The Central Virginian

The Central Virginian Weekly community newspaper covering Louisa County and Lake Anna -- Virginia Louisa's hometown newspaper has become a full-fledged news organization.
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Locals from Gum Spring to Gordonsville and from Zion Crossroads to Bumpass can't wait for Thursday to see what we've got in our award-winning paper. But between Thursdays, we keep our community informed through our web site and Facebook and Twitter pages.

Cutalong at Tributer Resort, the master planned private resort community on the south side of New Bridge Road at the int...
08/29/2025

Cutalong at Tributer Resort, the master planned private resort community on the south side of New Bridge Road at the intersection of Kentucky Springs Road, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their clubhouse on August 19.

The original master plan for Cutalong was approved in 2005. Reef Capital Partners acquired the property in 2018 and the golf course was completed in 2021. Joe Walsh, the Project Director for Cutalong, addressed the Louisa County Board of Supervisors (BoS) in January to update the master plan to become a “destination-focused resort community.” Updates included prioritization of pedestrian and bicycle accessibility, inclusion of additional recreational spaces like pickleball, and a shift from single-family to multi-family dwellings. The community is slated to have 891 residential units for a roughly 1,000 acre project. The BoS voted unanimously to approve the master plan changes.

Both Cuckoo District Supervisor Chris McCotter and Mineral District Supervisor and Chairman Duane Adams were present to speak to at the ribbon-cutting.


“I”m grateful for the foresight and the planning invested in this development that has changed the property and the lake around it for the better,” McCotter said. “Prior to Reef Management arriving, this property was for years not an asset to the lake.”

Cutalong is owned by Reef Capital Partners, a Utah-based equity group; Reef also owns the Boardwalk Hotel at Lake Anna. McCotter added that Louisa County will benefit from the economic engine of the resort.

“I know that growth and change is inevitable here [in the county]; we sometimes don’t like that,” McCotter said. “But smart growth, like Cutalong, is what we want.”

Click the link below to continue reading and learn why some are calling Cutalong the “crown jewel of Lake Anna” :

https://www.thecentralvirginian.com/news/cutalong-welcomes-new-clubhouse-for-golfers-and-visitors/article_15e450cc-4371-47e4-9b5c-f0ea09c04cab.html

08/29/2025

The closure of Route 714 (Horseshoe Farm Road) in Louisa County for a bridge rehabilitation project has been extended due to rainy weather conditions. The road, which closed to through traffic on June 23, will now remain closed until Thursday, Sept. 18, weather permitting.

During the work, through traffic will continue to use a signed detour around the closure via Routes 208, 646 and 604. Access to driveways or entrances on either side of the closure will be maintained for local traffic.

The Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Louisa bridge crew is replacing the steel beam timber deck and installing a concrete box culvert.

The bridge is currently posted at 24 tons and is 13.7 feet wide. The new structure will be capable of carrying all legal loads with an increased width of 21 feet.

Current traffic conditions, VDOT’s statewide network of traffic cameras, and other travel information are available on the 511Virginia website, the free VDOT 511 mobile app, or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

08/29/2025

The Louisa Lions varsity football team open up their season with a victory on the road at Mills E. Godwin High School.

Final score :

Lions: 42

Eagles: 26

08/28/2025

The Louisa County Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce the hiring of Maggie Brakeville as the County’s first Agricultural Development and Land Conservation Coordinator. This new position reflects the Board’s commitment to preserving farmland, protecting forests, and ensuring that Louisa retains the rural character outlined as a cornerstone of the County’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. In her role, Brakeville will work directly with landowners, producers, and conservation partners to advance farmland preservation initiatives, facilitate easement and development rights applications, and strengthen agricultural marketing and outreach.

The Louisa County Board of Supervisors has over 50 Boards, Committees and Commissions which provide vital input and direction on a variety of topics and issues in Louisa County, including the Louisa County Agriculture, Forestal, and Rural Preservation Committee. In May of this year, the Agriculture, Forestal, and Rural Preservation Committee presented recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for the County to preserve agriculturally zoned land, including the Committee’s highest priority of the creation of this new dedicated position. The Board of Supervisors fully supported the Committee’s recommendation and chose to quickly act on developing a full job description and finding the right candidate.

“This is a great first step for our beloved Louisa County in protecting working farms and forestland,” said Jim Riddell, Chairman of Louisa’s Agriculture, Forestal, and Rural Preservation Committee. “We are excited to welcome the new coordinator and look forward to efforts to incentivize keeping farms in farms and forests in forests. We thank the Board of Supervisors for their strong support and actions protecting critical natural resources.”

Brakeville brings a background in agricultural policy, law, and community engagement. She’s spent her career focused on supporting rural communities and protecting working lands, and her experience collaborating with producers, landowners, nonprofit partners, and government agencies spans from policy design to implementation. Brakeville’s legal experience includes serving as the lead attorney for a national traceability nonprofit and she has served as a board member on the Louisiana Board of Regents and the University of Louisiana’s Board of Supervisors.

With this hire, Louisa County takes a meaningful step toward ensuring it “keeps farms in farms and forests in forests.”

📸Tom Egeland, Deputy Director of Community Development and Louisa County Farmer

The Louisa Lions varsity football team is eager to kick off their season after suffering another gut-wrenching defeat in...
08/28/2025

The Louisa Lions varsity football team is eager to kick off their season after suffering another gut-wrenching defeat in the semifinals of the 2024 VHSL playoffs. They will open their schedule on the road [TONIGHT], Aug. 28, against Mills E. Godwin — the same team that eliminated them in the playoffs two years ago in strikingly similar fashion. In that matchup, Louisa led with under 30 seconds remaining before a collapse led to a 32-24 loss.

While only a small number of players from the 2023 roster remain, the Lions are motivated for some get-back and a chance at redemption.

“After that loss against Godwin my sophomore year it struck me and the seniors hard,” fullback Lavartrell Creasy said, now entering his senior season. “Now we get a chance to make some new memories, except this time coming out on top with a big win.”

The Lions closed out preseason with a scrimmage against Midlothian late last week, where second- and third-string players saw the majority of action. Now, the squad is dead set on getting the season off on the right foot, in contrast to starting 0-2 last season.

“Game one is so vital... our region is so tough that games one through 10 are all extremely important for playoff seedings,” Coach Will Patrick said. “You expect a few mistakes when this is many kids’ first time under the bright lights, but we can’t start like we did last year and lose the turnover battle.”

Patrick also highlighted the challenges of game-planning for an opponent in the season opener, given the lack of current film. He emphasized that Godwin is massive in the trenches, and probably unlike anything they will see throughout the season.

“They are all 6 ‘5”, 280 lbs... their left tackle has like 50 D1 offers and is a monster. He’s like Braden McIntire times two,” Patrick said, adding that Louisa will rely on speed and athleticism to offset the size disadvantage. “They are huge and we are going to look small compared to them, but at the end of the day we are the Lions so that doesn’t mean anything.”

Click the link below for details on the Varsity Lions new roster and how they have ambitions for more than just a ninth-straight Jefferson District title:

https://www.thecentralvirginian.com/sports/varsity-set-to-kickoff-football-season/article_370f2a57-d570-455b-8b71-05cd1bb31b9d.html

Lake Anna is experiencing an unprecedented growth of hydrilla in the Dominion Waste Heat Treatment Facility (WHTF) ponds...
08/27/2025

Lake Anna is experiencing an unprecedented growth of hydrilla in the Dominion Waste Heat Treatment Facility (WHTF) ponds, according to numerous local residents. Over the past 60–90 days, it has been reported that dense mats of the invasive aquatic plant have made navigation by motorized watercraft nearly impossible, impacted the real estate market, and rendered significant areas of the water “unswimmable.”

The North Anna Power Station withdraws water from Lake Anna to condense steam within the facility. This water is returned to the lake slightly warmer than when it was drawn and passes through a series of private cooling lagoons, collectively known as the WHTF, where it circulates and cools before reentering the public side of the lake.

Hydrilla, originally from Asia, was introduced to the United States in the 1950s through the aquarium trade. It has since spread across freshwater systems, including Lake Anna. Recently, its sudden reemergence has become a contentious issue amongst locals, with strong opinions on both sides of the fence. While the plant does have benefits and can provide habitat and food for fish and wildlife, its EXPONENTIAL growth is largely considered harmful. Dense mats can block sunlight, reduce oxygen levels, and outcompete native aquatic vegetation. According to a U.S. Geological Survey (GLANSIS via NAS), hydrilla infestations caused $10 million in annual losses for just two lakes in Florida, underscoring the potential economic impact.

Rene Cote, a resident of Bumpass in the Buzzie Creek area and point of contact for the Noah’s Landing Property Owners Association, reported that hydrilla has engulfed large areas around his subdivision, specifically in the last few months. A survey conducted in early August estimated that approximately 821,000 square feet—or roughly 19 acres—of hydrilla in the Noah’s Landing subdivision will require treatment.

Cote described large amounts of hydrilla along three miles of contiguous shoreline that reach the surface, creating impassable vegetation. Demonstrating with a rake, he pulled out large clusters and noted that in many areas the vegetation extends 75 feet or more from the shoreline. In tighter coves with multiple boathouses, he stated that navigation by motorized craft is “nearly impossible.”

Chris and Jennifer Balut, who also reside in the affected area, detailed their experience managing the growth.

“Yesterday we spent the bulk of the day raking...in the last 3 or 4 weeks it has grown and gotten a lot worse...there was some [in the past], but it’s gotten a little out of hand and as time goes on will only get worse and thicker,” Balut stated, with his wife adding who she felt should be responsible. “Anything we do out here on the lake [Dominion] has to give us permission first. So that is under their purview to fix...we have invested in the community, so I expect Dominion to honor that and do their part to correct the situation.”

Jennifer Balut also suggested that the issue could be impacting the local real estate market, pointing to an adjacent home for sale that currently has a large cluster impeding access to the dock.

“I think that has to be a factor of why it hasn’t sold,” she stated. “People come down to the dock and you can see that they are turned off by the look of it.”

Cote echoed her concerns, emphasizing the potential of decreased property values.

“We build houses and come to the lake to play in the water. When you have property and everything in front of you is such a big mess and mass of greenery that you can’t swim in and it might be dangerous to launch your boat—you have kind of lost the value of living on the lake,” Cote claimed. “It is going to affect the resale value; that’s just common sense. Would you build here when you see this stuff? I’d probably look for a different body of water.”

Herbicide application in the area requires approval from Dominion and licensed contractors, as well as permits from the Lake Anna Advisory Committee (LAAC). Noah’s Landing has budgeted $10,000 for initial treatment, pending review, and other property owner associations are making similar efforts. Property owners seeking private treatment face estimated costs of $400 per acre. LAAC officials indicated that treatment in Buzzie Creek would not occur before 2026, and eligibility requires that hydrilla impacts navigation.

Initially, Cote was motivated to take action when his grandson no longer wanted to swim in the water. He described the potential risk to swimmers.

“If you jump in, you stand a chance of getting hurt and tangled up in this stuff. Could you get drowned by that? I don’t know, but I’m certainly not going to test it.” Cote remarked.

Click the link below to examine theories on what may have triggered the sudden surge in hydrilla growth, explore alternative treatment methods and learn why a Lake Anna business owner is cautioning against the use of more chemicals:

https://www.thecentralvirginian.com/news/explosive-hydrilla-growth-raises-lake-concerns/article_11a6a450-9254-4686-931f-435245e7b568.html

Since 1912, has strived to be an uplifting and steady voice for the entire community. Our team is truly grateful for t...
08/27/2025

Since 1912, has strived to be an uplifting and steady voice for the entire community.

Our team is truly grateful for the support of our readers who make our work possible.

Is there something you’d like to see covered? We welcome your input at :

[email protected]

You can also visit our website for the latest news by clicking below:

www.thecentralvirginian.com

On August 15, the filing deadline for the positions of mayor and council member on the Mineral Town Council (MTC) passed...
08/25/2025

On August 15, the filing deadline for the positions of mayor and council member on the Mineral Town Council (MTC) passed; three candidates are seeking the mayoral position, while four are eyeing council seats.

According to the Office of Elections, the candidates for mayor are C. Edward “Ed” Kube, Ronald “Ron” Chapman and Pamela “Pam” Harlowe.

Kube currently serves as the chair of the Mineral Planning Commission. Chapman was appointed as interim mayor earlier this year to fill the vacancy of former Mayor Ed Jarvis. While Harlowe does not currently hold a position in the Town of Mineral, she has served on council before for roughly 20 years, and then as mayor for three terms, according to an April 2022 The Central Virginian (TCV) article.

Only two council seats are available for the four candidates interested in the position. According to the Office of Elections, the candidates for Mineral council member are Blair Nipper, Robert “Bob” Spedden, Afton Von Tye, and Sherri Smith.

Read more about these candidates by clicking below:

https://www.thecentralvirginian.com/news/mineral-council-ballot-set/article_760e865e-a57c-41a3-8ce1-ad8c40c92c90.html

08/24/2025

According to Lake Anna resident Rene Cote and others, the exponential growth of hydrilla over the past 90 days on Lake Anna has created hazards for motorized watercraft, affected the real estate market, and rendered large portions of the water “unswimmable."

For an in-depth report on hydrilla at Lake Anna—including potential causes and available treatment options—see this week’s edition of The Central Virginian.

08/24/2025

While Louisa County is often known for its rural character and small-town nature, there is one thing that arguably defines the community most— its people.

Founded in 1966, the Louisa County Historical Society (LHS) has long worked to preserve the county’s history. Now, the nonprofit is turning its focus toward capturing present-day stories to ensure they are remembered by future generations.

Earlier this summer, the LHS began a rotating exhibit highlighting individuals from within the community. Though still in its early stages, the initiative started with local resident and beloved figure Ed Purcell.

Born in 1962, Purcell is a Marine Corps veteran from the Desert Storm era. After multiple car accidents that resulted in serious brain damage, receiving a defibrillator, and having his leg amputated in 2019, Purcell has spent much of his life in rehabilitation.

Despite these challenges, Purcell refused to quit. He soon became a local symbol of resilience, running marathons on his prosthetic blade and making frequent appearances at community events.

“Ed is someone who is very visible in the community and an anomaly in some ways...because we see him at so many events and at the front of the parade,” LHS Executive Director Katelyn Coughlan stated, noting her interest in documenting the lives of everyday citizens who have shaped Louisa in their own ways. “We’re not just collecting pieces of their life, but also doing an oral history to document when, where, and who is Ed beyond this? We want to put artifacts in context for the future.”

Although originally from Harrisonburg, Purcell said his move to Louisa was the best decision he ever made. He credited the love and support of the community with helping him through depression and PTSD.

Now, two of his prosthetic blades—valued between $10,000 and $20,000—are on display at the Sargeant Museum, alongside photographs and memorabilia representing his journey. For Purcell, the recognition carries deep meaning.

“Katelyn [Coughlan] first mentioned it to me around two or three years ago at National Night Out...she says, ‘you know you are a big part of this town, how about we put some of your things on display’?,” Purcell recalled. “I just said ‘come on, I do things for others and it’s not about me’...this right here is the biggest honor and means more to me than anything else. I don’t have any children or anyone to pass anything down to. Now knowing that my legacy is here to stay is really comforting.”

Click the link below to read more about how the LHS is aiming to preserve diverse community stories, highlighting the individuals who form the fabric of Louisa County:

https://www.thecentralvirginian.com/news/historical-society-launches-project-to-preserve-today-s-stories/article_7a7f90fa-6495-4d3f-a973-b1ccf4cd1dcc.html

Two years ago, Jackson Wyatt was at a rodeo in Lexington with his family when he discovered a passion that would alter h...
08/23/2025

Two years ago, Jackson Wyatt was at a rodeo in Lexington with his family when he discovered a passion that would alter his entire life— mini bulls. After falling in love with mutton busting and riding in the “walk-trot” division to start his career, it didn’t take long for him to climb the ranks. Now, the eight-year-old from Louisa County nicknamed “Action Jackson” is still living his best life, preparing to compete in an international competition alongside young riders from across the country.

Competing in the PeeWee Division for riders aged 6-8, Jackson must ride each bull for six seconds with one hand to secure a qualified ride. In the 2025 International Miniature Bull Riding Association (IMBA) season alone, he’s taken on 16 bulls, on top of countless local events in Gordonsville, Fluvanna County, and Powhatan that draw crowds eager to see him in action.

His trophy case is growing fast. Jackson won the Sims Events Extreme Bull Bash on September 21, 2024, and the Bulls, Barrels, and Bo***es event on October 19, 2024. More recently, he triumphed at the Ellie-Buck Memorial Bull Bash on June 20-21, 2025, and placed second in the IMBA Direct Qualifier on August 2, 2025—a competition featuring riders from multiple states.

Now he sets his sights on Ogden, Utah, where the IMBA World Finals run September 2–6, 2025, closing out the season. Even as he prepares for 2026, Jackson will continue to compete in True Grit Rodeo events featuring Baad to the Bone Production bulls. His current goal? Clinching the PeeWee Division championship, where he currently sits in second place.

Heading into the finals, Jackson’s confidence is at an unwavering “100%,” adding that he can’t wait to perform his signature celebration dance after a win.

Hoping to add to his growing résumé, Jackson now has valuable experience under his Marine Corps belt; an ongoing tribute to his biggest role model—his daddy.

“I still wear my Marine Corps belt buckle every time I go out,” Jackson shared. “[My dad] says positive things to me and encourages me to try my best, it’s not always about winning, it’s about having fun and trying your best. And going home safely!”

Click the link below to read more about how Jackson has continued to thrive through numerous challenges, with his family crediting the ongoing support of various rodeo organizations:

https://www.thecentralvirginian.com/living/action-jackson/article_278121f2-7eda-4855-a4d1-24a2c9328821.html

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Serving Louisa County and Lake Anna, The Central Virginian is an award-winning member of the Virginia Press Association.

The Louisa News and Farmer was established in 1879 by James E. Bibb, who changed the name to the Louisa County News in 1891. In 1903, Bibb sold the paper to R.W. Crawford, who changed the name to The Louisa Enterprise. The next year, M.B Quisenberry and Dr. James Boxley founded The Mineral Mirror, which was merged into the Enterprise in 1908.

Five years later, in 1913, the Enterprise was purchased and merged into The Central Virginian, which had begun the year before, on November 17, 1912. Over the years, The Central Virginian has chronicled the people of the county and promoted their efforts. The CV, as it is known, covers all aspects of life in the Louisa and Lake Anna area, covering everything from city and county government to school news, sports, business development, and more.