RTD Chesterfield

09/10/2018

Virginia Department of Transportation

VDOT PREPARES AHEAD OF HURRICANE FLORENCE
Crews are clearing debris and drainage facilities in preparation of the storm

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD —The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is preparing to keep Richmond area roadways and motorists safe as the potential for flooding, heavy rain, high winds and debris associated with Hurricane Florence remains high for the region.

In preparation for the storm, VDOT and maintenance contractors are:
inspecting and clearing culverts, ditches and inlets to prevent water from collecting on roadways during heavy rain
removing debris from roads and shoulders that could block drains
preparing chainsaws and equipping vehicles with necessary equipment (ropes, flashlights, flares, extra chains for chainsaws, batteries)

As the storm nears, crews will begin working in 12-hour shifts to assist emergency responders with traffic control, detours and road closures. All previously scheduled interstate lane closures, as well as closures on Route 58 and Route 460, have been lifted to assist with traffic flow.

Drivers should be prepared for limited or difficult travel later this week and following the storm. Keep the following in mind as the storm approaches:

· If a traffic signal is out, drivers are advised to treat the intersection as a four way stop.
· Never drive through standing water. Turn around, don’t drown.

Information Resources

Get the latest road conditions – Call 511, go to www.511virginia.org or download the mobile app at the 511 website.

Report downed trees or hazardous road conditions – Call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or visit https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/.

Follow VDOT on social media – For area information, follow @VaDOTRVA and @511centralva on Twitter. For general information, follow VDOT’s statewide page: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDOT.

VDOT's mission is to plan, deliver, operate and maintain a transportation system that is safe, enables easy movement of people and goods, enhances the economy and improves our quality of life.

09/09/2018

Sunday's latest forecast: Strengthening Florence will arrive at the Carolina coast on Thursday, then parts of Va. could see flooding rain

Sunday's latest forecast: Strengthening Florence will arrive at the Carolina coast on Thursday, then parts of Va. could see flooding rain
https://www.richmond.com/weather/sunday-s-latest-forecast-strengthening-florence-will-arrive-at-the/article_c16e960a-2e26-5728-ac73-325372b61a42.html
(Via RTD)

Hurricane Florence is shaping up to be a serious threat for our region later this week: the North Carolina coast may see the highest winds and storm surge, then flooding

09/08/2018

Know Your Zone - Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Governor Northam Declares State of Emergency in Advance of Tropical Storm Florence


RICHMOND — Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency today in anticipation of the potential impact from Tropical Storm Florence. The order is designed to mobilize resources in preparations of the storm and to help Virginia mitigate any damage and to streamline the process that the Commonwealth uses to provide assistance to other states vulnerable to Florence.

“While the impacts of Tropical Storm Florence to Virginia are still uncertain, forecasts increasingly expect the storm to strengthen into a major hurricane that could seriously affect the East Coast and Virginians,” said Governor Northam. “Accordingly, I am declaring a state of emergency so that we can begin to prepare state assets, and I encourage Virginians to monitor forecasts and make their own preparations now.”

A state of emergency allows the Commonwealth to mobilize resources, including the Virginia National Guard, and pre-position people and equipment to assist in storm response and recovery efforts.

While the track of Tropical Storm Florence is still uncertain, it appears increasingly likely that Virginia may see significant impacts from this storm next week. Impacts include possible flooding, high winds, and potential storm surge.

The Governor’s Office, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Virginia National Guard, the Virginia State Police, and other state agencies have already begun preparations for the impacts of Tropical Storm Florence.
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State agencies are working closely with localities to identify any needs in advance of the storm, and to pre-position resources where they will be most effective. The state Emergency Operations Center will be staffed next week in preparation for the storm and will transition into 24/7 operations as needed when the storm approaches.

Due to the uncertainty of the storm’s track this many days in advance, VDEM encourages all residents of Virginia to prepare for impacts from this storm. These can range from high winds and storm surge in coastal Virginia to significant flooding both along the coast and in rivers and streams in the western part of the state. Citizens should remember that flash floods could happen at any time and that flooding is the most deadly and damaging part of any hurricane.

Virginians should remember to “turn around and don’t drown.” Do not drive across any flooded roadway, as it only takes six inches of water to move a vehicle and roads may be washed out beneath the floodwaters.

In advance of the storm, assemble your emergency kit including food, water, medications, pet supplies and important documents that you will need to take with you if asked to evacuate in short order. To learn more about what to include in your emergency kit and how to prepare for hurricanes, visit www.VAemergency.gov/hurricanes.

It is also important for residents of Coastal Virginia to “Know Your Zone” before this storm impacts Virginia. If you live in Hampton Roads, the Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck or Eastern Shore, learn which new hurricane evacuation zone you live in by visiting www.KnowYourZoneVA.org.

Stay tuned to local media in the coming days to keep close tabs on Hurricane Florence as it approaches the Commonwealth. Be prepared to take action, and know that storm forecast can vary significantly over just a few hours.

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Coastal Virginia Tiered Evacuation Zones “Know Your Zone” serves roughly 1.25 million residents who live in Coastal Virginia, the region of the state most vulnerable to hurricanes and other tropical storms. Twenty-three localities participate in the tiered evacuation zones. Zones were developed ...

03/01/2018

Join the Watch

https://www.facebook.com/nicolemcmullin/posts/10156161100264487

Sign up for a Richmond Times-Dispatch digital subscription today and get your first month free. Just $8.99 a month after.

01/02/2018

The Metro Richmond Police Emerald Society will host a fundraiser for Trooper Pilot Bates and Lieutenant Cullen from 5 to 10 p,m. Saturday, Jan. 6.

Live music will be performed by Mash Up, Irish Dancers from Baffa Academy of Irish Dance and the Metro Richmond Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.

The event also includes a silent auction, 50/50 drawings and raffles to help raise money, which is going to a great cause.

07/06/2016

Former Thomas Dale golfer, 21, dies in single-vehicle crash

Former Thomas Dale golfer, 21, dies in single-vehicle crash

Griffin Clark, a 21-year-old graduate of Thomas Dale high school and a standout golfer at the high school and college levels, died early Monday in a one-vehicle crash in Chesterfield County.

07/02/2016

https://www.facebook.com/brinnblack/posts/1429174930442536:0

Virginia... I need your help! The Clover Hill high school show choirs, @walmart and I are teaming up to bring as many 18 wheelers of donations as we can to the communities affected by the West Virginia Floods. Donations will be taken daily through July 15th in Chesterfield and on July 16th at Smith Mountain Lake. Also, benefit concerts will be on both days, so mark your calendars 😊. For more information please visit www.stuffthetruck.com/site #stuffthetruckwva #vaisforlovers #chhsshowchoirs #walmart #brinnblack #richmond #chesterfield #chester #wva #westvirginia

06/23/2016

Waterford sports park hearing to be deferred again

Waterford sports park hearing to be deferred again

A public hearing on a proposal for a water park in Chesterfield County scheduled for tonight will likely be deferred a second time at the request of Planning Commissioner Gloria L. Freye of the Clover Hill District, where the park would be located.

06/13/2016

Chesterfield to hold meetings on new master plan for parks

Chesterfield to hold meetings on new master plan for parks

Responding to its vastly growing population and changing demographics, the time has come for Chesterfield County to reassess its plan for one of its most valuable assets: its park system.

06/11/2016

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Congrats, Class of 2016! See photos from James River High School (Chesterfield County, Virginia) graduation. Chesterfield County Public Schools

04/29/2016

Tonight's action: Starting with Bandolero racing at Southside Speedway. On May 20, there will be a Driver Meet & Greet.

04/29/2016

Despite some light rain, today's Special Olympics events are underway at LC Bird High School. Here's a sneak peek at the opening ceremony.

04/29/2016

Henrico School Board selects Quioccasin as new name for Byrd Middle School

https://www.facebook.com/TimesDispatch/posts/10153951770856005

In a 3-0 decision, the Henrico County School Board has chosen Quioccasin Middle School as the new name for Harry F. Byrd Middle School.

04/26/2016

RTD Henrico

Photos taken at RIR on the weekend of April 22-24, 2016.

04/23/2016

Richmond Times-Dispatch

We'll be here all weekend, too!

The racing part of "Race Week" in Richmond gets underway at 12:30 today.

04/22/2016

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Hamlin, a Manchester High graduate, is an investor in a solar energy farm in Chesapeake.

04/22/2016

Denny Hamlin!

04/20/2016

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Calling all foodies! Have you purchased your tickets to a Taste of Richmond yet? Taste signature dishes from some of Richmond's hottest restaurants, plus learn from the pros during a special live cooking show from local chef Jason Alley.

Taste the local flavor, with expert tips to savor at A Taste of Richmond. Experience the best of the best of Richmond’s incredible dining scene in one evening.

Richmond.com/Taste

https://richmond-dot-com.bloxcms-ny1.com/events/taste-of-richmond/taste_of_richmond/

A Taste of Richmond is a delectable food event featuring local chef Jason Alley, owner of Pasture and Comfort, two of Richmond’s hottest restaurants, and dozens of signature samples from top restaurants, wineries and breweries.

04/16/2016

I recognize that paper.

04/16/2016

JTCC's Midlothian campus is currently hosting their Fool for Art Festival, from now until 4 p.m.

The festival features arts and craft vendors, hands-on activities, free educational sessions, games, food, music and more. Admission is free.

03/29/2016

Chesterfield County native Denny Hamlin is one of four drivers taking some test laps today at RIR.

03/25/2016

Food Fair registration starts at 7 p.m. April 4. Tickets for this free event always disappear quickly.

Online registration for the wildly popular Food Fair of Chesterfield County Public Schools opens at 7 p.m. April 4. Tickets have been snapped up rapidly in previous years, so families should be ready to reserve their free tickets promptly. Online registration is available here starting at 7 p.m. April 4: https://foodfair.eventbrite.com.

The Food Fair gives students and parents the opportunity to taste food being considered for school lunches and breakfasts. Their feedback will help shape next year’s menus. Rave reviews from previous Food Fairs brought Southern barbecue chicken salad and fiesta cafe burritos to school cafeterias.

This year’s Food Fair will take place April 13 at Clover Hill High, 13301 Kelly Green Lane. There will be two tastings: 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. For each tasting, 500 tickets are available. The Food Fair is free, but online registration is required. Families can register up to four people; at least one parent must accompany students.

Under the supervision of Chef Sarah Church, here are a few of the items that will be served at the 2016 Food Fair: calzones, grilled cheese sandwiches, slushies, mozzarella breadsticks, cinnamon twists, Italian green beans, Buffalo chicken flatbread, fiesta taco flatbread, carnitas on tortilla, wraps, kale salad, broccoli salad, roasted garbanzo beans and cookies.

In addition to food samples, the Food Fair will include displays about nutrition and the Nutrislice app and offer information about how to apply to work in school cafeterias.

03/18/2016

Virginia 511 Web

Press Release Block

SPRING, IS THAT YOU?
NOT YET!

Snow could affect roads this weekend, go to 511virginia.org for updates

RICHMOND -- Spring may be just around the corner, but motorists are reminded to watch out for possible icy areas on roadways as precipitation and low temperatures are expected this weekend.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be monitoring weather conditions and have crews out to treat roads as needed.

Rain and snow will move across the commonwealth through Sunday.

Most areas will not see heavy accumulation, but moisture and freezing temps could cause icy patches.

Anti-icing materials will be applied where effective. These operations will not take place on roadways where rain may occur before snowfall. Rain washes away the treatment, making it ineffective.

Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time to reach destinations, lower speed and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

For more information:

Latest road conditions – 511virginia.org, download the mobile app or call 5-1-1
Report road hazards or ask questions – 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or report a problem.

See VDOT’s winter travel info for general snow removal facts.

Virginia Department of Transportation | WAI Compliance | Freedom of Information Act | Text VersionThis website includes hyperlinks to sites neither controlled nor sponsored by VDOT or the Commonwealth of Virginia. Links may open in a new window.

03/11/2016

From this week's RTD Chesterfield:

Racing for fallen heroes
By Patrick Gordon
Content Manager

For John Alford, the term “Fallen Heroes” is personal. It’s not just a catch phrase; it is a description of people who were once close to him, but were killed in the line of duty.
Alford is a master patrol officer with the McLean District in Fairfax County. He has been a Fairfax County police officer for 21 years. Before that, he was with Arlington County for two years.
In addition to that, he’s a driver in the Arena Racing League. He drives the #91 car, also known as the Fallen Heroes car.
In his 23 years of work as a police officer, he has lost personal friends in the line of duty, which has inspired him to make an extra effort to honor fallen heroes.
“I’ve had four of my friends killed in the line of duty since I’ve been a police officer,” Alford explained. “I talked to families of my friends after everything settled down after their deaths and I asked them what has helped them the most.”
The families told him that the biggest help had been the Virginia Public Safety Foundation (VPSF), a Richmond-based non-profit organization which provides counseling and support for the families of police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who are killed on the job in Virginia.
Alford, who first started racing cars at age 16, uses his car to not only tell the story about local fallen heroes, but also to raise money for the VPSF and help families cope with the difficult experience of losing a loved one.
“We don’t want to do this just for racing,” he said. “We want to do it for a reason.”
During each race, he puts the name of a fallen hero on his car. He chooses from jurisdictions within Virginia as far south as Petersburg, and stretching from the east coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“I go to the odmp.org website and select a jurisdiction,” Alford noted. “I contact them and ask if I can honor their most recent killed in action. If the jurisdiction gives me permission, then I ask them to contact the next of kin of the fallen hero and if they give me permission, that’s when I go into the honoring of them.”
During the race on Saturday, Feb. 27, he featured a former Chesterfield County K-9 named Colt. Colt died in June of 2000 due to accidental gunfire after serving with the department for five years.
“Needless to say, I don’t have a next of kin for the K-9,” Alford said, “but Chesterfield did give me permission.”
On Friday, March 18, Alford will have the name of former Chesterfield officer Craig Rath on his car. Rath was killed in 1999 in an automobile accident while on duty. He was 28 years old and a United States Army veteran.
Each season, Alford raises money for the VPSF through his racing, car shows, and private donations.
“I get sponsors to run the season, which goes into a race fund,” he explained. “Any donations that I get through the website or at car shows go into the race fund. Winnings go into the race fund. Everything I get goes into the race fund. At the end of the season, here on April 23, whatever money is left over in the race fund goes to the VPSF to help with counseling for children of our fallen heroes and maintenance of the new public safety foundation wall here in Richmond.”
The wall is a public memorial in front of the Patrick Henry building in Richmond. It is etched with the names of every police officer, firefighter and EMT who has been killed in the line of duty in Virginia.
“We need to remember the fallen heroes who have died,” said Alford. “It’s very traumatic to the families and their workmates. That’s why I travel around talking about the fallen heroes. They’re my heroes.”
To learn more or to donate, visit www.911racing.com.