Free Republic

As contractors widen Interstate 66 in Northern Virginia, they produce tons of excess dirt. So do excavators digging basements for homes or leveling land for commercial projects or schools. Some of that dirt – no one knows how much – ends up on Fauquier County properties. Some county officials think it is way too much. “Fauquier County is becoming, if not has already become, the dumping ground for Northern Virginia's fill dirt. And it's obviously a huge problem. And it's affecting people's lives,” county supervisor Rick Gerhardt (Cedar Run District) said at April’s Board of Supervisors meeting, as residents complained...

Round two of a familiar debate is brewing in Littlefield over alcohol sales. Citizens will battle it out at a November 8th election. The controversy is whether or not to allow packaged liquor sales in the city. Littielfield residents are no stranger to this issue, you'll recall a similar election failed by only 27 votes last September. Now that another election is set opinions from both sides are circulating. Proponents say it comes down to driving and money. You may only see poker chips and decks of cards at Chad Wright's poker hall, but look closer and you could see...

The public furor over Lexington's smoking ban is growing into one of the noisiest and most vigorous brawls rumbling toward Frankfort. That is where three state lawmakers have filed separate bills that would prohibit local smoking bans -- and possibly strike down Lexington's, which was enacted in July but has been blocked under a court appeal. Forces on both sides are summoning their lobbyists for the tactical battle that begins Jan. 6, the first day of the legislative session. Interests from all corners -- from farmers to retailers to county magistrates -- are itching for a punch. "We'll be on...