The Commonwealth of Virginia (named after Queen Elizabeth I of England, who was known as the Virgin Queen) is one of the original thirteen states of the United States that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution. It is located in the Southern United States but is sometimes included, geographically, in the Mid-Atlantic States. It is one of four states that use the name commonwealth. Virginia was the first part of the Americas to be colonized permanently by England.

Virginia is known as the "Mother of Presidents", because it is the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, Woodrow Wilson, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler and Zachary Taylor), more than any other state. Four of the first five presidents were from Virginia, and seven of the first twelve. The most recent Virginian president was Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president. Virginia has also been known as the "Mother of States", because portions of the original Colony subsequently became Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and West Virginia as well as some portions of Ohio.

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The Roanoke Times: Local news

Proposed electrical rate hikes protested - roanoke.com
The state has received 2,000 comments on three Appalachian Power requests. State regulators preparing to open hearings this month have received 2,000 comments on a proposal to raise electrical rates in Western Virginia.
Lake flow on table at closed meeting - roanoke.com
Those involved on both sides of the water debate will gather Friday in Charlotte Courthouse.Stakeholders on both sides of a contentious water-flow issue involving Smith Mountain Lake will meet at the table once more -- this time at an invitation-only meeting that's closed to the public and the media.
Group pitched wide revamp of city market - roanoke.com
The market building proposal was rejected unanimously by the Roanoke City Council. A now-rejected plan for renovating and operating the Roanoke City Market Building recommends shifting the three-story historic building away from its current function as a food court toward a more comprehensive concept that emphasizes retail products and a classic "market" experience.
Moneta drive-in theater nears completion - roanoke.com
The owners intend to attract families to what they hope will become a destination at Smith Mountain Lake.Downtown Moneta will soon have the first drive-in theater built in the region in decades, and its owners hope it will become a destination place harking back to a slower and simpler pace of life. Bob Craig and Kathy Gentry, in fact, hope to get married at their Mayberry Drive-In & Diner in September or October of next year, which would be its first anniversary.
Sentence in drug case reduced - roanoke.com
Carlton Arnez Riley was a former state probation officer who was arrested in the wake of a scandal in Henry Co.Former state probation officer Carlton Arnez Riley left federal court Wednesday still having to serve one of the longest sentences to result from the corruption case that erupted around the Henry County Sheriff's Office in 2006.
Moneta convenience store robbed - roanoke.com
A Moneta convenience store was robbed Sunday night by a knife-wielding man who fled on foot, according to the Bedford County Sheriff's Office. Maj. Ricky Gardner said the incident occurred about 9:30 p.m. at the Apple Market at the intersection of Stewartsville and Stony Fork roads. He said a suspect clad in camouflage clothing, black gloves, a mask and dark glasses entered the store and approached the clerk with a knife. The man demanded money and ran out of the store with an undisclosed amount of cash, disappearing behind the back of the building.

Daily News-Record

From Fighting Fires To Painting Hydrants
Look closely at the red fire hydrant in front of a local office building.  The fine detail and color-coded top means more than meets the eye.  For the past 10 years, Woodstock native Daniel Hottel, 82, has made it his business to make sure all of the fire hydrants in town are up to code. Hottel was born and raised in Woodstock
Still Waiting
Luray - The Page County Board of Supervisors could not decide on a plan for the future of the county office building Tuesday night. During their work session, the supervisors were expecting to hear potential solutions for poor working conditions in the building on South Court Street. Those conditions include infestation, leaks, dust, deb
Elkton Horse Show Slated Sept. 13
ELKTON — The Elkton Horse Show, celebrating its 25th anniversary and slated for Saturday, Sept. 13 at Blue Ridge Park in Elkton, promises to be something special this year. Organizers are expecting a near-record turnout for this 25th running of the show since its 1983 revival, in part because, according to show co-chairman Dan Good

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