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NELSON COUNTY

Report: Alexis Murphy’s killer led authorities to her remains

Remains of Alexis Murphy found seven years after her murderThe man who is serving two life sentences for the murder of Alexis Murphy led authorities to her body, according to WTOP. When authorities announced the discovery of Alexis’ remains in February, they did not specify how her remains were found. Randy Taylor is serving two life sentences for the murder of Alexis Murphy (WSLS)Randy Taylor, 50, is serving two life sentences for Alexis’ murder. According to WTOP, Taylor led investigators to her remains after the Nelson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office got two transportation orders to take him from Virginia Red Onion Prison to the Virginia State Police office in Lebanon. AdAuthorities then brought Taylor to private property near Stagebridge Road along Route 29 in Lovingston and he led them to Alexis’ remains, according to what sources familiar with the search told WTOP.

What’s News Today: Schools reopening, road work

Last month, the school board voted to bring students back to class four days a week with one day online. The school board was split four to three on the decision. The Bedford County Board of Supervisors will hold a work session today. The Welcoming Roanoke Plan is the city’s immigrant integration plan, highlighting and enhancing the economic contributions they make to the community. AdThe Virginia Tech Board of Visitors will receive comments today about tuition and fees for the upcoming school year.

Fire destroys Nelson County volunteer firefighter’s home

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – What was a three-story house on Ponton Lane is now a pile of debris. For 17-year-old Travis Burley, a firefighter with the Lovingston Volunteer Fire Department, it wasn’t an ordinary call -- He was responding to his own home. “When I opened both doors on the woodstove, a backdraft of flames hit me in the chest, knocked me on the floor. The community started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family. It means a whole lot to me, especially with the other departments and the people in this community,” said Burley.

Volunteer firefighter’s family of five displaced after house fire in Lovingston

LOVINGSTON, Va. – A firefighter’s family is displaced after their home caught fire in Lovingston Saturday evening. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the house and all occupants outside of the home. Local churches and fire department members are assisting the two adults and three children who were displaced in the fire. Lovingston Volunteer Fire Department Co. 1 said that one of their firefighters, Travis Burley, was one of the people affected in this fire. A GoFundMe was created by one of the victim’s family members as well.

Remains of Nelson County teen Alexis Murphy found seven years after her murder

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – Authorities have found the remains of Alexis Murphy, a Nelson County teenager who was murdered in 2013. Nelson County Sheriff David Hill briefly spoke with members of the media at 1 p.m. Wednesday:Her remains were found on private property near Stagebridge Road along Route 29 in Lovingston, according to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office. Randy Taylor is serving two life sentences for the murder of Alexis Murphy (WSLS)Randy Taylor, 55, is serving two life sentences for Murphy’s murder. Authorities said due to the discovery of Alexis’ body, successful prosecution and a thorough investigation, this case is no longer active. AdHill is glad to bring the Murphy family some closure.

Maryland fugitive arrested in Nelson County after police chase

A Maryland man was arrested in Nelson County after authorities said he led deputies on a chase through several counties, intentionally hitting a police car in the process. The chase started when officers tried to stop a white Dodge SUV for speeding on US-29 in the northern part of Amherst County on Saturday around 5:30 p.m., according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies then chased the SUV into Nelson County, and the chase eventually ended near the Nelson County High School. Nolley was wanted out of Maryland and was arrested on fugitive warrants for reckless driving, driving without a valid operator’s license, felony eluding, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and felony hit and run for intentionally hitting a police car during the chase. AdAccording to the Sheriff’s Office, no one was hurt during the chase.

Crews find person dead inside Nelson County home while responding to fire

A person was found dead inside of a home in Nelson County as crews were responding to a fire at the house, according to the Lovingston Volunteer Fire Department. When crews first arrived, they said they saw heavy smoke and fire throughout the entire house. Due to a collapsed roof and compromised floors, authorities said the search was put on hold until crews could safely search the house. When crews were able to go back inside, they said they found a body inside the home and immediately turned the scene over to the police for an investigation. Authorities said the situation is still under investigation by Virginia State Police.

Virginia authorities seize more than $150,000 worth of drugs, 15 guns in joint operation

Authorities seized 15 guns, about 3.25 pounds of meth with an approximate street value of $147,000, and one pound of marijuana, with an approximate street value of $4,000. They also seized marijuana edibles and illegal prescription drugs. Authorities seized 15 guns, about 3.25 pounds of meth with an approximate street value of $147,000, and one pound of marijuana, with an approximate street value of $4,000. They also seized marijuana edibles and illegal prescription drugs, according to Virginia State Police. • James Paterson, 46, of Lyndhurst, is charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II methamphetamine and possession of a firearm while in possession of a Schedule II drug.

Breweries, vineyards and more teaming up to help area food pantry

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – Although it’s a 12 Days of Christmas fundraiser, you’ll have 15 days to support one charity. For its 11th annual 12 Days of Christmas on Nelson 151, breweries, wineries and more will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the Nelson County Pantry. The pantry serves over 250 Nelson County homes while feeding more than 700 residents every month, according to Nelson 151. Starting Dec. 20, until Jan. 3, each day, a Nelson 151 member business will donate a portion of its proceeds. Nelson 151 is the group of wineries, breweries, and distilleries that call Route 151 home in Nelson County.

Wintry weather benefits ski resorts across the region

While we didn’t see much snow, today’s winter weather is good news for ski resorts in the region. Snowshoe Resort in West Virginia received several inches of fresh powder, and while staff made snow on a regular basis, they said the real thing is always better. Meanwhile, Massanutten Resort in Rockingham County will be opening this upcoming weekend. So we’d like to make enough to make sure we make it through the next warm spell,” said Kenny Hess with the Massanutten Resort. This weather system is also benefitting Wintergreen Resort in Nelson County, where despite a lot of uncertainty, the chair lifts are now up and running.

Thousands without power as rain moves through southwest, central Virginia

Thousands of people were without power on Thursday as rain moved through southwest and central Virginia. At one point Thursday morning there were more than 2,800 outages. As of 4:58 p.m., it was down to 376 Virginia customer outages, according to Appalachian Power. Here is a breakdown of local outages, as of 4:58 p.m.:Roanoke County: 142Roanoke City: 92Bedford County: 16Henry County: 13Franklin County: 8Carroll County: 6To see the full map of outages, click here.

Authorities find body inside car of missing Nelson County woman

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE - Dec. 7 at 3:39 p.m.A missing Nelson County woman is likely dead, according to authorities. We had hoped for a different outcome in this investigation for the family and the community,” said Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith in a news release. Anyone with information related to Koogler’s disappearance is still asked to contact Investigator Reid with the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at 540-245-5333. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in finding a missing 56-year-old woman who they considered to be endangered. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has been working with the Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and the Buckingham County Sheriff’s Office.

Virginia General Election Results for Nelson County on Nov. 3, 2020

The 2020 General Election will be held on November 3. You can find results for Nelson County here. This includes how the county voted in the U.S. Presidential, U.S. Senate and any U.S. House races or locally-contested races. Use the picker below to find them:Find Race ResultsOnly care how other counties and cities in the area voted? You’ll find all those options in this picker:How cities, counties in our region votedGet the latest Virginia election news here

Finding Virginia’s sweet spot: Highland County leaders launch Maple Syrup Trail

Many flock to Charlottesville for the wine trail, while Nelson County launched a beer trail about ten years ago, and now Highland County leaders have created a Maple Syrup Trail. “We’re typically considered the southern capital of maple syrup,” said Chris Swecker, executive director of Highland County Chamber of Commerce. The COVID-19 cancellation only emphasized the need for year-round promotion and visitation like the Maple Syrup Trail. There are eight stops on the Maple Syrup Trail and once you complete a tour you get your passport stamped. You may visit Highland County to taste the maple syrup, but you’ll certainly see the beauty that surrounds.

Lynchburg invites families on apple picking trip this weekend

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Lynchburg Parks & Recreation is inviting you and your family on an apple orchard field trip, but you have to register by today. This Saturday at Silver Creek Orchards in Nelson County, you can pick half a bushel of apples. The orchard only has two u-pick opportunities, and this year is one of them. Lynchburg Parks & Recreation is picking up families from the Miller Center and taking them to the orchard for two hours of apple picking. Silver Creek Orchards has several apple varieties, including Blue Ridge Fresh.