Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has cleared the way for the scheduled execution of Paul Warner Powell.
In an official release commenting on the case the Governor stated, “After conferring with the appropriate parties, as well as thoroughly reviewing the clemency petition and the judicial opinions regarding this case, I find no compelling reason to set aside the sentence that was selected by the jury and imposed and affirmed by the courts. Accordingly, …

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have patched, repaired or filled more than 43,000 potholes throughout the commonwealth since it kicked off the agency’s pothole blitz March 1.  Governor McDonnell directed VDOT to launch its pothole blitz and focus efforts on patching the thousands of potholes resulting from this winter’s harsh weather. Crews have worked day and night to address pavement hazards reported by VDOT crews, contractors, and citizens.
“We know that potholes create more than bumpy rides for motorists. They are roadway hazards. VDOT has made great strides in addressing …

A Chester, Va., man faces multiple charges following a road rage incident on Interstate 95 in Chesterfield County Friday afternoon (March 5, 2010). Vince T. Coker, 22, was taken into custody by Virginia State Police at his Chester residence shortly after the incident. Coker is charged with brandishing a firearm, shooting at an occupied vehicle and reckless use of a firearm.No one was injured in the incident.
Shortly after noon Friday, a 2008 black Nissan Altima was traveling northbound on Interstate 95 in Chesterfield County. According to witnesses, the Nissan was …

In a year that has seen a slew of gun legislation introduced in the Virginia General Assembly, the Democratically-controlled Senate has thrown the breaks on a repeal of the “one gun a month law” in the Commonwealth. The signature 1993 gun law passed in Virginia limiting handgun purchases to one a month will remain in place for the time being. Legislation introduced to repeal the law was rejected by a Senate sub-panel Thursday afternoon. The panel left the bill in committee essentially killing it in this session.
Read full story via …

The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Virginia Supreme Court Justice Barbara Keenan to the Richmond-based Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
With her confirmation, Justice Keenan will be the first female judge from Virginia to serve on the federal appeals court.
After the vote, Senator Warner released the following statement:
“I congratulate Justice Keenan on her confirmation to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court in Richmond.
“After interviewing many quality candidates, Senator Webb and I were pleased to put her name forward last summer. She was nominated by the President in September, and the …

Some 400 million Facebook users have the opportunity to become a “fan” of the Virginia State Police (VSP). VSP officially launched an official Department Facebook page March 1, 2010, and hopes fans will aid with solving crimes, tracking down fugitives and locating missing persons. The VSP Facebook page also features Department press releases, traffic safety tips, State Police YouTube links, and a calendar of upcoming traffic safety campaigns and enforcement initiatives.
“As social networking sites especially Facebook gain in usage and popularity, incorporating social media into our communications and public outreach …

Friday evening the Governor of Virginia declared a state of emergency for communities in western and southwestern portions of the state. The severe winter storm that began Thursday is causing blizzard-like conditions, including drifting snow, low visibility and extremely low temperatures. The storm is expected to continue through Sunday. Impacted localities include Bland, Grayson, Smyth and Tazewell Counties in Southwestern Virginia to Highland County in the Alleghany Highlands.
“I have directed state agencies including the Virginia National Guard to be ready to respond to any local government’s request for …

Virginians have the opportunity to support one of its own by casting a vote for Virginia State Police Sgt. Don Childs, a nominee for the America’s Most Wanted (AMW) All-Star Contest.

In a day loaded with bills pertaining to gun laws, House lawmakers voted consistently in favor of gun rights for Virginia residents.
House lawmakers voted 61 to 37 on HB49 which would repeal the 17-year-old law enacted in 1993 under Gov. Doug Wilder that limits Virginians to a single gun purchase within a 30 day period. The proposal is sponsored by Del. Scott Lingamfelter and is supported by Governor McDonnell….
Read full story via Clarke Daily News – Berryville Va.

On February 12th, 2010 U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb announced $24 million in federal stimulus funding for two projects that will “jump-start” Virginia’s transition to expanded use of healthcare information technology (HIT) and electronic health records (EHR). These grants will help Virginia medical professionals as they work to implement and use HIT to lower consumer health care costs, minimize redundant paperwork and reduce medical errors.
Read full story via  $24M For Health IT Projects – Clarke Daily News – Berryville Va.