Blue Ridge Leader

Year-end planning checklist

November 4, 2020

By Richard Ricci Taking these ten actions before year-end will help ensure you’re still working toward your financial goals—and that you’re prepared for the upcoming tax season. Review your portfolio with your financial advisor to help ensure your allocation still aligns with your goals.  Ask your financial advisor for a realized and unrealized gain/loss report…

Purcellville police reports for the week ending October 16, 2020

October 22, 2020

10/10/20          3:23 p.m.         Town of Purcellville                Missing Juvenile A family reported that a 16 year old suffering from emotional distress left home did not return. The investigation indicated that the juvenile was considering self-harm.  Officers and Deputies began a search of likely locales in the area where the missing teen had been known…

Leesburg man arrested for $2.5M CARES Act loan fraud

October 22, 2020

A Leesburg man was arrested on Oct. 20 on charges of fraudulently obtaining over $2.5 million in loans through the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program, and then spending the fraudulently obtained money on luxury items. According to court documents, Didier Kindambu, 48, fraudulently obtained two loans issued under the PPP, a program instituted by Congress…

Fire officials remind residents of Open Burning Regulations for fall and winter

October 5, 2020

The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that effective Oct. 1, through midnight Feb. 14, 2021, open burning is permitted for the burning of leaves and trees, brush, yard and garden trimmings generated on-site, except where always prohibited. Note: all fires must be called into the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center at 703-777-0637 prior to ignition and when the…

Why I’m Voting Blue

October 1, 2020

Dear Editor:We live in dangerous times. More than 200,000 Americans have beenkilled by COVID-19, the economy is in shambles and climate changecontinues to wreak havoc in the form of unprecedented fires and weather events. My fears about our future propel me to support an experienced,compassionate Democrat ticket: Joe Biden for President, Mark Warner forSenate and…

Support Loudoun firefighters as they fill-the-boot for Muscular Dystrophy virtually

October 1, 2020

Members of the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System and the Loudoun Career Fire Fighters Association Local 3756 will join the Muscular Dystrophy Association to promote the 2020 virtual “Fill-the-Boot” campaign. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fire departments across the Country will be supporting a virtual fund drive in lieu of in person collections. The Fill-the-Boot…

Chipping away at charm … one brick at a time

October 1, 2020

What happened there? … a new – or old resident of Purcellville might say. In recent weeks, well-known local developer Casey Chapman, with Martinsburg Plaza LCC and Loudoun West Investments LLC, presented a rendering of his vision for a major new residential/commercial development on Hatcher Ave. in Purcellville. Most residents would consider Hatcher Ave. to be the start, so-to-speak, of the old part of Town. The proposal…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Just ask Stella!

October 1, 2020

This photo of an adorable pooch hiding in the leaves is your cue to let your buddy out for a run around—or into—the leaf pile in your yard. If he needs coaxing after too much time in quarantine, plop Man’s Best Friend in front of a screen and join the 5 million viewers who’ve already…

Sparks fly in historic Philomont over surprise plans for new firehouse

October 1, 2020

As fires continue to rage on the West Coast, a blaze has ignited in Western Loudoun County over the proposed construction of a new Philomont Fire Station on the village’s beloved old Horse Show Grounds. Not surprisingly, this fire’s been lit by a failure to communicate. First brush fire Early in September 2020, residents of Philomont, located…

Lessons from a Board of Supervisors Meeting

September 30, 2020

By Charles Houston The Board of Supervisors met Sept. 15. It was a lesson in civics, civility, and on how to persuade others to support one’s idea.  It started with the Pledge of Allegiance; the audience stood respectfully. After introductory remarks by Chair Phyllis Randall, citizens could speak for several minutes on agenda items or…