Police will be cracking down on drivers who don’t buckle up during the holidays, the county is seeking applications for a vacant Board of Supervisors seat, the Board recognized two important county businesses recently and county offices have announced holiday closing schedules. Read on for more.
Police Crack Down on Holiday Drivers
The Thanksgiving holiday period is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and to help save lives on the roadways the James City County Police Department will be teaming with other State and local law enforcement officers from across the country to strongly enforce local seat belt laws.
During the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday, 337 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes nationwide, and 55 percent of those killed were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash.
“Too many people are not getting the message, so we’ll be out in force during this long travel weekend, with a simple goal – to strictly enforce the law in order to save more lives,” said Master Police Officer Leslie Sten. “If you are caught not wearing your seatbelt, you will be stopped and you will be given a ticket.”
“During this Thanksgiving holiday, many more people are on the road traveling to visit friends and family. So whether you’re traveling across the country or just across town, one of the best ways to ensure a safe arrival is to always buckle up,” said Officer Sten. “But if you break the law and are caught not wearing your seat belt, you will face the consequences.”
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts saved more than 12,500 lives nationwide during 2010 alone. Research shows that the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent, when seat beats are worn correctly.
“Unfortunately, too many motorists still need a tough reminder to buckle up,” said Sten. “It’s a simple step that each of us can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones, but it’s often forgotten during the hustle and bustle of holiday travel. And the roadways at nighttime are particularly dangerous.”
County Seeks Interim Powhatan Supervisor
The Board of Supervisors is now accepting applications for an interim Powhatan District Board member.
The appointee will serve until the voters fill the vacancy in the November 2013 election.
Qualified voters in the Powhatan District are eligible to apply and must submit an application no later than Dec. 7, 5 p.m. A job description and application can be found on the county website.
Residents may also nominate eligible Powhatan District citizens by Nov. 30 through email at [email protected] or by letter sent to James City County Administration, ATTN: Powhatan seat nomination, P.O. Box 8784, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8784.
Once applications are received, the Board will review and choose final applications for consideration. Interviews will take place during an open Board meeting. Interviews and discussions will be televised on JCC TV Channel 48 on Cox Cable. For additional information or questions, email [email protected] or call County Administration at 757-253-6728.
Read more about why there is an opening for this seat in a previous story.
Ware Creek Watershed Plan Meeting
The county is hosting a stakeholder meeting for citizens who live or work in the Ware Creek Watershed on Thursday.
This stakeholder meeting is part of the overall Ware Creek Watershed Management Plan process; goals, strategies and actions for the watershed will be discussed.
The findings of the Baseline Assessment Report can be found online.
The meeting will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, at the James City County Library at 7770 Croaker Rd.
Supervisors Recognize Two Local Businesses
The Board of Supervisors recognized Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Ball Metal at its Nov. 13 meeting for celebrating 40 years of operation in James City County.
The Resolutions of Appreciation were presented to Mr. Rick Shippey, Plant Manager of Anheuser-Busch Williamsburg Brewery and Mr. Dennis Lutz, Administrative Manager of Ball Corporation Williamsburg Plant.
In presenting the Resolutions of Appreciation, Roberts District Supervisor and Board Chairman John McGlennon said, “It’s hard to believe, but it has been 40 years since this County was transformed by the arrival of Anheuser-Busch and Ball Metal, which together helped to create a new industry in this County that has been a fundamental driver of our economy ever since.”
In accepting the Resolution of Appreciation on behalf of Ball Corporation, Lutz said, “The plant has been here for 40 years and was the first plant built by Ball Metal. We’ve enjoyed being in business here for 40 years and hope to be here for another 40 years.”
In accepting the Resolution of Appreciation on behalf of Anheuser-Busch, Shippey said, “We appreciate this, it’s been a long road here in Williamsburg, but a good one for both the County and the company.”
Holiday Closings
James City County government offices, facilities, libraries and courts will follow the schedule listed below on Nov. 22 and 23 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday:
County offices
- Nov. 22, 23 Closed
James City County Recreation Center and James River Community Center
- Nov. 22 Closed
- Nov. 23 Open
Convenience Centers and Garbage Transfer Station
- Nov. 22 Closed
- Nov. 23 Open
Libraries
- Nov. 21 Close at 5 p.m.
- Nov. 22, 23 Closed
Courts
- Nov. 21 Close at 12 p.m.
- Nov. 22, 23 Closed
