After our December 2011 story by Jennie Williams and photos by Hayley Osborne about Darrell Stevens in Beech Grove, several other media outlets picked up on it.

Beech Grove
Nelson County, Virginia
Our Muddy Shoes story about all of the leftover shoes from Tough Mudder at Wintergreen ran in the December 2011 issue. In that piece we told you about Darrell Stevens in Beech Grove and his project to clean up the shoes, sell them and then donate the money to the Salvation Army.

“Thank you for running a story about the shoe project that my husband, Darrell; and I recently completed. Your article helped to spark a little more interest, as well as Channel 29 in Charlottesville. a total of $580 was raised and given to Salvation Army in Waynesboro, as well as about 85 pairs of shoes,”

Lelia Stevens told us in an email.

Our December 2011 issue telling people about the good deed Darrel Stevens and his wife Lelia did in Beech Grove. Click on the magazine story above to read the entire original article.

“We appreciate everyone who bought shoes or helped spread the word,”

Lelia added.

Way to go and thanks to you both for a wonderful uplifting story!

©2011 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Photos By Robin Fitzgerald : Santa used a more traditional method of transportation this past Christmas Eve when stopping in Beech Grove at Hickman's to fill up his Harley!

Beech Grove / Roseland
Nelson County, Virginia
We’re all accustomed to Santa making his way across the globe on Christmas Eve using his sleigh and reindeer, but rarely do we get nice enough weather for him to come on down to earth and arrive on a Harley. Robin Fitzgerald sent us these pics over the Christmas Weekend and told us this Santa has been riding his Harley every Christmas Eve for about the past five years.

Children of Kristi Morris pose for a quick picture with Santa in front of the gas pumps at Hickman's Grocery in Beech Grove this past Christmas Eve.

We’re told this Santa is actually one of Santa’s authorized designated helpers, Steve Campbell of Beech Grove. Robin tells us Santa Steve was seen on his bike just about all day today in Nelson County on Christmas Eve. He was also seen in Waynesboro and Stuarts Draft making lots of children happy for Christmas!

Way to go Santa!

See you next year!

Above is a shot of the search warrant obtained by reported Rachel Ryan with our news partner CBS-19 The Newsplex. The warrant was executed on the home of Tracy Davis in Roseland (Beech Grove) on November 21st.

Roseland / Beech Grove
Nelson County, Virginia
Updated 1.15.12

Nelson County Sheriff David Brooks confirms that two of his officers assisted federal authorities on Friday evening (January 13, 2012) in taking Tracy Davis back into custody. ” I was told this was as a result of a direct indictment. We were told it consisted of numerous charges involving moonshine. Our officers were there to assist federal authorities in the pickup of Mr. Davis,” Sheriff Brooks said over the weekend.

Sheriff Brooks said the agents who took Davis back into custody were out of the DC/Maryland area.

Previous story from 11.18.11
As we first reported here back on November 21st, the investigation continues into a raid conducted on the home of Tracy Davis in Beech Grove. Today new details have come to light after reporter, Rachel Ryan of our news partner CBS-19 The Newsplex, reviewed the 30 page search warrant that was the basis for going into the home. Many new detail details have come to light and others have been verified from the documents.

Rachel’s complete story can be viewed by clicking here.

©2011 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Photo By Tommy Stafford : Numerous state and federal law enforcement agencies along with several humane society organizations gathered on the parking lot of the old Three Ridges Deli early Monday morning as part of a raid at a home on Rooster Ridge in Beech Grove.

Beech Grove
Nelson County, Virginia

UPDATE 12:45 PM 11.22.11
Scroll to bottom for official ABC press release outlining the operation.

UPDATE 8:20AM 11.22.11
The Nelson County Sheriff’s Department says Joyce Davis has made bond. Tracy Davis will not appear in court until November 30th at the earliest. He remains in jail during that time.

UPDATE 9:04PM
According to Sheriff Brooks. Tracy Davis is being held without bond. His wife, Joyce, was granted $5000 secured bond.

Arrest Photos: 71 Year Old Tracy Davis(left) and his wife 61 year old Joyce Davis, of Beech Grove have been arrested on multiple charges filed in Nelson County.

Original Post From 11.21.11
Around 8AM Monday morning NCL began getting calls about a large gathering of state and federal agents on the parking lot of the old Three Ridges Deli and Devils Backbone. Witnesses reported around 50 personnel including a large number of people with area humane society organizations, some from as far away as Roanoke and others with license plates from Maryland.

Photo via CBS-19 The Newsplex : Personnel with the Humane Society of The US remove animals from a Rooster Ridge home Monday afternoon.

An agent stands near a Humane Society of The United States van Monday morning at the staging area in Beech Grove.

Click on this screen image above from CBS-19 to watch their story by reporter Rachel Ryan.

NCL has been working the story all day in conjunction with our Charlottesville News Partners at The Newsplex. (Their coverage here) Through information gathered NCL has been able to verify that agents served a search warrant at the home of Tracy Davis on Rooster Ridge in Beech Grove just off of Route 664. “We had two officers on the scene since the warrant was being served in Nelson, but our agency did not directly participate in the actual search or removal of animals,” said Nelson County Sheriff David Brooks. Brooks said that Tracy Davis and his wife Joyce are being booked at the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department late Monday afternoon. “They have both been charged with 28 counts of animal cruelty,” Sheriff Brooks continued.

According to CBS-19 the investigation may be looking into the cultivation and sale of illegal bear organs.

NCL has learned agents from the state Alcohol Beverage Commission, Federal Park Rangers, and Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms were on the scene as part of the warrant.

Sheriff Brooks confirmed the state ABC was the agency in charge with assistance from other law enforcement and support groups.

Here’s the official press release from the VA State ABC in Richmond received around 12:45 PM on Tuesday 11.22.11 via CBS-19:

ABC Agents Arrest a Nelson County Couple on Multiple Charges

RICHMOND – Special agents with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) assisted by ten other local, state and federal agencies, ended a joint investigation November 21, as they executed a search warrant at an isolated residence, located on Rooster Ridge Road in Roseland. The investigation began as an inquiry into the operation of an illegal moonshine still when evidence of animal abuse was also discovered.

The owner of the home, Tracy Davis, age 71, was arrested on 15 counts of felony possession of a dangerous weapon while illegally manufacturing, selling or transporting unlawful alcohol, 1 count of misdemeanor for the illegal transport of untaxed alcohol and 28 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Davis’ wife Joyce Davis, age 61, was also arrested on 28 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. The couple was arrested and booked at Nelson County sheriff’s Office and taken to the Albermarle County Regional jail where Mr. Davis is being held without bond and Mrs. Davis’ bond was set at $5000.

Agents seized an illegal distillery (moonshine still), several firearms and a large number of malnourished hunting dogs, fighting chickens and two horses.

ABC agents were on the scene until early Tuesday and were assisted by US Department of Agriculture, Virginia State Police, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife, Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force, Virginia Office of Attorney General, US Attorney’s Office, Virginia Department of Agriculture’s Office of Animal Care and Health Policy, and the Humane Society of the United States.

This investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Photos By NCL Mountain Photographer Paul Purprua : ©2011 www.nelsoncountylfe.com : A member of the nearby Mansfield family is presented with a period history shirt by the Dodd family at this past weekend's Annual Piney Mountain Music Festival for all the work that Mansfields have done.

Beech Grove
Nelson County, Virginia
People from all over enjoyed the sounds of music this past Saturday afternoon at the historic Dodd Cabin in Beech Grove. It’s on the left side of Route 664 as you head toward the entrance at Wintergreen Resort. It was their annual annual Piney Mountain Music Festival.

The Skyline Country Cloggers perform this past weekend at the Dodd Cabin in Beech Grove.

The Long Mountain Grass Bsnd on stage this past weekend at the Dodd Cabin.

A period reenactment this past weekend during the music festival at the Dodd Cabin.

People of all ages enjoy the music this past weekend at the Dood Cabin in Beech Grove.

Descendants of the Dodd Family in period dress at Saturday's Piney Mountain Music Festival.

The Dodd Cabin is open from time to time for tours. Check out the sign on the side of the road heading up to Wintergreen for details.

Photo By Tommy Stafford : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Chris McNamara, husband of Christy, a bartender at DBBC, jumps high Tuesday night (Dec 13, 2010) outside of Devils Backbone in 20° weather to help raise money for needy Nelson families this Christmas.

Roseland / Beech Grove
Nelson County, Virginia
The temperatures hovered around 20° Tuesday night with winds gusting as high as 34 MPH while the crew and other volunteers continued Bouncing For Hams outside of Devils Backbone Brewing. We first told you about the planned event a few days ago. The goal of the 24 hour bounce is to raise enough money for 330 hams for The Nelson County Pantry will donate to needy families this Christmas. “We’re want to do something really special for the community for the holidays. We’re using this as an opportunity to raise money for needy families in the county,” Brian Coe, Assistant Manager at DBBC tells NCL. Brian was there Tuesday night bundled up to the max, jumping away as well!

Merideth Young of DBBC, jumps for a session Tuesday night raising money for The Nelson County Pantry.

The event runs through the night and all day until 6PM Tuesday evening. They are asking people to drop by and donate, volunteer to jump for a bit, or just buy something to eat on Tuesday. “Come out on December 14th and dine, 10% of our non-alcoholic revenue is going to be donated to the pantry,” Brian continues. There’s also a box at the front hostess station where people can simply drop in a donation.

Brian Coe, Assistant Manager at DBBC, Bounces For Hams in the 20° weather Tuesday night.

You know it’s cold down there, so help these folks out, so they can help others this Christmas!

Photo By Tommy Stafford : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : (L to R) Siporah Winsheimer, Tara Beaghan, and Brian Coe of Devils Backbone Brewing get in a practice session this Friday (12.9.10) for the upcoming Bouncing For Hams benefit starting next Monday December 13th.

Roseland / Beech Grove
Nelson County, Virginia
Jumping on a trampoline in 20 degree weather is not how Siporah Winsheimer, a waitress and bartender at Devils Backbone Brewing, (DBBC) thought she’d be spending part of her day just a couple of weeks before Christmas! “It’s fun and it’s raising money for needy families in Nelson County. We’re giving them hams,” Siporah told us Friday morning during a practice session on the trampoline outside of DBBC.

Siporah jumps over Three Ridges as Tara looks on during their practice round Friday morning at Devils Backbone.

“We’re wanting to do something really special for the community for the holidays. We’re using this as an opportunity to raise some money for The Nelson County Pantry to hopefully donate 330 Christmas hams to needy families in the county,” Brian Coe, Assistant Manager at DBBC tells NCL.

Backbone founder and owner, Steve Crandall, thought it would be fun to bounce 24 hours around the clock on a trampoline to help pledge money and earn donations as a way to be able to offer this for Nelson County.”

Tara Beaghan of Staunton, breaks a ninja move during Friday's practice round gearing up for the real event starting next Monday evening at 6PM and running for 24 straight hours.

“I’m driving an hour to jump for 20 minutes, from Staunton,” Tara told us Friday morning. When we asked her how she would make it jumping in the 20 degree weather forecast for Monday night and Tuesday, she told us. “A good attitude, a good smile, maybe some pom poms!” Siporah on the other hand had a better idea. “I’m gonna have a sleeping bag on,” she laughs.

Brian tells us there are several ways people can help out during the 24 hour event:

“-Give us a call, you can simply send in a check for a donation or come in and donate some money here.

-Come out on December 14th and dine, 10% of our non-alcoholic revenue is going to be donated to the pantry.

-Or if you just want to come out and give us your time, just sign up for a slot to jump 20 minutes.”

Siporah after the practice round Friday!

The Bouncing For Hams Event goes from this Monday – December 13th at 6PM until December 14th at 6PM continuously around the clock through the night.For more info call Devils Backbone at: 434.361.1001

See you there!

©2010 www.nelsloncountylife.com : The latest nTelos cell and data tower went live Thursday in the Beech Grove area near Routes 664 & 151.

Beech Grove / Roseland
Nelson County, Virginia
If you are an Ntelos Wireless customer in the Beech Grove area, you have probably noticed a tremendous signal improvement with the past day or so. That’s because of the latest activation by nTelos of their tower that was constructed this past summer. After the final installation and testing of data lines to the site, it was activated late in the week.

The site joins numerous others nTelos has installed in Nelson to aggressively improve both cell and internet service across the county in both the valley and on the mountain at Wintergreen.

If you’d like more information on nTelos cell service and / or 3G wireless mobile broadband you can contact John Apesa at nTelos: (540) 457-2000

©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : The newest nTelos antenna can be seen off in the distance just above the tree line over the west entrance rooftop at Devils Backbone in Beech Grove. Click to enlarge.

Beech Grove/Roseland
For several weeks now crews have been working to complete the latest addition to the nTelos Wireless network in Nelson County. The latest site in Beech Grove near the intersection of 664 & 151 should be completed and active soon. nTelos has been on an aggressive plan to add additional sites to the already established ones.

The most recent site was put up in February 2009 along Route 151 just across from the Rockfish Presbyterian Church. Two additional sites are on the mountain at Wintergreen, one overlooking the Rockfish Valley, another on Devils Knob. Other sites are already scattered across other portions of the county.

The new Beech Grove location will provide regular cellular service in addition to enhanced data services for aircards and smartphones.

The new site is expected to be on-air in the next few weeks, and will greatly enhance service in that area.

To learn more or demo a phone you can email: apesajo@ntelos.com

Or call him @ 540.457.2000

Photos By Tommy Stafford : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Crews put the finishing touches on Nelson first electric generating wind turbine at Devils Backbone Wednesday afternoon. Click any images to enlarge.

Roseland/Beech Grove
Nelson County, Virginia
After more than a year of weaving in and out of regulatory requirements, Nelson County has its first official wind turbine that is generating electricity. “It actually hooks right into our electric panel which goes directly into the grid,” says Steve Crandall owner of Devils Backbone Brewing Company and founder of EcoTecture, a residential and commercial wind turbine company based here in Nelson. He’s also the  owner of Tectonics II Builders located in Beech Grove.

The turbine just seconds before it was pulled up vertically.

“It feeds into the panel. It will augment the electrical needs that we’re doing in the brewery. It won’t come anywhere near supplying what we need, but it helps hedge us against future energy costs and inflation,” Steve continued.

Crews tip the turbine into place.

Steve says the particular type of turbine installed at DBBC can supply somewhere in the neighborhood of 400-500 kilowatt hours of electricity per month, depending on wind. “If you have really good wind you can get up to 2000 kilowatt hours from this size turbine.”

J.K. Kennedy with Tectonics Builders tightens bolts at the base of the wind turbine located just behind Devils Backbone at the intersection of Route 151 and 664.

Steve Crandall checks readings on a laptop from the newly installed wind turbine.

Mike Cognetti (right) the electrician overseeing the installation and Matt Burk with TLC Electric tighten and check ground wires a the base of the turbine.

The installation crew poses for a photo after completion at the base of the wind turbine.

For more information about wind turbines that create electricity, head over to Steve Crandall’s EcoTecture web site: http://virginiaturbine.com/

Photo By Tommy Stafford : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Jeff & Tamara Stone stand in front of The Verandah recently completed at Wintergreen Winery.

Nellysford/Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia
Join Wintergreen Winery as they toast the winery’s 17th Anniversary and the Grand Opening of The Verandah! Wintergreen Winery will hold its Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, April 24th with wine, music, picnics and fun from 11am until 6pm each day. The celebration will feature the “rock-roll-soul” of the Rogan Brothers Band on Saturday afternoon. The winery’s tasting presentation of their award-winning wines will feature the latest vintages of Black Rock Chardonnay Reserve, Viognier, Three Ridges White, Thomas Nelson White, Raven’s Roost Cabernet Franc, Three Ridges Red, Brent’s Mountain Merlot, Mill Hill Apple and Raspberry. Light “wine-friendly” picnic fare will be available for purchase to enjoy on the banks of the Rockfish River. Admission of $5 per adult includes a souvenir wine glass, wine tasting, door prize eligibility and special wine and gift discounts. Wintergreen Winery is a family friendly setting and there is no admission fee for children. Event is rain or shine. Wintergreen Winery is located 1/2 mile from Route 151 on Route 664/Beech Grove Road near Nellysford in Nelson County.

For more information or directions visit their website at www.WintergreenWinery.com or call 434.361.2519. Wintergreen Winery is also on Facebook.

Event Date: Saturday 24th of April 2010 11:00 AM

Location/Address: Wintergreen Winery – 1/2 mile from intersection of Routes 151 and 664

Contact Telephone Please call 434.361.2519 for more information

Photos By Tommy Stafford : ©2010 www.nelsoncountylife.com : Folks pitched in Tuesday to help Wintergreen Winery head toward the finish line with The Verandah event facility that will open in just a few weeks.

Roseland / Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia
In just a few weeks Wintergreen Winery will showcase its latest addition to the public, The Verandah. The large event facility was built to accommodate special events, weddings, rehearsals, parties etc.

Jeff Stone, owner and winemaker at Wintergreen Winery locates a stud in the wall while his father-in-law, Morris Foster, helps mount a sink in one of the bathrooms.

On Tuesday, Wintergreen’s Winery took advantage of the beautiful weather and had friends of the winery along with skilled carpenters and plumbers to help finish up some of the final items remaining before the doors officially open.

Some of the folks on hand Tuesday enjoyed a picnic style lunch outside in the fantastic weather. The Verandah is seen off in the background.

Jeff Stone chats just outside The Verandah with one of his suppliers on the phone Tuesday afternoon.

Read much more about the addition in our upcoming April issue of Nelson County Life Magazine out at the end of this month.

©2009 www.nelsoncounty.tv : By Tommy Stafford : A screen grab of video from the Rockfish River at Wintergreen Winery.

With temps in the Rockfish Valley of Nelson County nearing 60° on Saturday, plenty of snow melted sending lots of water into area rivers like the Rockfish at Wintergreen Winery in Beech Grove.

The above video was shot Saturday show how full the rivers are and how much the snowmelt is making them rise.

The possibility of a light snow is in the forecast tonight, with better chances around New Year’s Day.

Event Date: Friday 28th of August 2009 07:00 PM

Location/Address: 80 Mosby Run, Nellysford

Contact Telephone Please call 434 361-2324 for more information

This post was submitted by Nancy Kern.

©2009 Brew Ridge Trail Music Festival : Click image for larger view and more details!

Roseland
Nelson County, Virginia
Preparations continue for the 1st Annual Brew Ridge Trail Music Festival to be held next month on August 22nd at Devils Backbone Brewing Company here in Nelson County, Virginia. The day long event is co-sponsored by local area breweries and businesses, including Nelson County Life Magazine. Tommy Stafford of the magazine along with The Corner 106.1 in Charlottesville will be emceeing the festival. The festival benefits The Lovingston Opry . The event includes a high powered lineup of music!

The festival includes The Stampede on Horseshoe Mountain bike race which will start/finish at the Devils Backbone Brewery. The course starts with a warm up climb to the top of Brents Gap. After that, the courses explore Horseshoe Mountain. If you took on the Devils Backbone Challenge, some of the terrain will be familiar. But there are some new trails to race! Then finish back at the Brewery and take part in the rest of the events.

Be looking for much more info in the coming days and be sure to visit Brew Ridge Trail Music Festival’s site by clicking here to learn more about winning tickets to the festival! Or call, 800.282.8223 for more information.