News Near You for July 10

By: | Richmond Times Dispatch
Published: July 10, 2009

NEWS NEAR YOU

Charles City Authorities were searching the James River last night near Lawrence Lewis Jr. Park in Charles City County for a 16-year-old boy who disappeared underwater while swimming, authorities said. The teenager, who was not identified, was swimming toward a fishing pier at the park about 3:30 p.m. yesterday when he went underwater, apparently because he got tired, said Charles City Investigator Michael Walizer.

Hopewell ConnectSouthside/Focus INC. will offer a workshop on "Strategies for Effective Resource Development" July 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Appomattox Regional Library, 209 E. Cawson St. The course will focus on resources available to executives and their organizations to provide for more effective development. For information, call Vera Pakizer at the Hopewell Library at (804) 458-6329, ext. 2010. To register, visit www.connectsouthside.org.

Petersburg The Petersburg Department of Social Services has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Social Services. A $38,750 local match is required. With the City Council's approval, the matching funds could come out of the city's general fund balance. The grant would be used for the Petersburg Family Stabilization Initiative project, which offers services to 50 families.

Richmond The Westover Hills branch of the Richmond Public Library celebrates its 50th anniversary with a celebration today from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Westover Hills neighbor Carol Covell and her jazz trio will perform, and food from O'Toole's will be available. Tickets are $25 a person and can be purchased at the Westover library. For information, call the library at 646-8833 or e-mail whlag@comcast.net.

Henrico The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen recently named K Alferio as its new president. Alferio will lead the foundation's board of directors and staff in the establishment of strategic-plan initiatives to increase the visibility and use of the arts center. She was most recently global events director with Genworth Financial Corp. and was the executive director of citycelebrations.

AROUND THE STATE

Norfolk Federal prosecutors say a boutique owner has pleaded guilty to selling high-end counterfeit goods. Portsmouth resident Susan Krohn, 59, entered the plea Wednesday as part of a deal with the U.S. attorney. Prosecutors say Krohn faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $2 million fine when she is sentenced Oct. 9.

Stafford Prisoner and free-speech advocates are demanding a written guarantee that inmates at a Virginia jail can receive letters containing religious material after a prisoner said his mail was censored. The American Civil Liberties Union, its Virginia chapter and several other civil, religious and prisoner rights organizations sent a letter yesterday to Rappahannock Regional Jail Superintendent Joseph Higgs Jr. requesting that the issue be resolved without litigation.

Virginia Beach Former NFL star Bruce Smith was found guilty yesterday in Virginia Beach of driving under the influence. General District Judge Teresa N. McCrimmon found Smith guilty of drunken driving, refusal to take a DUI test and speeding. Smith said he plans to appeal. Smith was pulled over early May 15 on Interstate 264. It was the third time in 12 years that he was charged with drunken driving. The first charge was dismissed. He was acquitted on the second.

Charlottesville A Charlottesville woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of first-degree murder and robbery in an April 2008 shooting inside a minivan. Candace Marie Williams, 24, will be sentenced Dec. 7. -- From Staff and Wire Reports