A Fishersville man who was initially overcharged earlier this year in an alleged trespassing incident had a court hearing on the charges canceled May 1 after the Augusta County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office decided not to go forward with the case
was initially held without bond and spent two nights at Middle River Regional Jail after being accused of trespassing on the properties of Wilson Middle School
Wilson High School and the Valley Career and Technical Center the night of Jan
Initially charged with three Class 1 misdemeanors for trespassing
the charges were amended because "no trespassing" signs weren't posted at the schools
The charges were reduced to Class 3 misdemeanors
Cruz has no prior felony arrests or allegations of violence
a school shooter who killed 17 people in 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland
befriended the younger Cruz and moved him to Virginia about three months after the high school massacre
Donovan is the former head of Nexus Services Inc
and Moore is a former executive at the company
The couple is accused of stealing $426,000 from Cruz after relocating him to Virginia
acquired the money following the death of his mother
Moore and a third suspect were charged with stealing from Cruz
who is listed as a "vulnerable adult" in the charges
the case has languished in Augusta County Circuit Court
where judges have agreed to postpone the case five times since charges were filed in 2022
Recently, after Donovan was charged with assaulting Cruz
it was noted in court that Cruz had moved out of Donovan's home and was put in touch with Adult Protective Services
Donovan's attorney in the theft case said Cruz was in a mental health facility
Cruz had been scheduled to face the trespassing charges on May 1 in Augusta County General District Court before the prosecutor's office decided not to pursue the case
Later this month on May 29, Moore will be sentenced in federal court after being convicted earlier this year on tax fraud charges for bilking the IRS out of nearly $3.2 million while he worked at Nexus
In coming to the decision to not move forward in the case against Cruz
Augusta County Commonwealth's Attorney Tim Martin said he doesn't pose a threat to students or staff in the county
“Zachary Cruz does not possess the capacity to form the criminal intent necessary to commit this offense," Martin said in a press release
"He is now receiving services for his mental health and his intellectual disabilities
These services will do more to ensure the safety of the community than to prosecute him for these misdemeanors
Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith said he supported Martin's decision
I feel this was the right course of action," Smith said
Correction: Tim Martin clarified his statement to indicate that Cruz would not have faced jail time
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courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader
You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com
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25 on the Fishersville campus of the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center
Authorities watched surveillance footage provided by Augusta County Public Schools that allegedly showed him on the properties of Wilson Middle School
Wilson High School and the Valley Career and Technical Center
the younger brother of a notorious Florida school shooter
according to a press release from the Augusta County Sheriff's Office
He is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail on three misdemeanor charges of trespassing
befriended the younger Cruz and moved him to Virginia about three months after Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people in a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland
the Augusta County Sheriff's Office said Cruz was reportedly spotted the night of Jan
25 on the campus of the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center
"This incident prompted a collaborative investigation involving the Woodrow Wilson Police Department
and the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office," the release said
Authorities watched surveillance footage provided by Augusta County Public Schools that allegedly showed Cruz on the properties of Wilson Middle School
The footage reportedly showed Cruz approaching exterior doors and attempting to open them
and peering inside buildings "indicating efforts to gain unauthorized access," the release said
He was arrested at Donovan and Moore's Fishersville home
“The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community," Sheriff Donald Smith said
"We urge all residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement."
Cruz previously warned to stay away from Fla
schoolCruz had a couple of scrapes with the law shortly after his brother's shooting spree
He was arrested in May 2018 and charged with violating conditions of his probation for driving without a valid driver’s license and for going within 25 feet of a parking lot of a high school in Lake Worth
local media in Florida reported at the time
Cruz was apprehended at the Parkland campus after being warned to stay away from the school
he pleaded no contest to a trespassing charge and received probation and accompanying restrictions
court records show Cruz told authorities that he's financially supported by Donovan and Moore
and "asserts he has an inheritance fund" of $25,000
Cruz is also listed as the victim in an upcoming Augusta County case involving Donovan and Moore, who were accused of stealing $426,000 from him in 2022
Cruz was entitled to the money following his mother's death
A third former Nexus executive was also charged in the alleged scheme
A five-day jury trial for the three defendants is set to begin March 3 in Augusta County Circuit Court
In January, Moore pleaded guilty to defrauding the IRS out of nearly $3.2 million while he worked at Nexus
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FISHERSVILLE – A pursuit involving an Augusta County Sheriff's Office deputy and a suspect Monday ended in an eight-vehicle crash in Fishersville
a deputy spotted a blue Acura that reportedly failed to yield the right-of-way at the intersection of Ramsey Road and Tinkling Spring Road
When the deputy attempted to make a traffic stop
the sheriff's office said the driver allegedly sped away at a high-rate of speed
north on Tinkling Spring Road and then onto Jefferson Highway
the deputy made contact with the suspect vehicle in an attempt to pin it against the curb
disregarding stop lights and weaving in and out of oncoming traffic," the release said
The pursuit ended at the intersection of Long Meadow Road and Jefferson Highway
where the Acura reportedly rear-ended another car
Multiple people were taken to Augusta Health in Fishersville for treatment
with one person sustaining serious injuries
The sheriff's office said Harvey had active warrants issued by the Waynesboro Circuit Court for malicious wounding
use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and being a violent felon in possession of a weapon
Court records show the Waynesboro grand jury indicted Harvey in September
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police are investigating the incident
“Pursuits are inherently dangerous to our community
and the suspect," Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith said in the release
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured
Harvey was treated for minor injuries at Augusta Health
The sheriff's office said additional charges are pending
and Waynesboro First Aid Crew also responded to the scene
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FISHERSVILLE – A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle Tuesday afternoon in Fishersville
and police said the victim was seriously injured
Virginia State Police said the man was walking in the northbound lane of Tinkling Spring Road at about 4:30 p.m
when he was struck by a 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup that was also headed in the same direction
There are no sidewalks in the area where the man was hit
suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized
Note: Additional information indicating the victim was hospitalized was added to the article
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AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — UPDATE: As of 6:14pm all three children have been safely located
UPDATE: The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has determined that 35-year-old Shanice Chante Davison
estranged biological mother of the three missing children
It is believed that they have crossed state lines and are no longer in Virginia
The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about the whereabouts of Shanice Davison or the children to contact the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 540-245-5333; Investigator Ron Reid
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-322-2017.adButlerLazyLoad("1436555272066459491",100,["688446","688446","688446"],"177034");
UPDATE: Virginia State Police have issued an AMBER alert for three children who were kidnapped in Fishersville on Friday
According to a release from VSP and the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office
and 6-year-old Ja’Liyah Lewis were taken from their bus stop sometime between 7:40am and 8:27am
when the Sheriff’s Office received a call about a kidnapping that had taken place at Bobby’s Way Apartment complex in Fishersville
The caller’s three children were waiting for the bus
when a black 4- Door vehicle pulled up to the bus stop and took the children.adButlerLazyLoad("1335142367521038891",100,["688446","688446","688446"],"177034");
Virginia State police believe the children are in extreme danger and may have been kidnapped by their biological mother
35-year-old Shanice Chante Davison (pictured below)
Both of the female children were wearing pink jackets
and the male child was wearing a black and dark blue jacket with neon zippers
The children were last seen at approximately 7:40 AM this morning
when they left to go to the bus stop.adButlerLazyLoad("601677002325404070",100,["688446","688446","688446"],"177034");
If you know the whereabouts of these children or seen a black vehicle in this vicinity picking up three children this morning
please call the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at 540-245-5333
Jacquelynn first started as a part time news anchor and reporter for WSVA in 2022
Before the launch of Rocktown Now in April of 2024
she was Assistant Editor and then became Editor-in-Chief in November of 2024
VDOT is seeking feedback on a transportation study assessing potential solutions on Route 42 (Virginia Avenue) between Gay Street and the Harrisonburg city limit
the RHSPCA Pets of the Week sponsored by Bob Wade Subaru
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple calls Monday morning about a Staunton individual which led to him being unresponsive in-custody
Showers and thunderstorm will be possible again today
Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again
FISHERSVILLE — Virginia State Police said one person was killed Thursday afternoon in an Augusta County wreck
The two-vehicle crash took place shortly before 12:30 p.m
Police said a BMW was headed south on Tinkling Spring Road when it crossed the centerline and struck a Dodge Ram pickup going in the opposite direction
The BMW went off of the right side of the road
and police said the driver died at the scene
The driver of the pickup was taken to UVA Health in Charlottesville with minor injuries
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HARRISONBURG – Following a successful motion by his defense attorney
executive was granted bond last week during a federal hearing after being denied his freedom just weeks earlier
had been jailed since April on an unrelated Augusta County charge
and it appeared he would stay locked up until his federal trial next month on tax fraud allegations after a judge ruled in October that he stay behind bars pending his trial
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Moore was indicted in 2021 on 10 criminal charges of tax fraud after it was alleged he’d failed to pay Medicaid
and federal taxes withheld from the paychecks of Nexus employees while he still worked there
The case has dragged through the federal court system for three years after multiple delays
Nexus provided bond securitization for immigrants held or released from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
which pulled in an estimated $230 million while in operation for nearly a decade or so
eventually fell on hard times and its Verona offices were auctioned off last year for $3.4 million after the property went into foreclosure
Court records state Nexus was sold off to a Pennsylvania businessman for less than $5 earlier this year
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Federal authorities now allege that Moore reportedly continued to bilk the IRS up until early this year despite claims he’d sold his stake in Nexus to his spouse
six fresh federal charges were filed against Moore in September
Federal authorities said his alleged criminal activity ceased for only a few months after his initial tax fraud indictments in 2021 before he reportedly began stealing from the IRS again
all while Moore was supposedly no longer with Nexus
Attorney Matthew Hicks of the Justice Department’s Tax Division
Hicks contends the alleged thefts continued into 2024
"It looks like for about a year there was some attempt at compliance and then old habits," Hicks said in October
Two additional charges against Moore for aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return were also tacked on last year
He has pleaded not guilty to the 18 charges
After a plea deal in the unrelated Augusta County case fell through
Moore was convicted of perjury for lying to a local magistrate and jailed in April for several months
federal authorities issued arrest warrants for Moore following the new indictments
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During a bond revocation hearing in United States District Court on Oct
a former Nexus lawyer and Moore's ninth attorney in the case
which he said would help them prepare for trial and review some 150,000 documents
Moore owns two small business in Harrisonburg and Winchester
how Moore would cede control of those ventures to comply with pre-trial conditions
Williams argued last month it could be done swiftly through the state
He also pointed out at the hearing that there have been no tax issues for Moore in those two businesses
"But 45 days from the trial you think – with an affidavit and a change of ownership he's going to go and sneak behind the court's back and file false taxes for those two businesses when there's no evidence that he's done it right now up to this date
He's been the owner of those businesses for years," Williams said at the October hearing
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Williams responded by filing a motion to revoke the order that revoked Moore's bail
he argued that Hoppe didn't follow the law in denying Moore bond
"The magistrate court turned the whole issue into a comfort analysis without analyzing the factors that provides comfort to the eyes of the law," Williams said
Dillon granted Moore's release with a $15,000 unsecured bond
The judge also ordered him to hire a certified public accountant within days
The accountant will be responsible for tendering Moore's tax trust deposits for his two businesses
Gamer Oasis had an eviction hearing scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Harrisonburg General District Court
Eviction proceedings have also begun in Augusta County General District Court against Moore and Donovan in regards to three properties they own in the county
including their residence on Windsong Court in Fishersville
Moore's federal trial is slated to begin Dec
Note: Additional information was added to the article to indicate that Moore and Donovan are in the process of being evicted from their Fishersville home
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AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — UPDATE: The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has reported that Shanice Davison has been arrested on three counts of felony abduction
The Alabama Highway Patrol and US Marshall Service took Davison into custody in the Birmingham area of Alabama after a brief pursuit on I-495
Davison was taken into custody without incident
All three children were safe and unharmed.adButlerLazyLoad("19667708159056401",100,["688446","688446","688446"],"177034");
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office reported Thursday morning that they received a call at 8:27am about a kidnapping that had taken place at Bobby’s Way Apartment complex in Fishersville
The caller said their three children were waiting for the bus
when a black 4- Door vehicle pulled up to the bus stop and took the children
Virginia State police believe the children may have been kidnapped by their biological mother
VIRGINIA — Augusta Health is excited to announce that Shenandoah Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (SVOSM)
a well-established orthopedic practice serving the community for 50 years
will join the Augusta Medical Group in the fall
This addition represents a significant milestone for Augusta Health’s dedication to providing its communities with comprehensive and compassionate orthopedic care
As SVOSM celebrates its golden anniversary
the practice reflects on its rich history of providing exceptional care to thousands of patients in the Shenandoah Valley
we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our wonderful patients
and community members who have been part of this incredible journey
both past and present,” said SVOSM Orthopedist Ramon Esteban
“Thank you for trusting us with your health for fifty years
and we are excited about our new partnership with Augusta Health
We look forward to serving the Shenandoah Valley community for many more years to come!”
Augusta Health enhances its ability to expand the Center for Orthopedic Medicine
“We are thrilled to welcome SVOSM to the Augusta Health family,” said Kris Doan
“This addition allows us to broaden our services and meet the community’s growing needs
We’re excited to continue building upon the foundation of excellence that SVOSM has established over the years.”
The partnership will assure the community has continued access to comprehensive orthopedic services and it elevates the level of care offered at Augusta Health
Integrating SVOSM fosters seamless collaboration of care across other services such as the Emergency Department
enhancing coordinated care for patients at every stage of their journey
Mannix emphasized the significance of SVOSM joining Augusta Medical Group: “We have a long-standing collaboration with SVOSM and are thrilled to extend our relationship
The addition of SVOSM highlights the importance of orthopedic care in community health
This partnership will continue to deliver outstanding care
a collaborative team approach to orthopedic services
and a focus on the patient—all while providing access to Augusta Health’s resources
including support from the Mayo Clinical Care Network
SVOSM patients can continue to receive care at the Fishersville and Harrisonburg offices
Shenandoah Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
FISHERSVILLE – The Augusta County Sheriff's Office said a procedural mistake Wednesday afternoon prompted a lockdown of the Wilson School Complex in Fishersville
the sheriff's office received a call concerning a person threatening to take their life
"It was reported that the person was threatening to harm themselves
and stream it by live-feed over social media," the release said
Deputies responded to the area of Freds Lane near the Wilson School Complex
where they reportedly spotted a man dressed in all-black and "carrying a gun," the release said
The sheriff's office said the man was headed toward the school complex through nearby woods
According to Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith
the sheriff's office then mistakenly placed nearby schools on lockdown when it shouldn't have
The schools were supposed to have been placed on "secure," the release said
but instead were told to lockdown by the agency
Smith said the schools were only following orders
and said the error was corrected in minutes
"This was a procedural mistake made by the Sheriff’s Office," the sheriff said in the release
along with the Emergency Communications Center and Augusta County Public Schools
strive only to use the "lockdown" terminology when there is an imminent threat
it was later determined the original incident wasn't connected to the man seen by deputies dressed in all-black
The sheriff's office said the man seen near the school complex was reportedly attempting to evade authorities because he allegedly possessed narcotics
"Due to the male being in close proximity to the schools
a perimeter was established around the complex," the release said
"Buses with children who lived in the immediate area were held until the area was deemed to be safe
Throughout the evening hours deputies remained in the Fishersville area due to after school activities."
The Wilson School Complex includes Wilson Memorial High School
and Wilson Workforce Rehabilitation Center
The supposed firearm was a BB gun shaped like a rifle
Hickman is charged with felony manufacturing
or possessing with the intent to manufacture
He's also facing misdemeanor charges of public intoxication and obstruction of justice
He is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail in Verona
The sheriff's office said Virginia State Police
the Conservation Police from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
and the Woodrow Wilson Police Department assisted
"It was greatly appreciated," the release said
"We would also like to acknowledge and thank the Augusta County Public Schools
staff and bus drivers for ensuring that the children made it home safely to their families."
Note: Additional information about the Wilson School Complex was added to the article
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Note: The News Leader is providing this article for free as a public service
FISHERSVILLE – The Augusta County Sheriff's Office reported Thursday that a teenager is missing from the Fishersville area
was last seen at his Fishersville home on Tuesday
He was reported missing by a family member on Wednesday night
If anyone has information concerning this runaway juvenile
please contact theAugusta County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 245-5333 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 322-2017
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UVA Alert Monday morning from self-inflicted gunshot incident
The Nelson County Sheriff and The AWARE Foundation of Virginia asking help finding a missing Nelson County teen
Governor Youngkin took final actions to complete the legislative session for 2025 in the General Assembly
City Council Monday night considers a grant program to assist low- and moderate-income people whose home ownership in the city may be in jeopardy due to financial stress associated with costs owning that home
Virginia’s standing as one of the top states in the nation for patient safety in hospital settings has again been affirmed in the Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Grade rankings
is expanding in Augusta County with two new gas stations
convenience stores and more coming to Greenville and Fishersville
the Staunton Farmers' Market wants you to know they will be open Saturday even with Queen City Mischief and Magic happening
And a Waynesboro restaurant has closed its doors
GREENVILLE — The new Goose Creek Market Shell is close to opening in Greenville
It will not only offer convenience store staples but includes a coffee bar
The store is located at 3515 Lee Jackson Highway in Staunton near Greenville
It's next to the Subway and directly across from the intersection with Route 340
According to the company's website, Charleys Cheesesteaks offers
A menu for the Greenville location wasn't available
PC Pizza offers
but also sandwiches and sides according to its menu
no menu was available specifically for the Greenville location
Bill Holtzman is the chairman of the board and founder of Holtzman Corp.
Last week when The News Leader talked with Holtzman
he said he was hoping it would open by the end of September or first of October
Holtzman and his company are based in Mount Jackson
"We're waiting on some equipment to come in," he said
"It's holding up the opening of the whole store."
someone working in the store said it was close
but probably wouldn't open until sometime around the second week of October
3 but that has been pushed back a few days
Starbucks all planned for FishersvilleFISHERSVILLE — Holtzman is also opening stores in Fishersville
A new gas station and several other small franchises are currently in the plans
Near the intersection of Tinkling Spring Road and Expo Road construction is underway for what will include a Liberty gas station owned by Holtzman Corp
Bill Holtzman confirmed that news to The News Leader
There will be three buildings once construction is complete
The gas station and market will be in a 5,864-square-foot building. In that building, Holtzman said, will be a convenience store and a Which Wich
a fast-food franchise specializing in sandwiches and salads
He said the convenience store might be a Circle K
the canopy for the gas station is currently being built
Construction on the gas station itself has yet to begin
is another building that is under construction and will house two businesses
Holtzman said he's almost certain one of the businesses will be a Dunkin'
He's not sure what the other franchise will be in the same building as Dunkin'
which has yet to be built and will be behind the other two
"The stores we're building right now have multiple franchises in them," he said
"When you do that it takes so long to work through all of the paperwork
but in the end it makes for a nice store with lots of different offerings."
and just south on Tinkling Spring Road there are plans for a Starbucks
"We are also happy to confirm that we will be opening a new location at the intersection of Tinkling Spring Road and Exchange Road in Fishersville
during the fall of 2025," a spokesperson for Starbucks told The News Leader
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STAUNTON — The Staunton Farmers' Market, celebrating its 31st season, will be open its normal schedule this Saturday during Queen City Mischief and Magic
The Staunton Farmers' Market will be open Saturday from 7 a.m
"There should be plenty of parking in the Johnson Street Garage and other lots that day
just some different traffic patterns," said Ashley Malcolm
"I know many locals steer clear of downtown that weekend if they aren't interested in the festival activities
but we will definitely make it worth their while at the market with local seasonal produce
Malcolm said the community support has been amazing and the vendors are grateful for an increase in customer traffic
They would like to see that continue this weekend
"Fresh produce must be harvested and sold within a few days," she said
"so we really hope our community makes their way downtown to support our farmers and producers."
Heritage on Main closesWAYNESBORO — Heritage on Main Street
announced on its Facebook page that it was closing
"A great big huge heartfelt THANK YOU for 12 years of brunches
"We are so proud to have been a part of your lives for all these years," read the post
"It has been a honor to serve our community through our stewardship of this little corner of downtown."
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— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com
HARRISONBURG – The oft-delayed federal trial of an Augusta County businessman accused of tax fraud was put off for one more day Monday after the region was hit overnight with a deluge of snow and ice
is now scheduled to begin Tuesday in United States District Court in Harrisonburg
Moore is a former vice president at Nexus Services Inc.
which was located in Verona before the company's entire campus was auctioned off for $3.4 million in 2023 after the property went into foreclosure
Nexus provided bond securitization for immigrants held or released from U.S
The company pulled in an estimated $230 million while in operation for nearly a decade or so
Nexus was eventually sold off for less than $5 in April
the same month a federal judge ruled that Moore
and minority owner Evan Ajin – along with Nexus and a subsidiary – pay $811 million for violating various state consumer protection laws and the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010
Donovan and Ajin were ordered to pay over $111 million each in the lawsuit
The complaint said Nexus and the defendants engaged in a "slew of deceptive conduct."
Blood drive to funds for WARM, Augusta calls meeting on assessments: THE DIGEST
is under investigation for alleged tax discrepancies
federal authorities charged Moore with 10 counts of tax fraud after he was accused of failing to pay more than $1.5 million in Social Security
Medicare and federal taxes from the pay of his employees and not sending the money to the IRS
two charges of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return were added to the case
Six additional charges were tacked on in 2024
and Moore is now facing 18 federal charges
It looks as though Donovan is under investigation as well
Donovan is the target of an ongoing grand jury investigation that may relate to non-payment of taxes," Chief U.S
Dillon noted in a court order filed two weeks ago
Donovan has not been charged in connection with Moore's case
along with former Nexus employee Timothy Shipe
are facing felony charges in an unrelated Augusta County case after being accused in 2022 of stealing $426,000 from Zachary Cruz
the brother of convicted Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz
Correction: The Augusta County trial is in March
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VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Augusta County Sheriff said extra law enforcement was placed at the Wilson school complex although what sparks it is a false social media post about actions the brother of the Parkland
Sheriff Donald Smith posts a social media post saying Zachary Cruz had once again been seen at the schools in Fishersville looking in windows and testing doors is false
He also says the claim police are not taking the Cruz situation seriously is also false
and the school administration have been regularly communicating and making adjustments.adButlerLazyLoad("1119900698263292304",100,["688449","688449","688449"],"177030");
The social media post claimed Cruz was planning this February 14
seven years after his brother Nicholas Cruz opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
to do similarly in some sort of legacy action
Sheriff Smith says Cruz has not been on the property since being charged with trespassing after being on the property last month
“It is deeply concerning that such misinformation is being spread
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is fully aware of Zachary Cruz’s status
and the accurate facts have already been communicated to our community
along with state and local law enforcement
remains committed to ensuring the safety of all schools in Augusta County
We strongly urge the public to refrain from sharing unverified information that can cause unnecessary panic.”
Click here for the entire Sheriff Smith post
Jay Hart is a news reporter with CvilleRightNow.com
Reach him by email at jhart@charlottesvilleradiogroup.com or call 434-977-6397
Woodrow Wilson Avenue at intersection Hornet Road
This project will enhance operational and safety conditions
particularly during morning and afternoon peak-traffic times
at the entrance to the Woodrow Wilson Complex in Augusta County
The Wilson complex near Fishersville is the site of elementary
the state rehabilitation and workforce training center
and county-owned offices and maintenance facilities
The multitude of uses and associated traffic demand are currently served by a single entrance
which connects to Route 250 (Jefferson Highway) at a signalized intersection
The peak morning queue extends up to a half-mile along Route 250 east of the intersection
The project will add a free-flowing right-turn lane from westbound Route 250 into the Wilson Complex
This improvement includes a concrete triangular median on Route 250 to separate the right turn from the rest of traffic
An additional northbound lane on Woodrow Wilson Avenue will extend 2,400 feet to the intersection of with Hornet Road and Vo-Tech Road
This intersection will be replaced by a roundabout
Additional improvements include a separate right-turn lane from southbound Woodrow Wilson Avenue onto westbound Route 250
and signal-timing adjustments at the Route 250/Woodrow Wilson Avenue/Lifecore Drive intersection
This project is in support of recommended results from a Small Area Study conducted by the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization
Woodrow Wilson Avenue had an average traffic volume of 6,700 vehicles per day
the estimated traffic volume is 7,500 vehicles per day
Route 250 had an average traffic volume of 20,400 (west of intersection) and 16,400 (east of intersection) vehicles per day
the estimated traffic volume is 25,500 (west of intersection) and 20,500 (east of intersection) vehicles per day
The improvements will help alleviate congestion
reduce delays and enhance safety during morning and afternoon peak hours
Lat/long: ' + markerLat.trim().substring(0,9) + '
Estimated start date: Late 2025 (Advertise for Construction)
Estimated cost of the project: $6.8 million
This project received funding from Virginia’s SMART SCALE program for prioritizing transportation improvements
4-7 p.m.Wilson Elementary School127 Woodrow Wilson Ave.
Public Input page
Woodrow Wilson Project Video on VDOT YouTube Channel
Please note that this file is not ADA compliant
STAUNTON — An elderly Fishersville man is headed to prison for more than a decade for dealing methamphetamine in a drug case that started with a chance traffic stop last year
was sentenced to 13 years in prison Thursday in Augusta County Circuit Court on a charge of possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I or II drug (third offense)
250 after blowing through a stop sign in Fishersville
according to Augusta County Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Kyle Powers
A sheriff's deputy with a canine happened to see the traffic infraction and pulled Cason over
the canine signaled there were drugs in Cason's vehicle
Powers said 17 grams of methamphetamine were seized
was convicted at trial on the drug charge in Augusta County Circuit Court
where he was already facing a mandatory-minimum of 10 years in prison on the charge
Powers argued for a sentence of just over 11 years
and said the defendant had been committing crimes since 1973
Staunton makes list of Virginia's most eccentric towns. Here's why
"There are literally very few gaps within his criminal history" where Cason was not incarcerated or not committing crimes
described as a "career criminal" who was feeding Augusta County's meth problem
has 13 prior felonies including possession with intent to distribute
being a habitual offender and probation violations
"We're talking about someone that is a menace to society," Powers said
Cason also has pending probation violations in both Staunton and Augusta County
Defense attorney Jonathan Simms told the court Cason has been dealing with addiction issues for about 50 years
first conquering his alcohol addiction but then turning to meth
"He held onto that addiction for a long time," said Simms
who asked for the minimum 10-year sentence
Judge Sean Workowski sentenced Cason to 20 years in prison with seven years suspended
He also placed him on three years of supervised probation
More: Nourishing Strides 5K, Project Grows youth program and SAW Housing Lunch & Learn: The Digest
One day after authorities jailed Cason on the drug charge
he was charged with killing a man in an unrelated hit-and-run that took place in 2023 in Augusta County on Parkersburg Turnpike
Virginia State Police said on the night of May 24
a vehicle that was headed toward Staunton struck 42-year-old Ricky C
According to an affidavit for a search warrant
a passerby found a cell phone on the ground at the scene the next day
Authorities reportedly matched the phone to Cason
he told police his phone fell off a work truck
Facing a charge of leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in a death
the case against Cason stalled in April 2024 after the Augusta County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office chose not to prosecute the hit-and-run
The option of bringing the charge back remains
Cason is incarcerated at Middle River Regional Jail in Verona and will be transferred to the Virginia Department of Corrections to serve his sentence
More: Middle school football to launch in the fall after Augusta County School Board approves program
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Colonel George William "Bill" Lockridge
a son of the late Howard Luther and Adele Grove (Key) Lockridge
Bill was a proud veteran of the United States Army
Lockridge was self-employed as an auctioneer and farmer
He was a member of Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church
he was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty-seven years
Goldie Lee Snyder Lockridge; his brothers; Bobby Key (Mary Ellen) Lockridge
Ronnie Lee Lockridge; his sisters; Margaret Ella Lockridge (Hugh) Ewing
Betty Lee Lockridge (Matt) Jewett; and his brother-in-law
He is survived by his sister Nancy Jane Lockridge Henderson; his sister-in-law
and Walter Altizer; and his many nieces and nephews
The family would like to especially thank all of Bill's caregivers over the past four years
including his "farm ladies," the staff at The Retreat at Fishersville
and staff at the Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah
A graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Friday
at Tinkling Springs Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Fishersville with the Reverend Merle Fisher officiating
A memorial service will follow the interment at 11:00 AM at the church
Everyone is to be considered honorary guests
memorials may be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or 501 St
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WAYNESBORO – A wanted man who was chased Monday by an Augusta County Sheriff's Office deputy after reportedly refusing to stop his vehicle
allegedly triggering an eight-vehicle crash in Fishersville
Waynesboro police have also shed some light on the felony charges the suspect was originally wanted on
when the sheriff's deputy spotted an Acura that reportedly failed to yield the right-of-way at the intersection of Ramsey Road and Tinkling Spring Road
was wanted out of Waynesboro on charges of malicious wounding
he allegedly sped away at a high-rate of speed
Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith said Harvey ran into a curb and the deputy tried pinning the Acura with his vehicle
reportedly running red lights and weaving in and out of traffic
The brief pursuit ended at the intersection of Long Meadow Road and Jefferson Highway
where the speeding Acura reportedly rear-ended another car
Harvey was treated for minor injuries at the hospital
The sheriff's office said besides the Waynesboro charges
Harvey is now charged in Augusta County with driving under the influence of drugs
According to the Waynesboro Police Department
officers responded to the 100 block of Lucy Lane on a report of shots fired
Police spoke with witnesses at the scene and obtained surveillance video
and also recovered a firearm at a separate location
a spokesperson for the Waynesboro Police Department
It was determined a single gunshot was fired at a victim during the incident
but Bourne said warrants for Harvey's arrest were obtained later that night and he was picked up by the Augusta County Sheriff's Office two days later
the Waynesboro Commonwealth's Attorney's Office opted not to prosecute the charges
the charges were reinstated after the Waynesboro grand jury indicted Harvey in September
Harvey has been convicted for breaking and entering six times since 2007
He also has past convictions for assault and battery
and possession with intent to distribute marijuana
He is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail in Verona on the Waynesboro and Augusta County charges
More: Stuarts Draft woman who hid evidence in child sex abuse case pleads guilty
More: Staunton rezones old Robert E. Lee High School and board offices. What happens now?
VERONA – Kevin Comer works for Stark Tech, and should sound familiar to readers remembering the Elm Spring Solar project application from the summer
Fishersville VAA LLC sought to build a solar energy system with the help of Stark Tech and RWE Clean Energy
The Augusta County Board of Zoning Appeals took up the potential solar energy system on Oct. 3, one of the last to be considered in an Urban Service Area before a December ordinance update prohibited it
as the application came before the policy update
More: New Augusta solar ordinances in earliest stages
Comer came before the board to ask for the project’s approval
something he has done several times before on other projects
Comer explained RWE and Dominion Energy had a power purchase agreement ready
one that they would regret if the board denied the project
“Those contracts are extremely detailed,” Comer said
“They have a lot of conditions in them that are very protective of Dominion’s interests
That does include damage clauses if the project doesn’t move forward that RWE has taken the risk of incurring
They’ve got quite a lot of experience in developing these projects all across the country
so they took a risk with the belief that this is a good site and have made substantial investments in the project on that assessment.”
3 megawatt alternating current small scale solar energy system would be located at 121 Mule Academy Road on a 41-acre property owned by Arehart Family Investment LLC
More: Valley Career and Technical Center students building homes, building hope with blitz build
County staff found the project was not in accord on economic
and clustering policies for solar energy systems in the Augusta County Comprehensive Plan
the Augusta County Planning Commission did not agree
the commissioners found it was in substantial accordance with the comp plan
The project is located next to Blue Ridge Lumber Company and Augusta Health
Comer explained the next door saw mill put out enough noise to discourage other types of development in the area
“It has the potential to serve as a buffer [from] the noisiest area there
out where this project will be located,” said Comer
“Then there’s development opportunities both on the Arehart land
President of Blue Ridge Lumber Company agreed
“I just think this is a project that fits there.”
Other neighbors were contacted and invited to a voluntary
informational meeting before the zoning appeals hearing
“We did invite all the adjacent neighbors,” Comer said
“Most of the neighbors didn’t show up in opposition
I think most left preferring something that is a mild use
compared to if this parcel were to be developed out across their property line to residential or mixed use.”
Sheets was the only member of the public to speak on the project
The boardmember’s comments were also short
“It does look like this project fits pretty well
given the situation with the sawmill and the railroad and everything else,” said Board of Zoning Appeals Chair George Coyner
Boardmember Monica Rutledge moved the application be approved
The board unanimously approved the project
More technical details on the project can be found in the Board of Zoning Appeals agenda packet
Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? It’s welcome through email to lbordelon@gannett.com. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com
What's the latest on the new Wawa stores in Fishersville
and a Waynesboro senior living facility was recently honored
Staunton by late summerFISHERSVILLE — Wawa could open in both Fishersville and Staunton by this summer
Wawa is a convenience store and gas station based in Pennsylvania
including Wawa brands such as custom prepared hoagies
There are more than 1,070 stores in Pennsylvania
Work was on site at the Fishersville location at the intersection of Tinkling Spring Road and Goose Creek Road
He said you should be able to see the start of actual construction of the building by the middle of February
Graybeale is also working on the site in Staunton near the intersection of Richmond Road and North Frontier Drive
He estimated construction of the actual building could happen in about a month
but he had no timeline on when the store would open
He did say the Staunton site is about a month or two behind the one in Fishersville
making it possible that Staunton could have a Wawa by September
There are also two Wawas being built in Waynesboro
Work said his company is not involved in that project so he had no information
The News Leader has reached out to the City of Waynesboro but has not received an answer as to when that location might open
Waynesboro.com first reported Tuesday that a second location of the convenience store is planned at 150 P
located next to the Waynesboro Town Center and home to the former P
According to CREXI
will feature 252 multifamily units as well as retail opportunities
The only one of those retail sites named on the site is Wawa
The News Leader reached out to the listing contacts with Thalhimer for more information
Wawa announced the grand opening of a store in Winchester
saying that it plans to open up to seven stores with its westward expansion into Virginia in counties including Prince Edward
CRAIGSVILLE — In November 2022 residents of Craigsville came out to celebrate the grand opening of the Rite Aid Pharmacy at 125 W
An email from the corporate office confirmed the news Wednesday morning
Prescriptions will be transferred to the store at 4171 Lee Jackson Highway
The email said the decision wasn't taken lightly
saying a lot went into the decision-making process
"Rite Aid regularly assesses its retail footprint to ensure we are operating efficiently while meeting the needs of our customers
associates and overall business," a statement from the corporation read
"While we have had to make difficult business decisions over the past several months to improve our business and optimize our retail footprint
we are committed to becoming financially and operationally healthy
The email also said that it will strive to transfer employees to other Rite Aid locations when possible
recently received the 2025 Customer Experience Award from Activated Insights
This award recognizes Summit Square’s excellence in all three levels of care: independent living
“We are pleased to celebrate Summit Square’s well-earned recognition,” said Bud Meadows
chief executive officer of Activated Insights
“Their unwavering commitment to resident care and quality service has set them apart as a leader in senior living.”
This distinction places Summit Square among the top 15% of senior care providers nationwide
Activated Insights collaborates with over 3,500 senior living communities across the United States
These partnerships involve gathering data to assess and enhance the quality of care and services provided to residents
we believe in fostering a warm and supportive environment where residents feel at home,” said Matt Dameron
“This award affirms our dedication to enhancing the lives of those we serve.”
More: Shenandoah LGBTQ responds in wake of Donald Trump's executive orders targeting transgender community
More: City of Waynesboro to host tourism tradeshow
No-needle no-scalpel vasectomy services across Central Virginia
Perhaps you’ve decided not to have children at all
Augusta Health Urology offers no-scalpel no-needle vasectomies in Fishersville and Charlottesville (Crozet)
A vasectomy is a simple and highly effective procedure performed on a male to cause permanent sterility
performed over 500,000 times annually in the US
It is almost always performed in a doctor’s office and takes 20-30 minutes
It works by blocking the transport of sperm from the testicles
A vasectomy is the single most effective method at preventing a pregnancy (99.7%)
As sperm makes up less than 5% of semen volume
it also rarely changes the amount of ejaculate produced
Augusta Health Urology has four convenient locations in Fishersville
An initial consultation is required to review the procedure in detail
and ensure you are 100% sure you want to proceed with this permanent form of birth control
you will be booked for a vasectomy at one of our clinic locations in Fishersville or Charlottesville (Crozet)
We have dedicated procedure suites to make you comfortable and relaxed
Our urologists are among the highest-volume vasectomy surgeons in the state of Virginia
You can have the peace of mind knowing that you are in good hands for this once-in-a-lifetime procedure
Theo Cisu performs office vasectomies in Charlottesville (Crozet) and Fishersville
The conventional vasectomy was done using a small knife on the scrotum called a scalpel
This caused significant pain and some bleeding
The no-needle no-scalpel vasectomy is a minimally-invasive technique performed using tiny openings on the surface of the scrotal skin that do not require stitches or suturing
we use a hypo-spray injector to instantly deliver a tiny stream of lidocaine solution through the skin and into the vas deferens
and more effective than a needle injection
Along with this spray-on topical anesthetic
Augusta Health Urology offers a fast-acting inhalable solution called nitrous oxide
so the procedure passes by without concern
Book a vasectomy consultation by calling Augusta Health Urology at (540) 332-5630