CC Board of Supervisors votes to oppose transmission line

Experience Clarke County is used by permission by Clarke County Government

The Clarke County Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted to formally oppose the proposed Valley North Transmission Line Project.

The project calls for a roughly 260-mile, 765-kilovolt transmission line running from Putnam County, West Virginia, to Frederick, Maryland.

Three of the four proposed routes leaving Frederick County, Virginia, would cross properties in Clarke County.

The project would require an estimated 200-foot-wide rightof-way, with transmission towers standing between 150 and 170 feet tall.

County officials say the electricity would primarily serve areas east of Clarke County.

The Board of Supervisors joins several other county groups in opposing the project.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recently passed a resolution against a route through Chet Hobert Park.

The Planning Commission also opposed the proposed routes, citing conflicts with the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

The Conservation Easement Authority has raised concerns about impacts to protected properties.

The Board’s resolution cites potential effects on conservation easements, agricultural and forestal districts, rural historic districts, prime farmland, county parkland and groundwater resources.

Supervisors also expressed concerns about the project’s potential impact on Clarke County’s rural character, agricultural industry and preserved woodlands.

As part of its opposition, the Board unanimously approved a $500,000 legal contingency fund and authorized the county administrator and county attorney to hire outside legal counsel to challenge the project.

State lawmakers, including Delegates Delores Oates and Bill Wiley and Senator Timmy French, have also publicly opposed the proposed transmission line.

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Clarke County weighs impact of proposed 765-kV transmission line

Clarke County Used by permission by Clarke County

The Clarke County Board of Supervisors says it is preparing for the possibility of a major new electrical transmission project that could run through the county.

At its June meeting, the board acknowledged Clarke County is within the study area for a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line stretching about 260 miles between Putnam County, West Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland.

The project would include new transmission structures at least 150 feet tall.

Officials say Valley Link Transmission will host a public open house in Clarke County on July 7th from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Clarke County Fairgrounds Ruritan Building in Berryville.

While the county does not have approval authority over the project, supervisors say they will independently review potential impacts on conservation lands, historic and cultural resources, scenic highways, agriculture, and public facilities.

Board leaders are encouraging residents to attend the open house and provide feedback, saying a project of this scale could significantly affect the county’s landscape and character.

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Food production boost in Winchester and Shenandoah County

Governor Youngkin today announced infrastructure grant awards totaling over $497,000 to boost local food production and agricultural across Virginia.

The announcement comes during Virginia Agriculture Week and highlights the administration’s commitment to strengthening local food systems and supporting the Commonwealth’s largest private industry, agriculture.

Among the grant recipients are the City of Winchester and Shenandoah County, both receiving funding to expand vital food-related infrastructure:

  • City of Winchester – $47,900
    The Winchester Economic Development Authority will use the funding to construct a new commissary kitchen, offering much-needed space for food entrepreneurs lacking commercial kitchen access. The facility will help strengthen the local food system and expand opportunities for value-added Virginia agricultural products.
  • Shenandoah County – $50,000
    Funding will support the renovation of an existing space in New Market into a commercial kitchen. The facility will provide room for multiple vendors and include a new roaster to support the growth of Crazy Fox Coffee, a local business.

Grants are awarded on a reimbursable basis and primarily support capital improvements such as commercial kitchens, food hubs, farmers markets, and value-added processing facilities.

Matching contributions from localities and partners further amplify the impact of these investments.

Berkeley County teacher recognized with Fulbright Award

Berkeley County Schools announced that Laura Bohrer is a recipient of the 2024-2025 Fulbright Teacher Exchange Award by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

As a member of the program, Bohrer will have the opportunity to teach, study, and conduct research abroad.

Bohrer also recently completed the Nourish the Future Teacher Leader Community Program.

The year-long STEM initiative connects educators to modern agriculture to enhance science education.

She was one of 38 educators selected for the program and it helped her gain skills in leadership and curriculum development while also integrating agriculture into science lessons to help inspire and highlight career opportunities in STEM.

To learn more about Bohrer’s recognition, click here.

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History for the hungry event

A new “Hungry for History” Event explores history and food traditions of Winchester, Frederick County, and Clarke County, Virginia from August 26-September 4, 2023.

Fifteen locations including museums, historic organizations, and community sites will come together to showcase the area’s historical food traditions.

Four restaurants and a brewery will also participate with historic recipes and special programs.

There will be presentations, demonstrations, how-to classes, children’s activities, food tastings, special handouts and giveaways, special tours, agriculture related programs and more.

Dates and times for the activities vary depending on the site. Many of the activities are free of charge.

See the event schedules and more information please visit the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center.

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4-H and FFA begin accepting scholarship applications

Shenandoah County 4-H and the FFA announced a scholarship opportunity for local high school students.

The 4-H/FFA Dairy Scholarship is available to any current Shenandoah County high school student, grades 9 through 12, and college or vocational school students, who are now, or have been, members of 4-H or FFA.

These scholarships are funded through Shenandoah County 4-H and FFAs sales of gallons of milk during their annual livestock sale.

Entrants for the scholarship do not need to study a dairy related field with the funds but those in dairy studies, agriculture or ag communications will receive heavy consideration.

All applications are due by midnight of June 4th.

This is an annual scholarship opportunity and students may reapply even if they have entered in previous years.

For a link to the scholarship form, click here.

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