Photo Via Governor's Press Office: Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell signs the new craft brewery bill into effect on Tuesday May 15, 2012 in Richmond, VA.

Richmond, Virginia

Local Nelson breweries including Blue Mountain Brewery, Devils Backbone Brewing and Wild Wolf Brewing will all benefit from a bill signed on Tuesday in Richmond.

Governor McDonnell today signed two pieces of legislation to support Virginia craft brewers at the Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. House Bill 359 (McClellan) allows manufacturers to lease space in their brewhouses to smaller-scale brewers and Senate Bill 604 (McWaters) allows retail sales of beer and sampling on the premises of Virginia breweries. The governor was joined by legislators, brewers from around the state, distributors, representatives from the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, representatives from the Virginia Manufacturers Association, commissioner of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Neal Insley, and representatives from the Virginia Tourism Commission. After the bill signing the governor helped unveil a new logo for craft beer from the Virginia Tourism Commission “Virginia is for craft beer Lovers.” Virginia currently has 44 licensed breweries.

Speaking about the legislation, Governor McDonnell said, “This legislation positions Virginia’s craft brewers to grow and create more jobs in the Commonwealth. From Arlington to Abingdon, entrepreneurial Virginians are innovating and brewing critically acclaimed beers. The legislation signed today will make it easier for our breweries to serve as destinations for potential customers and allow some of our talented small-scale brewers to lease space from established brewers and overcome some of the significant start-up costs. I would like to thank Senator Jeff McWaters and Delegate Jennifer McClellan for their leadership as patrons in the House and Senate in passing these important bills. Growing Virginia’s craft breweries will grow Virginia manufacturing, agriculture and tourism jobs.”

Eric McKay, co-founder of Hardywood Park Brewery said, “Senate Bill 604 is a landmark bill for Virginia’s craft brewers and for its manufacturing industry at large. Fueled by a passion for quality, innovation and unique flavors, a focus on local ingredients, a commitment to community philanthropy and a dedication to environmental sustainability, Virginia’s craft brewers are significantly empowered through Governor McDonnell’s unprecedented support. SB 604 will, without question, create a substantial number of hospitality and manufacturing jobs, generate significantly greater sales tax revenues, increase tourism, attract new and expanding craft breweries to Virginia, support local agriculture, and enhance Virginia’s food and beverage culture. We commend Governor McDonnell for identifying this opportunity for economic growth through greater liberties to productive and responsible manufacturers.”

Brett Vassey, President and CEO of the Virginia Manufacturers Association said, “The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild is honored by the support of Governor McDonnell, Senator McWaters and Delegate McClellan. SB604 and HB359 will support innovative brewing and expanded opportunities for Virginia’s brewers. These bills represent a golden opportunity for economic development in the Commonwealth and we are incredibly proud of the burgeoning craft beer industry.”

On May 5, the winners of the 2012 World Beer Cup were announced in San Diego. Five Virginia breweries won medals, competing with 3,921 beers from around the world.

Category 6: Herb and Spice Beer, 80 Entries
Bronze: GingerBread Stout, Hardywood Park Brewery, Richmond, VA

Category 8: Coffee Beer, 56 Entries
Bronze: Coffee Stout, Rock Bottom Arlington, Arlington, VA

Category 17: American-Belgo-Style Ale, 48 Entries
Silver: Blue Reserve, Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton, VA

Category 35: Vienna-Style Lager, 41 Entries
Gold: Vienna Lager, Devils Backbone Brewing Co., Roseland, VA

Category 70: Extra Special Bitter, 49 Entries
Silver: GAR Pale Ale, Great American Restaurants, Centreville, VA

Bills Signed Today

SB604 (McWaters) Brewery licensee retail and samples

Allows a brewery licensee to sell at retail the brands of beer that the brewery owns at premises described in the brewery license for on-premises consumption and in closed containers for off-premises consumption. The bill also allows these licensees to offer samples of the brewery’s products to individuals visiting the licensed premises, provided that such samples shall be provided only to individuals for consumption on the licensed premises and only to individuals to whom such products may be lawfully sold.
HB359 (McLellan) Terms under which licensed brewery may manufacture beer

Requires the ABC Board to adopt regulations prescribing the terms and conditions under which a licensed brewery may manufacture beer pursuant to an agreement with a brand owner not under common control with the manufacturing brewery and sell and deliver the beer to the brand owner
Will allow current manufacturers to lease space in their brewhouses to new or smaller-scale brewers

©™2012 Nelson County Life : Photos By NCL Mountain Photographer Paul Purpura :Attorney Jeff Ward (left) of Franlin, Denny, Ward, and Lawson, PLC standing by his Ferrari this past weekend at the Waynesboro Motor Sports Show in neighboring Augusta County, VA.

Waynesboro
Augusta County, VA
NCL Mountain Photographer headed west this past weekend to grab some shots at the Waynesboro Motor Sports Show in Augusta County. And there were some very nice cars on display indeed.

Click here to see the winners in the 2012 show.

In addition to some of the modern beauties on hand, there were plenty of classics too!

The event was held this past Saturday in Constitution Park in Waynesboro.

Not to be outdone by cars, there were plenty of classic trucks, like this older Ford that's been converted into a monster truck.

The event is held annually around this time of year.

Reps with the Nelson Memorial Library and the entire Jefferson-Madison Regional Library system are looking for citizen input at a public meeting to be held on May 21st at the Rockfish Valley Community Center.

Lovingston/Afton
Nelson County, VA
Library service is important to many Nelson County residents. Monday, May 21 the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library will hold its monthly meeting at the Rockfish Valley Community Center giving Nelson residents a chance to ask questions and air concerns about library service in Nelson and the entire JMRL system. The board meeting will be preceded by a 45 minute lunchtime presentation highlighting the JMRL website and the use of its many databases.  The databases include, among others, news, health, finance and genealogical research databases.
 
Mary Coy, a recent appointee to the library board’s advocacy committee, arranged for the JMRL board to meet in Nelson in order to increase awareness of the library and all it has to offer to the Nelson County community. “Many of us use the library website from home to place holds on books or search the catalogue but we have no idea of how much more there is on the website and, therefore, accessible from our homes,” says Coy. She encourages attendees to bring their computers to the noon presentation for a hands-on information experience.
 
The presentation begins at 12 noon and the board meeting will follow at 1pm. The Rockfish Valley Community Center is located on Rockfish School Lane in Nellysford. For more information, contact RVCC at 361-1000 or Nelson trustee to the JMRL board, Mary Coy at 263-8802.

Via the Newsplex Charlottesville: Our Media Partners at The Newsplex in Charlottesville posted this story on Tuesday.

Wintergreen
Nelson County, VA
Verbatim By Newsplex & CBS-19
May 8, 2012

Wintergreen Resort officials are considering several options to improve the resort’s financial security, including selling all or part of the property.

Other options include a joint venture with another entity and recapitalizing Wintergreen’s balance sheet.

The Nelson County Times (http://bit.ly/yrRPh4) reports that vice president and chief financial officer Rob Sullivan described possible steps that could be taken in a statement released Monday.

The resort encountered financial problems earlier this year because of a mild winter, the loss of its $3 million line of credit with Bank of America and a tax credit dispute with the state.

Wintergreen asked its members for help and sent renewal notices for 2013 about four months earlier than usual. Sullivan says that effort raised about $4.1 million.

The resort also settled the tax credit dispute.

Photo Courtesy of Amber Drumheller : This recently awarded plaque to the Nelson Relay For Life is still looking for a permanent home.

By Jennie T. Williams

Lovingtson
Nelson County, VA
Saturday (May 5) marked the 4th annual Nelson County Relay For Life, an event so well-known and well-respected in Nelson County, that last year, the community raised more than $127,000 and earned the recognition of one of the top ten fundraising communities nationwide (per capita). In recognition of that honor, the American Cancer Society presented the Nelson County Relay For Life organizing team with three plaques (one large and two small).

“We were extremely thrilled,” said this year’s Event Chair, Amber Drumheller, a Lovingston Attorney. “We knew we raised a lot of money last year, but we had no idea it would get a national award.” This year the totals are still coming in.

It included 483 Participants, 33 Teams, and $102,789 raised with more donations being added daily according to the organization’s local web page.

She said that the reason Nelson does so well in support of the American Cancer Society and the Relay For Life is simply because of the tight-knit community.

“I think we do really well because we are a small community,” she said. “Through word of mouth, people can incorporate their friends and family and coworkers. Since we are such a small community, everyone wants to come together to support a common goal. Everybody’s been touched by cancer in some way – everybody knows somebody who’s been struck by cancer.”

Amber and the rest of the committee felt that because the community earned the plaques, the plaques should be placed in the community. One of the small plaques is currently being showcased at the Blue Ridge Medical Center, and other small one is currently still looking for a home, as is the large one. The Committee thought the largest plaque might be best suited in a community-owned location – like the County Courthouse. But they were surprised to be denied the chance to display it there.

Above, the denial letter the local Nelson Relay chapter received after a request to place the plaque in the Nelson County Courthouse. Click on the image to view larger.

“We were disappointed and frustrated,” said Amber, who, as an attorney, is in the courthouse frequently. “We do want all the citizens of Nelson to know how successful our community has been. I was expecting them to say yes.”

While the County Board of Supervisors denied the request, County Administrator Stephen Carter insisted that it was in no way a decision made with the intention to discredit the Relay For Life’s accomplishments.

“Certainly the County recognizes how great an honor this is and how great a job they did,” said Stephen, who mentioned there is no official policy about showcasing awards in the County Courthouse. “The board just thought [the plaque] should be somewhere else other than the Courthouse.”

He suggested perhaps the Nelson Center, and added that he and his family have participated in the Relay For Life for several years.

The Relay For Life is a free community event held annually. For more information, please visit www.RelayForLife.org/nelson.

Arrest Photos: 71 Year Old Tracy Davis(left) and his wife 61 year old Joyce Davis, of Beech Grove have been convicted in a Nelson County court on several charges of animal cruelty. They will not serve any jail time as part of the sentencing.

Lovingston/Beech Grove
Nelson County, VA

Nelson Commonwealth Attorney Anthony Martin Discusses the convictions with our media partners at CBS-19. Click on player above to view.

The following press release was received from CA Anthony Martin’s office regarding the disposition of this case. Original story here. The release has been posted verbatim:

Update: 5.8.12 4PM EDT
CA Martin also added the follwing information to the original release:

Mr. Davis pleaded guilty to 4 felony charges this afternoon in the Nelson County Circuit Court for possessing a firearm during the sale, distribution or manufacturing of illegal alcohol. He received 5 years in prison on each charge for total of 20 years all suspended except for 90 days. He will begin serving his 90 day jail sentence on May 24, 2012. After his release, he will be on probation for 10 years and all firearms seized are forfeited to the Commonwealth.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: May 8, 2012
RE: Roseland couple convicted of animal cruelty
FROM: ANTHONY MARTIN, COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY

David Tracy Davis and Joyce Davis of Roseland were found guilty of animal cruelty yesterday in the Nelson County General District Court by Retired Judge Steve Helvin of Charlottesville.
Both were charged with approximately 30 counts of animal cruelty last November after authorities obtained a search warrant following an investigation by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control board. Authorities observed that many of the dogs were dehydrated and had inadequate shelter. Dr. Rachel Touroo of the State Veterinary office in Richmond was at the Rooster Ridge property during the execution of the search warrant. She provided expert testimony in the day-long trial approximately 2 months ago. She testified that virtually none of the dogs had clean water and several had tumors, one of which was the size of a softball.
One of the dogs, a Pomeranian that stayed in the house with the Davises, had missing teeth and suffered from an infection which could be seen and smelled by authorities when they entered the home last November. Authorities also testified that they saw no dog food on the premises.
Judge Helvin announced his decision yesterday. David Tracy Davis was found guilty of 14 counts of animal cruelty while Joyce Davis was convicted of 15 counts. Helvin stated that while there was no actual abuse of these animals, there was neglect of many of them.
After the Commonwealth’s Attorney Anthony Martin requested active jail time for the couple, Helvin recalled testimony from Sandy Solar of Nelson County Animal Control, who testified for the Davises in the trial, that she did not observe any signs of neglect when she visited the property earlier in 2011. While Helvin expressed concern about the vast difference between Solar’s and Dr. Touroo’s observations, he decided that he would not impose active jail time since animal control did not see any problems.
Both defendants were sentenced to 60 days in jail suspended on each charge. They are also prohibited from owning any companion animals or livestock for a period of 2 years. Photographs of the animals introduced in the trial have been kept in the court records.

™©2012 Nelson County Life : Photos By NCL Valley Photographer Hayley Osborne : Fresh lettuce from Pharsalia in Tyro was on hand an for sale at the kickoff of the 2012 Nelson Farmer Market Coop this past weekend.

Nellysford
Nelson County, VA
In spite of the ongoing Nelly May saga we have been talking about recently, the 2012 Nelson Farmer Market Coop in Nellysford kicked into gear this past Saturday morning. NCL Valley Photographer Hayley Osborne was there grabbing some of the shots!

Vendors from all across the area were on hand with tons of locally grown food and other custom locally made products.

Fresh mushrooms from AM Fog. Yummo!

Deb Harkrader of Nelson County displays many of the custom hand made bowls she fashioned.

Nelly Mae the cow may be MIA, but that didn't stop the market kickoff this past Saturday morning!

Lee Diehl of Roseland shows off some of the delicious local mushrooms for sale this past weekend at the farmers market.

Vendors line the lawn during opening day of the market this past Saturday.

Some young basil this past weekend from the Nelson Farmers Market Coop in Nellysford.

Lots of fresh produce starting to come in from Appalachia Star Farm, right here in Nelson!

It only gets better as the weather gets warmer! More and more fresh, local produce, meats, and more available at the market all summer long into October.

See you there!

Devils Backbone Brewing Company brewmaster Jason Oliver accepts a Gold award for the brewery's Vienna Lager. Blue Mountain Brewery, of Afton, beer maker that took home a medal. (Photo courtesy: DBBC)

Devils Backbone Brewing Co. and Blue Mountain Brewery are bringing back medals awarded to them at this year’s World Beer Cup in San Diego. Devils Backbone is bringing home a Gold for its Vienna Lager in the Vienna-Style Lager category. Blue Mountain is bringing back a Silver in the American-Belgo-Style Ale category for its Blue Reserve, a brew that took home a Silver at the Great American Beer Festival last year and is made with a “high proportion of the hops grown onsite” at the brewery, according to brewmaster Taylor Smack.

799 breweries representing 54 countries entered 3,921 beers for blind judging by an international panel of 211 judges from 27 different countries. Cheers to all of them, but double cheers to the Nelson County guys!

Rescue crews respond to a wreck on US 29 South in Lovingston involving two cars and a tractor trailer. © 2012 NelsonCountyLife.com

Update: The victim in Friday’s wreck has been identified and details regarding the accident are emerging.

***

Virginia State Police are investigating an accident in Lovingston this afternoon that killed one person. Local rescue units responded to a wreck on US 29 South at the traffic light at the Food Lion shopping center involving two cars and a tractor trailer, according to Nelson County Sheriff David Brooks. Traffic is being diverted to the passing lane as crews work to clear the scene; expect delays.

This accident on US 29 South in Lovingston has claimed the life of a person, according to Nelson County Sheriff David Brooks. © 2012 NelsonCountyLife.com

Sheetz the Bull of Beech Grove stands lookout for Nelly May of Nellysford. Copywright © 2012 NelsonCountyLife.com

[ Greenfield, VA ]  In what appears to have been a false flag (Nelly) May Day event, early morning reports of sightings of the missing Nelson Farmers’ Market mascot turned out to be bull. As in, Bull Sheetz.

Reports began trickling in Monday before 8 A.M. of Nelly May sightings at Ashley’s Market,  the southbound lane of Route 151 near Tuckahoe Antique Mall, and Wintergreen Hardware. Later in the day, we spotted the Nelly May look-alike standing near Hickman’s Grocery in Beech Grove. Apparently Sheetz the Bull is quite upset over Nelly May’s disappearance.

Sheetz the Bull expresses his yearning to be reunited with Nelly May. (Copyright © 2012 NelonCountyLife.com)

Hickman’s Grocery owner, Andy Hickman, had already left for the day when we entered his store. Perhaps, he too, is looking for some Nelly May.

A close inspection of this cow, initially mistaken to be Nelly May, reveals that it is actually a bull. (Copyright © 2012 NelsonCountyLife.com)

©™2012 Nelson County Life : Photos By Marcie Gates : Folks from all over made it out to the Bark For Life held this past weekend at Drumheller's Orchard just outside of Lovingston.

Lovingston
Nelson County, VA
People, with K9′s in tow made it over to the Bark For Life event this past weekend in Lovingston. It was being held at Drumhellers Orchard as part of a fundraiser leading up the the Nelson Relay For Life this coming weekend on May 5th.

The event was described as a non-competitive dog walk to raise money for the fight against human cancer.

Three Dog Night Company, a mobile grooming service, was on hand to make the doggies look just right!

©™2012 Nelson County Life : Photos By NCL Mountain Photographer Paul Purpura : A cyclist in the 2012 Wintergreen Ascent fights to the top in the annual race held this past weekend at Wintergreen Resort.

Wintergreen
Nelson County, VA
A grueling 6-mile climb on a course with gradients reaching 14 percent. That’s how the James Beazell Wintergreen Ascent is described. The annual event is put on by Wintergreen Resort and the Charlottesville Racing Club. Cyclists made the ride to the top this past Sunday.

Chris Carey, in the junior category, starts off on the Wintergreen Ascent this past Sunday at Wintergreen Resort.

A cyclist grinds his way past Founds Vision Overlook on his way to the finish line at Devils Knob.

The Fat Frogs from Virginia Beach at this past weekend's Wintergreen Ascent.

The race was coordinated on the lot of Devils Backbone Brewing in the valley and ended at Devil's Knob.

Results for the race should eventually be available here when posted.

Photo Courtesy of Chastity Morgan : This sign was placed in fron of the bear at the Nelson Farmer Market sometime over the weekend.

Nellysford
Nelson County, VA
Just as we told you about Nellys May being replaced with a bear over the weekend, we were sent this picture Monday morning in retaliation to that.

We were also sent this video wiretap tap above on the Bear Brigade.

Stay tuned, this should get really good before the week is over!

©™2012 Nelson County Life : Photo By Yvette Stafford : Apparently someone from the so called Bear Brigade struck overnight Friday at the Nelson Farmer Market Coop in Nellysford, VA. MIssing cow Nelly May has been replaced by a bear!

Nellyford
Nelson County, VA
We first told you about the plight of missing Nelly Mae from the Nelson Farmers Market Coop in a story here and here.

Apparently the Bear Brigade is serious. Last night a bear turned up in place of missing Nelly Mae!

Now we have noticed Save Nelly May t-shirts around in some of the area stores.

More as we know!

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Saunders : This vehicle ended up on its side after a Friday afternoon crash just west of the traffic light in Lovingston.

Lovingston
Nelson County, VA
It’s Nelson County’s only intersection with a traffic light and it didn’t even have that one until a few years back. It’s been the spot of numerous auto accidents over the years.

Friday afternoon another accident happened there, this time blocking Callohill Drive just west of the traffic light. The vehicle seen above flipped on it’s side near the intersection. Our Facebook friend Lisa Saunders snapped the picture above shortly after the accident.

According to witnesses on the scene, luckily it appeared no one was severely injured.