inRich News Community

Leaders to try to resolve budget

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:08:56 -0400

Richmond Mayor Wilder and City Council President Pantele are set to reintroduce themselves today in a meeting over the city budget dispute.

EXPLORING RICHMOND: Close, cheap, fun

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:06:58 -0400

For summer recreation or 'staycation,' good times abound in Richmond area.

Big Brothers Big Sisters honored at National Convention

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:33:02 -0400

Big Brothers Big Sisters' National Leadership Council has bestowed its Pinnacle Award status to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Richmond & the Tri-Cities. The local Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate is one of only ten agencies selected from a nationwide network of over 400 to receive the prestigious Gold Standard Award two years in a row, making them winners of the BBBS Pinnacle Award, recognizing them for sustained quality growth - from children served, quality of service and revenue growth.

Mayor Wilder promises action in print shop

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:00:00 -0400

Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder yesterday promised "appropriate action," including possible firings, following an audit that found excessive misuse of computers at the city's print shop.

Richmonder gets 74 years in deaths

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:08:56 -0400

A threat that didn't exist and a fast finger on a trigger left two teenagers dead in Church Hill in December and yesterday sent a young man to prison for 74 years. Isiah "Bunk" Johnson, 22, of Richmond was sentenced for the Dec. 21 murders of K'Von Robinson, 15, and Christopher Harris, 19, both of Richmond, by Judge Richard Taylor in Richmond Circuit Court yesterday.

Richmond native gets top Air Force award

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:08:53 -0400

While growing up in Richmond, Mary Bullock thought she would become a veterinarian or a teacher. But after her brother enlisted in the Army, she decided she wanted to serve her country.

Music builds food bank July 25 and 26

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:37:33 -0400

Hunger doesn't take a vacation in the summer. Richmond-based acoustic rock band "Offering" will host a Christmas music marathon/food drive to restock Central Virginia Food Bank's dwindling supplies during their third annual "Christmas in July" initiative July 25-26. The music marathon starts Friday, July 25 at the Diamond with a concert preceding that evening's Richmond Braves game, and is followed by a concert at Positive Vibe Café on July 26. Over the past two years the popular events have boosted shelves with peanut butter, tuna, canned chicken, pasta, and other foods that are desperately needed by the area's hungry.

Temperatures to fall after tonight

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:45:00 -0400

Richmond's weeklong heat wave is coming to an end, experts say. A cold front is expected to move through central Virginia tonight and tomorrow, dropping the high temperature to the upper 80s tomorrow through the weekend.

Four VCU leaders resign key posts

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

Some of the administrators were critical of investigation into ex-chief Monroe's degree.

No time for rush jobs at City Hall print shop

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

In-house customers of Richmond City Hall's print shop have found it takes a long time to get work done -- but then some of the shop's workers have been awfully busy lately.

Riders plead that bus routes be kept

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:08:58 -0400

Richmond residents pleaded with the city and GRTC Transit System yesterday not to eliminate several bus routes as a way to address budget concerns from rising fuel costs.

Fraternity presents awards

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:37:31 -0400

The Iota Sigma chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. held its annual Community Impact Awards and Brother Luncheon at the Fifth Street Baptist Church GRACE Center in Richmond on Saturday, July 19. The Community Impact Awards recognize community leaders who have played a major role in improving the community in the areas of Education, Business and Social Action-the national programs of the fraternity.

Downtown Master Plan sent to City Council

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

Richmond has a plan for downtown development that's ready for final consideration. The Planning Commission voted 9-0 last night to send the Downtown Master Plan to the City Council, one year after an extensive public process that helped write the original draft. Last night, the commission spent more than three hours in a final review and signed off on a series of changes, including some that bent to the wishes of landowners.

Council, Wilder headed for budget clash

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:08:56 -0400

The Richmond City Council will vote next Monday on whether to sue Mayor L. Douglas Wilder over a dispute about whose budget should be in effect - his or council's.

Richmond H.O.G. raises $1,600 for Ronald McDonald House Charities

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:17:05 -0400

Civil-rights memorial dedicated at Capitol

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:58:04 -0400

More than 4,000 people of all ages endured sweltering summer heat to commemorate the bravery of Virginia children who 50-plus years ago stood up for civil rights and were memorialized today in a stunning statue on Richmond's Capitol Square.

Help for the homeless

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:09:50 -0400

A 21-bed facility in Richmond that gives homeless people a place to recover after an injury or illness reopens today with more than new blue carpet and freshly painted walls.

Is Richmond too quick to remove trees?

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:09:50 -0400

Some residents believe so; city agency will outline its urban-tree thinking today.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:09:49 -0400

This daily column features short news items from the 20 localities that make up the greater Richmond area. On Mondays, we run at least one item from each of the localities.

BUSINESS LICENSES

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:06:49 -0400

The following are recently issued business licenses in Richmond and Chesterfield and Henrico counties. RICHMOND Catalyst Consulting LLC (consultant); licensee same, 8 S. Plum St., Richmond 23220. Everlasting Premium Spring Water of Virginia (retail merchant); licensee Bilal Omar Muhammad, 2200 Clearfield St., Richmond 23224. Absolutely Painting Contractors (contractor); licensee Lewis Joel, 3416 E. Clay St., Richmond 23223.

Bogart's set to reopen

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Bogart's, once a Fan District jazz club and restaurant, will open in a new location in the next several weeks.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

The public is invited to a discussion Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. on improving air quality in and around Hopewell. Jim Gould of the Virginia Chapter of The Sierra Club will lead the discussion, to be held at the Appomattox Regional Library, 209 E. Cawson St.

Richmond shows it's undeserving of baseball team

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:08:58 -0400

It seemed like a beautiful day for a ballgame. As it turned out, the ballpark and parking lot were empty.

Baseball teams line up to play in Richmond

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:43:31 -0400

Minor League Baseball's executive vice president said yesterday "about three or four" baseball franchises, all from Class AA and Class A, have filed applications to relocate to Richmond.

AmeriCorps seeks volunteers in Virginia

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:22:01 -0400

Want to earn money for college and help your community at the same time? You can with AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps members address critical needs in communities all across America. Here in Virginia, AmeriCorps members are tutoring kids, building homes and responding to natural disasters. Members receive education awards to help pay for their college expenses while receiving work experience through organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.

Amtrak ridership up nationwide

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

In the era of $4-a-gallon gasoline, travelers are flocking to ride Amtrak. But the national passenger rail service may not have enough trains to accommodate them all.

Richmond killer is found insane

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:08:58 -0400

The man who stabbed to death a 70-year-old woman who was walking her dog in Richmond has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

The Petersburg National Battlefield is sponsoring three walking tours tomorrow in Old Towne Petersburg. The tours, called "Hard Liquor and Women," will focus on how off-duty soldiers enjoyed themselves during the Siege of Petersburg.

Forest Hill market to have Graziano in charity event

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

The fast-growing South of the James Market is adding a new dimension tomorrow. City Councilwoman Kathy C. Graziano, whose efforts led to the establishment this year of the Saturday morning farmers market in the main parking lot at Forest Hill Park, will be among the competitors in the MarketVibe Chefs Challenge.

VCU holds forum on its research ties

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:10:00 -0400

By accepting research money from tobacco giant Philip Morris, Virginia Commonwealth University compromised its integrity as a public health institution, several speakers told a university task force yesterday.

Chesterfield flea market vendors say manager gouged them

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:43:02 -0400

Vendors at a new flea market on Jefferson Davis Highway got together at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce yesterday to share their concerns with police and lawyers about the market's management.

Huguenot Bridge will be closing for repair

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:40:00 -0400

The Huguenot Bridge will be closed to traffic Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for routine pothole repairs.

Richmond police chief assigns staff

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:10:00 -0400

Interim Richmond Police Chief David McCoy has elevated a handful of top commanders to fill spots left open by his recent appointment and the appointment of Maj. John Buckovich to interim assistant chief. Former Major Crimes Capt. John Venuti will serve as acting major of the Support Services Division, which oversees all investigative divisions of the department, in addition to the SWAT team, special events and internal affairs.

15-story office tower proposed downtown

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

A 15-story corporate office building planned for downtown Richmond could rise beginning this year and become home to the Williams Mullen law firm.

150 hear School Board candidates

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

Change was the theme of the night as 15 candidates for the Richmond School Board took turns talking during a Richmond Crusade for Voters forum.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

Chesterfield Police are searching for a man who robbed the McDonald's restaurant at 5925 Hopkins Road late Monday.

CRIME LOG

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:08:56 -0400

Following is a summary of some burglary reports made to police recently in Richmond and in Chesterfield and Henrico counties.

FIRE WIRE

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:08:56 -0400

Here's a snapshot of emergency calls during the week of July 7-14, as reported by Metro Richmond fire departments.

Thieves, royal jewels -- and a court in Richmond

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:08:56 -0400

In 1948, a sensational tale of international intrigue made its way to a federal courtroom in Richmond.

Volunteers needed to count Richmond area's homeless

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:56:01 -0400

Richmond's regional Summer 2008 Point-in-Time Count of people experiencing homelessness will be held Thursday, July 24, 2008. Adult interviewers are needed to conduct surveys at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Thursday, July 24, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You must be 18 or older to volunteer. If you are interested in participating, visit www.homewardva.org or call (804) 343-2045.

Man pleads guilty in machete attack

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:50:00 -0400

Paul Bratton used a machete to nearly cut off his victim's arm and make three deep cuts across her face. Police found him after he tried to kill himself by drinking antifreeze.

Rafting on the James

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:35:00 -0400

It's a fun, safe way to spend a day playing, having fun and maybe learning a little about the river and Richmond.

Remains those of teen suspect in slaying

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:20:00 -0400

The human remains found in Dinwiddie County in January have been identified as those of a Petersburg teenager wanted in a 2006 homicide, law-enforcement authorities said yesterday.

Natural gas users soon will pay more

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:15:00 -0400

Rising energy costs soon will hit natural-gas bills from the city of Richmond. A typical customer can expect to pay about $19 more per month -- from $114 to $133 -- under the first of what could be two rate increases planned through the end of next winter.

Hurdles keep many students from college

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:10:00 -0400

In many large cities, the majority of residents ages 15 and younger are nonwhite, a segment of the population that historically does not attend college.

VCU president healing after bypass surgery

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

Virginia Commonwealth University President Eugene P. Trani is expected to be released from VCU Medical Center this week after undergoing quintuple coronary artery bypass surgery.

Parks, resorts may not be in InBev's future

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

The announcement of Anheuser-Busch Cos.' takeover by a giant Belgian brewer came with plans to sell unidentified "noncore assets" to raise $7 billion to help finance the $52 billion purchase.

Bottom's birds return in force

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:08:58 -0400

Unwanted last year, the purple martins will be the subject of a festival this year.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

The University of Richmond's proposal to build a $25 million, 8,700-seat football stadium on campus has been endorsed by the Three Chopt Civic Association after negotiations about how traffic, street parking and other factors will be managed.

Man held without bond in Belle Isle assault case

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:08:53 -0400

The man accused of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old female runner on Belle Isle last Wednesday is being held without bond.

City seeks protection for James River Park

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

James River Park was ready for state inspection. Young summer campers were learning to kayak in the rapids at Pony Pasture in South Richmond.

Suspect in attempted rape gets September court date

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:25:00 -0400

The man accused of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old female jogger on Belle Isle last Wednesday will appear in court in September.

Officials investigating abandoned kayak found on James River

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:42:02 -0400

Richmond river rescue workers are investigating an abandoned kayak that was spotted about 8:30 a.m. today on the James River.

UR plans satellite campus downtown

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

Collaboration with VCU to offer legal, psychological and social services to needy.

Touring Hollywood Cemetery on foot

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:09:51 -0400

Guided tours tell much about the history of the famous grounds.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:09:50 -0400

This daily column features short news items from the 20 localities that make up the greater Richmond area. On Mondays, we run at least one item from each of the localities. If you have a news item, call 649-6990 or e-mail us at news@timesdispatch.com Amelia The Amelia County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss county construction projects, including work at the county industrial park, at its regular meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Slayings drop in central Va. in '08

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

Richmond region reports 42 killings through June, down from 45 in '07 period.

Suspect in Belle Isle attack had earlier conviction

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

The man Richmond police charged with Wednesday's sexual assault on Belle Isle had gotten out of jail last month -- after doing time for attacking another woman at the park.

VCU officials punished for degree

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:08:58 -0400

VCU says it has taken "appropriate" but unspecified disciplinary action against some university officials as the result of the improper awarding of a bachelor's degree to Richmond's former police chief.

Man arrested in Belle Isle assault

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:43:03 -0400

Antonio Lamont Allison, 36, was taken into custody this afternoon at his home in the 600 block of Ratcliffe Avenue in Henrico County. He was charged with abduction and attempted rape.

Interim schools chief has talent, expertise

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:08:58 -0400

Yvonne W. Brandon never cracked a smile. The woman who will become Richmond's interim school superintendent Aug. 1 sat with a straight face as the woman she will replace lavished praise on her this week.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

Five Richmond-area residents are among the 59 new state troopers who reported to their duty assignments this week. They graduated last week from the Virginia State Police Academy.

M.L. Walker born in 1864, not 1867

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:08:56 -0400

Historians at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site say they now have sufficient evidence to show that pioneer banker Maggie L. Walker was born three years earlier than previously thought.

Richmond, there's money in history

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:08:50 -0400

Local tourism officials tout the area's strengths, potential while meeting with business leaders.

Tourism groups make pitch to local residents

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:08:50 -0400

Tourism groups are hyping many trends this season: girlfriend getaways, mancations, culinary trips, etc. But with gas prices soaring, staycations are near the top of the hype list.

Richmond to help parking authority

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:08:47 -0400

Richmond officials say they are committed to helping a downtown parking authority with a deal to develop new parking decks needed by the state and by a new performing-arts center. Richmond Chief Financial Officer Harry E. Black said yesterday that he also is willing to help the parking authority -- Broad Street Community Development Authority -- deal with its cash-flow problems and to include the authority in a study to address the rising demand for parking downtown.

2 from area graduates from Lackland Air Force Base

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:11:01 -0400

Air Force Airmen Harry I. Boykin Jr. and Syed Asif R. Gardezi graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. Boykin is the son of Alexis Thompson of Lenox Ave., New York, NY, and grandson of Thomasina Boykin of Sulky Drive, Richmond, Va. He is a 2001 graduate of Fluvanna County High School. Gardezi is the son of Mazhar Gardezi of Breaker Point Court, Chesterfield, Va., and nephew of Muzaffer Ahmed of Genito Road, Midlothian, Va.

National Park Service offers Civil War history programs

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:18:31 -0400

The National Park Service will present during the months of July and August a weekly series of downtown Richmond talks, tours and tales highlighting the capital's Civil War history.

Richmond police make arrest in teen's shooting

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:30:00 -0400

Richmond police have arrested a suspect wanted in the Monday shooting of a teenager near a city pool in Fulton Hill. Karriem Brown, 19, of the 1100 block of Mount Erin Drive was arrested by the police department's Fugitive Task Force late Tuesday night in the 2400 block of Carmine Street, police spokeswoman Karla Peters said. A weapon and marijuana were seized during the search of the residence where Brown was found, she said.

Roads session resolves nothing

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

In a day heavy on gamesmanship and partisan bickering, the House of Delegates killed one statewide transportation funding proposal and left another on life support.

Wilder increases retiree pain

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:08:58 -0400

Mayor Wilder has held up a cost-of-living adjustment for retirees' pensions because of his arcane budget beef with the council.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

The Daughters of the American Revolution will present the national organization's Veteran of the Year Award tomorrow to William G. Haneke of Chesterfield County.

Teen pleads guilty in text-threats case

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:08:53 -0400

Former Thomas Dale High School student Ashley M. Vaughan pleaded guilty yesterday to three felony charges for sending threatening text messages Jan. 22 at the Chesterfield County school.

Woman reports assault on Belle Isle

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:05:00 -0400

Richmond police will maintain a consistent presence on Belle Isle in response to yesterday's mid-morning assault on a female jogger.

Health officials looking for pet monkey that bit girl

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:10 -0400

Richmond health officials are looking for a pet monkey responsible for biting a teenage girl Friday during the Fourth of July festivities at Byrd Park. The Richmond Health District needs more information to help determine a course of treatment for the girl. The patient is in good health and was treated by her physician, said George Jones, spokesman for the health department.

Police to beef up Belle Isle patrols after assault report

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 11:42:57 -0400

Richmond police will maintain a consistent presence on Belle Isle in response to today's mid-morning assault on a female jogger.

Officials investigate Catholic Charities abortion

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:55:00 -0400

Richmond's commonwealth's attorney said yesterday that he will investigate whether a Commonwealth Catholic Charities staffer broke the law by signing a consent form for a 16-year-old Guatemalan girl to have an abortion.

Talks aim to boost Richmond parking

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:45:00 -0400

Virginia's need may be Richmond's answer for the vexing problem of parking downtown -- including spaces for the performing-arts center set to open next year.

For delivery drivers, instinct best guide

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:08:58 -0400

Gino Mora still gets chills when he thinks about the attack. While he was knocking on a door to deliver pizza at a South Richmond apartment about three months ago, a man with a gun came out of the night and demanded money.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

Louisa County authorities have charged a Richmond man with using a communication device to solicit a minor under 15 for lascivious purposes.

CRIME LOG

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:08:56 -0400

Following is a summary of some burglary reports made to police recently in Richmond and in Chesterfield and Henrico counties.

McGuire to open Fisher House

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:08:49 -0400

McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center tomorrow will dedicate its new guest house for families of patients in the hospital.

Another shooting today near Fulton pool

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 10:45:00 -0400

Police say today's shooting is related to a shooting near the pool yesterday in which a 17-year-old boy was wounded. Richmond police this morning arrested 19-year-old Ronshjae Lamon McCray in connection with yesterday's shooting.

Balcony Concert Series, Slam Richmond, Punks for Presents

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0400

Check it out: Local music from a balcony, Slam Richmond revitalizes poetry and thrash for a good cause.

Richmond's interim school superintendent is selected

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 01:00:00 -0400

Yvonne Brandon isn't going to settle for simply filling in. When she becomes Richmond's interim school superintendent Aug. 1 -- the School Board voted unanimously in her favor last night -- she's going to push hard to put into action programs she has worked on during her six years as an assistant and deputy superintendent. "I'm looking forward to working with the School Board to build some bridges," she said last night after making her way through a hug-happy crowd after a brief board meeting. She said she hoped to push "the New Direction from theoretical plan to a plan of action."

Meet the People - Chuck McIntyre

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:56:04 -0400

"Rails are the way of the future and I'm glad to see it." - Chuck McIntyre

Body found in James River is identified

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:55:00 -0400

Richmond police have identified a woman whose body was pulled from the James River last week near the city's Hollywood Rapids. Rosa Herbst, 49, of Richmond was seen in the water near the 100 block of Tredegar Street on Wednesday afternoon. Police said it appears Herbst had drowned, but the medical examiner's office will make a final determination on the cause and manner of death.

Wilder, council wrangling means no pension raises

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

Richmond's battle of the budgets has claimed a first casualty: a 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for retirees' pensions.

Minor changes sought in city plan

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:08:58 -0400

Richmond downtown plan calls for a new skyscraper.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

A medical examiner has confirmed that the man whose body was found in Sussex County during the weekend died as a result of homicide.

Richmond considers fleet options

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

Richmond is considering turning over its public vehicles to private maintenance and management.

ABC stores see Sunday traffic

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

Under a new state law, state ABC stores in Richmond and 4 other Va. cities can sell liquor on Sunday afternoons. Yesterday, some stores saw customers lining up outside, waiting for the doors to open at 1 p.m.

History repeats itself

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:09:51 -0400

Re-enactment of Patrick Henry speech is popular after holiday.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:09:50 -0400

This daily column features short news items from the 20 localities that make up the greater Richmond area. On Mondays, we run at least one item from each of the localities.

Education, sports were passions to share

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 00:09:49 -0400

Sports and education were always major parts of Archie Lee Harris Sr.'s life. The Richmond native had a 54-year career with the Richmond school system as a teacher and administrator as well as maintaining a lifelong passion for sports, first as a player, later as an official. He often shared his knowledge of the sports he played, "taking the time to teach anyone who wanted to learn," said his son, Archie Lee Harris Jr. of Los Angeles.

BRIEFS: NEWS NEAR YOU

Sun, 6 Jul 2008 00:08:57 -0400

King William Friday night Cruise Ins continue weekly through Aug. 8 at King William High School. The 6-8:30 p.m. events combine food, music and classic automobiles in the parking lot. For details, or to find out how businesses can help sponsor the event, call JudiAnn Shaver at (804) 769-4981. Colonial Heights A hotel guest's Fourth of July fireworks celebration on his balcony set off smoke that resulted in the man being charged with violating a state fire code, Colonial Heights police said. The man, Jeremy A. Griffin, 23, of Texas, was charged after firefighters were called to the Comfort Suites on South Avenue about 8 p.m. Friday because of smoke in the hotel.

Power restored in Richmond after wires, poles knocked down

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 01:20:00 -0400

A truck knocked down electric wires and poles in South Richmond yesterday, leaving about 3,000 customers without power for a few hours, Dominion Virginia Power reported.

Richmond man dies in Chesterfield crash

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:20:00 -0400

A Richmond man died yesterday from injuries he received in a single-car crash in Chesterfield County late Wednesday, Virginia State Police said.

Streams of solace for injured vets

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

BRIDGEWATER A Baghdad bomb wounded Army Staff Sgt. Brian Mancini's body and spirit. Babbling creeks and cagey fish are helping him heal.

Despite signs, spring water may be safe

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:09:58 -0400

Has Richmond's spring water suddenly gone bad? Officials this week posted signs at several popular spring-water pipes in the city claiming "Spring Water Not Safe For Drinking." There's just one problem: The water might be perfectly safe.