Mother refutes accusations

Tanya Bane in a police photo.

Tanya Bane appeared in General District Court today, Oct. 22, on charges of involuntary manslaughter and child neglect. Bane is the mother of the infant who drowned in a bathtub Oct. 9. She asked for a court-appointed attorney, which she will get sometime before her preliminary hearing scheduled for Dec. 10.

Neighbors of Barger's quarry
propose limits to expansion plan

A neighbor looks at the quarry in November 2006. A fence has since been erected. Photo by Vicki Kruse

The neighbors propose only a 5.5-acre expansion versus the 54 acres that Barger Quarry owner Charles Barger wants.

County responds to state budget cuts

Rockbridge County has started to feel the effect of the state's budget crunch. Gov. Timothy Kaine announced earlier this month that the state government would cut nearly 5 percent of state funding to localities to cover expected revenues.

County supervisors block ad
for Rockbridge Partnership leader

In a meeting last week, two supervisors voted against the Rockbridge Partnership moving forward in finding a new executive director. Former Executive Director David Kleppinger resigned in July.

Gov. Kaine boosts alternative energy
in speech to conference at VMI

Photo by Jessica Simmons

Gov. Tim Kaine discussed more cost-effective uses for coal, fossil fuels and other types of energy. According to Kaine, each person can make a difference in solving the nation's energy problems. Kaine spoke at the weeklong energy and sustainablility conference at VMI.