Strasburg man arrested in online sting operation

Used by permission by the Warren County Office employee Sergeant Terry Fritts

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Strasburg man in an online sting operation targeting individuals who exploit minors.

Sean Ballowe, 22, was taken into custody on January 16th after investigators posed as a juvenile under 15 years old.

Authorities say Ballowe arranged to meet the undercover officer for illicit purposes and now faces two felony charges for using communication systems to exploit minors.

He is being held on a $5,000 bond, with a court date set for January 30th.

The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about this case or similar incidents to contact Investigator C.J. McDaniel at the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

This operation highlights the department’s commitment to protecting children.

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Solar amendment approved

After a public hearing on January 16th, the Clarke County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the Solar Power Plant and Use Regulations.

Effective immediately, the amendment allows for utility scale solar to be in areas of the county where they already exist.

The amendment also clarifies that homeowners and farms may install solar to power on their private lands.

Any spare power can be sold back to the power grid.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

 

Clarke county announces public hearing for solar power plant

Clarke County has a public hearing set for Tuesday, January 16th, during the Board of Supervisors evening meeting to discuss a text amendment to “the solar power plant”.

The amendment to Section 5.2C (Business Uses) of the Zoning Ordinance modifies the location restriction in Use Regulation 1 to state that solar power plants must be located adjacent to, and within one mile of the electrical substations located at 234 Double Tollgate Road and 362 Ramsburg Lane.

A complete description of the amendment and clarification of terms can be found in the December 19th Board of Supervisors packet.

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