UVA had only won twice at the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill. Now you can make that three times a charm as the Hoos won big. Carolina played more like a bunch of guys working the McDonald’s counter than the team full of McDonald’s All-Americans that are on their roster. Tar Heels coach Roy Williams, who I think has more than a passing resemblance to Huckleberry Hound, looked like his head would explode this evening as his baby blue–clad boys could not hit the broadside of a barn (36%). But this is not exactly your father’s Tar Heels.
The Wahoos were up 35-30 at the half and really never looked back as they were in control of the game throughout. In the first half, Virginia had 20 points in the paint, and they shot a blistering 53% from the field. Carolina (13-8, 2-4) looked truly befuddled by the quicker and much more physical Virginia team this evening. Not sure I have ever been able to say that! The Hoos did exactly what they wanted to all evening and had their way with the Heels throughout this game. Carolina only had one player in double figures (Graves, 15 points).
Virginia (13-6, 4-2) was led by super second-year Sylven Landesberg who scored at will in the first stanza and finished with 29 points on 11-18 shooting. Sammy Zeglinski also added 19 and played very much in control on both ends of the court. What an incredible effort by Virginia tonight. I’m speechless! The Hoos won Tony Bennett’s first game in Chapel Hill, and that makes him 2-0 in the Research Triangle as they also beat NC State earlier this season. GO HOOS!
While the worst of the snowfall should end by this evening, cold temperatures may keep roads slick for a few days more, according to this forecast. While Charlottesville has received substantially less during this storm than during December’s "Winter Wallop," snowfall of more than a few inches begs the question: Everything all right where you are?
Let us know what it looks like in your neck of the woods: Use the comment section to update readers about which roads are clear, and which are best left alone ’til the ice snow melts.
A press release from Director of Communications Ric Barrick says that the city plans to restrict some public parking areas to be sure that crews can thoroughly clear roads of any snow and ice that may accumulate. There will be "No Parking" signs placed at affected areas; additionally, areas of Market and Water streets between Ridge and 10th streets will be affected starting at 6pm. Portions of West Main Street will also be affected starting at 10pm.
To compensate, the City of Charlottesville will offer free parking in both the Market Street and Water Street parking garages until snow is sufficiently cleared from roads.
In short, while the city does this…
…make use of free parking in the Market Street and Water Street garages to avoid this:
Virginia laid an egg against arch-rival Virginia Tech Thursday night at the John Paul Jones Arena as they lost 76-71. It took a toughly-contested and desperation three-pointer by Sam Zeglinski to send it to overtime, but the thuggish Hokies were simply to much for the struggling Wahoos.
Tech (16-3, 3-2) was led once again by Malcolm Delaney who scored 27 points on a 9-24, 0-6 from three point-land performance. The game was marred by an ugly and downright nasty elbow to the face of Virginia’s Jeff Jones which resulted in Tech’s Jeff Allen being thrown out of the game. Tech’s J.T. Thompson scored 15 points in the second half and overtime combined, and Virginia did not have an answer for him down the stretch.
At one point in the second half the Hoos looked like they were running away with the game as the lead reached 12, but Tech went on a 13-0 run to again take the lead. Down the stretch in regulation the Hoos looked befuddled on offense and committed way to many turnovers to have a chance to win the game (16). More importantly, Virginia did not run a cohesive offense during the last critical minutes of regulation. This game was the closest that docile Tony Bennett has come to getting a technical foul as he was constantly on the refs for their horrible officiating. This game was the worst officiated game I have ever seen at UVA.
If you look at the box score, Tech won this game at the free-throw line (16-20), and they played like they wanted this game more than Virginia. Virginia’s Landesberg, who scored 18, did not play well down the stretch and committed several key turnovers as he continually tried to force the action late.
UPDATE: Friday, January 29, 2:55pm: Virginia State Police just announced that the $150,000 reward being offered for any information leading to the discovery of Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington has not been awarded at this time.
According to statement by VSP spokeperson Corinne Geller, the money was not awarded to “the Albemarle County landowner where Morgan’s remains were discovered this week. Crime Stoppers is evaluating the situation as the investigation into Morgan’s death continues.”
In the meantime, “Virginia State Police, University of Virginia Police, Albemarle County Police and Charlottesville Police are still working together actively pursuing the new information, evidence, and leads that have become available since the discovery and confirmation of Morgan’s remains. Still no word yet on a cause or time of death,” writes Geller.
C-VILLE’s coverage of the Harrington case continues below.
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UPDATE: Thursday, January 28, 2:50pm. Virginia State Police issued a press release to address rumors of an arrest related to the death of Morgan Harrington.
"No arrest has been made in the ongoing criminal investigation into the death of Morgan Harrington," says VSP Public Relations Manager Corinne Geller. "Just after noon Thursday, state and local investigators concluded their evidentiary search and canvassing efforts on the farm property where the remains were discovered Tuesday morning. The investigation continues at this time."
C-VILLE’s coverage of the Harrington case continues below.
UPDATE: 2:25pm [photos below, plus video footage from yesterday’s interview with David Bass]. During a press conference at the Copeley Road bridge, where Morgan Harrington was last seen alive, Dan Harrington thanked law enforcement and locals for their search efforts, then told reporters: "Even though Morgan has been found, she’s been murdered." The Harrington family was not allowed onto Anchorage Farm due to investigation of the crime scene, but surveyed the scene by helicopter last night.
According to Dan Harrington, there are no immediate memorial plans. "We just found out from police that, although they have positively identified Morgan’s body this morning, that the medical examiner will not release her body probably for another five or six days," said Harrington.
Speaking about the location where his daughter’s remains were found, Dan Harrington said that his understanding was "this is not a random place that someone came upon accidentally." The medical examiner has not yet released a cause of death.
"This is known to someone here," he said. "It’s a local person. And as I’ve said all along, Morgan would be found within five miles of this bridge, and it was probably a local person. And I’m sure I’m 100 percent right." [Anchorage Farm is located a bit over 10 miles from Copeley Road bridge.]
Dan Harrington was joined by his wife, Gil, and their son, Alex. Gil Harrington said: "We are happy to have resolution. We are very happy to know that Morgan very likely, as Dan has said, did not live through the time of the concert. She was a long time in that field. I am happy that she was not alive long, enduring unspeakable things." No further details were given to clarify Gil Harrington’s statements.
From left, Gil Harrington, son Alex Harrington, and Dan Harrington
The Harrington family speaks to the press
The Harrington family ties a black ribbon above a yellow memorial ribbon on the Copeley Road bridge.
VIDEO FOOTAGE FROM YESTERDAY’S INTERVIEW WITH DAVID BASS:
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UPDATE: 1:10pm. The Harringtons are currently talking to the press at the Copeley Road Bridge, near the John Paul Jones Arena. Dan Harrington, Morgan’s father, says his daughter "has been found and has been murdered."
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UPDATE: Virginia State Police confirmed that the remains found at Anchorage Farm yesterday morning are those of Morgan Harrington. Dental records, which were provided by Harrington’s parents in November, were used to ID the body.
Dan Harrington, Morgan’s father (who, with his wife Gil, is currently in Charlottesville) released this statement:
“Morgan’s mother, Gil, and I are overwhelmingly saddened by yesterday’s discovery, but we are also relieved because our questions can now be answered and we can give our daughter a proper burial. We know that because of the good life Morgan led and the love she created for everyone around her, she is now in a safer, better place. We appreciate everyone’s respect for our privacy at this difficult time and we thank everyone who has helped us through this tragedy and helped us find Morgan.”
This morning the memorial on the bridge near John Paul Jones Arena where Morgan Harrington was reportedly last seen alive featureda new sign thanking locals for assistance in helping to find Harrington.
Staff reporter Chiara Canzi contributed to this report
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During a press conference, Colonel Steven Flaherty, the superintendent of the Virginia State Police, told the assembled crowd that "based on evidence…we’re fairly confident that the remains are those of Morgan Dana Harrington." [Read C-VILLE’s updates here, and see photos from the farm and press conference below.]
The remains have been moved from David Bass’ Anchorage Farm to the office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond. Flaherty said that state police "cannot release the evidence that leads us to this conclusion at this particular time." However, Bass told C-VILLE that "[t]here were some clothes" found near the remains. Harrington was last seen in a black "Pantera" t-shirt, a black miniskirt, black tights and black knee-high boots, along with a Swarovski necklace.
Rader stated that, while the state police had conducted several spot searches based on information, Anchorage Farm "was not one of them."
"We now have something to lead us in a new direction," he said, and added moments later: "We still proceed as if this is a homicide investigation." Rader also stressed the importance of maintaining the "sanctity" of the investigation.
Promptly following the press conference, Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger released an open letter about today’s news. "For more than three months, the entire Virginia Tech community…has held out hope for the safe return of Morgan Harrington. Sadly, today’s news from Albemarle County has put an end to that hope, and once again, we find our strength and resilience tested in the face of profound grief and loss."
C-VILLE also received e-mail statements from UVA Chief Operating Office Leonard Sandridge and Congressman Tom Perriello, included below:
Statement from Congressman Tom Perriello:
“With a very heavy heart, my prayers are with the Harrington family and all those who loved Morgan. I extend my gratitude to the Virginia State Police who worked so diligently on this case, the UVA community, and the hundreds of volunteers and concerned community members who helped with the search. We all mourn this tragedy and stand with arms outstretched to the Harrington family.”
Statement from UVA COO Leornard Sandridge:
"The University community is deeply saddened by today’s news about Morgan Harrington. Our hearts go out to Morgan’s parents, Gil and Dan, to her brother, Alex, and to our friends in the Virginia Tech community at this very difficult time.
"We have assured the Harrington family of our concern and offered to assist them in any way we can.
"We are grateful to members of the larger community for the extraordinary support and commitment they have exhibited since Morgan’s disappearance. We had all hoped and prayed for a different outcome. The University Police Department will continue to do all it can to support the Virginia State Police as they work to solve this case."
In years past, we have had rather glorious winter gardens. I’m sure I’ve written about it on this blog before, because I usually feel like bragging when we can go outside in January or February and harvest a salad.
We learned our techniques from Eliot Coleman’s classic book Four Season Harvest, and we found for the first three or four winters that it really wasn’t tough at all: Just plant hardy greens in the fall, put cold frames (basically, mini greenhouses) over them when the frosts start, and eat to your heart’s content until spring. Compared to summer gardening, it’s actually a breeze, because there are no insects and almost no weeds.
Well, this year we had our Waterloo. We planted our usual winter crops in the ground in early October. They all failed to germinate. So we planted again. For the second time, lousy germination and for those little plants that did poke through, insect damage.
So we took the operation inside, figuring we’d plant in seed flats and put the plants under grow lights to help them catch up. Then we’d move them outside. Three things prevented this from happening: 1. The big snowstorm in December. 2. The extreme cold in January. 3. Big and extreme laziness in both December and January.
Eventually, our will for a winter garden petered out entirely and though we haven’t actually discarded our seedlings, we no longer take care of them. It’s really a sad scene.
Forgotten arugula.
Well, sometimes it happens, I guess. You always get a fresh start with the next season, and so shall it be this spring.
Anyone have a more successful winter garden they want to crow about?
Several residents of 15th Street claim to have been interviewed by investigators who canvassed the area in connection to the death of Morgan Harrington. The residents, who wished to remain anonymous, told C-VILLE that investigators mentioned finding a shirt that could possibly belong to Morgan Harrington, who was wearing a black Pantera t-shirt when she disappeared the night of October 17. The street is between 1 and 1.5 miles from the Copeley Road Bridge, where Harington was reportedly last spotted.
"About 11:30am, I got a knock on my back door. I opened it up and it’s a guy who flashes a badge and says he’s a detective," said one resident. "He just told me that they were canvassing my building, because they had found what they thought was Morgan Harrington’s shirt somewhere in the bushes in front of the building." The resident said the investigator asked whether the resident remembered anything suspicious from the night Harrington disappeared, or since, and recommended that the resident call CrimeStoppers if anything occurred. The investigator was not in uniform and did not leave a business card, but reportedly flashed a badge.
A second resident told C-VILLE that, on Wednesday, "I came outside from my apartment. I was going to my car, and there was a woman who was kind of digging in the bush, and there were two guys walking around the apartment across the street. I heard the one guy [say] they hadn’t found anything, so the one guy was like ‘Well, we found her shirt over here.’"
The second resident added: "There wasn’t any UVA police car around. They looked like they were wearing detective clothes. It’s really speculative, but, whatever."
A third resident reported being asked about suspicious events since Harrington disappeared, by an investigator who also mentioned finding a shirt that might be Harrington’s.
Asked whether there was a law enforcement presence on 15th Street, Virginia State Police spokesperson Corinne Geller said that she didn’t know. "We’ve gotten a lot of tips and a lot of different leads related to the case. They may’ve been just following up on a tip almost in a process of elimination versus it being some critical aspect of an investigation."
A weak economy continues to be an unwelcome guest in both city and county assessments.
Figures released by Albemarle County on Thursday show that 2010 residental assessments decreased by 3.96 percent and commercial assessments by 0.64 percent, for a combined 3.18-percent drop. Hardest hit among Albemarle County districts were Jack Jouett, where assessed values decreased by 4.3 percent, and Scottsville, where they decreased by 4.13 percent.
In Charlottesville, residental and commercial properties combined for a 1.55-percent decline in assessed value, with residential properties averaging a 2.19-percent decline and commercial properties averaging a 0.34-percent decline. Throw in new construction assessments, however, and the overall decline improves to a 0.76-percent drop in assessed value. According to members of the City Assessors Office, it is the first overall decline in assessments since the city began tracking the data in 1976.
“We came out of 2008 on a down note. And then we came up a little bit. We just have to wait and see how it goes," said City Assessor Rossevelt Barbour, Jr.
Of 12,820 taxable parcels in the city, 54 percent experienced a decline in value, while 40 percent did not change. A neighborhood glimpse shows that the most severe decreases occurred in Orangedale, which saw a 26-percent decline in assessed value, and the Ix and Carlton neighborhoods of Belmont, with declines of 13.8 percent and 11.9 percent, respectively. Assessments increased in Greenbrier, Rose Hill, Little High Street near East Jefferson, and the new Johnson Village area.
On the decline in Orangedale, Barbour explained: "You’ve gone from houses that were originally assessed at high 20 [thousands], in the late ’70s, to 140 [thousand]. And now, they’re selling from 90 to 110 [thousand]. We have to assess at what the market is. And the market tells us that we have to decline."
"I’m not going to say it’s going to stay that way," said Barbour. "But that’s the most affordable housing. So if that market is doing that, [then] it might give you an indication of what might happen with the rest of the city."
The George Strait/Reba McIntyre concert scheduled for Saturday evening at the John Paul Jones arena has been rescheduled because of "potentially hazardous travel conditions." (It’s supposed to snow this weekend.) The show has been rescheduled for April 3.
