Blue Ridge Leader

Call for submissions for Cabin Fever Film Fest

December 2, 2020

Franklin Park Visual & Performing Arts Center and Town of Purcellville Arts Council Quiet on the set.  Regional filmmakers are invited to submit films (short and feature-length) and home movies for the fourth annual Cabin Fever Film Festival sponsored by Franklin Park Visual and Performing Arts Center and Town of Purcellville Arts Council. The festival…

New Statewide measures to contain COVID-19 in place

December 2, 2020

Includes limit of 25 individuals for in-person gatherings, expanded mask mandate, on-site alcohol curfew, and increased enforcement As COVID-19 surges in states across the country, Governor Ralph Northam announced on Nov. 13, new actions to mitigate the spread of the virus in Virginia. While the Commonwealth’s case count per capita and positivity rate remain comparatively…

These are NOT just “Holiday Lights”

December 2, 2020

Dear Editor: To those of us who live in Bluemont, and to those organizations who support this small, historic village in the westernmost part of Loudoun County, it is time to wake up, and not by the 15,000 lights currently illuminating the side of the Blue Ridge Mountains next to us.  The recent commencement of…

Electric vehicles, are they ready for prime time?

December 2, 2020

By Joe Lafiandra If you own or are thinking of buying an electrically powered vehicle (EV) there is lot you should know about the battery that powers the car. The bad news about EV batteries is they are prone to burst into flames if not treated “gently.” The auto manufacturers know this and are doing…

The Blue Ridge Mountains

December 2, 2020

By Charles Houston Earlier this month I wrote this story about my memories of the Blue Ridge for the Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountain’s newsletter. FBRM is a great conservation group with an arrow-like mission: protecting the Blue Ridge in our region. I couldn’t talk about trekking the Appalachian Trail since I haven’t and…

Loudoun second half real property tax deadline is December 7, 2020

November 25, 2020

Loudoun County Treasurer H. Roger Zurn Jr. reminds taxpayers that the deadline for payment of the second half real property tax is Monday, December 7, 2020.  Payments postmarked after December 7, 2020, will incur a 10 percent late payment penalty. Additional interest at the rate of 10 percent per annum will be assessed.  The due date will not…

‘Tis the season to take Loudoun home for the holidays

November 25, 2020

This holiday season, one simple act will show friends, family and Loudoun businesses that you care: shop local and Take Loudoun Home for the Holidays. Whether it’s a freshly-cut tree or wreathe, artisan gift or locally-sourced food, supporting Loudoun’s farms and Main Street businesses keeps your shopping dollars in the local economy, reduces environmental impact, and…

Traffic signal work set to begin Nov. 30 at Loudoun County Parkway and George Washington Boulevard intersection

November 25, 2020

On Monday, November 30, 2020, Loudoun County is scheduled to begin traffic signal work at the intersection of Loudoun County Parkway and George Washington Boulevard, weather permitting. This work will be conducted during the day, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for about five days, ending the week of December 6, 2020.  The…

Purcellville police reports for the week ending November 20, 2020

November 25, 2020

11/13/20          3:24 p.m.         1020 E. Main Street                                       Overdose  Officers responded to Velocity Wings for a report of an unconscious male. Upon arrival, the first officer found a 25 year old male, on the floor, with a pulse and breathing normally, but otherwise unresponsive. The manager reported that the subject drank two beers and…

What’s up with our high school seniors during COVID-19

November 4, 2020

The kids are all right—but have a lot on their minds By Laura Longley Ever since their proms and graduation ceremonies were canceled due to COVID-19, we haven’t heard much about how Loudoun County’s high school seniors are doing. Wanting to find out, Laura Longley talked with Geri Fiore, Woodgrove High School’s director of counseling.…