Orange County's monthly source for in-depth information about activities, programs, events, and more.
VIBRANT ECONOMY l EFFECTIVE REFLECTIVE GOVERNMENT l SUSTAINABLE LAND
INSIGHT
Radio Tower Project Update Page 5 Voting in Orange County Page 3 State - of - the - Art Communications System Page 2
OCTOBER 2020
Ted Talk...
Happy Fall, and Welcome to the new Orange County Insight!
This newsletter is intended to keep employees, residents, businesses, and visitors to Orange County connected with their local government. With nearly 400 employees and over 37,000 residents, it can be a challenge to communicate across the many department and service locations of Orange County government. We hope to highlight the dy- namic activities of your local government as we work to improve the great quality of life we have here in Central Virginia. As this is my first “ Ted Talk, ” I want to first thank the Board of Supervisors and County staff for the warm welcome I received as I assumed the role of County Administrator in April. Admittedly, this has been the most unusual transition into a new organization that I have experienced in my 30 plus year career in local government. Meeting staff through Zoom is not ideal, and there are many who I have yet to meet as we emphasize social distancing and teleworking whenever possible. Nevertheless, I am proud of the efforts we have made to keep public services operating during the pandemic and the support we are providing to our businesses and nonprofit partners through CARES Act grants. I look forward to future issues of the Orange County Insight through which I plan to share more information about how Orange County is working to make a difference in people ’ s lives and to help us all learn a bit more about local government.
Ted Voorhees, Orange County Administrator
Photo Credit: The Market at Grelen
We ’ re Here For You
Click here to go to Orange County ’ s
Orange County Administration
Physical Address 112 W. Main Street Orange, VA 22960 Mailing Address P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960
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Phone: (540) 672 - 3313
Fax: (540) 672 - 1679
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Page | October 2020
State - of - the - Art Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system offers efficiency and safety benefits
Before Orange County Emergency Communications Center (OCECC) and the Sheriff ’ s Office consolidated, OCECC used two CAD systems, one for Fire/Rescue calls, and another for all law enforcement calls. With the new CAD, we are operating on one system, which facilitates information sharing. Mobile Data Computers (MDCs) allow responders to see what the dispatcher is adding to the call as the information is received.
A new feature that we are still incorporating into our operations, is the ability to receive pictures and location data from callers by sending them a link. For example, if a caller is somewhere on Route 20 near
a gas station, we can send them a link allowing them to send us a picture of the station, along with more accurate location data than is currently provided by 9 - 1 - 1. Another benefit is the ability to obtain National Crime Infor- mation Center information through the CAD system. No long- er must we change to a different computer for routine driver ’ s license and vehicle registration checks. In fact, the new system automatically runs these when they are added. We ’ ve also gained the ability to include photos in the Name Cards. The new CAD allows us to eliminate some of our paper - based systems. Previously, for tow truck requests, we had to
The Sheriff ’ s Office was using a 2001 Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System until August 2020. The new Central Square product con- nects law enforcement in the field to Dispatch and Fire/Rescue with live call for service information and a list of on - duty units. The upgrade to the modern Central Square Zuercher CAD/RMS has been a huge benefit to the deputy sher- iffs of this agency! Not only do deputies have active Mobile Data Terminals (MDT ’ s) in their vehicles for CAD infor- mation but it also allows them to complete and submit reports to both the Sheriff ’ s Office and DMV in Richmond in the case of traffic crash reports from their cars without the need to go to the Sheriff ’ s Office for report writing and submission . - Mike Lacasse, Chief Deputy Sheriff
consult a book showing who was next in the tow rotation. Central Square automates this log. We ’ re also using it to track livestock in the county! If you
see a cow in the road, we can quickly search a log in the system for the area and type of livestock and pull up the owner ’ s contact information.
Having a mapping system that is easy to update and connected to CAD is an amazing change. Our previ- ous system was a separate product which was end of life for a couple of years. We ’ re now able to see where the deputies are. When COFEMS gets their MDCs installed, we ’ ll be able to see them as well, maximizing situational awareness. This is great for responder safety, which is one of our chief duties as an emergency communications center.
Finally, one of our favorite features of the system is customizability. Not only can every dispatcher setup their screens to their preference, but we can easily make changes on the fly to suit our operations, and we are no longer restrained as we were with the previous system. We are still learning more features and we plan to use this new system to its fullest!
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The Office of Voter Registration and Elections is com- mitted to helping all eligible registered voters main- tain the ability to cast a ballot in the upcoming No- vember 3, 2020 General Election. All voters are en- couraged to check their registration infor- mation and formulate a plan for voting.
Early Voting:
The Commonwealth of Virginia does not require a reason to vote early. Citizens may cast ballots in person at the Registrar ’ s Office 146 N. Madison Road, Suite 204, Orange, VA 22960. Early voting will be offered at the Registrar ’ s Office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from September 18, 2020 through October 31, 2020. Additional hours will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020 and Saturday October 31, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. October 31, 2020 is the last day to vote early at the Registrar ’ s Office.
Vote by Mail:
Citizens may request an application to vote by mail by calling or emailing the Registrar ’ s Office or visiting https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation. The deadline to request a ballot by mail is Friday, October 23, 2020. The local election official must receive your request by 5:00 p.m. When your ballot arrives, read it carefully and follow the instructions to complete it and return it. Your ballot must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 3, 2020 and received no later than Friday, November 6, 2020 by 12:00 p.m. You may also return your ballot in person by Tuesday, November 3, 2020 by 7:00 p.m.
Vote in Person at your Polling Place:
All normal polling locations will be open on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you have questions about your polling place location, please contact the Registrar ’ s Office. To find your polling place see the list at the right or use the interactive polling locator.
More information:
View sample ballot here
View the Gordonsville sample ballot here
Track Your Mail - in Ballot
Contact the Office of Voter Registration and Elections: 540 - 672 - 5262 or by email: vote@orangecountyva.gov
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POLLING PLACES
District 1 West (101) Barboursville Fire House 5251 Spotswood Trail Barboursville, VA 22923 District 1 East (102) Gordonsville Fire House 301 East Baker Street Gordonsville, VA 22942
District 2 West (201) Lightfoot Elementary School 11360 Zachary Taylor Highway Unionville, VA 22567 District 2 East (202) Mine Run Fire Department 31077 Old Plank Road Locust Grove, VA 22508 District 3 West (301) Prospect Heights Middle School 202 Dailey Dr. Orange, VA 22960 District 3 East (302) Unionville Elementary School 10285 Zachary Taylor Highway Unionville, VA 22567 District 4 West (401) Locust Grove Primary School 31230 Constitution Highway Locust Grove, VA 22508 District 4 East (402) Locust Grove Middle School 6368 Flat Run Road Locust Grove, VA 22508
District 5 South (501) Lake of the Woods Club House
102 Lakeview Parkway Locust Grove, VA 22508
District 5 North (502) Lake of the Woods Community Center
110 Sweetbriar Park Road Locust Grove, VA 22508
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Photo Credit: Orange County Voter Registration & Elections
County reaches new heights with Harris P25 radio tower system In 2018 Orange County in consultation with Federal Engineering procured a modern Project 25 (P25) compliant Land Mobile Radio System resulting in a contract with L3Harris, valued at just over $8,000,000. The P25 Radio Project will enable the following groups to utilize cutting edge communication technology: Orange County E - 911 Center, Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office, Orange County Fire & EMS, Orange County volunteer fire and rescue companies, the Town of Orange Police Department, the Town of Gordonsville Police Department, the Lake of the Woods Security, and Orange County Public School Transportation and Administration personnel. The new system guarantees 95% coverage with portable radios on the hip and in the street in the county. The County ’ s current system provides approximately 17% coverage. The new system consists of five (5) greenfield tower sites at the Barboursville Collection Site, Mountain Track Road, Macon Road, Government Center Drive, and Wilderness Shores Way. In addition, the tower at Clark Mountain and a water tower at the intersection of Route 20 and Flat Run Road will also host P25 radio equipment. The majority of the towers are 195’ self - supporting structures with 20’ x 11’ shelters secured by fencing. The entire system is connected via a vast fiber and microwave network to ensure proper uptime and redundancies.
As of autumn, 2020, almost all of the tower sites have been constructed. Vehicle upfitting of patrol vehicles, medic units, fire apparatus, school buses, and other fleet components will take place in the winter of 2020 - 2021. Construction, testing, and cut over should be complete by early spring 2021.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors has committed to improving public safety technology through the P25 system, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) for response vehicles throughout the fleet. The combination of the P25 radio system, CAD and MDTs will enable our first responders to have access to real time information through text, voice, data, and maps to respond to all types of emergencies.
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Photo credit– L3Harris
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Courthouse and Clerk ’ s Office Renovations
The Historic Courthouse and Clerk ’ s Office have completed a multi - phased project to replace multiple roof sections, repair damaged gutter box and cornice sections, and seal and paint exterior walls. Additionally, extensive work was done to the Clerk ’ s office to repurpose the space as the new home for the Economic Development and Tourism Offices.
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A look at Economic Development and Tourism facility renovations
Welcome to the new Offices of Economic Development and Tourism! The building pictured below was the original clerk ’ s office for the adjacent courthouse. The inside of the building underwent a full restoration. The entryway pictured in the second photo to the right is the old vault door. Project contractors, Abby Construction, peeled away more than ten layers of paint from over the years to reveal the original black paint coat. The original antique wooden door was also preserved and refinished. Exteri- or renovations included a new roof, windows, doors, gutters and paint. The new office also includes a conference room to host the Economic Development Authority and other organizational meetings. The project took approximately three months from start to completion .
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Bounce Back Orange County Small Business Grant Accepts Applications
Applications are still being accepted for the second round of the Bounce Back Orange County Small Business Grant program, aimed to provide immediate relief to small business owners, private schools, and non - profits throughout the County impacted by the COVID - 19 pandemic. The Bounce Back Orange County Small Business Grant will offer forgivable grants up to $8,000 to qualified businesses and organizations and is funded using federal CARES Act funds. As in round one, Community Investment Collaborative (CIC), a non - profit organization will administer the program developed by Orange County. Interested business owners and organizations with zero (0) to one hundred (100) employees are encouraged to start the grant process immediately by completing the required online interest form at https://forms.gle/cRTNq8TaeqxnfCDv9. Staff will utilize the interest forms to communicate directly with businesses and organizations regarding the grant application. The grant application process opened on October 5, 2020 and will close on October 19, 2020 at 11:59 pm EST. For a full overview of the pro- gram, please go to https://www.thinkorangeva.com/covid19 - resources.
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Visit Orange County Tourism ’ s new website, now LIVE!
We ’ re pleased to invite you to visit our newly redesigned website! Whether you ’ re looking to stay the night, explore the area or attend an event, you ’ ll find memories for the making in Orange County.
Our adventures are suited to every pace, whether you ’ re traveling solo, or with a toddler in tow. Explore all Orange County has to offer through our interactive map where you can discover what ’ s located in each town or region. See touring tips for a family - friendly trip, or for a girls ’ weekend getaway.
So, what ’ s your next adventure? Rediscover how simply stunning Orange County is by visiting our website and planning your next day trip or overnight getaway.
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Photo credit :Orange County Tourism
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Citizens Ask...
Q: Where do I file my concealed weapons permit application?
A: Contact the Circuit Court Clerk ’ s Office at (540) 672 - 4030. For more information on the Clerk ’ s Office, visit their website: http://orangecountyva.gov/194/Circuit - Court.
Q: Who do I contact regarding a pothole in the road? A: The County of Orange does not have a department that maintains roads. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) would handle requests for road maintenance. Citizens can submit a work request by visiting the VDOT website: http://www.virginiadot.org/info/ citizenservices.asp. Q: Why did I reach the County Administrator ’ s Office when I tried to call Pizza Hut? A: While the County loves to know that citizens are eating local, the phone number for Pizza Hut is (540) 672 - 2747. The County Administration Office ’ s phone number is (540) 672 - 3313. Q: When I call back the number that comes up on my caller ID, they tell me they do not know who called me. How do I find out? A: (540) 672 - 3313 is the number that comes up on the caller ID for most outgoing calls for Orange County offices. Unfortunately, If the caller did not leave a message, we have no way of knowing who called you. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) has officially begun! Join us in spreading cybersecurity awareness and encourage everyone to own their role in protecting internet - connected devices. “ Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart. ” Visit cisa.gov/ncsam for more information. October is National Cybersecurity Month
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IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION
Personal Property & 2nd half Real Estate Taxes were mailed 10/1/20. Due on 12/7/20 penalty will be applied on 12/8/20.
How to pay:
• In person at 112 W. Main Street Orange VA 22960
• Mail to P.O. Box 469 Orange VA 22960 (payments postmarked by 12/07/20 will be accepted as on time)
By phone (844) 278 - 4361
•
• Dropbox located at 112 W Main Street Orange VA 22960
• Online go to www.orangecountyva.gov/396/Treasurer or for
real estate: click here or Personal Property: click here
Dawn Herndon, Treasurer | (540) 672 - 2656 | dherndon@orangecountyva.gov
T.J. Lettner Communications Officer Employment Date 3/28/2016
Get to know our staff... The Personnel File:
Communications Officer Saves Two Lives in One Day
Communication Officer, T.J. Lettner ’ s first CPR save was a 27 - year old female. T.J. provided telephonic CPR instructions until Orange Police arrived on scene and administered Narcan to the patient. His second save was for a choking one - month old baby. T.J. was very calm, directing the caller how to perform CPR on her infant. Soon, the baby could be heard crying, indicating that the baby was breathing. He reassured the caller and remained on the line until EMS arrived on scene. T.J. had other saves this year in March and August. He was nominated and awarded a Life Saving Award for similar acts last year. T.J. has lived in Gordonsville his entire life. Hobbies include spending time with
his family, playing video games, and hanging out with friends. He just celebrated one year of marriage to his wife Caroline. They have two children, Lillian (5) and Luke (3). T.J. would love to continue dispatching for Orange until he retires. He thanks his shift partners Justin, Christina, and Andrew who controlled his radio while he was on the phone. Orange County believes that it is important to recognize exemplary performance. Many times the work of the dispatcher goes unnoticed, or is considered ‘ part of the job ’. T.J. is a great asset to OCECC, and the county is fortunate to have this dedicated professional serving our first responders and citizens.
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Orange County Administration– Communications P.O. Box 111
112 W. Main Street, Orange, VA 22960
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Your new best friend is waiting at the The Orange County Animal Shelter
Lacey is our sweet and shy 3 year old Pit Bull gal. Lacey came to us from a neglectful situa- tion which broke her heart and trust. She was skinny, infested with fleas and intestinal para- sites when she arrived. She is slow and unsure with new people and situations. When first meeting she will tail tuck and slow sniff you, cowering when you pet her If you give her the time and patience the reward is watching her light up...come out of her shell, zoom around the yard/room and leap into your lap to cuddle. She has a big lovable heart and a very gentle side. She is smart and silly. She needs a home that will be 100% percent committed to a slow and steady approach while providing her with structure and love. Lacey has lived with other dogs, but as with all of our dog Adoptions a meet and greet is required for any dog com- panion she will be living with. Lacey is NOT a fan of cats at all!!!! Lacey is spayed, microchipped, is up to date on all necessary vaccines, She has been de- wormed, heartworm tested (negative) and has been put on monthly heartworm preven- tative as well as Flea/Tick preventative.
Visit us on Facebook See Adoptable Pets Here (540) 672 - 1124 Directions: 11362 Porter Road Orange VA 22960
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