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

'Phony war hero' gets 3 years for false claims - roanoke.com
He collected more than $18,000 in disability and military benefits by embellishing his record.Former Army serviceman Randall Moneymaker was sentenced to three years in prison Friday for embellishing a brief military career into that of a decorated combat veteran. Moneymaker is part of the growing problem of "phony war heroes," across the nation, Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig "Jake" Jacobsen said.
Groups spar over Smith Mountain Lake - roanoke.com
One group wants to maintain the water level at nearly its full-pond elevation.The discussion between leaders at Smith Mountain Lake and those downstream on the Staunton River continued Friday -- in a closed meeting that took on a much quieter tone than last month's overflow public hearing in Gretna yet still had emotions running high.
Men plead guilty to roles in moonshine operation - roanoke.com
The men, all from Franklin County, had stills that produced thousands of gallons.Four Franklin County men admitted Friday to playing a role in a moonshine operation that produced thousands of gallons of illegal liquor that made its way as far north as Philadelphia. The men were arrested last year after surveillance cameras set up by federal agents caught them coming and going from a still site in Halifax County, where four 1,200-gallon pots were being put to work.
Reward offered for information on killing - roanoke.com
A private donor and the city of Roanoke are offering an $11,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the death of George Edwards Rogers. Rogers, 89, was found dead Aug. 18 in his home in the 1300 block of Orange Avenue. He had obvious head trauma, according to a search warrant filed in Roanoke Circuit Court.
Men charged in thefts of catalytic converters - roanoke.com
Three men were arrested last week in Bedford County and charged in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles at two businesses. Bobby Taylor, 38, and Gregory Brown, 53, both of Roanoke, were arrested Aug. 29 just after midnight while attempting to take converters from the Sadisco salvage yard on Quarterwood Road in Montvale, according to the Bedford County Sheriff's Office. Both men were charged with destroying private property, trespassing and attempted theft.
Martinsville woman dies in accident - roanoke.com
A woman died in a wreck Thursday night in Henry County after her sport utility vehicle flipped and rammed into a tree, police said. Judy Arnold Rea, 53, of Martinsville was traveling west on Virginia 627 in a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder about 8 p.m. when she ran off the right side of the road, according to Sgt. Rob Carpentieri, a Virginia State Police spokesman.

Daily News-Record

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
GOP


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