4BETTER OR WORSE- The week in review
Biggest arrest of a City Council candidate's spouse: The husband of candidate Kristen Szakos, Joe Szakos, head of the Virginia Organizing Project, is arrested for trespassing at Anthem health care in Richmond July 24 during a protest when the group objects that the $25,000 a month it pays in insurance premiums is used to lobby Congress against health care reform, WCAV reports.
Most prominent daytrippers: First Lady Michelle Obama with daughters Malia and Sasha and Marian Robinson do Monticello, dine at the Virginian, and dessert at Arch's July 23.
Saddest local connection to Obamas: The owner of the Texas kennel where First Dog "Bo," a Portugese Water Dog, was bred, 72-year-old Martha B. Watson Stern, died July 21 at Martha Jefferson Hospital of complications from lung disease. Stern and her husband had a summer house here, and her daughter, Kalya Campbell, lives in Keswick, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Most uncoachmanlike accusation: James Madison University's basketball coach, Matt Brady, stands accused in a lawsuit from his former employer, Marist College, of swiping recruits. The Harrisonburg paper has the story.
Most diverse: UVA's incoming Class of 2013 ups the minority population from last year's 770 students checking a minority category to 903 this year out of 3,260 anticipated students.
Most controversial ad: A radio spot bemoans, "I can't believe McIntire Park is about to be destroyed. No more Dogwood Festival or Fourth of July fireworks." City Councilor David Brown denounces the ad as false, while the McIntire Park Preservation Committee stands by the claims in Henry Graff's story on NBC29.
Most spectacular crash: A 62-year-old driver hits guard rails, becomes airborne on I-64 and Route 250 early July 22 and falls down a 45-foot embankment, according to the Newsplex. The driver ties up traffic for an hour as he's extricated from his car and is taken to UVA Medical Center with minor injuries.
Latest survivor of underage drinking laws: All charges are dismissed against former UVA quarterback Peter Lalich, who ran afoul of probation for possession of alcohol when as a 20-year-old, he drank to celebrate the last day of football camp, the Daily Progress reports. Lalich, who was kicked off the UVA team last fall, is now at Orgean State University.
Worst charges against a public servant: Abduction with intent to defile charges are filed July 20 against Charlottesville city employee Jerome Alphonso Pleasants, 35.
Worst update on a drive-by: The 14-year-old Prospect Avenue girl, a refugee, hit by a stray bullet June 6 while sleeping in bed, is paralyzed, according to the unnamed city officials, according to the Newsplex.
Plumpest alleged thief: The suspect who robbed the Days Inn on Emmet Street around 10:30pm July 21 is described as a short black male between 20 and 30, wearing jeans, clean shaven and "chubby," the Newsplex reports.
Oldest sexual abuse case: Richard Clinton Moore Jr., 58, pleads guilty July 23 in Louisa to charges of sodomy and taking indecent liberties with a minor that date back to 1980-81, former Progress reporter Reed Williams reports for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The victim, who was 10, tried unsuccessfully to get charges filed in 1987. Moore will be sentenced October 9 and faces up to 13 years.
Biggest stimulus for minimum wagers: Their pay goes from $6.55 to $7.25 an hour July 24.
Most interesting new business: Denver-based Geeks Who Drink seeks a foothold in Charlottesville and a host for trivia nights in pubs. Starting pay includes a $25 bar tab. Interested applicants should go to www.geekswhodrink.com.
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