Center for Watershed Protection works to care for waterways

Dave Hirschman and Laurel Woodworth are serious about their work with the Center for Watershed Protection, a national nonprofit with a mission to clean up and care for waterways in Virginia and beyond. But they try to bring a little levity to the job when they can. Hirschman, the director of CWP’s Charlottesville office, and […]

Is another fight over agricultural land use brewing in Keswick?

The Albemarle County Planning Commission voted 5-1 last night to approve an annual cider festival and new regulations at Castle Hill Cider, a 600-acre property in Keswick—a place where businesses and residents have clashed over agricultural land use in the past. Like other “farm wineries,” Castle Hill can host an unlimited number of events throughout the […]

At local career conference, job struggle still evident

“I’ve never had a hard time looking for a job,” Susan Anthony said. “At first I think I didn’t realize what was hitting me, but it’s frightening.” Anthony, who attended a recruiting event at the John Paul Jones Arena last Wednesday, lost her job more than a year ago. She worked as an administrative assistant […]

Former UVA researcher’s suit claims retaliation over fraud accusations

A researcher fired from UVA’s psychiatry department is suing for reinstatement under a whistleblower protection known as the False Claims Act, saying he was forced out after drawing attention to fraud related to misappropriation of federal grant funds. UVA has declined to comment on the suit, and an attorney for the plaintiff, Dr. Weihua Huang, has […]

Should Virginia wineries get agricultural tax breaks if they’re not growing grapes?

To qualify for a “Class B” Virginia farm winery or cidery designation, owners have to ensure that 75 percent of the fruit they use comes from Commonwealth vineyards —not necessarily their own. And in 2007, the legislature expanded the farm wineries’ privilege and banned local governments from regulating winery activities whose “purpose is to promote, market, sell, or educate guests about the wine produced.”

Break on through: Ultra runners push the limits of human endurance

Gorman is relatively new to the sport, and at age 36, is younger than a lot of the big names. He doesn’t do much cross-training, and he doesn’t consider running or competing in ultra-marathons to be exercise. “It’s just what I do,” he said. “Nor do I attempt to police a balance in life with […]

UPDATE: New UVA football practice building damaged by fire

UPDATE, 5pm — An errant torch flame was the likely cause of the fire that burned approximately 15 percent of an under-construction UVA football practice facility roof, according to Charlottesville Fire Chief Charles Werner. Werner said the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary reports indicate a construction worker’s torch probably ignited the rubber membrane […]

What’s coming up in Charlottesville the week of 10/8

Each week, the news team takes a look at upcoming meetings and events in Charlottesville and Albemarle we think you should know about. Consider it a look into our datebook, and be sure to share newsworthy happenings, too. On Tuesday, the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission holds a public forum from 3:30 to 5pm at […]

Charlottesville ultra runners go the distance

Before last week, I had no idea there were people out there who run distances longer than traditional marathons. Turns out, as running shorter distances has become more and more popular, the sport of ultra running has also taken off. Ultra runners compete in 50K, 50 mile, 100K, and 100 mile races all over the […]