Updated every weekday as available
Winchester Star, March 7, 2010
"The Clarke County Planning Commission discussed the 2009 Annual Land Use Report Friday, and the numbers drew some concerns.
In 2009, 24 new homes were started in the county — compared to 43 in 2008.
“Pretty soon we’ll be in the negative,” said Chuck Johnston, county planning director. “Who knows if we’ll have any building permits? We haven’t had many so far this year.”
In 2005, the county had 221 new homes; in 2006, 80; and in 2007, 57.
"
Winchester Star, March 8, 2010
"A few remnants of February’s snows still linger, more dingy gray than pristine white, across the northern Shenandoah Valley.
While not much to look at, warmer temperatures have allowed the frozen precipitation to melt gradually.
That means no serious flooding. It also means water to wash the car and give thirsty lawns and gardens a drink in the summer.
“This is a big time recharge,” said David Nelms in Richmond, U.S. Geological Survey’s groundwater specialist for Virginia.
"
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Updated every week as available
Winchester Star, March 8, 2010
"A few remnants of February’s snows still linger, more dingy gray than pristine white, across the northern Shenandoah Valley.
While not much to look at, warmer temperatures have allowed the frozen precipitation to melt gradually.
That means no serious flooding. It also means water to wash the car and give thirsty lawns and gardens a drink in the summer.
“This is a big time recharge,” said David Nelms in Richmond, U.S. Geological Survey’s groundwater specialist for Virginia.
"
Winchester Star, February 9, 2010
"The Clarke County Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed Monday to increase Planning Department fees.
County Planning Director Chuck Johnston said several years have passed since fees were raised for rezonings, subdivisions, or special-use permits.
He noted that the county’s fees are higher than those of other counties in the Shenandoah Valley, but lower than those to the east.
“I guess it depends on whether you want to attract growth or not,” Johnston said.
"
ABC 3, February 4, 2010
"Last year Clarke county residents preserved 763 acres of land to protect privately-held, rural land from development...That brings Clarke County’s grand total to nearly 20,000 acres of privately conserved land.
Landowners make the choice to preserve the land themselves. Clarke County is in Virginia’s Piedmont Region, which now has more acreage conserved in its nine counties than the Shenandoah National Park.
Virginia is among the top five states in the nation for protecting land through private easements.
"
Winchester Star, January 21, 2010
"The Clarke County Economic Development Advisory Committee wants to know the amount of local produce that might be available next fall to feed students in the county school system.
Committee Chairman Christy Dunkle will send a survey to people signed up for the local farmers’ market. The survey will try to gauge the type of produce they will grow and the quantity potentially available for the schools.
"
Winchester Star, January 9, 2010
" It’s a question of fairness.
Virginia officials’ ruling that local jurisdictions cannot control activities at farm wineries may force Clarke County leaders to abandon regulations for outdoor gatherings at other businesses in agricultural zones.
The county Planning Commission on Friday agreed to set a public hearing on that change for its Feb. 5 meeting.
"
Winchester Star, January 4, 2010
"Since the Clarke County Board of Supervisors agreed to a set purchase price for conservation easements, 21 county residents have applied to take part in the program.
The supervisors passed the new policy in November.
“It’s a way of serving more people,” said Supervisor Michael Hobert, who is the Board’s liaison to the Easement Authority.
"
Winchester Star, January 7, 2010
"It appears that Clarke County residents are still committed to agriculture.
When the county Planning Commission meets Friday, it will hear that more than 3,100 acres will be added to the county’s Agricultural and Forestal District, which is due for renewal in March.
“It’s been pretty good this year,” said county Zoning Administrator Jesse Russell, who is handling the state-mandated renewal process.
"
Winchester Star, December 16, 2009
"A local firm submitted the low bid Tuesday to build the town’s new wastewater treatment plant.
The $21,768,333 bid by Caldwell and Santmyer, based in the Clarke County Industrial Park in Berryville, was nearly $500,000 less than the next-lowest figure.
"
Winchester Star, December 4, 2009
"Now, it’s apples.
Next spring, it could be a variety of local produce.
The Clarke County Economic Development Advisory Board wanted to know if the county’s school system could purchase local food.
At the board’s meeting Wednesday, Edward Breslauer, business director for the county school system, said officials have been studying the possibility.
"
Winchester Star, December 6, 2009
"Trees and odors were the primary issues raised Friday about the replacement outfall line for the town’s new wastewater treatment plant.
Neither concern prevented the Clarke County Planning Commission from unanimously recommending that the county Board of Supervisors approve the line’s route to the Shenandoah River.
"
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