Memorial Day Travel

AAA projects just over one million Virginians will help make up the 34.8 million Americans who will be traveling during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a decrease of 1.6 percent from the number of Virginians who traveled in 2012. 

AAA officials say the decrease is attributed to the negative impact of the federal government sequestration and the expiration of the payroll tax cut which means smaller paychecks for some Americans. 

AAA officials also say gas prices in Virginia are down ten cents at an average of $3.40 per gallon for self-serve regular. 

Detours in Amherst County

Detours remain in place in Amherst County after a tractor trailer accident on Route 151 near Route 610, Fletchers Level Road.   

VDOT officials say the tractor-trailer that overturned on Route 151 near Clifford was carrying blasting material. The Virginia State Police sent in bomb technicians to deal with the blasting material.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, Adam Coffey, was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital for treatment on injuries.

Supplies Collected for Tornado Victims

Red Cross volunteers throughout the region are getting ready to travel to Oklahoma to help tornado victims.

Meanwhile, the group Gleaning for the World, based in Concord, is collecting supplies for victims of the Oklahoma tornado outside Sam's Club on Wards Road in Lynchburg. A truck will be available to collect supplies Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. both days. Items being sought include non-perishable food, baby supplies, pet food, blankets, batteries, flashlights, generators, cleaning supplies and bottled water.

Budget Approved in Campbell County

The Campbell County Board of Supervisors adopted the county’s Fiscal 2014 budget on Tuesday by a 6-1 vote.
The budget totals more than $140 million. It calls for no new tax increases.

One supervisor, Spring Hill District board member James Borland, decided to vote against the budget after his proposal to reallocate funds, to lower the county’s tax rate, was voted down on Tuesday.

Driver May Not Be Charged

It appears the driver whose vehicle struck a number of hikers on parade in Damascus, in Washington County last Saturday, won’t be charged.

Damascus Police Chief Bill Nunley said the driver, 87-year-old Deward Blevins of Shady Valley, Tenn., had a medical issue that caused him to lose control of his car. Nunley says authorities haven't found any criminal intent.

Blevins remains hospitalized in stable condition while most of the injured hikers were treated and released last Saturday.

Red Cross Tips Following Oklahoma

Officials with the Red Cross of Western Virginia have some advice for those with loved ones in Oklahoma, in the wake of Monday’s tornadoes.

The Red Cross advises Virginians with loved ones in Oklahoma to text them instead of trying to call. You can also use the Red Cross Safe and Well site to search for family and friends who've listed themselves safe. That website is available at Redcross.org/safeandwell

Red Cross officials say another important tool for everyone to use is the Red Cross tornado app for iPhone and DROID users. The app features tips on how to be prepared before, during and after disasters, NWS maps and information, shelter locations, and an "I'm safe" button to be used through social media accounts. The app also includes a built-in tornado siren that activates when NWS-issued alerts affect your area or the areas your friends and loved ones live in.