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BREAKING NEWS

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.

Virginia man sentenced to 18 years in sexual assault case after three previous mistrials

LOVINGSTON, Va. – A Virginia man convicted of breaking into a woman’s home and sexually assaulting her has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. Vest’s sentencing came after three previous mistrials - one resulting from a deadlocked jury and two resulting from juries not being able to be seated. As part of his sentence, Vest is required to undergo sex offender treatment and must register as a sex offender. The victim testified she had never met Vest and that he slapped her during the attack. Vest testified he was visiting family at the apartment complex when the victim invited him into her home and initiated sexual contact.

’It’s an honor’: Nelson County farm brings 400 plants to White House Rose Garden

LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Saunders Brothers' boxwood farm in Nelson County is a reliable source for gardens across the region and country, but they didn’t expect the White House to call and request 400 of their plants for the famous Rose Garden. We had them in larger sizes, which the White House was very interested in,” said Saunders. The Saunders Brothers are growing about half a million boxwood plants on this farm, so they already knew which ones they wanted when the White House called. “This variety right here is green beauty. The boxwood plants speak for themselves — after all, the White House is pleased.

Discounted rates offered at ‘The Waltons’-inspired bed and breakfast in Virginia

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – Step back in time, slow down and socially distance at a discounted price. The owner of a bed and breakfast inspired by “The Waltons” is offering overnight stays at a reduced rate. The look-a-like in Nelson County opened to the public last fall. However, it has sat empty during the pandemic until it reopened during the first week of June. The owner said she had to refund more than $10,000 to customers who had booked before the virus.

Nelson County authorities locate missing 14-year-old girl with autism

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE 3 p.m. 6/7/2020Authorities have located a missing 14-year-old girl with autism. UPDATEThe search is still underway as of Saturday for a missing 14-year-old girl from Nelson County. She also has a seizure disorder and hearing loss in her right ear, according to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office. ORIGINAL STORYVirginia State Police issued an Endangered Child Alert on behalf of the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office at 3:45 a.m. Friday morning. The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 14-year-old Azalia Berrian.

Man dies, another injured in Nelson County crash

NELSON COUNTY, Va. State police are investigating a deadly crash in Nelson County that happened on Tuesday afternoon. The driver of the Chevy, David Jordan, 41, of Dillwyn, Virginia, died at the scene. The driver of the GMC, Alan Deane, 58, of Gladstone, Virginia, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Police said Deane was wearing a seat belt, while Jordan was not. Below is an approximate location of where the crash happened.

Part of Blue Ridge Parkway closed to help slow the spread of the coronavirus announced

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – The northernmost 13 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway are now closed. The National Park Service announced the closure is in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus and is in coordination with the closure now in place at Shenandoah National Park. Both closures will remain in effect until further notice. Access to hiking trails remains open where not inaccessible due to road closure for weather, maintenance, emergency or administrative necessity.

Nelson County’s first case among 4 new announced in Thomas Jefferson Health District

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – Someone in Nelson County has the coronavirus, according to health department officials. At 4:11 p.m. Tuesday, the Thomas Jefferson Health District posted its latest coronavirus numbers. These are the reported numbers:Charlottesville: 3Albemarle County: 6Louisa County: 3Nelson County: 1Fluvanna County: 1As there are some differences between these numbers and what’s being reported by the Virginia Department of Heath, a health district official told 10 News that what was posted by the district is the correct data. The Thomas Jefferson Health District is made up of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson counties, as well as the city of Charlottesville.

Five-pound rock crashes through windshield, driver dies in Nelson County amid reports of rock-throwing

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – Authorities are investigating several rock-throwing incidents they say may be related in Nelson County. The Virginia State Police says it has received reports of a person or multiple people throwing rocks at vehicles. State police responded to the single-vehicle crash and say the rock was most likely the cause of the driver’s death. State police have learned of other, similar incidents reported recently and are working with the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office on the investigation. Anyone with information about the rock-throwing incidents in Nelson County is asked to call 434-352-7128 or email area18@vsp.virginia.gov.

Lynchburg woman dead after fatal Nelson County crash

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – A Lynchburg woman is dead after a fatal crash in Nelson County over the weekend, according to Virginia State Police. Authorities say the crash happened around 8:30 p.m. Sunday when a 2019 Chevrolet Camaro ran off the right side of Patrick Henry Highway just south of Fishertown Lane, hit a sign and then hit an embankment. According to police, the driver was Veronica Jones, 58, of Lynchburg. Authorities say a large rock broke the windshield and hit the driver, most likely causing Jones’ death. Anyone who was driving in the area between 8:20 and 8:30 p.m. who saw the crash is encouraged to call police at 434-352-7128.

Missing 85-year-old Virginia man found dead in pickup on Blue Ridge Parkway

MADISON COUNTY, Va. – LATESTAuthorities say they found James “Jimmy” Jenkins dead inside a blue pickup truck on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Nelson County. The truck was found over an embankment near mile marker 23, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. UPDATEAs of Wednesday, the search is still on for James "Jimmy " Jenkins, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. 85-year-old James “Jimmy” Jenkins, of Brightwood, Virginia, was last seen on Tuesday around 6 p.m. Anyone with information about Jenkins’ whereabouts is asked to contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 540-948-5161.

Man recovering after he accidentally shot himself, Nelson County authorities say

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – A man is recovering from an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a shots fired call on Friday to find a man who had been shot in the 2000 block of Keys Church Road in Shipman, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Upon investigation, authorities say they determined the man accidentally shot himself. They say charges are pending. This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.

Man hospitalized after shooting in Nelson County

NELSON COUNTY, Va. – A man was hospitalized after a shooting in Nelson County on Thursday. It happened on Hunting Lodge Road in Shipman, according to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a complaint of shots fired to find a man who had been shot. The Sheriff’s Office did not release the man’s name or comment on the extent of his injuries. This incident is still under investigation but it appears to be isolated and there is no outstanding threat to the public, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

$5,000 reward offered for anyone with information about post office break-in in Nelson County

NELSON COUNTY, Va. - A post office was burglarized in Nelson County, authorities say. Postal Inspection Service is investigating a breaking and entering that happened Sept. 17 at the Roseland Post Office. Anyone with information is asked to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 or the Nelson County Sheriff's Office at 434-263-7050. A reward is offered for anyone with information that leads to an arrest.

Man turns himself in after fleeing police on motorcycle in Nelson County

NELSON COUNTY, Va. - A man turned himself into the Nelson County Sheriff's Office on Monday after he fled police on a motorcycle and on foot. Authorities arrested Granville Smith IV, 37, of Faber, for felony eluding and operating a motorcycle without a license. A deputy noticed a man driving a motorcycle recklessly on Route 29 near Route 6 (River Road) around noon Sunday, according to the Sheriff's Office. When the deputy attempted to stop the driver, the driver fled along Route 6 onto Route 151. Other officers responded to the chase, but couldn't find the man after searching the area, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Never forget: Hurricane Camille 50 years later

NELSON COUNTY, Va. - It was August 19, 1969 when Hurricane Camille dumped 27 inches of rain over Nelson County. One recording says, "If I record this now and tell it later, it will never be as great as it is then, by looking at it." Fifty years later, Tinsley said, "The medical examiner, the dentist, the investigator and everybody else that worked on the body identification, in Nelson County. "There's much more attention paid now to where you locate a business or house in Nelson County," said Woody Greenberg, secretary of Nelson County Historical Society. To help educate future generations, the county created an exhibit at the Nelson County Museum of Rural History.

Man rams into officer's car while fleeing a police stop

NELSON COUNTY, Va. - According to the Nelson County Sheriff's Office, two people have been arrested for drug distribution and attempted murder of an officer. A deputy attempted to stop a car driving in an erratic manner on River Road in Nelson County at 5:25 Saturday morning and the car began to flee. The impact of the collision caused airbag deployment in both vehicles and caused Massie to flee on foot. The passenger in the vehicle, Elizabeth Hensley, 30, of Roanoke, was then taken into custody. Massie and Hensley have both been transported to Albermarle Regional Jail.

One dead after 4th of July crash in Nelson County

NELSON COUNTY, Va. - UPDATE 7/6/2019:Virginia State Police have identified the victim of Thursday's fatal crash in Nelson County as 24-year-old Sarah Brungard from Lynchburg. Police say she was wearing a seat belt but died at the scene. ORIGINAL:One person is dead after a crash Thursday evening in Nelson County. State Police say the two-vehicle crash happened just after 5 p.m. at the intersection of Route 151 and East Branch Loop. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

About 1,000 Wintergreen property owners ready for Atlantic Coast Pipeline lawsuits

About 1,000 homeowners at Wintergreen resort said they will sue the Atlantic Coast Pipeline if it begins work without compensation on land they communally own. Right now, plans from the Atlantic Coast Pipeline have it going through Wintergreen mountain and across Fenton's property. Dominion Energy is one of the partner companies of Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC. "Once that happens then that's the last road block for Dominion and they can start work," said John Clayman with the Wintergreen Property Owners Association. 10 News reached out to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline media contact, but did not receive an immediate response to our inquiry.

2016 tour dates and locations

Here's where we'll be during the Virginia Proud Weather Tour:Thursday, April 28: Montgomery CountyWe will preview the Fork & Cork Festival on Saturday, April 30 at Beliveau WineryFriday, April 29: Botetourt CountyWe will take part in the Buchanan Civil War History Weekend at Buchanan Town ParkMonday, May 2: Highland CountyWe will profile the newly opened Highland CenterTuesday, May 3: Bath CountyWe will profile The Homestead, which is celebrating 250 yearsWednesday, May 4: Grayson & Carroll CountiesWe will take a look at the history of Bluegrass music in these communities by going to Barr's Fiddle ShopThursday, May 5: Nelson CountyWe will celebrate American Craft Beer Week at Devil’s Backbone BreweryFriday, May 6: Roanoke CountyWe will kick off Strawberry Festival in downtown Roanoke which runs through the weekendMonday, May 9: Floyd CountyWe will take part Floyd Country Store’s music festivalTuesday, May 10: Rockbridge CountyWe will take a look at some of the interesting things going on in Rockbridge County & LexingtonWednesday, May 11: Alleghany CountyWe will take a closer look at the newly renovated Historic Masonic Theater in Clifton ForgeThursday, May 12: Bedford CountyWe’ll travel to Smith Mountain Lake and the Bridgewater Plaza as the lake celebrates its 50th anniversaryFriday, May 13: Pittsylvania CountyWe’ll travel to Danville to take part in the city’s Festival in the ParkMonday, May 16: Giles CountyWe'll be at Mountain Lake LodgeTuesday, May 17: Pulaski CountyWe’ll take a look at The Marketplace, one of the premier farmers market in Southwest VirginiaWednesday, May 18: Franklin CountyWe'll be previewing the Pigg River Ramble WeekendThursday, May 19: Amherst CountyWe’ll take part in the Amherst County 3rd Thursday programFriday, May 20: Campbell CountyWe’ll be at the Lynchburg Regional Airport preview the Lynchburg Regional Air Show, which is that Saturday and SundayMonday, May 23: Bland/Wythe CountiesWe’ll travel to Big Walker Lookout, a 100-foot observation tower at the top of Big Walker Mountain that straddles the county lineTuesday, May 24: Appomattox CountyWe’ll take a look back and forward from the February 24 tornado that slammed Evergreen, VirginiaWednesday, May 25: Halifax CountyWe'll visit Virginia International RacewayThursday, May 26: Henry CountyWe’re heading to The Rooster Walk Music & Art Festival, one of the largest music festivals in the area