VaNews
February 27, 2020

Today's Sponsor:


** Virginia Press Association
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Newspapers start conversations, open minds and shine a light on the communities they serve. The Virginia Press Association advocates freedom of the press to inform. www.vpa.net ([link removed])

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Top of the News


** Truck stop owners confront lottery over proposed ban on electronic 'skill' machines ([link removed])
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By MICHAEL MARTZ, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Owners of truck stops and convenience stores across Virginia are converging on Richmond in what may be a last stand to prevent the state from banning electronic “skill games” they say are vital to their businesses. Four truck stop operators — Sadler’s Travel Plaza, Pilot Flying J, Love’s Travel Stops and Davis Travel Center — plan to meet with Gov. Ralph Northam and leaders of the Virginia Lottery on Thursday to argue against a ban on gaming machines
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** Virginia lawmakers send LGBTQ protections bill to governor ([link removed])
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Associated Press

Virginia lawmakers gave final passage Wednesday to a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill that advocates said will make the state the first in the South to enact such protections for LGBTQ people.
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** Two Northam-backed gun measures clear the Senate after faltering earlier in the session ([link removed])
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By MEL LEONOR, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Two gun control proposals that Senate lawmakers had once rejected cleared the upper chamber Wednesday, moving Democrats eager to take sweeping action on firearms closer to their goal. The Senate advanced bills increasing the penalty for “recklessly” leaving a gun near a child and requiring the reporting of lost or stolen firearms, measures that the House has already cleared.
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** Military court hearing at Liberty University sparks outcry from religious freedom group ([link removed])
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By RICHARD CHUMNEY, News & Advance (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

A watchdog group advocating for religious freedom in the armed forces has accused Pentagon officials of “dropping a nuclear weapon on the Constitution” after a military court held a special session at Liberty University last week.
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** College Students Look to Leave Mark on Virginia Primaries ([link removed])
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By BEN PAVIOUR, WCVE

Virginia Commonwealth University sophomore Matt Tessem knows his audience. “It’s how you attract college students -- either free food or candy,” Tessem said as he spread his bait -- Twix bars and lollipops -- across his table at the VCU Student Commons on Tuesday. He was volunteering on behalf of the Andrew Goodman Foundation, a group focusing on mobilizing young voters.
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** Hanover supervisors transfer $75,000 for defense against NAACP suit over Confederate school names ([link removed])
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By C. SUAREZ ROJAS, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Without any more insurance money to fend off a federal lawsuit by the NAACP over the Confederate-related names of two schools, Hanover County will draw $75,000 from a contingency fund to continue fighting the case.
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The Full Report
33 articles, 14 publications

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** GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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** Anti-bias protections for LGBTQ Virginians heading to governor ([link removed])
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By MICHAEL MARTZ, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Legislation is on its way to Gov. Ralph Northam to prohibit discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Senate voted 27-13 to accept the amendments the House of Delegates attached to Senate Bill 868, the Virginia Values Act, proposed by Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria.
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** Bills on lost or stolen firearms, trigger activators advance in General Assembly ([link removed])
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By AMY FRIEDENBERGER, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

The Virginia Senate passed a bill Wednesday requiring people to promptly report their lost and stolen firearms. The Senate previously defeated a similar proposal on the floor 19-21, with Sens. Chap Petersen of Fairfax City and Lynwood Lewis of Accomack joining Republicans.
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** General Assembly backs bills eliminating mandatory reporting of misdemeanors in schools ([link removed])
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By JUSTIN MATTINGLY, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

The Virginia legislature has passed measures to eliminate the requirement that school leaders report certain criminal offenses to law enforcement, legislation that Republicans say could make schools less safe.
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** Senate committee keeps two options alive on redistricting reform; House Democrats’ plan remains unclear ([link removed])
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By GRAHAM MOOMAW, Virginia Mercury

Virginia Democrats are still trying to keep multiple redistricting reform options alive, but the path forward looks increasingly complicated amid a standoff between the state Senate and the House of Delegates.
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** Virginia won’t join national push to have popular vote pick the president, at least for now ([link removed])
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By MARIE ALBIGES, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Some Virginia Democrats’ attempt to join a national push to effectively do away with the Electoral College for choosing the president is dead, at least for now. A state Senate committee rejected a House bill that would’ve added Virginia to the growing list of states that want to do away with the current method of choosing a president ...
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** Proposed budget increases Metro, public transportation money ([link removed])
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By JIMMY O'KEEFE, VCU Capital News Service

The proposed Virginia state budget continues to increase funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and includes an amendment to extend rail and bus service in Northern Virginia. The WMATA would receive roughly $160 million in funds from Virginia in 2021 and the same amount of money in 2022.
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** Democrats resist cost carveouts for some power producers while greenlighting others ([link removed])
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By SARAH VOGELSONG, Virginia Mercury

As Democrats bring home one of their top-line energy goals of the session, joining Virginia with the cap-and-trade Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the caucus is holding firm against one company’s efforts to bring down its compliance costs even as it’s quietly cleared the way for two power producers to pay less.
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** Bill would allow nursing homes to give medical cannabis ([link removed])
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By CHIP LAUTERBACH, VCU Capital News Service

Virginia lawmakers continue to fine tune legislation that aligns with the state’s growing medical cannabis program by advancing two Senate bills facilitating the work of caregivers and lab employees. SB 185 sponsored by Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, R-Henrico, would allow employees at nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospices to administer CBD and THC-A oil ...
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** Senate bill would force Virginia to reveal sources of lethal injection drugs ([link removed])
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By KATE MASTERS, Virginia Mercury

The last high-profile attempt to learn the source of Virginia’s execution drugs ended in a black bar. In 2016, the Associated Press filed a Freedom of Information Act request to learn which pharmacy had provided the state’s Department of Corrections with materials for its next two executions. The department provided the receipts for the drugs, but redacted the name of the pharmacy.


** STATE GOVERNMENT
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** Virginia health officials await coronavirus test results for two patients ([link removed])
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By JUSTIN WM. MOYER, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Health officials in Virginia said Tuesday they are monitoring two residents for possible coronavirus, including one in Northern Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health said test results for two people — one in Northern Virginia and one in Southwest Virginia — are pending.
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** Two New Potential Cases Of Coronavirus Surface In Virginia ([link removed])
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By NOEL GASCA, WAMU

The Virginia Department of Health is monitoring two people with potential symptoms of the new coronavirus, including one person in Northern Virginia. The new potential cases, reported Wednesday, are the latest tied to the region as the global health crisis continues to unfold. Virginia has reported eight potential cases since the COVID-19 outbreak occurred; six of those cases have been found to be negative.
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** Department of Health investigates possible coronavirus case in Southwest Virginia ([link removed])
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Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

A Southwest Virginia resident is one of two people statewide currently being investigated for possibly having the coronavirus, according to the Virginia Department of Health.


** CONGRESS
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** Mark Warner protests lack of information from Interior Dept. in Bijan Ghaisar killing ([link removed])
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By TOM JACKMAN, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) said Wednesday that he cast a vote against a top Interior Department nominee on Tuesday because of Interior’s continued failure to answer his questions about the 2017 slaying of unarmed motorist Bijan Ghaisar by two U.S. Park Police officers.


** ECONOMY/BUSINESS
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** JBG Smith sheds more real estate to fund its development pipeline while warning of Amazon risks ([link removed])
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By DANIEL J. SERNOVITZ, Washington Business Journal (Subscription required for some articles)

JBG Smith Properties sold a 50% stake in its 552,000-square-foot Central Place office tower in December for $220 million, the Bethesda-based firm disclosed in its 2019 annual report released Tuesday.
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** APCo hears Appomattox resident concerns over central Virginia transmission line ([link removed])
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By SARAH HONOSKY, News & Advance (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

A 15-mile transmission line intended to improve electricity service reliability in central Virginia left many Appomattox residents upset as they faced the possibility of the Appalachian Power Company upgrades landing in their own backyard.
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** In 'ripple effect,' Dan River Region businesses feel fallout from coronavirus ([link removed])
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By CALEB AYERS, Danville Register & Bee

As COVID-19 continues its international spread, causing widespread fear and concern, its effects become more diverse. The disease already is affecting both national and international economy. In the Dan River Region, it has delayed businesses that are considering locating here while also changing the strategies and plans of local businesses, said Matt Rowe, economic development director for Pittsylvania County.


** VIRGINIA OTHER
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** Virginia, other states agree to $1.6 billion settlement with opioid manufacturer ([link removed])
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By VERNON FREEMAN JR., WTVR

A coalition of 40 states, including the Commonwealth of Virginia, have reached a $1.6 billion global settlement with opioid manufacturer Mallinckrodt (MNK). Attorney General Mark Herring announced the major settlement Wednesday.


** LOCAL
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** Safety review of Norfolk’s foster care program found ‘no major areas of concern’ ([link removed])
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By TIM EBERLY, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

A consulting company’s probe of the city of Norfolk’s foster care program found “no major areas of concern” about children’s safety but offered 10 recommendations on how to improve the system. The city released a report by Public Consulting Group, of Boston, on Tuesday evening at the Norfolk City Council’s meeting.
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** Virginia Beach School Board backtracks on starting 2021 school year during Jewish holiday ([link removed])
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By NIA TARIQ, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Virginia Beach Jews just want to enjoy the Rosh Hashana holiday in peace and prayer. That’s difficult when it’s also the first day of school. “We are teachers, administrators, parents and students taking excused absences or time for our holidays," said Rabbi Marc Kraus at a School Board meeting Tuesday night.
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** ‘VB Strong’ license plates will be available across Virginia soon ([link removed])
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By MARIE ALBIGES, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

A special license plate bearing the design “VB Strong” will be made available to Virginians soon. It’s the unofficial slogan the city embraced shortly after a gunman killed 12 people in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center on May 31.
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** Pulaski County slows four-day school week plans ([link removed])
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By SAM WALL, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

County officials are discussing the possibility of going to a four-day school week, which would make it unique in the state. The reason: That could help the school system attract and keep teachers. But the idea is now on a much slower timeline. A public meeting scheduled for March 4 is now postponed until at least fall.
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** City Council clears way for $8.1 million apartment complex on former American of Martinsville property ([link removed])
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By BILL WYATT, Martinsville Bulletin (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Plans emerged Tuesday about how the site of the old American of Martinsville furniture plant, at 201 and 209 Aaron St., will be converted to an $8.1 million apartment complex for residents 50 years and older, or younger with a qualifying disability.
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** Bristol running out of money for jail ([link removed])
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By DAVID MCGEE, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

Bristol, Virginia is facing a familiar financial crunch as a glut of prisoners has drained much of the $728,000 allotted for fiscal 2019-20 to house city inmates at facilities beyond the overcrowded city jail — with nearly half the fiscal year remaining.

Today's Sponsor:


** Virginia Press Association
------------------------------------------------------------

Newspapers start conversations, open minds and shine a light on the communities they serve. The Virginia Press Association advocates freedom of the press to inform. www.vpa.net ([link removed])


** EDITORIALS
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** What to Do With State's Fiscal Surplus ([link removed])
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News & Advance Editorial (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

A couple of days after Valentine’s Day, Gov. Ralph Northam gave the General Assembly a belated present in the form of news about the state budget. In a letter sent to the Senate Finance Committee and the House of Delegates Appropriations Committee — officially called the Mid-Session Revenue Review — Northam informed legislators there likely would be a surplus of $292.5 million...
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** A Tuesday of 'Super' Proportions ([link removed])
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News & Advance Editorial (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

In less than a week — on Tuesday, March 3 — 14 states will hold presidential primaries with the largest pot of nominating delegates up for grabs thus far in the 2020 presidential campaign.
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** Assembly tackles a few personal issues ([link removed])
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Free Lance-Star Editorial (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

While the General Assembly labors mightily to deal with the big stuff in an unusually bill-laden session, it’s good to know that our legislators still have time to deal with some of our more personal issues. They took a stand on cursing, spitting and fornicating. The General Assembly seemed to leap all the way from the 19th century to the 21st this session when it passed bills to repeal bans on cussing in public and fornicating (privately, among consenting adults).
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** Democrats open the flood gates in Richmond ([link removed])
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Virginian-Pilot Editorial (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

When the dam breaks, the water flows. Sometimes dramatically. It’s called physics. For the 20 years of complete or near complete legislative rule, Virginia GOP lawmakers dammed up legislation at the General Assembly, sometimes sensibly and other times not.


** COLUMNISTS
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** Schapiro: For Va. Democrats, nothing super about Tuesday primary ([link removed])
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By JEFF E. SCHAPIRO, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

T.C. Millner is an African American minister in Martinsville. A Democrat, he usually doesn’t hesitate to make an endorsement from his pulpit at Morning Star Holy Church. But ahead of the presidential primary next week — Super Tuesday, when Virginia and 13 other states vote — Millner was keeping his own counsel, in part, because so are many of the biggest names in the state Democratic hierarchy.


** OP-ED
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** Finnerty: Virginia should lead on clean energy in 2020 ([link removed])
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By JOHN FINNERTY, published in Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

This year, Virginia has a new opportunity to become a leader on clean energy and climate change. Teeing up the Virginia Assembly session that began this month, Virginia lawmakers recently introduced the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), which would put the state on a path toward 100% clean energy by 2050.

Finnerty is Director of Business Development at Standard Solar in Rockville, Maryland.
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** Detrick: Bargaining helps public workers serve their communities ([link removed])
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By KURT R. DETRICK, published in Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

As a career firefighter for the city of Portsmouth, I was frustrated to read Gordon C. Morse’s Feb. 9 column, “Policy or posturing? For Democrats on ‘Right to Work,’ it’s hard to say.” Morse implied that giving public sector workers the freedom to collectively bargain was some sort of novelty, when in reality Virginia is one of only three states to deny all its public service workers a voice on the job.

Kurt R. Detrick is president of Local 539, Portsmouth Professional Firefighters and Paramedics.
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** Distasso and Krawitz: Virginia should consider military veterans as we start down the road of cannabis policy reform ([link removed])
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By DOUG DISTASSO AND MICHAEL KRAWITZ, published in Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Military veterans were some of the first in the 20th century to re-discover cannabis as a medicine. Our mentors Jack Herer and Dennis Peron, fathers of the modern hemp and medical marijuana movements respectively, were both veterans. Seeds brought back from Asia by soldiers in the 1960’s were the ancestors of our emerging cannabis industry

Distasso is Executive Director of the Veterans Cannabis Project and Krawitz is Executive Director of Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access.
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** Braunlich: Raising the price on school and road construction ([link removed])
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By CHRIS BRAUNLICH, published in Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Politicians are quick to recognize the construction needs in Virginia, variously estimated at $13 billion for road and bridge repair (nevermind new roads) and at least $3 billion to repair and replace the 40 percent of Virginia’s schools more than 50 years old. So why are so many of those same politicians willing to raise the cost of that construction, so less construction can be done?

Braunlich is president of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy in Alexandria.
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** Morris: Foresters' view on the $15/hour minimum wage ([link removed])
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By KENNON MORRIS, published in Free Lance-Star (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

The Virginia Forest Products Association represents mainly small independent businesses in the forest products industry throughout rural Virginia—from sawmills, to loggers, to truck drivers, to equipment dealers. Our industry accounts for approximately 108,000 jobs with an industry impact of $21 billion to the commonwealth, representing the third largest contributor to the state’s economy.

Kennon Morris is vice president of the Northern Neck Lumber Company in Warsaw, Virginia and president of the Virginia Forest Products Association.
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