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County Administrator's BLOG

Stay up-to-date with King William County news and happenings from the County Administrator, Percy C. Ashcraft.

Dec 07

King William Seeking Another Round of Smart Scale Improvements

Posted on December 7, 2023 at 11:31 AM by Percy Ashcraft

King William Seeking Another Round of Smart Scale Improvements

King William County is hopeful the next round of Smart Scale projects can be as successful as the previous one.

A few months ago, the Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to fully fund two major highway projects – 360 and Mill Road roadway improvements; and 360 and Venter Road-Walnut roadway improvements.

With the application for the next round of projects nearing its submittal deadline, the Board of Supervisors voted at its November 27 meeting to submit three projects:

  1. Rt. 30 at Shelton Place: secondary access for the Orchards/access to the park. Improve the intersection, add turn lanes and possibly a signal light.
  2. Smart-Scale Project 6832 (Round 4) previous application for the shared pedestrian/bike path. Add a 5 ft. pedestrian/bike path from 30/360 intersection to the Shelton Place/Rt. 30 intersection.
  3. Venter Road at Rt. 30. Improve the intersection, add turn lanes, and improve the safety of the intersection (signal, lower speed limit, etc.)

Mapping and studies will need to be looked at with VDOT and they may have other suggestions for improvement.

With the population growing in the Central Garage area, improvements along Route 30 will be important in the future.

The latest submittals are pre-scoping only. It will take months before the CTB is in a position to consider the applications at their fullest.

King William is seen as a leader in the Middle Peninsula in seeking road improvements.

 

 

Governor Appoints Joyce Wolfe to Serve on Common Interest Community Board

King William County resident Joyce Wolfe has been appointed by Governor Youngkin to serve as one of two Developer Representatives on the 11-member Common Interest Community Board (CICB) for the Commonwealth of Virginia.  

The CICB is a policy board within the executive branch of state government and falls under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. 

Common Interest Communities include homeowner associations, condominium associations, cooperatives and time-share estates.  The CICB regulates licensure, certification, training/education and standards of conduct for the managers of these communities.  

All common interest communities are required to register with DPOR through the CICB and file annual reports in a timely manner.  The CICB also establishes the standards for disclosure when purchasing a home or unit in a common interest community, sets the fees for preparation and delivery of the resale certificate and enforces compliance with the Resale Disclosure Act.  

Joyce began her career in the Hanover County Planning Department reviewing land use, rezoning and subdivision applications.  She has been involved in planning, construction, development and community association formation for the Richmond area homebuilder, Eagle Construction for 25 years.  

Joyce also previously served on the County’s Economic Development Authority.

 

Housing, Water Permits Slow Down in November

The holiday season has slowed the housing growth in King William County.

November statistics from the Planning & Zoning Department saw just 20 permits issued, with four of them being for Single-Family Dwellings and three for Land Disturbance. That is a significant drop from an average of 13 in each category in the previous two months.

The Utilities Department also reported only three new water customers registered in November.

The slowdown might continue if the weather makes it difficult to build in the next three months. That will certainly pave the way to a bustling spring construction season.

 

Winter Readiness Tips

Whether you are a new homeowner or have owned your property for years, it is always good to be reminded how to transition into winter.

Here is a list of Fall Readiness to Winter Readiness tips from our friends at The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

  • Build campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs, and anything that can burn.
  • Be sure to double check that any fire is thoroughly put out by checking for any leftover embers a few minutes after covering it.
  • Wet leaves can be a hazard on the road, make sure to reduce your speed while driving if there are slippery conditions.
  • Leaves should be blown or raked into garden beds, making for a natural compost.
  • Roof ducts ought to be flushed out to clear any debris or leaves, while vents should be cleaned and maintained properly. For more information please visit: FEMA P-737, Vents Fact Sheet.
  • Holiday cooking can be hectic. Make sure to have fire blankets ready and available for use around areas or equipment used to prepare food. Fire extinguishers can leave toxic residue behind. 
  • Fall can be a great time to hike, as long as the proper precautions are taken for packing water, sharp temperature changes, and informing others where you plan to hike and when you are expected to return. For more information please visit: Hiking Safety Tips (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).
  • If the outdoor temperature is too hot or cold for you, it’s probably too severe for your pets. Temperatures lower than 32°F can cause hypothermia or frostbite.

 

Virginia Again Leads the Nation in High School Graduation Rates

When you fight through all the struggles of funding public education and staff shortages, the result is Virginia still comes out on top in having the highest high school graduation rates in the entire USA.

Micah Ward of District Administration penned an excellent article showcasing the Commonwealth’s ability to keep kids in high school despite the multitude of challenges.

Virginia had a 92 percent average graduation in 2022, which is far above the national average of 79 percent. Following close behind is West Virginia at 91 percent.

Kudos to education leaders in all localities who make up this impressive number. A community’s quality of life starts with its public education system and the facts show Virginia is the best in preparing young people for the next level of their lives.

Nov 27

Fire & EMS Coordinating 'King William Kares' Program with Home Depot

Posted on November 27, 2023 at 5:42 PM by Percy Ashcraft

Fire & EMS Coordinating ‘King William Kares’ Program with Home Depot

Any program with the word “Kares” in it almost assuredly has a happy ring to it.

That is the case of a new program involving King William Fire and Emergency Services and Home Depot called “King William Kares.”

The program coordinates surplus paper, supplies and appliances from Home Deput to be given to churches, non-profit organizations and citizens in need.

Kudos to King William Assistant Fire Chief Willie Jones for taking the lead on the program with Home Depot officials.  It is particularly timely with the holiday season in full swing.

The Board of Supervisors recognized the program’s success at its September 11 meeting.

For further information or to participate in the program, call (804) 980-0771.

 

Reindeer Run Set for December 2

 

Another good turnout has pre-registered for the December 2 Reindeer Run, hosted by King William Parks & Recreation.

The event will begin at Cool Spring Primary School.  At 8a.m., the 1 Mile Kids Run will get underway, and at 8:30 the 5k Reindeer Run will get started.

There were 43 entries as of the afternoon of November 27. Late registrants will pay the 1 Mile Kids Run price of $15 and the 5K Run price of $30.

Whether you walk or run, it is a good experience!

Contact Parks & Recreation at (804) 769-4981.

 

King William County Local Composite Index Grows Slightly in New Biennium

 

The State Department of Education has released its Local Composite Index numbers used to fund public schools.

 

The Local Composite Index (LCI) determines a school division's ability to pay education costs fundamental to the Commonwealth's Standards of Quality (SOQ) with local funds.  The Composite Index is calculated using three indicators of a locality's ability to pay:

  • True value of real property (weighted 50 percent)
  • Adjusted gross income (weighted 40 percent)
  • Taxable retail sales (weighted 10 percent)

Each locality's index is adjusted to maintain an overall statewide local share of 45 percent and an overall state share of 55 percent.

The revised LCI for King William is 0.3146 for the 2024-26 biennium, up slightly from the 2022-24 biennium of 0.3063.

With the Town of West Point having its own School Division, legislation was adopted in 2014 to establish guidelines for funding education in King William County.   The concept is known as the Split Levy.   King William joins Westmoreland/Colonial Beach as the only two localities in the Commonwealth with this funding model.

The education transfer in the County’s FY ’24 Budget is approximately 35 percent.

County Staff has been working on the FY ’25 Budget and will begin discussions in January with the Board of Supervisors.  A spending plan is expected to be introduced in March.

‘Santa Run’ Schedule Announced by King William Fire & EMS

 

It is the season for Santa Claus, and the King William Fire & EMS Department will be riding Santa around neighborhoods in King William County December 13-15 beginning at 5:30 p.m. each night.

The tentative schedule released November 27 is:

December 13

  • Kennington Subdivision
  • 360 Westbound
  • Venter Rd through and Cross over Rt 30
  • Terra Alta Neighborhood
  • Manfield Rd. Westbound
  • Manquin Dr. 
  • Kendal Dr. 
  • Black Creek Ln. 
  • Cedar Crest Subdivision  
  • Liberty Farms Subdivision 
  • Acquinton Church Rd
  • Dunluce Rd.
  • Rte. 30 Eastbound
  • West River Rd

December 14

  • Mill Rd. – beginning from Rt. 600
  • Fairfield Neighborhood 
  • Rte. 360 Westbound
  • Walnut Ln. 
  • 360 Westbound
  • Central Parkway Subdivision
  • King William Place/King William Manor Apartments – Pine Crest Ln
  • McCauley Park Subdivision – Shelton Pl.
  • McCauley Park Subdivision – McCauley Pkwy
  • Rt 30 Eastbound [right]
  • Choctaw Ridge
  • Lancaster Rd. 
  • Rt. 360 Westbound – turn around at Mt Pleasant Rd
  • Beaver Creek Estates Neighborhood
  • Sharon Rd.
  • Timberland Estates Neighborhood 
  • King William Estates
  • Kelley Ln. 
  • Indian Church Rd.
  • Timberland Estates Neighborhood 
  • King William Estates

December 15

  • Start at 30 X Globe Rd – East Bound past Beatles Rd.
  • Cherry Hill Neighborhood
  • 30 East Bound 
  • Colonial Square Apartments
  • Holly Rd.
  • Venter Rd, North
  • Commins Rd 
  • Rosebud Estates
  • Oak Springs Neighborhood
  • Newman Dr.
  • Upshaw Rd West Bound
  • Parkwood Neighborhood
  • Complete Upshaw Rd Westbound
  • West River Rd West [left]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nov 14

Time to Give for Many Things in Our Community

Posted on November 14, 2023 at 12:20 PM by Percy Ashcraft

Time to Give Thanks for Many Things in Our Community

As Thanksgiving draws closer, it is always nice to reflect on the year almost behind us and how many things that have occurred in our community that should draw praise and gratitude.

Here are some things in King William that I have had my eye on to be grateful about this Thanksgiving season:


1. The Cornerstone and churches in our community organize food banks and clothing pantries.

  1. Teachers, administrators and students that continue to contribute to all schools in King William and West Point being accredited.

 

  1. The Country Courier and its continued effort to keep King William residents informed with news that is important to all who read it.

 

  1. A concentrated effort by our residents to keep our community as clean as possible, along with tearing down old buildings and removing junk vehicles.   The fall foliage displays just how gorgeous our landscape is.

 

  1. Reduced response times by our Fire & EMS personnel, both career and volunteer, to increase the confidence level of our residents.

 

  1. A strong partnership with VDOT that has most of our roads in very good condition, but knowing there is still work to be done.

 

  1. A daily buzz of activity around Central Garage and the businesses contained therein.   They will be getting more company in 2024 that should offer the residents with additional choices.

 

  1. Increased numbers in our youth baseball, soccer and football programs and the volunteers who coach and support our players and take care of our facilities.

 

  1. King William and West Point high schools making the VHSL football playoffs in the same year.

 

  1. The first Juneteenth Celebration held last summer.

 

  1. That a lightning strike last summer at the Old Courthouse did not do more damage than it did, and history was preserved.

 

  1. For individuals who adopted pets from the Regional Animal Shelter, and for some people who thought twice before driving to a place and letting their older hunting dog out for abandonment.

 

  1. For the first new home being built in King William County by Habitat for Humanity.

 

  1. For the Farmers Market held at King William High School and the Halloween event held at King William Recreation Park that will start a tradition of a fun events for all ages.

 

  1. The completed $182 million expansion of the Nestle Purina plant and the jobs it created.

 

  1. For low unemployment rate and a low crime rate.

 

  1. For a new County logo that showed the brilliance of a 14-year-old who designed it.

 

I am sure you have a list of your own.  Don’t be afraid to share your blessings with others.

 

Triple-Digit Win Has No Place in High School Playoffs

 

Having followed Virginia high school sports over the last 25 years, one constant has been the playoff format always seemed a little confusing and often imbalanced.

 

This is not to say with so many schools in so many different parts of the state, it is no easy task to put a system in place that will allow for 100 percent equity or even fairness.

 

But let’s be real! There is no way that a high school playoff game should produce a score of 104-0.  The playoffs are for competitive teams, and if one is that much better than another, then something about the system needs an overhaul.

 

Phoebus, who is undefeated at 11-0, led Jamestown (1-10)  84-0 at halftime and went on to the triple-digit victory.  Kudos to Phoebus for lifting their collective feet off the gas pedal, but can one school actually be that much better in Class 4A?   These are big high schools with numerous players to choose from.  Phoebus’ win puts them at small college status over their opponent.

 

According to Zach Shugan at Scorebook Live, this is the second time in two seasons this has happened.  Last year, Freedom beat Colgan by a score of 112-16.

 

I know athletics has to teach kids how to lose as well as win, but to demoralize young players like this because the system can’t get it right is not fair.

 

As I said before, there has been plenty of tweaking of the system over the years.  Looks like to me there should be even more, or at least consider a mercy rule like you do in other sports.

 

  

Bella is the Most Popular Dog Name in the Commonwealth

 

 

Jane Alvarez of WAVY News 10 in Portsmouth has contributed to a U.S. News & World Report list of the most popular dog name in each state.

 

U.S. News & World Report analyzed nearly one million data points to determine the most popular dog names in each state.

 

Their research discovered that the most popular dog names in the U.S. are Bella, Luna, Max, Daisy and Charlie. Coco, Buddy, Lucy, Milo and Bailey round out the top 10.

 

Bella is the most popular dog name in 37 states, including Virginia.

 

According to the study, 5% of all dogs in the United States are named Bella.

 

The top five dog names in Virginia are Bella, Luna, Max, Daisy and Lucy.

 

 


Time to Give Thanks for Many Things in Our Community

As Thanksgiving draws closer, it is always nice to reflect on the year almost behind us and how many things that have occurred in our community that should draw praise and gratitude.

Here are some things in King William that I have had my eye on to be grateful about this Thanksgiving season:

  1. The Cornerstone and churches in our community organize food banks and clothing pantries.

 

  1. Teachers, administrators and students that continue to contribute to all schools in King William and West Point being accredited.

 

  1. The Country Courier and its continued effort to keep King William residents informed with news that is important to all who read it.

 

  1. A concentrated effort by our residents to keep our community as clean as possible, along with tearing down old buildings and removing junk vehicles.   The fall foliage displays just how gorgeous our landscape is.

 

  1. Reduced response times by our Fire & EMS personnel, both career and volunteer, to increase the confidence level of our residents.

 

  1. A strong partnership with VDOT that has most of our roads in very good condition, but knowing there is still work to be done.

 

  1. A daily buzz of activity around Central Garage and the businesses contained therein.   They will be getting more company in 2024 that should offer the residents with additional choices.

 

  1. Increased numbers in our youth baseball, soccer and football programs and the volunteers who coach and support our players and take care of our facilities.

 

  1. King William and West Point high schools making the VHSL football playoffs in the same year.

 

  1. The first Juneteenth Celebration held last summer.

 

  1. That a lightning strike last summer at the Old Courthouse did not do more damage than it did, and history was preserved.

 

  1. For individuals who adopted pets from the Regional Animal Shelter, and for some people who thought twice before driving to a place and letting their older hunting dog out for abandonment.

 

  1. For the first new home being built in King William County by Habitat for Humanity.

 

  1. For the Farmers Market held at King William High School and the Halloween event held at King William Recreation Park that will start a tradition of a fun events for all ages.

 

  1. The completed $182 million expansion of the Nestle Purina plant and the jobs it created.

 

  1. For low unemployment rate and a low crime rate.

 

  1. For a new County logo that showed the brilliance of a 14-year-old who designed it.

 

I am sure you have a list of your own.  Don’t be afraid to share your blessings with others.

 

Triple-Digit Win Has No Place in High School Playoffs

 

Having followed Virginia high school sports over the last 25 years, one constant has been the playoff format always seemed a little confusing and often imbalanced.

 

This is not to say with so many schools in so many different parts of the state, it is no easy task to put a system in place that will allow for 100 percent equity or even fairness.

 

But let’s be real! There is no way that a high school playoff game should produce a score of 104-0.  The playoffs are for competitive teams, and if one is that much better than another, then something about the system needs an overhaul.

 

Phoebus, who is undefeated at 11-0, led Jamestown (1-10)  84-0 at halftime and went on to the triple-digit victory.  Kudos to Phoebus for lifting their collective feet off the gas pedal, but can one school actually be that much better in Class 4A?   These are big high schools with numerous players to choose from.  Phoebus’ win puts them at small college status over their opponent.

 

According to Zach Shugan at Scorebook Live, this is the second time in two seasons this has happened.  Last year, Freedom beat Colgan by a score of 112-16.

 

I know athletics has to teach kids how to lose as well as win, but to demoralize young players like this because the system can’t get it right is not fair.

 

As I said before, there has been plenty of tweaking of the system over the years.  Looks like to me there should be even more, or at least consider a mercy rule like you do in other sports.

 

 

 

 

Bella is the Most Popular Dog Name in the Commonwealth

 

 

Jane Alvarez of WAVY News 10 in Portsmouth has contributed to a U.S. News & World Report list of the most popular dog name in each state.

 

U.S. News & World Report analyzed nearly one million data points to determine the most popular dog names in each state.

 

Their research discovered that the most popular dog names in the U.S. are Bella, Luna, Max, Daisy and Charlie. Coco, Buddy, Lucy, Milo and Bailey round out the top 10.

 

Bella is the most popular dog name in 37 states, including Virginia.

 

According to the study, 5% of all dogs in the United States are named Bella.

 

The top five dog names in Virginia are Bella, Luna, Max, Daisy and Lucy.