The path not taken: Humpback tries to keep hikers on official trails

On a recent Friday morning, roughly a hundred people rolled out of bed and said, “Let’s hike Humpback Rocks today.” By 11am the parking lot at the base of the hike was filled. License plates ranged from Alabama to Massachusetts. Several SUVs staked their claim on the grass, nearest to the trailhead. Kids clambered over […]

Zoo investigation: Activists aim to shut it down for good

The July 1 killing of the now-famous lion, Cecil, sparked a global outcry. Even away from Zimbabwe where Cecil was killed, or Minnesota where his killer resides, the rest of the world has followed constant media coverage and taken to social media to mourn or shame or defend Cecil’s killer. A local animal rights controversy […]

The night shift

The loneliest hours It’s 1am, and you’re starving but you got nothin’ in your fridge. It’s 2am and your baby’s spiked a 105 degree temperature. It’s 4am and you hear a scraping sound on your window. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you’re very grateful for the folks who work while the rest of […]

Oscar M. Glass: OMG—Kurt Kroboth gets a new name

Kurt Kroboth, a convicted would-be wife killer who was bothered by lingering notoriety over his Albemarle crimes, has convinced a California judge to change his identity. Following a hearing in early May, the Superior Court of Contra Costa County entered a decree giving Kroboth a new name: Oscar Michel Glass. “Only on the left coast,” […]

Chris Dumler found living under new name

The former Albemarle County supervisor who once served jail time for sexual battery, resigned from his position representing the Scottsville District and is currently a wanted fugitive has been found in the Philippines, according to a Rob Schilling report. In what seems to be a trend of those convicted of crimes changing their names [Kurt […]

Tolbert successor named to neighborhood development

The spot vacated by longtime director of Charlottesville neighborhood development services Jim Tolbert in February officially will be filled August 17. Alexander Ikefuna, former director of community services and planning in Mobile, Alabama, will step in to take over the position that’s been held by interim director Missy Creasy since Tolbert left. Ikefuna discovered he […]

Staying hydrated: When too much of a good thing turns bad

By Emily Dinning A 30-year-old British athlete died in July after the finish of the 2015 Ironman European Championships; a 17-year-old high school football player died a few days after a football practice on an incredibly hot day in 2014 and a 55-year-old woman had a seizure during treatment for depression.  The common denominator: swelling in […]

Police K-9 that bit girl recovers from surgery

The fate of the Charlottesville Police Department’s K-9, which attacked a 13-year-old girl on the 700 block of Prospect Avenue on June 25 after it was accidentally released from a police vehicle, remains uncertain, according to Charlottesville Police spokesman Lieutenant Steve Upman. The Dutch shepherd named Ringo had a recent surgery that was unrelated to […]

Burglar bullies Bang!

Bang! restaurant has become the go-to spot for a local burglar, who has broken into the Second Street eatery three times this year and always steals the same thing: booze, according to owner Tim Burgess. The latest hit was July 28, and unopened bottles of gin, bourbon and Absolut vodka disappeared. Each heist has cost […]