[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6282068,"mediaKeyId","2599554-8c791ac4e165711f393cb4a0a40a348c","parentId",2599554,"title","VDOT outlines paving, roundabout work and Route 3–20 reconfiguration for Orange County","audioSeconds",478,"startMs",157000,"endMs",635000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599554-8c791ac4e165711f393cb4a0a40a348c&start=157&end=635","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599554-8c791ac4e165711f393cb4a0a40a348c/thumbnail_157000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6282068/Orange-County/Virginia/VDOT-outlines-paving-roundabout-work-and-Route-320-reconfiguration-for-Orange-County","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282068-0356ef2180b938524b9eb5b7f67eefba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203422&Signature=bvj4F8X5W1fehCvzwpGi89JLiu4NomG-vFaoo29ySGNgwyLJ5QqA1EexFmYs2ob8snmm9Us6z1GvTeNipbsghkS-0Zw0eEBHqeCfRNhF0Gd9tG4S5AJFoV0jec6q5A1wEUOkDRkRlNuDJuR99EsZ9xs9N-VKeR3v3MfvNuXSKr4lWFNk8iNv-luPVWTUJsY8DAo2VlJevS4FLcoGHbdm4hcZ-Yk9LZdoOfxbwbhJ~NVZzCaaPEdscOjwhmnsZ3X-JgNdL~ENBKSxGj974qbuh8Aj~06toUC45j~UJmVGSYix~IRIVw6ts-GYWLfEvhrbqR-EbU5B-4cJcD7qOaOf2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Orange County, VA","date","2025-02-25T00:00:00Z","article","Willie Gordon, assistant residency administrator for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Louisa residency, told the Orange County Board of Supervisors that crews have completed routine repairs and are moving forward on several design and construction milestones for corridor and intersection safety projects.

Gordon told the board the department has patched 325 potholes, removed about 120 cubic yards of debris, ditched roughly 1,500 linear feet, completed shoulder repair on 1 mile of Route 20, removed 50 animal carcasses from roadways and cleared brush on multiple routes. He said paving is weather-dependent and is expected to resume in March, with “pavement schedule” materials available by request.

Why it matters: the projects described affect local traffic flow and safety on key county roads and set multi-year timelines for construction that will involve public hearings and environmental review.

Gordon summarized three larger projects by VDOT project (UPC) number and timeline: Greenwood Road (Route 635) is under a rural-rustic program; construction activities began in November 2024 with an anticipated completion in June 2025, subject to environmental review. UPC 111742, a low-speed curve correction on Route 601, is in post-PFI (preliminary field inspection) with an advertisement (add) date around spring 2027. UPC 115475 (Barbersville Roundabout) has been awarded and is moving into construction logistics. UPC 124271 (Route 3 and Route 20 intersection — described in the presentation as a reconfiguration to reduce left-turn conflict points and median openings) held a preliminary field inspection in February with a public hearing planned for fall 2025 and an add date aimed for summer 2027. UPC 12655 (Route 20 and Route 522 roundabout) has a submitted performance package, a preliminary field inspection planned for summer 2025 and an add date in summer 2027.

On the Route 3 and Route 20 project, Gordon described the concept as removing some left‑turn movements and median cuts, using right-turn and U‑turn patterns to improve traffic flow and reduce crash points; he offered to provide the board a conceptual plan and to publish materials to the VDOT website. “It’s currently in review by our environmental,” he said, noting the department is assessing environmental impacts before full construction proceeds.

Board members raised questions about right-of-way constraints and whether a free-flowing right movement from eastbound Route 20 onto eastbound Route 3 is possible; Gordon said right-of-way and adjacent property ownership (including National Park Service parcels in the area) are among the factors VDOT will confirm during design. He also thanked local residents and supervisors for feedback after recent signal adjustments at the Route 3/20 intersection and agreed to send the schematic to the board.

Gordon also discussed interim maintenance work: a winter-related patching program (“pahoe patching”) and debris removal from recent storms; he reported that crews removed 40 bags of trash and completed tree trimming on Route 700. He encouraged supervisors to contact him for a copy of the paving schedule.

What’s next: several projects carry multi-year timelines (public hearings and add/bid dates concentrated in 2025–2028), and VDOT staff will deliver design materials to the board and post public hearing notices when they are scheduled.

Sources and attribution: Remarks and project details came from Willie Gordon’s presentation to the Orange County Board of Supervisors during the board’s February 2025 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Orange County Board of Supervisors' Regular Meeting - February 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Willie Gordon, assistant residency administrator for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Louisa residency, told the Orange County Board of Supervisors that crews have completed routine repairs and are moving forward on several design and construction milestones for corridor and intersection safety projects.","taxTitle","Orange County, Virginia","taxId",52350,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282048,"Board actions at a glance: temporary chair, agenda and consent approvals, emergency declaration ratified",3384,54000,3438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599554-8c791ac4e165711f393cb4a0a40a348c&start=54&end=3438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599554-8c791ac4e165711f393cb4a0a40a348c/thumbnail_54000.jpg","/articles/6282048/Orange-County/Virginia/Board-actions-at-a-glance-temporary-chair-agenda-and-consent-approvals-emergency-declaration-ratified","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282048-741b9934c4b7ad7d6aa48d5c155bdc9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203422&Signature=aV7yIWn7-3SuKhT01aF8f9Y3CNX55B3G5tnbEdhfpuPi-qLd2fkoIL3vONyp6F31OXxITKe7k7pFyMNp-0lkuu7UkvcumK9kQl1~vasGW1M2CkJvnWJ4OxJ4vbXyQGXyVQg74DTrxv1vFpfKaDqQnM0ZgCN8QFIqdghx296Bsa-XFO1nfdEeMwhpkEmzLgN5DbCqyO2UA59vjag-JkkQYZpvPC-80Cc~X5nX92C1p7eMgDu2fwikfoILeuYcnMa51dLDdcjPCtM0SP-yj1LYaOw~JSAEB5659qk6AJTfWtze2W5pzUjOB7JK-DN4l3hgM2vXoAhWZvuS3UX8X34d3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its February 2025 meeting the Orange County Board of Supervisors recorded several formal actions during open session and moved into a closed session under a statutory exception.

Key votes and procedural actions

- Temporary chair election: The board nominated and approved Supervisor Nickel to serve as temporary chair for the meeting after the regular chair and vice chair were absent. Nomination: Mister Voorhees; outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Adoption of the agenda: The board moved and seconded adoption of the published agenda; outcome: adopted unanimously by voice vote.

- Consent agenda approval: Items on the consent agenda, including a resolution of commendation for Captain Brad Darnell, were approved by unanimous consent.

- Ratification of a prior local emergency declaration and lifting of a local state of emergency: The board considered a resolution to ratify the earlier declaration related to a winter storm and to record the close of the local state of emergency. The motion passed on a roll call in which Miss Hale voted Aye, Mister Marshall voted Aye and Mister Newton voted Aye. The resolution was adopted and the record reflects ratification of the declaration and close of the emergency status.

- Scheduling: The board set a public hearing for SUP-2024-00327 for Tuesday, March 25, 2025 (board calendar item).

- Closed session: The board voted to enter a closed session under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act exception for discussion of acquisition of real property for public purpose (economic development), citing Code of Virginia § 2.2‑3711(A)(3). The motion to enter closed session carried on the voice vote recorded at the meeting; after the closed session the board conducted the required certification vote that only the permitted topics were discussed.

- Adjournment: The meeting concluded following the certification roll call and a motion to adjourn, approved by voice vote.

Vote records and outcomes are described above as recorded during the meeting. Where the transcript did not attribute a motion to a named mover or seconder, those entries are recorded as “not specified.”","The Orange County Board of Supervisors completed procedural business and several formal votes at its February 2025 meeting, including electing a temporary chair, adopting the agenda and ratifying the close of a local state of emergency.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282053,"Volunteer fire chiefs report expanded training, EV rescue work and new brush trucks",519,1747000,2266000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599554-8c791ac4e165711f393cb4a0a40a348c&start=1747&end=2266","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599554-8c791ac4e165711f393cb4a0a40a348c/thumbnail_1747000.jpg","/articles/6282053/Orange-County/Virginia/Volunteer-fire-chiefs-report-expanded-training-EV-rescue-work-and-new-brush-trucks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282053-7955721c19578630a7abed3a28e05a6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203422&Signature=hmPBnkl1G8nQCde0kNkYwF1QDRSWC59rKzu7KaQu7RXJrui4pFA60WhAatEirIZ-pRQ5Ynppz7A7BiqRhk1ZmziqOQq41dbfl52~IWF6yeve023CsbccwUhDNHckhWBwag5LwqTNcR~gD9dyU5eWrYotpr0Le9SGtmtuBfFPyetvxCFepLakg3JYOWqhXfq7j-RiI4u-gKpnxP68PDEAkTiSHr5NHsQQKBODhkXVwyeLXXkmmeP9K63UcasZSG375EXR9omFYdRVVUmX6YDIrQKpPnKXflmeGwLGvaUSnR62HyeNVj~EOCwKCox21xJ~QyI~hR1lhhqFXS~IIM15CQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jeff Mendoza, president of the Orange County Volunteer Fire Chiefs Association, gave the board a semiannual briefing on training, personnel and equipment.

Mendoza said a volunteer fire academy started in January, with 15 of 18 recruits remaining and 10 of those recruits drawn from Orange County volunteer companies. He described large, hands‑on training events — including three days of school‑bus rescue training and an outside instructor program called Performance Under Pressure that provided live evolutions such as vehicle rollovers and extrication techniques.

Mendoza emphasized training on alternative‑fuel/electric vehicles and the risks they present to firefighters. “Nothing scares me more than a fire in an EV,” he said, adding that thermal runaway in lithium‑ion battery packs makes some EV fires extremely difficult to extinguish and requires special suppression considerations. He described donated Ford test vehicles used for practical training and said the trainers reclaim and recycle the vehicle after exercises.

The association is planning a VDFP‑funded rope operations class later in the summer to train high‑angle and technical rescue skills and will follow up with site surveys this spring. Mendoza said final inspections for new brush trucks ordered three years ago are scheduled and that radios and equipment transfers are the remaining items before the trucks return to service.

Mendoza gave volunteer strength counts and staffing notes: about 22 certified volunteers per company are holding steady, with 15 non‑certified personnel (10 of whom are in the academy), and the association reported 10 recent terminations over six months with three of those tied to academy attrition.

Sources and attribution: Remarks recorded from Jeff Mendoza during the February 2025 meeting of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.","The Orange County Volunteer Fire Chiefs Association reported ongoing training, a volunteer academy, school-bus and alternative‑fuel vehicle rescue training, and near-term inspections and equipment work on newly ordered brush trucks.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282058,"Orange County honors Captain Brad Darnell with resolution marking 42 years in law enforcement",508,1032000,1540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599554-8c791ac4e165711f393cb4a0a40a348c&start=1032&end=1540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599554-8c791ac4e165711f393cb4a0a40a348c/thumbnail_1032000.jpg","/articles/6282058/Orange-County/Virginia/Orange-County-honors-Captain-Brad-Darnell-with-resolution-marking-42-years-in-law-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282058-5f5112b089f65018b4cdb6878b5419ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203422&Signature=PF6G5UuPLiPEo4BW-70dr~yWIfDiZMwxIb5J5W1F01BnMmdQ16ejQjgBiygGqlqr25aE-kIK4lIqNvng54iNm1GK1QVjbfeIJPru3wAl8qJa9xi1zSnJMm5fmnBesI0uGAzgGuEWx6e5ENVnZMLoR4F-e219VDQj8gBNyjU3H6kpbgPyObQEjv4HFiY23EWMwsn9wrH8nJcJ5jrrM7xBhbOSp8XPXczmKNBT0yElnfyoCX6VRHc4xjCl1IZRabU-VSPr~js32Ec95QJlkyb9hJhr21Ms1Eh2XRnDoTcTcQ3doiHyujQPUlGnsA-84BCY2WgjTkBnVtv8~jAxUBOgow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Orange County Board of Supervisors presented a resolution of commendation to Captain Brad Darnell in recognition of his retirement effective March 1, 2025.

County staff read the resolution, which recounted Darnell’s career: he began with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as a jailer/dispatcher in February 1983, was promoted to patrol deputy in June 1985 and to corporal in September 1991; he later returned to the sheriff’s office on February 10, 2005 as a criminal investigator, became lieutenant of investigations in May 2012 and was promoted to captain on January 1, 2018. The resolution notes an interim period of service with the Central Virginia Regional Jail and records 42 years of combined law‑enforcement service.

Captain Darnell spoke briefly at the podium and said, “I love Orange County and I love the Orange Sheriff’s Office and I am gonna miss them,” and thanked the board for the recognition.

Sheriff Jason Smith, who said he has worked with Darnell for 20 years, praised Darnell’s dedication to victims and investigative skill: “He cares about the citizens of Orange County. He cares about our victims, especially our child victims of crime,” Smith said, adding that there is not “a single person in the sheriff’s office that would disagree” with that assessment. Former Sheriff Amos and other colleagues offered personal recollections and presented the plaque.

The resolution was included on the board’s consent agenda and approved by unanimous consent earlier in the meeting; board members then joined Darnell at the front of the room to present the plaque and take photographs.

Sources and attribution: The text of the commendation was read by county staff; comments by Captain Brad Darnell, Sheriff Jason Smith and others were given at the meeting and recorded in the official proceedings.","The Board of Supervisors read and approved a resolution commending Captain Brad Darnell of the Orange County Sheriff's Office on his retirement effective March 1, 2025; colleagues praised his investigative work and long service.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282063,"Virginia Cooperative Extension reports 2,100+ youth served in Orange County 4‑H programming",380,629000,1009000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599554-8c791ac4e165711f393cb4a0a40a348c&start=629&end=1009","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599554-8c791ac4e165711f393cb4a0a40a348c/thumbnail_629000.jpg","/articles/6282063/Orange-County/Virginia/Virginia-Cooperative-Extension-reports-2100-youth-served-in-Orange-County-4H-programming","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282063-77794b620d7dfe53c9467ab254bcfbd1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203422&Signature=YeIRQyTBy-j4bc-f0tZfBzIY0IsKQFy6iHAPmYlNDhiXvYo5CzAZ-hNog7O6EAls59Ox0IIacuu0kUvgQphdgmKU2wO2KidqWBAutdJCAis28-3Hztn0wUt4Y7r2YKQzPGV~7eBTf4TeDRb9JXA9Zo0qIoOcuIm6zIx-YzauD~2MTVIvriGjHWRrGoYJ-sA8QLfQHWPartv-nBv6oc2ZzbtvTO6vjjDalqBEfaB1wFbCtssstAv3YEE4LK7wea2Nz6wN~C707rjEIV0c7fqdOBldmcSZX19~r7h6LOGrKVBE7Hhzd4Qbhs92LGYgMnnG1RH1I57MyF5PWBZZOt3qZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Casey Daniel, unit coordinator and extension agent for 4‑H youth development with Virginia Cooperative Extension, presented the extension’s annual report to the Orange County Board of Supervisors and introduced 4‑H member Ryland Deeds to speak about her experience.

Daniel said the extension reached more than 2,100 youth this past year through leadership programs, school enrichment, year‑round clubs and special activities such as archery and homestead skills. The written report provided to the board lists 2,128 enrolled youth, volunteer hours that the report converts to an estimated $230,000 in value, and 16,628 face‑to‑face educational contacts.

Ryland Deeds, a 4‑H member and officer in local clubs, described her multi‑year participation — archery and shooting clubs, leadership roles, service as a summer camp counselor and participation in state competitions. “I’ve really enjoyed this. I’ve met a lot of people that I still talk with constantly,” she said, and noted the renovated kitchen has been an asset to culinary instruction.

Why it matters: county support for extension facilities and programming enables hands‑on educational experiences for thousands of youth, and the program reported measurable outreach and volunteer contributions.

Board members thanked the extension staff and the student presenter and accepted the written reports included in the board packet. Daniel said printed and electronic reports are available to supervisors on request.

Sources and attribution: Presentation comments and enrollment/contacts figures came from Casey Daniel and the written extension report distributed to the board during the February 2025 meeting.","Casey Daniel of Virginia Cooperative Extension and 4‑H member Ryland Deeds presented the extension’s annual report to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, highlighting youth enrollment, volunteer service value and use of a renovated kitchen for classes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

VDOT outlines paving, roundabout work and Route 3–20 reconfiguration for Orange County

Board actions at a glance: temporary chair, agenda and consent approvals, emergency declaration ratified

Volunteer fire chiefs report expanded training, EV rescue work and new brush trucks

Orange County honors Captain Brad Darnell with resolution marking 42 years in law enforcement

Virginia Cooperative Extension reports 2,100+ youth served in Orange County 4‑H programming