RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend acceptance of the federally-issued Employment Authorization Document (I-766) as proof of legal presence in the United States, a condition of obtaining a driver’s license or identification card in Virginia. This precautionary action is the result of concerns over the document’s reliability as evidence of an individual’s federal government authorization to be in the country. The card, issued by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service arm of the Department of Homeland Security, is obtained by individuals temporarily authorized to work in the U. S., even if the individual is in a pending deportation status.

The concerns surfaced in August after an alleged drunk driver was charged in Prince William County with a fatal crash in which one person died and two others were critically injured. Police say 23-year-old Carlos Martinelly Montano from Bolivia had been reported to ICE after two previous drunk driving convictions in 2007 and 2008, but was released pending a deportation hearing.

Police report that Montano received an Employment Authorization Document in January 2009 while federal deportation actions were pending, and subsequently used the document to prove legal presence while applying for a Virginia ID card in accordance with current Virginia law. It is important to note that Montano did not have a Virginia driver’s license at the time of the crash.

Speaking about the decision to suspend use of I-766 documents, Governor McDonnell commented, “The integrity of the credentials issued by the Commonwealth is of the utmost importance. We must ensure that documents accepted as proof of legal presence are reliable. Virginia law is clear in the requirement that an individual be lawfully in the United States to be eligible for an identification card or to have the privilege to drive.”

DMV will seek additional guidance from the Attorney General regarding federal documents that should be accepted going forward as proof of legal presence.

Of the 21 documents DMV continues to accept as proof of an applicant’s lawful status, 20 are issued by the federal government, including 12 issued by U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

“It’s not working. People here are hurting,” says Griffith.

The nation’s jobless rate, according to the Labor Department, rose from 9.5 percent to 9.6 percent in August. The economy lost a total of 54,000 jobs last month. According to the Virginia Employment Commission, those numbers in southwest Virginia are even more staggering.

“Unemployment is a problem here-a very big problem. Four of our localities are in double-digits and six are higher than the national average,” says Griffith.

The biggest change in unemployment occurred in the Bristol area at 9.9 percent up 1.2 percentage points.

“The Obama-Pelosi actions have not helped our economy. People continue to lose their jobs and are unable find new ones,” says Griffith, “and the so-called stimulus money has not helped people find jobs in the Ninth District.”

“The Ninth Congressional District has seen less than a 1% growth in the past decade in comparison to other Congressional Districts around the state that have seen as much as a 10% growth.”

Griffith says our current Congressman, Rick Boucher, keeps bragging about bringing 5,000 jobs to southwest Virginia via his Showcasing program over a span of 23 years. “If you do the math, that means we have gained a mere 271 jobs each year of that program. During that same time, we’ve lost most of our furniture and textile jobs, and numerous other manufacturing facilities have closed.”

The candidate concluded that things are not improving along the path we’re currently on. “We have to change direction.”

In a letter dated August 3, the Southwest Virginia Branch of the Western Virginia Labor Federation extended the invitation for Griffith and other delegates from southwest Virginia to the Coeburn picnic for their union membership. The Central Labor Council is made up of members from Associated Postal Workers Union, Communication Workers of America, National Coalition of Public Safety Officers, United Autoworkers, United Food Workers, United Steel Workers, and United Mine Workers of America.

The Ninth Congressional candidate was even invited to speak at the event for approximately 20 minutes by Valeria Castle-Stanley who is listed as the union group’s District 9 Congressional Coordinator.

Griffith campaign officials had not received word that they had been denied access. Mick Bransfield, campaign manager for Griffith, says he had been in contact by phone but was never told not to show up. “We thought the picnic was open to us, and made an effort to drive from an appearance in Scott County and was hoping for an equal, fair opportunity like any other official.”

James Gibbs, International At-Large VP of the United Mine Workers, and Mike Kennedy, the vice president of Local 2204 of the Communications Workers of America, both met Griffith at the gate. Kennedy has been outspoken in the past that President Obama is a friend of coal here in southwest Virginia.

“I am very disappointed in their decision not to allow me an opportunity to speak to the group. We are at a very important time in the history in this country when dealing with the proposed Cap and Trade legislation of Obama and Pelosi. The bill will negatively affect coal production here in southwest Virginia,” says Griffith.

What is ironic here, according to the Republican, is the fact that his opponent-the incumbent Democratic Congressman-Rick Boucher was also invited and expected to attend. “He voted for and even helped write Cap and Trade-thus affecting these same people that turned us away today.”

“The Congressman,” says Griffith, “should welcome a friendly debate of issues especially when he is trying to distance himself from the D.C. group of Obama and Pelosi.”

MacPhail cited a facility in Sarasota, Fla., for the team’s Gulf Coast League affiliate, the construction of a two-year-old facility shared by a pair of teams in the Dominican Republic, and the presence of the New York-Penn League affiliate Aberdeen IronBirds as reasons to discontinue the relationship.

“We had more franchises than are customary, by a club or two, and we’re going to try to get it down to what is a more typical range,” MacPhail said.

Bluefield’s schedule will end on Tuesday with a doubleheader at their home park, Bowen Field. Since 1958, about 100 former Bluefield Orioles have played in the Majors and several former managers have managed in the big leagues. Boog Powell, Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken Jr., and Don Baylor all made stops in Bluefield.

When Kevin Siegrist gave up a leadoff home run in the top of the first inning Saturday night, Johnson City manager Mike Shildt was unconcerned.
Siegrist retired 19 of the next 20 batters he faced and Virgil Hill homered and drove in three runs as the Cardinals beat the Elizabethton Twins, 6-2, to win their first Appalachian League championship since 1976.
“Last night, Boone Whiting gave up a solo homer to the second hitter of the game. This was the exact same thing,” Shildt said. “(Siegrist) responded positively. The biggest thing we talk about is that adversity’s going to happen. When something goes wrong, go back to what you know works for you.”

In Siegrist’s case, that’s a fastball he was able to throw on both sides of the plate.

“He used his changeup more tonight and his breaking ball’s really improved. He was able to use that more against lefties,” Shildt said. “He just really threw the ball well.”

After Jamaal Hawkins staked the Twins to an almost instant 1-0 lead, Siegrist (1-0) did not allow another baserunner until Brian Burke singled with two outs in the fourth inning. The 21-year-old left-hander ended up yielding three hits while striking out six.

“This is a great experience. It’s the first time I ever won a championship,” said Siegrist, a 2008 41st-round pick who went 4-3 with a 1.93 ERA in seven regular-season outings.

“(Hawkins) hit a good pitch. I just settled down. I had confidence in myself and the guys behind me. (Catcher Travis Tartamella) called a great game.”

Tartamella also delivered a two-run single to cap a three-run first inning that put Johnson City ahead for good. Hill stroked an RBI double in the sixth, then added his second postseason homer, a two-run shot in the eighth.

“Whether it was (Cody) Stanley the first night, Virgil Hill the last two nights, the pitching’s been phenomenal the whole series … I’m just proud of them,” said Shildt, who wrapped up his second season as Cardinals manager.

“This is a special group. I’ve known it from the very beginning. We just had guys that cared, guys with ability and guys who want to succeed. When you have that combination, you can achieve some pretty special things.”

This marked the second year in a row the Twins have lost in the Finals after winning back-to-back titles in 2007-08.

AGENDA

7:00 p.m. Legislative Session Council Chambers

1. Call To Order Mayor Worrell

2. Pledge Of Allegiance Councilman Goodman

3. Invocation Councilman Bopp

4. Roll Call Of Council

5. Modify Agenda If Necessary

6. Guests And Visitors
a. Recognize Audience Present

7. Presentations
a. None

8. Public Hearings
a. None

9. Public Comment Period
(The Town Council welcomes your input. You may address the Council by completing a
speakers slip available at the door and giving it to the Clerk of Council prior to the meeting. At this time, you may address the Council on items that are not on the agenda or items on the Consent Agenda. Time limit is five minutes.)

10. Consent Agenda
(The Consent Agenda is approved on one motion. Council Members may pull consent items to be considered after business items.)

a. Consideration Of Minutes Of August 3, 2010, 7:00 P.M. Regular Council Meeting

11. Project Update
a. Dora Highway CDBG (B-5)
b. Boundary Adjustments (B-4)
c. Government Outreach Program Update (B-7)

12. Old Business
a. Computer lease
b. Harrison Sewer
c. Boysaw/Allen Building Update
d. Valley Road Water Pressure

13. New Business
a. Auxiliary Police Force Program
b. Resolution 2010-23, Supporting Lewis Gale Medical Center’s Application To Establish A
Neonatal Special Care Unit

14. Closed Session
a. Under Virginia Code 2.2-3711:
(A-.7): Consultation With Legal Counsel And Briefings By Staff Members Pertaining To Probable Litigation And Consultation With Legal Counsel Employed By The Town Regarding Specific Legal Matter Requiring The Provision Of Legal Advice By Such Counsel

15. Reminder of Future Council Meetings
a. September 21, 2010, Council Work Session – 5:00 P.M. In The Town Council Chambers
b. October 5, 2010, Council Meeting, 7:00 P.M. In The Town Council Chambers

Committed to Building a Dream by increasing services and amenities available in our community, Highland Ridge Rehab Center in Dublin will join the community and its supporters to celebrate the ground breaking of our new addition on Thursday, September 9, 2010.

The ground breaking program will include speakers from our area as well our campus. As the population in our community increases its need for Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitative Services, we feel there has never been a more important time to expand rehabilitative services that are available to our community members.

This new wing will provide short term rehabilitation services that complement the needs of a range of ages from young adults to seniors. More than ever, we expect to receive the same services in our healthcare facilities that are available in our homes. These include private rooms, technological capabilities, and opportunities for a range of recreational activities. It is important to the New River Valley Community to have these services available in close proximity to their homes.

Our goal is to offer services on a short-term basis to individuals with the goal of returning home independently. In today’s society with the many healthcare changes taking place, we are moving forward to meet the challenges and needs of our population.

In their 25 years of healthcare experience the Williams’ Family, who are owners and operators of three facilities, have been committed to preserving and maintaining their Healthcare Environments. The Highland Ridge Rehab Center project is their commitment to offer outstanding quality care and services in an environment that promotes a quality of life.

The addition of a state-of-the-art wing will offer expansion of our Rehabilitation Department, to include amenities such as outpatient therapy and aqua therapy. The new center will allow for expansion of our Dining Services and Recreational Therapy Programs. It will also feature a large community room, computer and game room, and a new courtyard. Additional changes will be made to the existing infrastructure to maximize space and enhance services throughout.

We welcome the community to attend the Groundbreaking Ceremony that will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Ridge Rehab Center located at 5872 Hanks Avenue, Dublin, Virginia.

PULASKI – The Burlington Royals scored single runs in the first, third and eighth innings before holding off a ninth inning Pulaski Mariners rally to down the hosts 3-2 at Calfee Park Monday night.
Two Burlington (28-32) pitchers scattered eight hits over the first eight innings against Pulaski before the Mariners were able to push across two runs on passed balls in the ninth.
Pulaski (33-24) maintained their four and half game lead over Danville as the Braves were defeated by Kingsport tonight 7-2.
The Royals got a pair of hits from Luis Piterson and Edul Escobar, while the Mariners got three hits from Ethan Paquette and two hits from Derek Poppert.
William Avinazar went seven innings for Burlington allowing seven hits and no runs, while striking out nine to pick up the victory. Daniel Hernandez pitched the final out in the ninth to register the save.
George Mieses struck out six in five innings but took the loss for Pulaski.
The two teams will wrap up their three game series on Tuesday night at Calfee Park.

Volvo Trucks North America will recall about 270 people to its New River Valley Assembly Plant beginning the week of Sept. 6.
According to John Mies, Vice President – Corporate Communications for Volvo Trucks North America, the recall will support a production ramp-up driven by increased orders.
“In addition to some positive freight trends, we believe the order increase is also being fueled by the very positive experience customers are having with our new EPA 2010-compliant trucks – word gets around quickly in this industry,” Mies stated in an email this afternoon.
“We’ve also been working very hard to get people behind the wheel of demonstrator trucks to show them first-hand the quality, performance, and productivity of these vehicles. Beyond meeting the most stringent emissions requirements in the world, the new Volvos are also delivering up to 5 percent better fuel economy than their predecessors,” Mies continued.
“You might recall that we publicized an order for 370 trucks from Knight Transportation back in February, and an order for 600 from Penske Truck Leasing in May.
Beyond these orders, which we had permission from the customers to publicize, we’re continuing to win significant orders from new customers that, until now, have not had Volvo trucks in their fleets,” he added.
Mies noted, too, that Volvo is increasingly using visits to its plant as a sales tool, and it’s believed those visits have been a “big part of bringing several customers to Volvo.”
He said “people are coming away impressed not just with the products, but with the processes and the people behind the products.”
The NRV plant, Mies said, currently employs just over 1,200 people, so this recall represents a staffing increase of about 23 percent.
Mies added that, for competitive reasons Volvo Trucks North America does not publicly discuss build rates. “But obviously a recall of this size is in line with a significant increase in production.” Mies noted the recall comes on the heels of the return of about 30 people over the last month or so, which he attributed to attrition.