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How To Get a Passport Fast (New & Renewal) [Updated April 2023]

By
tidewateradmin
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How to get a passport fast

Getting a Passport can take FOREVER! Even with the current expedited process, it can take 5-7 weeks, but don’t worry we have a solution.

In this post, we will show you how to get a passport in as little as 24 hours! That’s right, with this little-known process you can get a passport in just 24 hours.

If you have some time take a look at our complete guide below. We also included another popular guide here on Expedited Passport Renewal – How To Get a Passport Fast (24 Hours)

 

Expedited Passport Renewal

Before you book your ideal international trip, make sure that your passport is valid. One of your first concerns may be: How long does it take to acquire a passport? The procedure can now last up to 11 weeks, so you’ll want to start planning ahead of time. (Changes in the precise time are frequent, so check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information.) We’ve gone through the new passport application procedure and outlined State Department regulations to assist you in obtaining your travel papers on time for your next trip.

The State Department advises applying four to six months before your travel date. If your passport is in good condition, was issued within the last 15 years (when you were 16 or older), and has your current name on it, you may renew it by mail. If you don’t fulfill those requirements, you’ll have to apply for a new passport in person. On the State Department’s website, you’ll discover all you need to know about required documentation, including passport photo requirements.

You’ll have to complete the necessary paperwork, submit a photo, offer evidence of U.S. residency, present and provide a copy of your ID, and pay the application and execution fees in person at a passport acceptance agency. Then, you may check the status of your application on the Internet. To ensure that you receive your new passport as soon as possible, follow the directions carefully and complete all required fields to avoid delays.

How long does it take to get a passport?

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, processing times typically ranged from four to eight weeks. It might take anything from a few days to three months to receive a passport nowadays. According to the State Department’s website, standard processing might take up to 11 weeks from the day the application is received, while expedited processing may take up to seven weeks. If you have international travel plans within three days, you may get your passport expedited at a passport agency or center. These appointments are only available in specific cases. If your trip is in five to seven weeks, you may pay $60 (in addition to the standard application fee) and get USPS Priority Mail Express for faster delivery.

If a close family member is outside of the United States and is dying, has died, or has an emergency medical condition that threatens their life, you can call to book a session for an emergency life-or-death service within three business days. You may also schedule non-emergency urgent travel appointments at some passport agencies, but these are quite rare and must be made within three days of your international journey. Before making an international trip, we recommend having your new passport in hand, and utilizing these urgent appointments as a last resort, because they are not guaranteed. The State Department provides this information on its website. You may also find all of the phone numbers, requirements for documentation, and passport assistance centers on the site.

According to the State Department, you won’t receive your passport any faster by using a courier service that offers expedited passport services for an (often considerable) fee.

Fastest Way To Get a Passport

The fastest way to get a US passport is to use a passport courier service. Courier firms, also known as “passport expediters,” are commercial enterprises that can submit passport applications on behalf of customers.

 

Do you want to use a courier service? Here are a few things to keep in mind before doing so:

  • These businesses are not affiliated with the US Department of State.
  • You will want to find a company you trust to handle your personal documents
  • Courier services are not always free. For example, delivery services such as FedEx and UPS often charge extra fees.
  • A passport courier will hand-carry your documents to the passport agency on your behalf and then mail you the passport. How easy is that!

The Best Expedited Passport Courrier Service

We have searched the internet to compile a list of the best passport couriers online. We reached out to the top providers and analyzed their services, pricing, and customer service to bring you our favorite provider. The Passport Courier company that one across the board was RushMyPassport.com

Rush My Passport claims to be the #1 most trusted online U.S. Passport Courier Service. They have been featured on The Wall Street Journal and have a 4.3 / 5-star rating on Trustpilot with over 8500 reviews.

Their team of passport advisors will help you get your passport fast with their fees starting as low as $109 + government fees. You can click here to get the best available pricing on RushMyPassports service by visiting their official site.

We hope this guide was helpful and we wish you safe travels on your next dream vacation.

 

*We only recommend products we personally use and all opinions expressed are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that add no additional cost to you, and I may earn a commission. Please read our full policy for more info.

The Importance of Training Your Dog for a Lifelong Bond

By
tidewateradmin
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importance of training a dog

Training your dog is a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership that benefits both you and your furry companion. By investing time and effort into training, you can establish good behavior, prevent potential issues, and foster a strong bond with your canine friend. In this post, we will explore the various reasons why training is essential for your dog’s well-being and the positive impact it can have on your relationship. The following insights are derived from reputable sources on dog training.

Top Reasons To Train Your Dog

  1. Establishing Good Behavior and Preventing Issues: Proper training is key to instilling good behavior in dogs, whether they are puppies or adults. Many dogs that lack appropriate training end up in shelters due to behavioral problems. Training helps dogs understand what is expected of them and equips them with the skills to interact positively with their environment. By setting boundaries and teaching basic obedience commands, you can prevent unwanted behaviors, such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or aggression.
  2. Communication and Understanding: Training serves as a means of communication between you and your dog. It enables you to convey your expectations effectively and helps your dog understand what you want from them. Through positive reinforcement training methods, such as rewarding desired behaviors, you can establish clear communication channels, promoting mutual understanding. This, in turn, reduces frustration and confusion for both you and your dog.
  3. Building a Strong Bond: Training sessions provide an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your dog and strengthen the bond between you. Dogs are social animals that thrive on companionship and positive interactions. By engaging in training activities together, you not only teach your dog essential skills but also build trust, respect, and a sense of teamwork. This bond enhances the overall well-being of your dog and contributes to a happy and harmonious relationship.
  4. Encouraging Good Manners and Etiquette: Positive reinforcement training methods focus on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones. This approach helps your dog develop good manners and proper etiquette. By teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and come, you can ensure that your dog behaves appropriately in different situations, such as meeting new people or other animals. Training cultivates self-control in your dog, enabling them to become a well-mannered and socially adept companion.
  5. Enhancing Socialization and Confidence: Training provides opportunities for your dog to interact with you, other people, and various environments. Positive experiences during training sessions contribute to their socialization and boost their confidence. Exposure to different situations and stimuli in a controlled and positive manner helps prevent fear or anxiety-related issues. Well-socialized dogs are generally more relaxed, adaptable, and better equipped to handle new experiences throughout their lives.

Conclusion

Training your dog is a worthwhile investment that yields numerous benefits for both you and your furry friend. It establishes good behavior, fosters effective communication, builds a strong bond, encourages good manners, and enhances socialization and confidence. By dedicating time and effort to training, you can shape your dog into a well-rounded and contented companion, ensuring a lifetime of happiness and companionship for both of you.

References:

Dog Obedience Online

https://www.sfgate.com/market/article/halo-collar-review-17090997.php

https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/best-online-dog-training-courses

https://www.sfgate.com/market/article/best-online-dog-training-courses-18113546.php

Lifenet promotes organ donation

By
Carly Jones
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lifenet-health

When 19-year old Charles Vincent found himself facing the question of organ donation, he agreed to sign up with a simple checkmark on a driver license form. While others had qualms, he was convinced there was no other way to do it. “What am I going to do with them,” Vincent said about the decision. He went on to elaborate about the chance to become an organ donor, “I can’t use them anymore when I’m dead. I like that they will have helped someone.”

His frank discussion of the reasons behind his decision came about when Nancy Hurst came to Southampton Memorial Hospital. The community education coordinator for the transplant services division of LifeNet Health is working to encourage these kinds of conversations. That day, she was setting up a table full of goodies to bring over the curious and nervous alike to learn about this important process. What she finds at these events are usually the same questions, concerns, and search for information. “Most everyone was already signed up or took the information home to review with their families, and then go online to sign up,” Hurst said when asked about her success in getting signups.

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Something she stresses to new additions and lifelong donor candidates alike is to have open and honest conversations with loved ones. For those choosing to be a donor, it takes the hassle out of seeing their wishes come to light. For those with loved ones who chose to be donors, it also prevents any confusion they might encounter should it comes to actual donation and the pressing concerns that go with it.

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Of all that she does, arguably her biggest job is clearing up incorrect information and ideas that people may have about the topic. One of the most frequent issues she encounters is how religion fits into the process. For that reason, she tries to visit places of worship for outreach on the subject. Another issue that she commonly runs into is the thought of diseases ruining the chances of donation. Hurst often counsels those with any worries on the process to do ”what your heart says.” Afterward, she adds the sentiment, “Let the physician decide after your death.”

For Hurst, organ donation is not a topic that can wait. Right now, Virginia alone is facing a waiting list with over 2500 names. Figures like that can also inspire its own sort of fears, namely doctors not giving proper treatment in the hope of harvesting organs. When this comes up, she’s quick to point out that Richmond’s United Network for Organs controls the waiting list. People on the list are never identified by their name, only select information like height or blood type. When LifeNet gets a call from any hospital, it’s UNOS that finds the match. This step not only keeps the process fair but ensures that the best possible matches are made to prevent rejection.

lifenet

Much like Charles Vincent found out, signing up can be done when getting a driver’s license. It’s free to do and only requires checking a box on the application. For anyone searching for a different option, the LifeNet Website also offers signup information. With any form of signup, there is no fee and no charges to be designated as an organ donor.

Nancy Hurst is also available to answer any questions or assist in the signup process. She can be reached via phone by calling 609-4425 or through her email address [email protected]. LifeNet can also be reached through their website, www.lifenethealth.org. Both Nancy Hurst and the company can also set up events or learning sessions for groups or organization looking to spread the word about donations.

Visit https://www.tidewaternews.com for more breaking news.

Stranger Donates Windshield to Local McDonald’s Crew Trainer

By
Elijah Davis
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mcdonalds-russia

Children of the 80’s may have been told to be aware of “stranger danger”, but in the case of Abe Saunders, a stranger was so far from dangerous he came to the rescue.

Saunders 1995 Lincoln Mark VIII was damaged by an early morning run in with a deer a few weeks ago, and he didn’t have the nearly $200 it would take to get it fixed. He continued driving the vehicle to and from work, but it was difficult with the windshield broken.

That’s when a stranger stepped in to save the day. While requesting that he remain unidentified, this stranger purchased a new, $160 windshield, to replace the busted one on Saunders’ Lincoln. The 40-year old McDonald’s Crew Trainer was extremely grateful.

McDonalds

Abe Saunders has a 20-mile commute to work each day, and he needs his vehicle in as good a working order as possible. To have to drive it with a cracked windshield in various forms of weather and conditions was difficult to say the least.

But luckily for Saunders, an anonymous person chose to help him out when he was in need. This unnamed benefactor walked into National Glass, located across the street from the McDonald’s where Abe Saunders works, and purchased him a new windshield.

While this may seem like something a family member, friend, coworker, or regular customer might do for Saunders, the person who showed him this act of kindness was in truth a total stranger. He had no ties to Saunders and did not know him personally. But he still went above and beyond to help a man who was doing his best to make a bad situation livable.

It is estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that over a million deer are involved in vehicle related accidents across the United States each year. Aside from broken windshields they cause damage to headlights, side mirrors, front bumpers, and undercarriages. It can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to correct the damage caused by deer-related incidents. And not everyone has the money in their wallet to pay those kinds of fees.

Such was the case of Abe Saunders. He thought he was going to have to live with his damaged windshield for an indefinite amount of time. With his long commute that wouldn’t have been safe or feasible for long. Then his anonymous benefactor stepped in and saved the day.

With Saunders’ savior choosing to stay unknown, it can’t be said whether they were someone who had seen the broken windshield several times and realized the owner couldn’t afford to fix it, or if it was a spur-of-the-moment idea to help. Perhaps, while they didn’t know Saunders personally, they had seen him at the McDonald’s and wanted to do a good deed for him.

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As the workers at National Glass are obeying their wishes to not reveal more information, this act of charity from an anonymous benefactor will remain just that, anonymous. Even without knowing who they are, however, Abe Saunders knows they are a good person. He has the new windshield to prove it.

The possibility of road accidents between vehicles and wildlife increase at dawn and dusk, as well as during months where animals are migrating from one area to another. It is important that drivers always be aware of the surrounding area, and watch for Wildlife Crossing signs. Hitting a small mammal, such as a rabbit or squirrel, may not cause much damage to a vehicle. But hitting something larger can cause a serious accident. And not everyone has a stranger waiting in the wings to donate a new windshield if necessary.

Visit https://www.tidewaternews.com for more breaking news.

Asphy Turner Passed at the Courtland Convalescent Center in Boykins

By
Carly Jones
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courtland-home

Asphy Turner died at 92 years of age on October 10 in 2012 at the Courtland Convalescent Center in Boykins.

The convalescent home has seen its share of tragedy, and this is another beloved person who has passed on. Life is definitely bittersweet, and people of a certain age know this more than others. There is no doubt that Asphy and others who live in this convalescent home see that time does wind down, which is heartbreaking.

Asphy was an outstanding citizen and person. The people who knew him best would be able to share more details, such as his son Asphy Sidney and his daughter Joyce Turner Lewis. His son lives in Midlothian, and his daughter moved to Charlottesville. Both children were living their lives probably not thinking about their dad departing.

courtland

Most people try to put those kinds of thoughts out of their minds because it allows a person to live peacefully, which is probably what Asphy’s kids did. This is probably why the news of their father’s death shocked them. 2012 will no longer be just any year for this family because it is the year their father passed.

Asphy was the kind of person who held on to his beliefs, which is something his children knew well. This is the reason a funeral at the Pleasant Plain Baptist Church was planned. The church is located in the little town of Drewryville, which is well-known to the locals. The church is definitely a beloved place of worship in the community and a great place for a faithful Christian to be given his last goodbye.

The services took place on Monday October 15 at 12 p.m. where the preacher is going to be given a chance to talk about faith and the afterlife. At this funeral, all loved ones will be giving Mr. Turner the respect he deserves. There is no doubt that Asphy would have approved of the way his funeral was handled. Surely, he also would have been happy to see how many people showed up to his funeral.

Of course, the burial is also going to be taking place in the church’s cemetery where many other bodies are resting. Asphy would have been happy to know that he was going to be buried next to many other people who shared his treasured belief in the church and in the Christian God.

frankli_courtland

His two children have gone on to live productive lives, thanks to him. He worked and paved the way for his children to be successful, which is what gave them the opportunity to go where they wanted to go. These kids have seen and experienced much more than Asphy could have ever imagined. It may be a shame that he will longer be able to see what his children continue to do in this life, but he got to see a lot, which some would consider a blessing.

His children are going to be attending the funeral and will be with others who remember Asphy for who he was. These memories will help Asphy continue to live even after the funeral because memories have a way of keeping people alive. There is no doubt that Joyce and Asphy Sidney will have a lot to talk and reminisce about during and after the funeral. These kids will have a lot to laugh about, cry about, and learn about their father as they continue to talk about him and remember him year after year.

It is a tragedy that Asphy passed, but it is also a miracle that he was here for as long as he was because living to 92 years of age is incredible.

Visit https://www.tidewaternews.com for more breaking news.

I ride making house calls

By
Carly Jones
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img_ride

Boykins, Courtland, Hunterdale, Newsoms, Sedley, and Branchville residents can now take advantage of I-Ride bus service. The new service option carries riders in these markets to the Walmart in Franklin; each trip costs $1. From there, riders will be able to make connections to any of the Franklin I-Ride system. Currently, those connections cover 26 of the business sections in town.

Speaking about the expansion, transportation supervisor for Western Tidewater Kim Slaughter, said there had been studies done about its usefulness in the community. After receiving numerous calls, the supervisor indicated there is definite interest in this expansion. Routes are set up by the arranged times and buses will venture to Courtland neighborhoods at the start. He also indicated the new additions may grow over time. With an estimated 75 people a day using the bus for home service, he feels that number could grow. In Courtland, the number is estimated to start with up to 20 passengers with upwards of four a week in Boykins and Newsome.

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For those in the community with transportation needs, the service is welcome and much needed. Buck Copeland of Courtland spoke of his own experiences before I-Ride’s expansion. Before it was in place, the elderly resident required more expensive private cabs or similar options to get around. If that wasn’t available, the choices could be very sparse.“I had to pay people to give me rides,” Copeland said of the transportation in this area. He’s not the only citizen to feel this way. Elsie Copeland also echoed his sentiments, Numerous people in the community, ranging from their 50s up to their 70s were all eager to see the expansion. In an informal poll among those people surveyed for the article, it showed that with the proper information and outreach more citizens will be interested in participating.

While some have yet to take advantage of I-Ride, it isn’t stopping them from considering how it will help the community. Sedley resident Jim Crawl is retired, but still sees a need in the future for how it can help him “when the time comes.” More than just for himself, the resident also considers how this could help “neighbors, friends” and others in the community. More importantly, he also shared his concerns about I-Ride’s future. “People are going to have to acknowledge that it’s valuable in the community and start using it in order for it to be successful.”Crawl continued. That is a sentiment which Transportation Supervisor Slaughter echoes in her comments, “It’s up to people in the community to tell me what they need for transportation. You have to court people and teach them what public transport can offer.”

PHOTO_Heal_Saturday_cw

For five years, the service has run on the donations of private groups as well as funding from the city and county., The standard rider fee also goes back into the costs of running the program. Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia sponsors I-RIde, but it is not restricted to senior citizens., Riders of any age may take advantage of the service. For riders until 12 years of age, the costs to ride with an accompanying adult is free.

Running times for the new addition to this service may be limited. For pickup at any business or residential location, callers must reach the Franklin Office by calling 516-8516 at least 24 hours before the requested pickup time. Selected times for each location vary.

Current Listing of New Bus Schedules
Courtland: Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 10am until Noon and 1pm until 3pm
Branchville, Newsoms, and Boykins: Tuesday – 10am until 1:30pm
Sedley, Hunterdale: Thursday 10am until Noon, 1pm until 3pm

Visit https://www.tidewaternews.com for more breaking news.

Worker suffers life threatening injuries

By
Josh Howell
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Super_Portrait

In an unfortunate turn of events, at 12:55 p.m. on Friday, October 5th, 2012, an accident on the grounds of Internation Paper, a paper mill located in Virginia claimed the life of Jimmy Denny of Roanoke Rapids, N.C.

The arriving emergency personal arriving at the scene were as first informed that the victim was either caught in a crane or had a crane fall on him. The victim was said to be bleeding badly and seriously injured. It was later noted that Denny had been hit by an overhead crane, causing his ultimately fatal injuries.

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After the on-site accident, Denny, a contracted employee, was transported to Southampton Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. After arriving he was pronounced deceased. The Medical Examiner’s Office did not have a cause of death as of several days after Denny’s death. A pending investigation should help shed more light on the matter.

Jimmy Denny worked as an employee for Tak investments, as reported by the communications manager for International Paper, Julie Brennan. Tak investments had leased some office space, a warehouse for sheeting, a facility for recycled fiber, along with a paper machine from IP earlier in the year.

The goal of the refurbished paper mill acquired by Tak Investments was to recycle waste paper for conversion into napkins and paper towels. The plants’ fiber recycling location, ST Tissue, was already fully operational. The acquired paper machine’s use was set to initiate in October.

westbound-gardiner-crash

Brennan also stated that the Department of Labor and Industry in Richmond would be looking int whether or not occupational safety regulations, as well as health regulations, were followed at the site of the accident. (https://www.rrspin.com/archives/item/3390-paper-virginia-department-probes-mill-death.html)

Don Robertson, who is the spokesman for Isle of Wight County spoke to this horrific incident to announce that there had been an accident involving Denny and a crane. The incident is believed to be soon investigated and Robertson stated that in situations like this OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) usually gets involved.

Sahil Tak, acting vice president of ST Tissue said days after the accident that the company may issue a statement on the matter, however, the statement had not been made at that time.

In a follow-up to the initial accident reporting, the investigation conducted into the death of the 38-year-old victim deemed the death an accident, however, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry issues citations to two different companies. One was to ST Tissue of Franklin, VA, who was hit with a $32,100 state penalty, and CR Meyer & Son of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, another fine of $70,000. These citations are based on investigative findings that the crane operator at the mill could not see where the crane was going, more specifically where the crane trolly was moving. The crane operator was also not properly trained in the crane’s operation. Additionally, the emergency stop button was deemed as not being in working order at the time of the accident.

The case remained open as the companies are contesting the citations as those imply negligence on behalf of the two companies cited. The citations revealed that Denny was unbolting a support beam on top of a machine for drying paper, when he was struck by an overhead gantry crane, and ended up being caught between the crane and a column which he was working in proximity to.

As the invents of the investigation unfold, Jimmy Denny is mourned by relatives. It is not clear what the employer plans to do with regards to Denny’s death as far as support and assistance for family and loved ones is concerned.

Visit https://www.tidewaternews.com for more breaking news.

SMH Decides On Smoke Free Campus

By
Josh Howell
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smoke free

Lisa Rickmond had been struggling to quit smoking for quite some time when she learned she would be getting some unexpected help. The Southampton Memorial hospital where she works as a registered nurse decided the campus would become tobacco-free. The 49-year-old from Franklin, Virginia welcomes the help and says she has been smoking since she was 13 years of age.

The ban means that both employees and visitors must leave the grounds if they want to smoke cigarettes or other tobacco products. This includes the parking lots of four medical offices and a nursing home, reports Director of Marketing, Anne Williams. Smoking is already prohibited inside all buildings associated with Southampton Memorial Hospital.

The ban will also include the outside areas at Total Family Care and Courtland Medical Center.

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It is estimated that about 10 percent of the 425 individuals that work at the hospital will be affected by not being able to enjoy a smoke at work. The hospital will help these workers by making a free smoker cessation program available to them.

Rickmond says she will take part in any program that is offered. She explains that as a person who has smoked all her life, she knows she needs all the help she can possibly get.

Williams says the ban was inspired by a report that identified the city of Franklin as one of the least healthy localities in the state of Virginia.

The study was conducted at the Population Health Institute of the University of Wisconsin in conjunction with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Of the 131 counties observed in the study, the health status of Franklin was deemed 127. The health problems in Franklin have been blamed on high unemployment rates and poverty.

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The study was also able to determine that 22 percent of Franklin residents were smokers. The statewide average is 19 percent. Williams says the status of Southampton Memorial Hospital as a health care provider in the county meant it inherited the responsibility to lead the way on this important health care issue.

Southampton Memorial will provide employees with free nicotine patches. They will also make tobacco cessation counselors available to them. Visitors to the hospital will be provided with nicotine gum and lozenges.

Williams explains that before the ban, employees were allowed to smoke in parking lots and outside the hospital wherever ashtrays were located.

Rickmond says she would often go to her car to smoke when she had a break. She says she has struggled to quit smoking for many years of her life. Rickmond says she tries to be considerate to non-smokers but knows she should do more to lead by example.

The nurse continues by saying she does not get the same enjoyment from her smoking habit that she once did. Rickmond says it is a lot more expensive to smoke now than it used to be and she feels a little ostracized now that not as many people smoke cigarettes. Rickmond also says that not smoking is one part of a bigger effort to guard her health that includes eating better and getting more exercise.

Williams says both employees and visitors who wish to indulge in tobacco products will now have to leave the hospital premises to do so. They are encouraged to walk away from the hospital until they reach the street or stand on a nearby property. Williams explains also the staff at Southampton Memorial Hospital is being encouraged to take this opportunity to do something positive for their health. She added the hospital is not trying to penalize guests and staff members who smoke cigarettes.

Visit https://www.tidewaternews.com for more breaking news.

Fire damages branchville fire station

By
Josh Howell
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fire_preview

Newsoms – Firefighters were called to battle a blaze in their own building after a fire broke out Sunday morning. The Branchville Volunteer Fire Department sustained major smoke damage and a fire utility truck was destroyed in the weekend fire. No one was in the building at the time, according to reports.

The town hall, also housed in the building, remained unscathed by the quickly spreading fire, according to Fire Chief Justin Overby. It took volunteer firefighters about 40 minutes to put out the blaze. The fire was called in at 9:12 a.m. after someone spotted smoke behind the building on Route 186. The assistant fire chief was one of the first people at the scene.

“When the assistant fire chief got there, he saw the fire was inside the firehouse,” Overby said.

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Officials said there are two theories on how the fire started, but the fire chief is not discussing those until he receives a Virginia State Police investigation report. He did not indicate when the report would be finalized. However, the chief said the blaze appears to be accidental. A Virginia State Police investigator was at the fire station Sunday to initiate his probe into the cause of the fire.

Officials said they believe the fire sparked in the rear of the utility truck parked at the station. The truck contained garbage from a Saturday barbecue and stew fundraiser at the station. Officials said the dump was closed, so workers left the garbage in the truck.

The barbecue was well attended by those living in the local community. The event was successful in raising money, but it is not known if any of the money will now be needed to rebuild the volunteer fire station.

Deck-firefighters

While this is the only building that houses the Branchville volunteer department, it doesn’t appear the blaze will stop any services provided by firefighters. Fire trucks were not damaged, according to reports.

Other volunteer fire services in Southhampton County are not affected. There are several volunteer fire departments in the area including the Boykins Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, the Ivor Volunteer Fire Department, Hercules Inc., Courtland Volunteer Fire Department, Sedley Volunteer Fire Department, and Capron Fire and First Aid Squad.

The fire will also not affect the next Branchville Council meeting, but members are likely to discuss the incident if the investigation report is ready before the meeting set for Oct. 9. The council could also discuss the city’s insurance on the building and covering the volunteer fire department and how the incident could affect its insurance rating.

The fire serves as a reminder to observe safety rules during cookouts and other early fall activities. Those include making sure all ashes are completely extinguished and watered down before putting them in trash bags and putting things like used heated fuel containers in metal buckets until they are completely cooled. It is also best not to combine things like ash and fuel heat containers with other forms of garbage and keep all trash containers outside and away from homes, buildings and all other structures.

There are typically few fires in the Branchville area. Most are grass or woods fires and are quickly put out. One of the biggest fires occurred in 2017 when the Rising Star Baptist Church was destroyed in a blaze. The church was 150-years old.

Branchville is a small town in Southhampton County, Va. The last census indicated there were only 123 residents living there so it is a close knit community. The hamlet only covers less than a half a square mile and contains around 50 residences.

Visit https://www.tidewaternews.com for more breaking news.

David Perkins Escapes Work-Release but Is Quickly Captured

By
Carly Jones
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david

An inmate in the Isle of Wight escaped from work-release custody only to be caught in Hampton.

The whole ordeal happened under the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office. This must have been a scary thing for all those in Hampton who heard of this escape and capture.

Thankfully, the police department did capture the man not long after he escaped, and that should definitely be celebrated. There is no doubt that this inmate is now going to be heavily guarded, and he is probably going to go through a few disciplinary measures to make sure he understands how serious this issue is.

david-ortiz

David Perkins, who is 24, was the person who escaped. He used to live in Suffolk before he was arrested. This young man worked at the Isle of Wight fairgrounds, helping the people setup everything for the fair that was taking place not long after.

He was a part of a work-release program that is supposed to give these individuals purpose and show them how rewarding an honest day of work could be. This program does have its critics. Some people say that the pay is too low and that private prisons use these types of programs to make a profit and exploit workers. The nuances related to this program are a little complicated, but it has shown to be effective in some cases, but apparently this young man had other plans.

It seems like young Perkins escaped custody at 7:30 a.m. The escape was almost something out of a movie since it seems that he escaped from a bathroom on the fairgrounds. He abused the trust he was given by the officers. After the bathroom escape, young Perkins made his way to his girlfriend who was waiting to pick him up.

The girlfriend’s name is Britney Jane Lee. She is two years younger than Perkins. The two made their escape but not for long since they were caught at a gas station in Hampton. It must have been strange to feel freedom for a little while only to be caught at a gas station.

david-prison

The two were captured, thanks the the investigative work the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office did, along with information that was given to them by the people of Isle of Wight. Many people in the community called in to try to help the police department, and their help did bring these two into custody.

It seems like Perkins actually had phone conversations regarding the escape. Young Perkins had talked about escaping and explained how he was going to do it on the phone. Of course, the police department was able to extract this recorded audio to try to get more information about his plans. In the audio, Perkins was not only thinking of escaping, he was also figuring out a way to stay free for the rest of his life and not get caught. Thankfully, the police department was able to stop him from accomplishing his plan.

Perkins went to jail for grand larceny, in addition to two counts of fraud. As a tragic side note, it seems young Perkins only had two more months to go before he was going to be released. All that added stress was unnecessary, but that was Perkin’s choice, and now he has to live with the consequences, no matter what they may be.

Lee is also in trouble for aiding an escaped prisoner, so there is no telling where this might lead for her. A little patience could have gone a long way and prevented a lot of ramifications for the escapee and his girlfriend.

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