Wednesday, May 6WATCHFUL EYE

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No swimming at 5 Norfolk beaches, per the health dept.
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No swimming at 5 Norfolk beaches, per the health dept.

During a swimming advisory beachgoers should not enter the water, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Norfolk Department of Public Health issued swimming advisories for five of the city’s beaches, yesterday, Sept. 4, including: 5th Bay North Community Beach Ocean View Park 10th View 13th View The advisories were issued after testing conducted yesterday found elevated levels of enterococci bacteria. An advisory is issued if the bacteria levels exceed 104 (MPN/100 mL of water), VDH explains. Ocean View Park, the worst of the results, was four times the acceptable level at 457 and 10th View wasn’t far behind at 408, according to VDH reporting. Enterococci bacteria aren’t harmful themselves, but they are an indicator for fecal contamination, which poses...
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Schools, retailers, & players benefit from record year for Virginia Lottery, reports Youngkin
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Schools, retailers, & players benefit from record year for Virginia Lottery, reports Youngkin

Governor Glenn Youngkin is celebrating a record year for Virginia Lottery that reportedly resulted in record benefits for schools, retailers, and players. Although the exact figures aren't final, Youngkin’s office announced that, during Fiscal Year 2024, which ended June 30, Virginia Lottery had record sales of over $5.5 billion including retail, website, and app sales. “Approximately 10 percent of Virginia’s K-12 education budget comes from Virginia Lottery profits that assist in funding public schools,” a statement from the Governor said. The record sales will lead to over $934 million for the state’s education system. According to Younkin’s office that’s the highest education contribution in the Lottery’s 36-year history. “I am so thrilled these record profits will help prov...
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State of emergency declared in VA, what that means for Virginians
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State of emergency declared in VA, what that means for Virginians

Yesterday, Governor Glen Youngkin declared a state of emergency due to Tropical Storm Debby. An announcement from the Governor’s office stated the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center predict the potential for tropical storm force winds, heavy rain, and severe flooding across the entirety of the state. With that, there is the possibility of transportation difficulties and power outages. It’s necessary to pre-position response assets and supplies. And declaring a state of emergency allows the Commonwealth to mobilize the resources and equipment needed for response and recovery efforts. Consumer protection Declaring a state of emergency also triggers Virginia’s price gouging protections, Attorney General Miyares’ office noted. Those measures are designed to p...
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After South Hill fire, DEQ confirms water contamination, air testing remains underway
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After South Hill fire, DEQ confirms water contamination, air testing remains underway

A multi-faceted response operation is still underway a week after fire ripped through a Nutrien Ag Solutions warehouse in South Hill. On July 6, a vehicle crashed into two propane tanks next to the warehouse, and one ruptured, DEQ reported. The propane ignited and spread to the Nutrien facility at 501 W. Danville St. where chemicals are stored. (Photo: South Hill VFD) Water contamination The South Hill Fire Department used several hundred thousand gallons of water to fight to the fire, said DEQ. The emergency responders weren’t able to stop the runoff, which included the chemicals. Nutrient Ag Solutions’ response contractor didn’t begin began collecting water running off the site until after the fire was extinguished, DEQ noted. But it was too late. The firefighters’ wate...
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2 new hunting dog regulations are proposed, comment period open
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2 new hunting dog regulations are proposed, comment period open

Virginia DWR reported that, during the past year, 2002 of 6128 total calls for service for hunting complaints mentioned dogs . By far, the most common complaint was hunting dogs on private land without landowner permission. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has opened public comment on two proposed hunting dog regulations to address hunting dogs on other people’s property. GPS tracking rule One new regulation DWR has on the table would require GPS tracking for hunting dogs used to pursue deer and bears. According to the proposed language, GPS tracking would be required for any unrestrained dog from casting until recovery. The wording acknowledges that signal loss can come into play but requires hunters to start tracking again when a signal can be reacquired. Accor...
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Virginia landowners offered free riparian buffers & maintenance while funds last
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Virginia landowners offered free riparian buffers & maintenance while funds last

Virginia property owners can have riparian forest buffers installed and for free under the new Riparian Forest for Landowners Program. The offer, which includes, planning, site preparation, planting, and one year of maintenance is available to private property owners include property associations, homeowner associations, and civic leagues. It’s also available in rural, urban and suburban areas. Planting Locations The buffer offered through the Riparian Forest for Landowners Program can be installed on open land adjacent to a water feature where a forested buffer of at least 35 feet in width from the water’s edge can be planted. An existing buffer may be expanded up to 300 feet from the water’s edge. The water feature may be any of the following bodies of water: Streams R...
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Governor declares today Winsome Earle-Sears Day
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Governor declares today Winsome Earle-Sears Day

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared today, February 23, Winsome Earle-Sears Day in honor of the Lieutenant Governor. Youngkin’s resolution recognizes Earle-Sears as the first female and the first female veteran to serve as lieutenant governor. Earle-Sears is also recognized as the first black woman to hold statewide office. In addition to serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Earle-Sears has held roles as Presidential appointee to the United States Census Bureau, a distinguished member of the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and as Vice President of the Virginia State Board of Education, the Governor’s resolution notes. Earle-Sears “quintessential leadership is a beacon of light to the Commonwealth of Virginia, exhibited th...
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Another warning of potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia after 2nd case
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Another warning of potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia after 2nd case

For the second time in less than a month, the public is being warned about potential measles exposure in northern Virginia. Maryland health authorities announced there is a positive case of measles in Montgomery County. The infected person is a someone who recently traveled internationally. The groups at risk of potential exposure related to that individual include anyone who was at Washington Dulles International Airport in the International Terminal on January 27 between 6 – 9:30 a.m., health authorities say. As a result, Alexandria Health Department has also issued an advisory about this measles case and the potential of exposure in northern Virginia. Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usual...
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Virginia lawmakers vote to make cocktails to go permanent
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Virginia lawmakers vote to make cocktails to go permanent

Lawmakers in both houses have decided Virginia should keep the ability to sell cocktails to go. During the pandemic, Virginia was one the states that allowed the sale of cocktails to go on a temporary basis to help businesses survive through struggling times. As it stands, that ability will expire on July 1, 2024. House Bill 688, patroned by Delegate Jay Leftwich, and Senate Bill 635, patroned by Senator Aaron Rouse, repeal the sunset date. And the bills give properly licensed distillers, restaurants, and farm wineries a permanent ability to sell mixed beverages and pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. The final vote in the House received overwhelming support with an 81-18 vote. In the Senate, the vote in favor was unanimous. Although the bill still has to be signed int...
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VA General Assembly update: HB 721, an anti-rent gouging bill, moves forward
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VA General Assembly update: HB 721, an anti-rent gouging bill, moves forward

HB 721 “aims to protect Virginians against rent gouging practices,” said Delegate Nadarius Clark, who introduced the bill. If passed, HB 721 will give localities the ability to adopt anti-rent gouging provisions and an anti-rent gouging board. Notice would have to be provided and a public hearing held before a locality adopted its measures. The bill also requires landlords to provide at least two months written notice of a rent increase. Additionally, a rent increase couldn’t exceed the locality calculated allowance. And the allowance would be set at equal to the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index or 7%, whichever is less. An allowance would remain in place for a 12-month period. “Changing economies, inflation, and gentrified neighborhoods have provided the environment...
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