” Richardson said. “We are also a regional hub for commercial activity. Increasing our taxes in these two areas means we can begin to shift revenues away from the people who live here and spread it out more broadly to those who are visiting our community.”The budget also anticipates lowering the personal property tax rate by 86 cents due to a sharp increase in the valuation of used vehicles.“We’ve been given the authority for a local cigarette tax which went into effect in January,” Richardson said. “A plastic bag tax which we will be exploring in the coming months. Richardson highlighted several areas of new spending in the budget. A Community Response Team will be created to respond to “individuals in crisis with a cross-functional team” consisting of social workers, police, and firefighters. The funding source is the cigarette tax authorized by the General Assembly in recent years. “Depending on the details of the call, this team will adapt their response to best meet the critical needs of the person, ensuring the safety of all parties involved,” Richardson said. “This program responds to a troubling growth in mental health call services that have unique needs.” The capital budget for fiscal year 2023 anticipates spending the highest one-year amount in county history. In fiscal year 2006, the figure was $23 million and the Albemarle population was around 91,400. Now the population is estimated at 114,424 and the recommended capital budget for next year represents a need to catch up.“For fiscal year ‘23 the recommended capital budget is approximately $93 million and I would like to note that in 2010 and in 2011 these years were impacted by the Great Recession and in 2021 by the pause in the capital program due to the pandemic,” Richardson said.A fire engine at Pantops Station 16 will be operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Seven days a week to further support the strength of the fire rescue system and to reduce reliance on Charlottesville Fire for calls east of the City,” Richardson said The capital budget also has funding to increase space to address increasing enrollments in Albemarle public schools.“The budget recommendations will over the next five years advance three new public school projects to address capacity needs within our school system,” Richardson said. “Two elementary schools. One in the northern feeder pattern and one from the south, and a second high school center.”Biscuit Run Park will be opened with five miles of trails and athletic fields.“This is a 1,200 acre natural park within the county’s development area and it will provide a park experience unlike any of our other parks, combining the natural features of our rural parks with athletic amenities that you’d expect in an urban park,” Richardson said. In recent years, Albemarle has been putting money into a line item to match other sources of funding. “This budget recommends continued investments in our transportation leveraging program which provides local funding to draw down state funding for road and bike and pedestrian improvements,” Richardson said. Some of the American Rescue Plan Act funding will be used to pay for the cost of some urban Albemarle properties to be connected to the sewer system.“There is a connection cost that can be out of reach for many homeowners,” Richardson said. “The proposed program will provide fiscal support to low-income households in making that shift as the age of these homes and the infrastructure attached to them is reaching a tipping point where the failure of a septic system in the urban area presents a real environmental health hazard.” Other aspects of the budget: There’s a four percent market adjustment for staffThe county will pick up funding of the Yancey Community Center once a grant from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation expires. The county will fund a microtransit project on Pantops and the Places-29 areaWork to implement the Housing Albemarle plan will be paid for through a combination of the budget surplusThe public hearing on Richardson’s recommended budget will be held virtually on March 2. Work sessions will be held throughout that month before a public hearing on the tax rate on April 27 and the version of the budget marked up by Supervisors. Approval is set for May 9. Supervisors had a few comments in advance of the public hearing next week. Several expressed concern that action in this year’s General Assembly may affect the budget. It will be the first budget for new Supervisor Jim Andrews (Samuel Miller). “A lot of times I’ve always been advised that when you try to figure out what’s a priority in any organization it’s not to ask what they’re doing but what they’re not doing,” Andrews said. Supervisor Ann Mallek (White Hall) has been through over a dozen budget cycles so far, including during the Great Recession when the capital budget was slashed. “That reduction of $100 million in new projects three and four years in a row is why we have the backlog that we have,” Mallek said. “We are making a valiant effort at catch-up with available one-time money that is a once-in-a-lifetime generational thing to have at hand.”Supervisor Donna Price (Scottsville) praised staff for reducing the personal property tax.“We talk about using equity and inclusion in our decisions and your proposal here to reduce the personal property tax provides an across the county truly equitable calculation of relief for our community members,” Price said. “We do have so many people who are in tenancies and almost everyone has to rely on their vehicle for transportation because of the nature of our county being so rural in so many areas.” More to come in the very near future. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Stafford School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor talks about his background, the challenges of COVID and his budget.

A Stafford County, VA schools employee calls the show and tells Vince Coglianese that teachers there engage in "raucous laughter" when parental rights are invoked. She says the school system intends to suspend students whose families decide not to mask them up starting Monday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Holden, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Stafford County, joins us in the RIoT Underground today to discuss how emerging tech is changing the landscape of economic development and how communities can utilize advancements in the smart city space for long term growth and prosperity. Support the show (http://www.riot.org)

A charity encounters surprising roadblocks to building a new cemetery for low-cost Muslim burials in Stafford County, Virginia. In this episode, host Allan Marks follows the cemetery's path to justice with the lawyers who handled the civil rights case, Tawfiq Rangwala and Melanie Westover Yanez, and their pro bono client, the All Muslim Association of America, at the intersection of religious freedom, land use, and local politics in America today.About the Speakers Tawfiq Rangwala is a partner in Milbank's New York office and a member of the firm's Litigation & Arbitration Group. His practice focuses on the defense of US and international regulatory and criminal enforcement matters, as well as internal investigations across multiple jurisdictions and industries. He also has extensive experience handling federal and state court litigation of complex commercial cases involving securities and corporate law, contract disputes and financial restructuring.Melanie Westover Yanez is special counsel in the Washington, DC office and a member of the firm's Litigation & Arbitration Group. She represents clients in federal and state courts in complex commercial litigation and financial restructuring litigation and has experience defending clients in individual and class action cases involving antitrust, securities, and commodities issues.Podcast host Allan Marks is one of the world's leading project finance lawyers. He advises developers, investors, lenders, and underwriters around the world in the development and financing of complex infrastructure projects, as well as related acquisitions, restructurings and capital markets transactions. Mr. Marks also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley at both the Law School and the Haas School of Business.For more information and insights, follow us on social media and podcast platforms, including Apple, Spotify,  Amazon Music, Google and Audible. 

On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University provost, Jill Arensdorf speaks about the direct benefits to the are provided by the university.   Transcript   James Bell  Fort Hays State University is more than just an education center for the region. It provides direct benefits to the community. Provost Jill Arensdorf stops by to talk a little bit about some of those benefits on this episode of the post podcast.   Jill Arensdorf  Obviously, the purpose of a Fort Hays State University and really higher education is to educate primarily our student population. However, we also have part of our mission to serve the public good. And many of our outreach programs and impact that we make in Kansas, specifically western Kansas, focus on what you called the impact of teaching and learning. And so I'll share just a few examples. And if you have questions about them, please please ask. But we have the fhsu Literacy Center. And that may be one that people aren't that familiar with, because it's relatively new is a partnership with the Hayes Masonic Lodge, and they're providing virtual and face to face helped area schools that need additional assistance in their reading skills. And this was really primarily due to the COVID 19 shutdown and some of the needs that came from that. And so this Literacy Center has, has risen and been created in the last year or so to provide that assistance that that students may need. In addition, you know, we've got great programs at Sternberg Museum and many people in the community and outside of the community and enjoy those educational outreach activities throughout the year. And then we have a gem in Great Bend with the Kansas wetlands Education Center. And that is connected to Fort Hays and folks might not realize that connection to Fort Hays and the educational opportunities that that provides.   James Bell  Yeah, that's something we talked about the events down there. And and I think that's one of those things. And I grew up near that region. I grew up in Stafford County. It is such a such a jewel down there. And it's really, you know, when you when I think about these events, you think about that drive, but my goodness, it's not that big of a deal, really, in the long run to get down there 45 minutes or so.   Jill Arensdorf  Yeah. And they've got I mean, they've got indoor and outdoor excursion activities and things going on all year. So I really hope that people can take advantage of that. You know, one other thing that if you drive through campus, many days, you won't see the maker van there but many days you will meet the maker van has programs for STEM. And so that maker van allows us to take our STEM show on the road so to speak, and and go into schools and communities to teach students about physics and science and using robots and the mobile planetarium and then our ever popular high altitude blond balloon experiments which go on pretty regularly throughout the year.   James Bell  Yeah, this stuff is so neat. I was I actually got to hang out with one of your Dean's Paul Adams the other day, the who's doing a robot session training session with some middle school teachers and may My goodness, how cool is this stuff? It's just, you know, and I'm pretty tech savvy, I'd like to thank but even the way that this is developing an education so quickly and rapidly, it's just It blows my mind.   Jill Arensdorf  Yeah, if we can get students excited about science at an early age through things like the maker band through things like Sternberg through things like the wetland center, they're more apt to maybe find that as a career path and passion as they choose higher education and a career. So I mean, there's obviously a reason for this outreach. And it's an important part of our mission at Fort Hays State University.   James Bell  Very cool. And that, you know, one other thing in that in that regard, we talked about the weekend center. I don't know that you want to talk a little bit about that one as well.   Jill Arensdorf  Yeah, it's relatively new. So this is a cooperation with USD 489. And the west central Kansas Special Education Cooperative, and several other regional school districts, and the Heartland Community Foundation, so a partnership with many entities. And it is a center where preschool and 18 to 21 year old transition programs occur where students are working with these populations preschool and then the 18 to 21 year olds, adults as they prepare to become teachers. And so it's just a, it's a unique new opportunity that for Hayes's has gotten involved in here in the local community, downtown, at the Hadleys at the Hadley old Hadley hospital, that Hadley building, and it has been a fantastic partnership thus far to create opportunities both for our students to learn but also to impact the community. Very cool.   James Bell  Yeah. And in schools, those economic are about I mean, educational opportunities are there's also some real economic benefits to having the university here and we hear about the Small Business Development Center and you know, Management Development Center as well. And I think that's a huge way that Fort Hays can help and especially right now with so many people going remote work and looking at those kind of things are working for themselves. It's got to have like a tremendous benefit on the area.   Jill Arensdorf  It is and you know, for higher education specifically for Hey, does make an impact on our business and economic development, as you said, and so, through the pandemic, and as we've come out of it, the Small Business Development Center and our management development center, have pivoted, and then they've grown from that and and have expanded their services and expanded the way that they're serving the western Kansas population. So I'll just give you a couple of quick examples. James, the Small Business Development Center for Hayes's the statewide host, but we also have a regional center. And so the numbers I'll share with you our regional numbers, for Hayes, the regional Small Business Development Center establishes and helps startup businesses. So lots of workshops and counseling services that can be done in person, but that also can be done remote now, because of our learning through the pandemic. And so this past year, the center has developed 78 workshops, assisted 124 established businesses in their regional area, which is primarily western Kansas, and then helped 14 new entrepreneurs launch business in this area, which is exciting for the economic drivers that we need to be as an institution and in our in our region. The Management Development Center is housed at Fort Hays State University as well provides lots of public workshops, the focus on customer service, managing people mastering business and communication software and applications. So really serving anyone that has needs in management leadership areas.   James Bell  Yeah, that's we talked about leadership earlier this week on the show and the difference between leadership and management and, and how that works and how it develops. And it is such an interesting field and Fort Hayes has been a leader, I think in in Leadership Studies and how that all not only academically, it comes together, but how it works in the practical world as well.   Jill Arensdorf  Yeah, you're right. Of course, I have some affinity for the Leadership Studies program since it's my home department. But the management development center that I think one of the beautiful things about that center, is that it utilizes expertise of not only our faculty, but business people and other people in the community that have a skill set that they can share with other folks. So they basically contract a facilitator. And then that facilitator uses their expertise to teach others about one of the areas that that we already discussed within the Management Development Center. One of the things I'll quickly mentioned, James, kind of connected to the business and economic development piece is an online bank management contest that the Robins banking Institute hosts each year, in coordination with Robins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. This institute actually engages community banks in Kansas, in this friendly bank simulation competition. So everyone likes a little healthy competition from time to time. And so this online bank management contest has been a fun way for the Institute in our community banks to compete and sharpen their banking skills as they compete.   James Bell  That's very fun. You know, it's one of the things I imagine it is, it is difficult to turn that into a fun activity. But that's a good time. You know, and the other thing speaking of, you know, the activity in the university helping the area, you know, a lot of ways I think the university just kind of generally makes life better out here, right?   Jill Arensdorf  Yeah, no, one of the things that I've always appreciated about living in western Kansas, and specifically now in Hays is that the quality of life is so good here. And our university contributes to that in a way that I'm certainly very proud of. An example of that would be the Herndon Speech Language Hearing Clinic, the clinic, His home is on campus, but the clinic is actually in its fifth year of providing mobile hearing screenings. This is a program sponsored again by the Kansas Masonic Foundation. And so in the last five years, the Herndon clinic, students, faculty and staff have actually provided over 830 free screenings in western Kansas communities, which is an amazing service. And it's amazing learning opportunity for our students who are in those programs. So that then when they're going out into their career, they have experience working in rural Kansas and rural communities and see the need out there and can help serve that need. Another example of just raising the quality of life in western Kansas is our Department of Geosciences is doing some research that's actually been funded by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to test private wells for contamination in western Kansas. So again, a great way for our students and faculty to connect to western Kansas communities and ensure that our water water is of high quality and is safe to drink and use.   James Bell  Yeah, because I mean, otherwise, those resources are harder to find. I mean, I've done some some water testing and I know you have to ship that off and it's, you know, it gonna be a few days where you're doing a locally, just quicker and easier and And again, they're great learning.   Jill Arensdorf  Absolutely. Do we have time to talk about more? Yeah. Okay. So as I, as I came over to the station today, I walked literally walked by the senior companion and Foster Grandparent Program Office, which is now housed in rare at call. These are programs for our local seniors that fill a need on our community for services for our citizens over 55. And so if you're interested in getting involved, we have a director that that would be very anxious to visit with with you if you're interested in getting involved with our senior companion and Foster Grandparent Program. And then we have just ongoing partnerships with the pace Public Library in our downtown art and event venues to host exhibitions and poetry readings and author book signings which all contribute to the quality of life in the community. And so we have lots of students in lots of different departments that are collaborating with downtown Hayes, to to raise, raise our appreciation, maybe for the arts, but also to allow people to participate in a unique way. this coming Saturday is another great event that we have, probably you've probably talked about, in fact, I think I heard about it on the radio on my way up here, the teaming up for Tots toy assembly that will occur this Saturday in the Department of Applied Technology. I can't remember James how many years this has been going on. But it's been going on for many, many years. 200 wooden toys will be assembled from start to finish for children ages two to six. And those will be delivered just in time for Christmas. But if you haven't, if you haven't ever been to that event, it's it's it's really powerful to go in and see the community come together with students and faculty to contribute in a meaningful way and also honor a former Applied Technology faculty member Fred Ruda, the toy, the teaming up for Tots toy assembly is named after him. And he started that program. And it's just a really cool way to get into the spirit of the season, but also to contribute to the community.   James Bell  Absolutely. Yeah, I remember even as an undergrad here, I think it was a student reporter for the student newspaper, and I wrote some stories with with Dr. Ruta when he was doing that program back then. Yeah, it's it's cool. And I love that it's been able to continue and even expand and grow a   Jill Arensdorf  little bit. Yes, yes, I and there's, I think they sometimes have more volunteers than they then they have toys, but but it's just because people find the work so meaningful. And so I believe this year, there's a team of students that's working with Big Brothers Big Sisters. And so they're connecting that project into the teaming up for Tots toy assembly as well. Which actually leads me to another example. Our university athletes, many of them serve as Big Brothers and Big Sisters are for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Ellis County programs spending their time with students that need to mentor in their lives. And so that's a way that our, many of our students and many of our faculty and staff are connected to youth in the community through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.   James Bell  Yeah, that's awesome. Cool program and and even cooler when you got to Fort Hays athletes, you know, leading the charge. Exactly,   Jill Arensdorf  exactly. I think I think in some ways, in some of those pictures, I see I think, impacts probably the Big Brother or Big Sister just as much as it impacts the little already cool. Yeah, very cool.   James Bell  Well, we've just got just about a minute or so left, we got to get over to weather. But any last thoughts before we go?   Jill Arensdorf  Well, James, thank you so much for this time that you afford to us on a very regular occasion to talk about Fort Hays State University. I respect our university and love it very much. And we have a very much a shared commitment to service. President Mason often often refers to this as the ethic of care. That's what makes for hasty different. And I think the examples we've talked about here, show that we really care about our students, our faculty and staff, but also our community and that that mission that we hold as high in higher education of the public good. speaks through these examples of outreach that we've talked about this morning, and we can talk probably for 30 more minutes and not cover everything. But as people get into the spirit of the season, I hope that you find a way to get connected to your community and appreciate the outreach that we all bring in.

Stafford County, VA - 3 men just kept making bad choice after bad choice on Tuesday. It started with an attempted carjacking in the parking lot at an Anytime Fitness, the car belonged to an Mixed Martial Arts fighter who (obviously) fought back. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"W” is for Washington, William (1752-1810). In 1775, Washington, a native of Virginia, joined the Stafford County militia. That unit was integrated into the Third Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army. By the end of 1779 he had advanced to lieutenant colonel, commanding the Third Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons. The unit was ordered south to join patriot forces in South Carolina.

This episode of VHHA's Patients Come First podcast features an interview with Mohammad Baig, a licensed counselor and the owner and founder of Mohammad Baig LLC, a Stafford County-based mental health wellness and counseling practice, for a conversation about the pro bono mental health work he's doing with Afghan refugees arriving in Virginia. Send questions, comments, or feedback to pcfpodcast@vhha.com or contact us on Twitter or Instagram using the #PatientsComeFirst hashtag.

The Stafford County, Virginia Board of Supervisors have barred the teaching of CRT and The 1619 Project. They also voted unanimously on the issue of students choosing their preferred pronouns...they said NO! Join guest host Jeff Katz as he tackles this story and more with guests PJ Morrissey, Congressman Ralph Norman, Jason Miller, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, and retired FBI agent Jimmy Gagliano! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLICK HERE to listen to episode audio (4:22). Sections below are the following: Transcript of Audio Audio Notes and Acknowledgments ImagesExtra Information Sources Related Water Radio Episodes For Virginia Teachers (Relevant SOLs, etc.). Unless otherwise noted, all Web addresses mentioned were functional as of 7-29-21. TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO From the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean, this is Virginia Water Radio for the week of August 2, 2021.  This revised episode from September 2018 is part of a series this year of episodes related to watersheds and river basins. MUSIC – ~10 sec – instrumental This week, we feature a Virginia singer/songwriter's music about time and changes along one of the Commonwealth's major rivers.  Have a listen for about 30 more seconds. MUSIC – ~ 30 sec – Lyrics: “Roads and boards, mills and mines used to line this stream--all reclaimed by floods and vines, foundations sprouting gums and pines. River flows on, so does time.  Canoe splits Rappahannock water; dip my paddle, let it glide.” You've been listening to part of “Solitude,” by Bob Gramann of Fredericksburg, on the 2000 album, “That Squirrel Song.”  This and other river-themed songs by Mr. Gramann come in large part from his years of paddling the upper Rappahannock River and its tributaries, in the area between the Blue Ridge and the Fall Line at Fredericksburg.  The part of “Solitude” you heard describes some of the changes along the Rappahannock wrought by time and the effects of water, weather, humans, and other organisms.  Observers of other Virginia rivers and their watersheds might tell similar stories of change. Some riverside changes—such as flood impacts—happen relatively quickly.  Others move at a slower pace, as with trees growing in an abandoned building foundation.  Whatever the pace, changes seen in and along a river reflect events happening not only in the river channel but also upstream in the river's watershed.  Flooding, for example, is affected by upstream land uses and tributary patterns.  In turn, water flows affect stream and river shapes and materials, determining what habitats are available for living things.  And throughout a watershed, humans have land and water uses that affect downstream water quantity and quality.Virginia's rivers are continually being changed by unrelenting time and unceasing forces, and those rivers continue to provide services like water supply, irrigation, power generation, and others.  With all that going on, it's challenging and worthwhile to ensure that the Commonwealth's rivers retain places offering solitude and fostering creativity, such as in this week's music.  Thanks to Bob Gramann for permission to use the music, and we close with about 35 more seconds of “Solitude.” MUSIC – ~ 33 sec – Lyrics: “Rain and sleet, wind or heat, it's all the same to me.  Weather—you can never choose; each day that's mine, that day I'll use, to flee from time in my canoe, its bow splits Rappahannock water.  Dip my paddle, let it fly.” SHIP'S BELL Virginia Water Radio is produced by the Virginia Water Resources Research Center, part of Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment.  For more Virginia water sounds, music, or information, visit us online at virginiawaterradio.org, or call the Water Center at (540) 231-5624.  Thanks to Stewart Scales for his banjo version of Cripple Creek to open and close this show.  In Blacksburg, I'm Alan Raflo, thanking you for listening, and wishing you health, wisdom, and good water. AUDIO NOTES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Virginia Water Radio episode revises and replaces Episode 437, 9-10-18. “Solitude,” from the 2000 album “That Squirrel Song,” is copyright by Bob Gramann, used with permission.  More information about Bob Gramann is available online at https://www.bobgramann.com/folksinger.html. Click here if you'd like to hear the full version (1 min./11 sec.) of the “Cripple Creek” arrangement/performance by Stewart Scales that opens and closes this episode.  More information about Mr. Scales and the group New Standard, with which Mr. Scales plays, is available online at http://newstandardbluegrass.com. IMAGES The following photos along the Rappahannock River in Virginia were taken by Bob Gramann (except as noted) and used with his permission. Rappahannock River at the confluence with the Rapidan River (at the juncture of the Virginia counties of Culpeper, Spotsylvania, and Stafford), April 2004.Rappahannock River at low water (view toward Stafford County, Va.), August 2011.Rappahannock River in winter (view toward Stafford County, Va.), February 2006.Bob Gramann, composer of the music heard in the Virginia Water Radio episode, canoeing in the Rappahannock River's “First Drop” at Fredericksburg, Va., April 1, 2018.  Photo by Lou Gramann.EXTRA INFORMATION ABOUT THE UPPER RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER AND ITS WATERSHED The following information is quoted from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, “Rappahannock River-Upper," online at https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/rappahannock-river-upper/. “The Rappahannock River flows from its origin at Chester Gap in Rappahannock County approximately 184 miles to the Chesapeake Bay.  The first 62 miles, from the headwaters to Mayfield Bridge (Fredericksburg), are designated State Scenic River.  The river has a watershed of approximately 2,715 mi2, and average annual discharge near Fredericksburg is typically about 1,639 cubic feet per second (cfs). “During Colonial days, the Rappahannock River was a major shipping artery for transporting tobacco, salted fish, iron ore, and grains.  The watershed supports a variety of land uses; largely agricultural in the upper watershed, with manufacturing, light industrial, and retail applications throughout.  Soil erosion is a problem in the upper watershed.  Runoff from the major tributaries (Rapidan and Hazel Rivers) leaves the Rappahannock muddy after even minor storm events. “Access to the Rappahannock system (defined here as the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers) is fairly limited and primitive. Established access points on the Rappahannock (traveling downstream) are at Kelly's Ford (Route 672 off Route 651) in Culpeper County and Motts Landing (Route 618) in Spotsylvania County.  About 25 miles separates these canoe/Jon boat slides, and an overnight camp stop is nearly mandatory for those that float fish this reach. Another access point is located on the Rapidan River at Elys Ford (Route 610) in Spotsylvania County about 14 miles upstream of Motts Landing. Access may also be gained via several non-established points.  These consist of VDOT right-of-ways along bridges (e.g., Route 522 on the Rapidan). … “The Rappahannock River's character changes abruptly in Fredericksburg at the fall line (the limit of tidal influence).  Above the fall line, the river is usually clear, swift, and dominant substrates are bedrock, boulder and cobble providing perfect habitat for smallmouth bass and related species.  However, below Route 1 the river is tidal, and the substrate is finer, dominated by sand; and the water is frequently murky.  Species composition shifts with habitat, and largemouth bass, catfish and anadromous species are more common in and below Fredericksburg.  Boaters and anglers can now navigate from upstream access points such as Motts Landing across the old Embrey Dam site and into the tidal waters adjacent to Fredericksburg.” SOURCES Used for Audio U.S. Geological Survey, “Water Use in the United States,” online at https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/water-use-united-states?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality:“Commonwealth of Virginia State Water Resources Plan,” April 2015, available online at https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quantity/water-supply-planning/virginia-water-resources-plan;“Final 2020 305(b)/303(d) Water Quality Assessment Integrated Report,” online at https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quality/assessments/integrated-report;“Status of Virginia's Water Resources,” October 2020, online (as a PDF) at https://www.deq.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/2119/637432838113030000;“Water Quantity,” online at https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quantity. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources:“Rappahannock River-Upper," online at https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/rappahannock-river-upper/; “Rappahannock River-Tidal,” online at https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/rappahannock-river-tidal/.For More Information about the Rappahannock River City of Fredericksburg, Va., “Rappahannock River,” online at https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/210/Rappahannock-River. Friends of the Rappahannock (non-profit organization), online at http://www.riverfriends.org/. Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission, “Local TMDLs,” online at https://www.rrregion.org/program_areas/environmental/local_tmdls.php.  Located at this site are Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reports on the Upper Rappahannock River, the Hazel River, and other Rappahannock River basin waterways. RappFLOW (Rappahannock Friends and Lovers of Our Watersheds; non-profit organization), online at https://rappflow.org/.For More Information about Watersheds and River Basins Richard B. Alexander et al., “The Role of Headwater Streams in Downstream Water Quality,” Journal of the American Water Resources Association, Vol. 43, No. 1, February 2007, pages 41-59; available online at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307624/(subscription may be required). Radford University, “Virginia's Rivers, online at http://www.radford.edu/jtso/GeologyofVirginia/VirginiasRivers/Drainage-1.html. Craig Snyder, et al., “Significance of Headwater Streams and Perennial Springs in Ecological Monitoring in Shenandoah National Park,” 2013, U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2013–1178; available online (as a PDF) at https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2013/1178/pdf/ofr2013-1178.pdf. U.S. Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation Service/Virginia, “2020 Virginia Water Resources Progress Report,” online at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/va/programs/planning/.  This report has descriptions of projects in many Virginia watersheds.  The 2017 report is online at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/va/programs/planning/wo/. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “How's My Waterway,” online at https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/hows-my-waterway. U.S. Geological Survey, “Water Science School/Watersheds and Drainage Basins,” online at https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/watersheds-and-drainage-basins?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, “Hydrologic Unit Geography,” online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water/hu; and “Virginia's Major Watersheds,” online at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water/wsheds. Virginia Places, “The Continental (and Other) Divides,” online at http://www.virginiaplaces.org/watersheds/divides.html. Virginia Places, “Rivers and Watersheds of Virginia,” online at http://www.virginiaplaces.org/watersheds/index.html. Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Virginia Water Central Newsletter, February 2000, “Divide and Confluence,” by Alan Raflo (pages 8-11); available online at https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/handle/10919/49316. RELATED VIRGINIA WATER RADIO EPISODES All Water Radio episodes are listed by category at the Index link above (http://www.virginiawaterradio.org/p/index.html).  See particularly the Rivers, Streams, and Other Surface Water” subject category. Following are links to some previous episodes on the Rappahannock River or its watershed.Hazel River introduction (Rappahannock River watershed) – Episode 339, 10-24-16.Madison County flooding in 1995 (on Rapidan River, in Rappahannock River watershed) – Episode 272, 6-29-15.Rappahannock River introduction – Episode 89, 11-21-11.Following are links to some other episodes on watersheds and Virginia rivers. Big Otter River introduction (Roanoke River watershed) – Episode 419, 5-7-18.Big Sandy River watershed introduction – Episode 419, 5-7-18.Blue Ridge origin of river watersheds – Episode 583, 6-28-21.Bluffs on rivers and other waters – Episode 587, 7-26-21.Bullpasture and Cowpasture rivers introduction (James River watershed) – Episode 469, 4-22-19.Headwater streams – Episode 582, 6-21-21.Jackson River introduction (James River watershed) – Episode 428, 7-9-19.Musical tour of rivers and watersheds - Episode 251, 2-2-15.New River introduction – Episode 109, 5-7-12.Ohio River basin introduction – Episode 421, 5-21-18.Ohio River basin connections through watersheds and history – Episode 422, 5-28-18.Passage Creek and Fort Valley introduction (Shenandoah River watershed) – Episode 331 – 8/29/16.Shenandoah River introduction –

Leader 2 Leader Series:Join Chamber President and CEO, Susan Spears on a journey as she interviews some of the top community leaders in this series. Susan and her guests will share their insight and wisdom on making teams more effective, leveling up your communication skills, and building the courage to lead during difficult times. The Leader2Leader series is about making the most of it all —with insights, research, advice, practical tips, and expertise to help you become the leader you desire to be.Today's Guest: Donna S. Krauss, Stafford County Government Episodes will be launched bi-weekly Thursdays.Donna's Bio:Donna Krauss has made her career serving Stafford County Government for the past tweny years. She began her career as a social worker within the Department of Social Services in January of 2000. In the years that followed she has had various roles. She became the Assistant to the County Administrator for Human Services in 2005- 2008. She became the Director of Human Services in 2008 and in 2018 also became the Director of Community Engagement. On July 1, 2019, she became the first woman Deputy County Administrator for Stafford County.Donna has a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Child and Adolescent Development from the University of Mary Washington and a Master of Public Administration from Old Dominion University.Donna is a graduate of LEAD Virginia, Leadership Fredericksburg, and the University of Virginia's Senior Executive Institute. She is member of several professional associations to include the Virginia Local Government Management Association, International City/County Management Association, Virginia Association of Local Human Services Officials, and Virginia Women Leading Government.Donna is active within her community and participates on various Boards to include the Be Well Rappahannock Council, Women United Council, Rappahannock Area Youth Services and Group Home Commission, Rappahannock Area Community Criminal Justice Board, the Community Collaborative for Youth and Families, and the Youth First Partnership.Donna is an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, has severed on the Vestry, lead the Christmas Outreach program, and has taught Sunday School for three- and four-year old's for over 15 years.Donna and her daughter Amanda live in Stafford County. They have a beloved dog Farfalina. Donna loves to hike, kayak, travel, and go on adventures with friends, most recently skydiving.

One injured in two-vehicle accident in Stafford County. Jobless rate in Reno County climbs for second straight month. Here's the latest from Hutch Post.

#OTD Anthony Burns, an escaped slave whose capture under the Fugitive Slave Act led to protests in Boston, was born in Stafford County, VA

Robert C. Owens Sr. is a captain and EMT intermediate with the Henrico County, Virginia Division of Fire. He began his fire service career with the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and previously served as a career firefighter in Stafford County, Virginia. Owens is a certified Fire Instructor II and Fire Officer IV by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, and a Mass Casualty Incident Management instructor for the Virginia Office of EMS. He graduated as a member of the Charter Class for the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program and holds a bachelor's degree from Columbia Southern University. He is perhaps best known for the AverageJakeFirefighter.com Blog and for hosting the Average Jake Firefighter Podcast.

Vernon Green, Jr. is a retired Chief WarrantOfficer in the U.S. Army. Having served ourcountry for 20 + years, he is now an honorableveteran still serving people. Currently he, his wifeand 3 daughters are residents of Virginia with anestablished presence in New York and the DMVarea. Maintaining his passion of serving God andpeople Vernon established GCubed Enterprises,Inc. in 2014; a well-rounded SBA 8(a) certified,Service-Disabled Veteran Owned, MinorityOwned, Small Business. GCubed Enterprises,Inc. is focused on IT and Cybersecurity with anemphasis on “Keeping People and BusinessSecurely Connected.” We do business with honorand integrity. As GCubed services became morerequested Vernon saw the need for G3Community Services; a nonprofit providingservices and support to people in his community.Our Mission is: To restore, inspire, and empowerthe family unit through coaching, mentorship, andeducation; improving lives and strengtheningcommunities. Since the establishment of G3Community Services (G3 stands for: Giving GodGlory), Vernon has begun creating a network ofpassionate, like-minded people to expand hisvision by increasing resources to providefinancial assistance, mentorship, food to the hungry, housing the homeless, and meeting the needs of our community. Vernon has a reputation as a passionate, knowledgeable, and highly capable technical expert in his field. He brings his personal high standards to everything he does and challenges those around him to establish goals and implement measures to attain them. He has a master's degree in Cyber-Security, a B.S. in Computer Information Technology as well as Certified Information Security Systems Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Security+ certifications. He is an active NAACP member, serving on the Business Advisory Committee for Stafford County, and served as President of the Board of Directors for the community HOA. Vernon Green Jr. was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, NY and graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1992. He joined the United States Army on October 13, 1993 and served through three combat deployments to Iraq, one operational deployment to Kuwait, and two tours to Korea. He has also served at multiple duty stations within the US to include Ft Riley, Kansas, Ft Gordon, Georgia, Ft Bliss, Texas, Ft Bragg, North Carolina, Ft Belvoir, Virginia, and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He retired out of the Pentagon in April of 2014. Vernon is a mentor in his community and a leader in Stafford, VA. He truly believes that together, we can do more! Vernon Green, Jr. Recommendation List: https://kit.co/BecomingDisciplined/vernon-green-jr-recommendation Becoming Disciplined Information: Website: http://becomingdisciplined.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/becomingdisciplined Twitter: https://twitter.com/@path2discipline YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTWHSvpla2FwobDKDCYg3Uw Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/becomingdisciplinedonthegram Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Becoming-Disciplined-44621123926571

Will is a full time employee for the Stafford County and a full time student. He is pursuing a Business Degree and is interested in postmodern politics, sports, religion, and most of all civil dialogue! Find him on Instagram and Twitter @lilwillivert Devon is a firefighter/EMT that has worked all across Virginia. He has interests in music, history, American politics and civil rights. Find him on Instagram @lightskin_dev97 and Twitter @sweater_God3 Sana is a conversationalist in profession and interest, she is currently in the sales industry and is pursuing a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling. By engaging in politics she hopes more young adults will become activists for what is fair and right. Theophilus Felder is a full-time student and former West Point cadet who works for the Germanna Community College PD. He is currently enrolled at AMU and Germanna Community College majoring in Homeland Security and Administration of Justice respectively. He is an active member of the NOVA Eagles Rugby League team. Follow us on Twitter and IG: @worldxppodcast and Spotify, YouTube, & Google Podcasts

In this compelling episode, Coach Nate interviews the dynamic and influential Speaker, Author, and Producer, Chandra Gore. Integrity and hard work have always been the hallmark that Chandra has used to build successful and profitable businesses through her consulting firm has worked with entrepreneurs to help them create foundations for success through her boutique consulting and public relations firm, Chandra Gore Consulting. Quietly making strides with placements for small businesses, entertainment, authors, therapists, and motivational speaking clients on local and national news outlets she has been leaving her mark as a publicist in the industry. She is also an author, speaker, podcast host, festival founder, and producer. She also heads a production company, SCM Productions, which produces live comedic events and an upcoming Comedy Series, "They Said What?!", that will be launched strictly on Amazon. Hosting her successful inaugural comedy festival - Greater Northern Virginia Comedy and Film Festival in 2019 - she has anchored herself as a woman to watch in comedy. With a strong feeling of pride in her community, she founded The Urban Flight Foundation to help spread pertinent information, host voter registration drives, and more within Stafford County, VA. She is an author of several books, moderator, and speaker on topics such as Business Strategies, Media Relations, and Entrepreneurship. Launching Conversations with Chan - her personal brand that includes a podcast, YouTube channel, and publication on Medium.com. Website: chandragoreconsulting.com Facebook: facebook.com/chandragoreconsulting Instagram: cgoreconsults Twitter: cgoreconsults --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nate-battle/support

Believing that your body is either too big or too small, either right or wrong, from a young age is a huge hurdle to overcome. Chandra Gore joins me in a real (and surprisingly funny) conversation where we talk about self love at any size, owning who you are, body image, dealing with mental health challenges and even overcoming an abusive relationship to have an incredibly empowering photo shoot and really thriving in life. With an unconventional start in 2013 - Chandra has worked with entrepreneurs to help them create foundations for success through her boutique consulting and public relations firm, Chandra Gore Consulting. Quietly making strides with placements for small businesses, entertainment, authors, therapists and motivational speaking clients on local and national news outlets she has been leaving her mark as a publicist in the industry. She also heads a production company, SCM Productions, which produces live comedic events and an upcoming Comedy Series, "They Said What?!". Hosting her successful inaugural comedy festival - Greater Northern Virginia Comedy and Film Festival in 2019 - she has anchored herself as a woman to watch in comedy. She is an author of several books, moderator and speaker on topics such as Business Strategies, Media Relations and Entrepreneurship. She is a writer and host for her own brand, Conversations with Chan - that includes an YouTube Channel, Podcast and Publication on medium.com. The founder of The Urban Flight Foundation, a community organization that strives to share important information to the citizens of Stafford County, Virginia. _____ Get in touch with Chandra here:

Stafford Schools update with Superintendent Dr.Scott Kizner and Chief Elementary Officer, Carrie Neely.  

Rick catches up with childhood friend Brad Perry to reminisce about their middle school years in Stafford County, VA, the skateboarding scene in the late 80's, and the musical journey Brad has taken over the years as a working and touring musician.

Stafford County Administrator Fred Presley talks about local government in a pandemic, downtown Stafford and budget challenges.

Will is a full time employee for the Stafford County and a full time student. He is pursuing a Business Degree and is interested in postmodern politics, sports, religion, and most of all civil dialogue! Find him on Instagram and Twitter @lilwillivert  YouTube Spotify Twitter Instagram

In this episode meet Chandra Gore. She is also a published author, the Principal Consultant and Publicist of Chandra Gore Consulting, Founder of the Greater Northern Virginia Comedy and Film Festival, Producer at SCM Productions and Community Liaison of The Urban Flight Foundation, a community organization serving Stafford County, VA. She is also the host of Conversations with Chan, an YouTube Channel, Medium.com Publication and Podcast. Guest Correspondent and Contributor, Chandra Gore shares why she is a Woman for Culture and why you should become one too! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/womenfortheculture/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/womenfortheculture/support

Russ lives just down the street from me but due to the Covid, we chatted over Zoom. Russ has previous experience working on long range planning in Stafford County and then with Economic Development in Williamsburg before taking his current position in Leesburg. Russ talks about a "virtual Leesburg" as well as how Leesburg / Loudoun are helping small businesses survive. Russ feels that there will be a huge opportunity for Leesburg once the restrictions are lifted and people will be looking for day trips instead of jumping on an airplane.You can reach Russ and his staff here: Leesburg Economic Development

From graduating KSU in a recession and living with his brother in a trailer house, Ryan Koelsch and team discuss how they got started as a real estate and auction company in Stafford County, Kansas. Other conversations: Heath taking his kids fishing, a crazy hitch-hiker story, and the real estate land market holding up during corona virus outbreak.

Join us as we traveled to Stafford County, Virginia and met with Kevin Good. Kevin is the Deputy Chief at Fort Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services. We dove into the topic of Youth in Leadership and beyond. Make sure to check out Fort Belvoir on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.If you have any feedback or questions for Kevin or regarding this episode feel free to e-mail us at firehouseleadership@gmail.com

Please support Scary Mysteries! Check out our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/scarymysteries... - There's a lot of cool access, giveaways and even a custom episode! Buy awesome original shirts made by Scary Mysteries https://newdawnfilm.com/scary-mysteri... Subscribe for Weekly Videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiE8... _________________________________________________________ Top 5 Insane Murder Suicide Stories The act of killing is gruesome enough but deaths involving whole families are sinister to the core. The next five stories display the horror of these kinds of brutal situations. These are the Top 5 Murder Suicide Stories. 5. Lance Buckley It was November of 2016 when police from Stafford County, Virginia received a phone call from a man named Lance Buckley. He said he was reporting three murders and a suicide then the line abruptly cut off. Police traced the call to the Buckley’s home and that’s where they found a chilling scene. 4. The Strack’s On September 27, 2014, Isaac Strack, the oldest of the Strack children, arrived at their Springville, Utah home together with his girlfriend. He noticed the house was quiet when normally, his siblings and parents would be buzzing about. Isaac went to his parent’s bedroom but couldn’t open the door. He called out but there was no reply, so decided to call his grandmother. Once his grandmother got there, she and family friends forced open the door and that’s when they found the rest of the family. 3. Judith, Jozsef & Maria Barsi Fleeing from the Soviet Occupation, József Barsi, a Hungarian immigrant, sought to live a new life in New York in 1956. After living there awhile, he moved to California and met Maria Virovacz, a fellow Hungarian immigrant. The two fell in love, married and moved to Los Angeles where Judith Barsi was born in 1978. 2. William Bishop On March 1, 1976, William Bishop excused himself from work by telling his secretary he felt ill and was heading to the doctor. Intelligent, sharp and charming, Bishop had been working as an officer for the State Department in Washington, D.C. for years. 1. Elmer Crawford Born in Canada, Elmer Crawford moved to Port Campbell, Australia in 1951. It was here where he met his wife, Therese. The two then had three children together, Kathryn, James and Karen.

A few weeks ago, Keith had the pleasure of welcoming to Southern Fried Asian human rights lawyer, policy advocate, and candidate for State Senate in the 28th district of Virginia, Qasim Rashid. With less than two weeks to go until voters go to the polls in Virginia, Keith and Qasim talk about why he's running and why it's important to get involved in politics at every level of society. Qasim reflects on being a candidate running for public office while also being an immigrant during the Trump era (1:30) and how politicians exploit racism to distract from economic warfare between the haves and have nots (5:15). They also discuss how hard it is to get voters motivated for off-year and local elections but why it's absolutely crucial to get out the vote for these kinds of elections (11:00) and why organizing is the answer (13:00). He also reflects on the experience running for office in a part of Virginia that is traditionally very rural and conservative (16:00) before looking back at his own immigration story (18:15). Finally, Qasim shares his idea for bringing a food festival to Stafford County to celebrate the local cuisine of the area (29:00). Even though the election is right around the corner, you can still donate to Qasim's people-powered campaign here. You can also go here to learn how to be a volunteer. Subscribe to the Southern Fried Asian podcast on iTunes, Google Play, NPR One, Spotify, and Stitcher Radio! Support Hard NOC Media on Patreon and GoFundMe. Buy merch on TeePublic! Our official theme music is the song "Top Down" by Chops, Timothy Flu, and Mic Barz. Podcast logo by Jef Castro. Southern Fried Asian is produced by Keith Chow and Jes Vu.

This podcast is provided by Ben Glass and Steve Emmert   www.BenGlassReferrals.com - www.Virginia-Appeals.com   Granted Appeal Summary   Case   SUMNER PARTNERS LLC v. VENTURE INVESTMENTS LLC (Record Number 181259)   From    The Circuit Court of Stafford County; V. Willis, Judge.   Counsel   Michael R. Shebelskie, William H. Wright, Jr., Jonathon L. Caulder (Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP) for appellant.   William E. Glover (Glover & Dahnk) for appellee.   Assignments of Error   The trial court erred in finding in favor of Venture on its counterclaim and entering judgment for Venture on the same, because Sumner did not default by not closing and had otherwise fully performed. The petroleum contamination on the property excused Sumner’s obligation to close. The trial court’s ruling rests on its erroneous interpretation that oil, petroleum products, and their byproducts are neither “hazardous wastes or substances” nor “hazardous materials” under the parties’ contract.   The trial court erred in finding in favor of Venture on Sumner’s claims and dismissing those claims with prejudice, because the parties’ contract gives Sumner the right to postpone closing and remediate the petroleum contamination before closing. The trial court’s ruling rests on its erroneous interpretation that oil, petroleum products, and their byproducts are neither “hazardous wastes or substances” nor “hazardous materials” under the parties’ contract.   The trial court erred in holding that Venture did not breach §§ 5.6, 17.1 (h) and 17.1 (i) of the parties’ contract, because the petroleum contamination on the property comprises “hazardous wastes or substances” and “hazardous materials” under the parties’ contract. The trial court’s holding contradicts the contract’s plain terms and is contrary to the evidence.   The trial court erred in denying in part Sumner’s motion for reconsideration and not altering its final order, to enter judgment for Sumner instead of Venture. Because oil, petroleum products, and their byproducts are “hazardous wastes or substances” under § 5.6 of the parties’ 2 contract, Sumner had the right to postpone the closing, remediate the contamination, and then close, irrespective of whether those contaminants also are “hazardous materials” under § 17.1(h).   Source Document: http://www.courts.state.va.us/courts/scv/appeals/181259.pdf

Ted Schubel talks to Jeff Small at Rio Car Wash on 70 Sebring Dr. in Stafford County.

According to the latest numbers, the market is pulling back on sellers, and now is a great time to be a buyer. What’s the latest news from our Northern Virginia market? Let’s take a look at some key statistics from July to find out. July is typically a very busy month in our market, and we expect about 40% of all listed homes to sell during summer. In Prince William County, though, the number of home sales didn’t increase at all compared to last year. However, this is good news considering this number decreased the previous month compared to 2018. The average sold price in Prince William County, meanwhile, dropped almost 2% month over month, and the average days on market increased 5.6% during that same time.In Fairfax County, the number of closed sales dropped 4.8% month over month, the average sold price dropped 1.1%, and the average days on market rose 6.5%. You usually don’t see the average days on market increase during this time, so sellers need to realize right about now that the market is pulling back. Another tell-tale sign of this is the numbers from Alexandria City. A couple of months back, a lot of people predicted our market would go crazy because of Amazon moving their second headquarters here, but I told people that would only happen in a small area for a short time. Sure enough, closed sales in Alexandria City are down 17% year over year, the average sold price is down 3.4% month over month, and the average days on market is up 8.7% compared to June.“If you’re a buyer, these numbers mean now is go time.”In Arlington County, closed sales dropped 9.5% year over year, and the average sold price dropped 7.2% month over month. The good news here, though, is that the average days on market dropped 16.7% compared to the previous month.Stafford County is an intriguing case in terms of home values: Month over month, closed sales rose 11.2%, the average sold price rose 0.4%, and the average days on market dropped 3.7%.Lastly, in Loudoun County, it’s the same story as most of the other counties—closed sales are down 1.2%, the average sold price is down 1.4%, and the average days on market is up 22.6% month over month. If you’re a buyer, these numbers mean now is go time, especially considering that interest rates are in the 3% range for owner-occupied properties and in 4% range for investment properties. If you’re a seller, since we already know the market is pulling pack, you need to prep your home accordingly and price it correctly from the first day you list it. You also need to make sure you hire the right agent—roughly 85% of all agents in our market have never sold a home in a “down” market. If you have any more questions about our market or you’re ready to buy or sell now, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. These are waters we’ve navigated before, and we’d love to help you do so too. Remember: You have the dream, we have the address.

Man catches 53 pound catfish in the Potomac River, Nationals are back in town, Taylor Swift Receives Icon Award at Teen Choice Awards, Simone Biles performs an historic triple double, Stafford County is back to school. To enter the Tommy Show annual teacher tour: www.TommyShow.com/Teachers

Meg Bohmke of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors and VACo Executive Committee and Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools Dr. Scott Kizner join VACo’s Jeremy Bennett to discuss the K-12 education budget process and collaboration between school divisions and boards of supervisors. This episode is sponsored by VACORP - the premier group self-insurance pool providing comprehensive coverage and risk management services to Virginia public entities.

Anthony Burns was born into slavery in Stafford County, Virginia. Despite laws that forbade him to do so, he learned to write and read. He became a preacher. As he got older, there was one thing he wanted more than anything: Freedom. So he boarded a ship to Boston and escaped. For a while, Anthony lived as a free man. But his former “owner,” Colonel Charles F. Suttle Douchelord the Third, wanted Anthony back. Unfortunately, Charles had the law on his side. Then Brandi finally ends the suspense by wrapping up her two-part series on the Beatrice Six. In last week’s episode, she told us about 68-year-old widow Helen Wilson, who was discovered raped and murdered in her apartment in Beatrice, Nebraska. Police initially suspected Bruce Allen Smith, but a blood test ruled him out. The case grew cold. But then, a hog farmer and former police officer named Burdette Searcey stepped in. He was determined to solve the crime — by any means necessary. And now for a note about our process. For each episode, Kristin reads a bunch of articles, then spits them back out in her very limited vocabulary. Brandi copies and pastes from the best sources on the web. And sometimes Wikipedia. (No shade, Wikipedia. We love you.) We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the real experts who covered these cases. In this episode, Kristin pulled from: “Anthony Burns Trial of 1854,” www.famous-trials.com “Anthony Burns and the Fugitive Slave Act,” http://www.longroadtojustice.org “Anthony Burns,” PBS The book, “Boston slave riot, and trial of Anthony Burns” Wikipedia entries for Anthony Burns, Twelfth Baptist Church, Boston Vigilance Committee, Fugitive Slave Act of 185, and Franklin Pierce In this episode, Brandi pulled from: “Presumed Guilty Part Four: Pointing Fingers” by Catharine Huddle, Lincoln Journal Star “Presumed Guilty Part Five: Threat of Death” by Joe Duggan, Lincoln Journal Star “Presumed Guilty Part Six: The Trial” by Catharine Huddle, Lincoln Journal Star “Presumed Guilty Part Seven: DNA Changes Everything” by Joe Duggan, Lincoln Journal Star “Presumed Guilty Part Eight: A New Investigation” by Joe Duggan, Lincoln Journal Star “Memories of a Murder” by Rachel Aviv, The New Yorker “Even in 1989, forensics didn’t point to men and women who went to prison for crime” by Joe Duggan, Omaha World-Herald InnocenceProject.org  

Remso W. Martinez is an investigative journalist and Amazon Bestselling Author of Stay Away from The Libertarians, whose show The Witching Hour looks to put the investigator back into paranormal investigator. The Witching Hour TV Show: "The investigators of Argos Paranormal goes where no other paranormal show has gone before as they will be investigating locations that the locals fear and no other paranormal show has ever dared to investigate. These investigators will be pushing themselves to their max limits as they investigate locations at around 3 am, also known as the witching hour, when paranormal activity is believed to be at an all-time high during the night." Social Media: Remso W. Martinez: Twitter Argos Paranormal Twitter: https://twitter.com/argosparanormal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArgosParanor... Minds: https://www.minds.com/ArgosParanormal Website: https://www.argosparanormal.com/ Where to Watch the Witching Hour: Northern Virginia Residents residing in Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and Stafford County can watch the show on the 3rd and 4th Fridays at 5 pm through Fairfax Public Access Channel 10 while residents in Erie, Pennsylvania, and watch the show through CAM Erie Channel 1021.  Finally, individuals outside of those regions can watch new episodes on the Argos Paranormal YouTube channel two weeks after each episode airs first on all stations.  Channel coverage can be seen by visiting the following links: Fairfax Public Access: https://www.fcac.org/fpa-channel-coverage CAM Erie: https://catverie.org/ Video Links: TV Spot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3Pim0WNpCM Episode 1:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3F1guE80h4

TBWZ is back sorry for the long hiatus. This episode we have special guest Niq Bohr from #BohrdomPodcast and LoveLace Media to hang out with us. We discuss NFL, NBA season, Rondo vs CP3, Pusha interview with Joe Budden Pod. We then talk with Niq about the state of the hip-hop scene in NoVA, #BohrdomPodcast, LoveLace Media and Magazine. Niq was dropping so we hashtagged it #BohrdomGems. Niecy's segment Have A Seat is given to a middle school in our backyard in Stafford County, VA. IG: @niqbohr Twitter: @niqbohr Website: www.lovelacenetwork.com

What better way to cure the Monday Blues than with us? This week the #GoodBrothers revisit the Rosanne Barr twitter mishap and the recent interesting comments made by station executives, give our thoughts on the post-fight brawl at #UFC229, we give a big f*** you to Kayne West (excuse me, Ye), American Airlines (and the writer of said article) and the Stafford County, Virginia School Board, we discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, we look into a prank that might have gone too far and quickly discuss the few known facts regarding the disappearance of columnist Jamal Khashoggi and the global effects it may have. Music featured at the conclusion of Episode 19 is the debut single "Even If" by Anahide. For all things Anahide you can follow her on Instagram @inesanahide. Her music is available on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play Music, YouTube and many more. This weeks sponsor was Cayenne Cleanse by Health-Ade Kombucha and Champagne Bang by VPX. Follow Us on Instagram and Soundcloud and Like Us on Facebook. Also Subscribe to our Podcast and drop a comment in your preferred podcasting app.

This week on SarahTalk... I know we're all exhausted from the Kavanaugh Confirmation News Cycle, but we have a few more things to say. Sarah & Becca's 7th Wedding Anniversary Brett Kavanaugh: Won't Someone Thing of the Men?! Men Behaving Badly SC Republican Ralph Norman Makes Inappropriate Joke about Ruth Bader Ginsburg Soddy-Daisy, TN High School AD/Asst Principal Says "Blame the Girls" IA Republican Senator Chuck Grassley: Maybe Judiciary Committee Doesn't Have a Lot of Women Because It's Hard Work Disgraced Coach Dave Daubenmire: What if Women Lead Men On? UT Senator Orrin Hatch Calls Dr. Ford "Attractive" and "Pleasing" Donald Trump Says It's a Scary Time To Be a Man, Makes Fun of Sexual Assault Victim Dr. Ford Bozeman, Montana Woman Says Groping is "No Big Deal" with Daughters At Her Side Sexual Assault Victims Corner Arizona Senator Jeff Flake in an Elevator Gender Reveals and Why Sarah Doesn't Like Them Gender Reveal in Arizona using Tannerite Leads to 47,000 Acre Fire, Man Ordered to Pay $8M Restitution Texas Student Expelled for Refusing to Stand for Pledge of Allegiance Fights Back on Free Speech Grounds Texas Governor Greg Abbott Says in Debate with Challenger Lupe Valdez: Trans Restroom Issue Is No Longer a Priority Federal Court Says North Carolina HB142 (HB2 Replacement) Does Not Bar Trans People From Using Restroom Matching Gender Identitiy, Allows Further Legal Challenge Transgender Student in Stafford County, Virginia Forced To Sit Alone In Unsecure Area During Lockdown Drill Because Teachers Didn't Know What Locker Room To Put Her In.

Download and Subscribe to the Potomac Local Live Podcast A sinkhole measuring 18 feet deep and 25 feet wide has crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation working overtime.  The hole formed last week in North Stafford after heavy rains in the area, and subsequently forced the transportation agency to close a portion of Eustace Road between Northhampton Boulevard and Legal Court.  With all of the rain we've seen this summer, VDOT tells us it's been a uniquely challenging, an unusual season. The agency is working on two major repair projects in Stafford County following heavy rains -- a sinkhole, and a slope failure on Bells Hill Road.  We talk about all of it in this edition of the Potomac Local Live Podcast. 

4:16 "One more word" Bickering between Jayme and Willie rivals that of Esther and Fred on Sanford and Son, and other great platonic male female feuds of comedies past. 6:09 The Jeffersons 7:00 Who is the Dick Gregory of your life? 8:50 Welcome Nino! (save us from ourselves) 11:00 Fact Check: The Dos Equis Most Interesting Man In The World: Jonathan Goldsmith (born September 26, 1938) (2006-2016) 14:16 Check out the gym where Nino trains 16:30 Gender and sports: how to avoid being the sports mom in an Lifetime network show. 20:00 Our intro to jiu-jitsu and Jayme and Nino shoutout some of their jiu jitsu / martial arts heros: Eddie Cummings, Gordon Ryan, Gary Tillman, Lloyd Irvin, Mike "the Hawk" Easton, Tito Ortiz, Georges St-Pierre. 27:30 For some of us the appeal of martial arts is just ... a free nap. 29:48 Closing segment: Do you believe this sh!t? Education vs. Celebration: The Slave Auction Block in Fredericksburg, VA 36:55 Heads up about the Confederate flag along I-95 in Stafford County, VA 40:13 Public vs. Private school - what do we consider when making choices for our kids?

It’s time for a look at some market statistics. Let’s find out how last year’s numbers compare to what we see today.Buying in Northern Virginia?  Get a Full Home Search HereSelling in Northern Virginia? Get a Free Home Value Report HereToday I want to take a look at a few market statistics and see how things today compare to where we were at last year.In Prince William County, the average sales price this time last year was $337,000. This year, that number has gone up to $350,000. In 2016, Fairfax County saw an average sales price of $480,000 compared to this year’s $500,000. Stafford County’s average sales price in 2016 was $310,000. Now in 2017, the average has gone up by $20,000—now sitting at $330,000. Loudon County saw the same amount of growth, going from $440,000 in 2016 to $460,000 in 2017. In Culpeper County, the average sales price was $261,000 last year. In 2017 the average is now $275,000. Warren County has also gone up slightly. The average in 2016 was $212,000 and in 2017 is now $216,000.While this growth in average sales price has been consistent across the board in our local areas, the growth in Fauquier County specifically is impressive. There, the average sales price has gone from $358,000 in 2016 to $389,000 today. As you can see from these numbers, we’re experiencing a steady growth of about 3% a year. This points to a healthy market, which is always a great thing.We’re experiencing a steady growth of about 3% a year. Lastly, I wanted to announce that our team is growing, too. If you or anyone you know has been thinking about a career in real estate, we ask that you visit our website: www.JoinTheColganTeam.com. We’re seeking talented, motivated individuals who have what it takes to become a part of our family. Last year alone we had 800 people register on our website to help with their real estate needs. Additionally, we are always happy to take referrals. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, we want to help you succeed in your real estate goals.If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Ever heard of Deuntay Diggs? He’s a Watch Commander at the Sheriff’s Office in Stafford County, Virginia. As part of his duties, he appears before school assemblies and other community groups as “The Dancing Deputy.” His videos have gone viral, garnering more than 40 million hits. Stewart met him at a recent seminar at Montpelier on the Fourth Amendment, which regulates police searches and seizures. Deuntay and Stewart hit it off immediately. But it soon emerged that Deuntay’s sunny and enthusiastic personality hides a tragic personal story, which he shares in this compelling episode. Join us!

Ep. 86: “Just Keep At It…Be Authentically You!” Featuring Mandolin Restivo-Walsh   In this latest Dearest Doula podcast episode, we are joined by doula and childbirth educator Mandolin Restivo-Walsh!   In addition to being a doula and childbirth educator, Mandolin is also a professor of women studies, and the the co-creator of ‘Birth Languages’. She is the co-owner of ‘Connected Birth’, and is currently serving clients in the Stafford County, Virginia area. Listen in to today’s podcast where Mandolin shares her journey and insights as a birth worker today!   For links to the resources Mandolin outlined, be sure to visit our 'show notes' page at: www.dearestdoula.com/Mandolin   Have you connected with 'Dearest Doula' on social media? Don't wait, do it today!   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DearestDoula   Twitter: https://twitter.com/DearestDoula   Instagram: https://instagram.com/dearestdoulapodcast/   You can also get connected by joining our Facebook group, ‘Birth work is the Best Work’    Also, don’t forget to sign up for the Dearest Doula Accountability Tribe- to join in on weekly discussions with other passionate birth workers who want to deepen their doula philosophy, and grow their business.    I look forward to connecting with you!   *Sound/Music by Setuniman  at www.freesound.org/people/setuniman/          

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Buying in Northern Virginia?  Get a full home search hereSelling in Northern Virginia? Get a free home value report hereA lot of exciting things have been happening lately in Northern Virginia. Our team continues to grow; in fact, we just moved into a new office space. We also recently found out that we were ranked the #23 real estate team in Virginia by RE/MAX.Today we want to give you a quick update on how the various markets around Northern Virginia are performing. We will be discussing the median sale price and the average days on market to give you an accurate portrayal of our market. Fauquier CountyThe median sale price is up 4% from 2014, and now sits at $362,000. The average days on market here is 75 days.Prince William CountyThe median sale price here is $344,000, only up 1% from last year. As for the average days on market, it is only 40 days.Fairfax CountyThe median sale price in Fairfax County is $495,000, right around where it was at this time last year. Loudon CountyIn Loudon County, the median sale price is down 2% from 2014, and the average home here is taking just 44 days to sell.Stafford CountyThis area has seen a ton of growth, as demonstrated by its 8% rise in average sale price from last year. The average days on market here is about 60. We hope this update has been of use to you. If you have any questions for us about the market, we are always here to answer them. We look forward to hearing from you!

This ballot box is a survivor of the Kansas county seat wars, and a tornado.