4BETTER OR WORSE- The week in review
Most horrific attack: A toddler is fatally mauled by her family's pit bull when she wanders out to where the dog is chained September 27 in eastern Orange County, according to NBC29.
Biggest protest: Hands Across McIntire demonstrators form a chain across the park September 27 to protest plans for the Meadowcreek Parkway and YMCA.
Most widely varying estimates: WCAV says nearly 100 people hold hands at the park, the Daily Progress counts more than 100 and NBC29 reports Save McIntire's estimate that 300 supporters show up.
Most mysterious disciplinary action: Gordonsville Police Chief Christopher Spare is suspended pending an investigation, and town officials give no hint as to why, according to the Orange County Review.
Most serious charges: Former Waynesboro City Councilman DuBose Egleston Jr., 55, is charged with the attempted rape of a 27-year-old woman in her home September 25, the News Virginian reports.
Latest victim of pedestrian-unfriendly U.S. 29 north: Mahin Koorang-Beheshti, 65, is seriously injured September 23 trying to cross Seminole Trail between Hydraulic Road and Seminole Court when she's struck by Dodge Caravan-driving Crisoford Antonio, 28, of Harrisonburg. No charges have been filed.
Latest VDOt recycling: Using rights-of-way the Virginia Department of Transportation purchased for the moribund Western 29 Bypass to extend Leonard Sandridge Road and build a partially elevated road to connect U.S. 29 and U.S. 250 Bypass near Hydraulic, even though VDOT can't fund road projects already on the books. Charlottesville Tomorrow has the story.
Worst Medicaid fraud: Pamela Kay Divine, a regional administrator for Advantage Care, pleads guilty to conspiracy September 28 for bilking the government out of $120,000 by falsely certifying training her home care aids did not have.
Biggest ouster: Sigma Phi Epsilon's charter is revoked by the national organization September 21, and the brothers residing at the fraternity house at 150 Madison Lane have 30 days to find new accommodations, the Cav Daily reports. The decision to disband is made in conjunction with UVA because of concerns about "disruptive behavior."
Biggest groundbreaking: While one Madison Lane fraternity empties its house, another– Delta Upsilon– breaks ground September 26 for the first new UVA frat house in 50 years. [See "OnArchitecture" in this issue– editor.]
Latest job for Mayor Dave Norris: He's named CEO of non-profit Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge. Norris was executive director of PACEM, People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry, the seasonal homeless shelter program, and he's running for reelection to City Council.
Latest discovery of a native son: Actor Rob Lowe tells the Guardian he was born in Charlottesville, Cvillenews.com reports.
Best sign Doug Wilder disfavors Criegh Deeds: Virginia's first African-American governor again refuses to endorse the fellow Dem, who's running for governor. Wilder first snubbed Deeds in 2005 in the attorney general race, which Deeds narrowly lost to Bob McDonnell by 360 votes.
Best time to ante up: Virginians who owe back taxes to the state get amnesty October 7 through December 5 and can pay up at only half-interest and without penalty fees. After the amnesty period, an additional 20 percent penalty will be added to existing fees.
Best news for entrepreneurial city residents: A permit will not be required for a yard sales– but signs are still illegal.
Best pie event: The Charlottesville Pie Fest October 3, noon to 2pm, at the Crozet Mudhouse. Proceeds from the pie silent auction to benefit PACEM.
Worst Starbucks crisis: A truck with faulty brakes rolls backwards on University Avenue into Starbucks around 7am September 25 and the coffee shop is closed for about four hours, the Newsplex reports.
Best slogan: The Martin Agency's 40-year-old "Virginia is for lovers" is inducted into something called the National Advertising Walk of Fame.
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