Briefly… for Aug. 29-Sept. 11, 2013
Diascund Reservoir repairs announced
Spillway repairs are planned at Diascund Reservoir at the border of James City and New Kent County, beginning in the late spring or early summer of 2014.
During a routine inspection of the dam and spillway, Newport News Waterworks staff observed a problem with the concrete slabs that carry water downstream when the main spillway overflows. In order to inspect the area, Waterworks intentionally lowered the level of the reservoir and it will remain lowered for about two years to ensure the continued stability and safety of the dam. A second issue arose following Tropical Storm Andrea in June, which required the company to lower water levels even further.
Maintenance work is underway near the reservoir pumping station’s intake. Fish population and sterile grass carp should not be impacted.
During the span of time during repair operations, some boating access will be temporarily limited. Following the completion of work, the water level will be returned to the previous level of about 18 inches below full capacity (weather permitting).
The reservoir is maintained by Newport News Waterworks as part of its source water system. A state-owned public boat ramp is located at the reservoir.
“While this has some impact on recreation activities in the reservoir, the lower lake levels will encourage the growth of plants within the protective buffer surrounding the reservoir,” said Waterworks watershed property administrator Andrew Rich in a press release. “Diascund remains a beautiful part of the rural landscape and an important water source for the Lower Peninsula.”
Repair costs are currently unknown. Repairs are expected to last between nine to twelve months.
Project updates will be posted on Waterworks’ web site at www.nngov.com/waterworks.
December date set for bridge repairs
VDOT resident engineer Mike Cade announced to Charles City supervisors during the July 23 meeting that work on the Route 618 (Adkins Road) bridge at the border of New Kent and Charles City County would not commence until December. Once repairs begin, Cade expects the work to be completed within 3-6 months, targeting a spring 2014 completion.
When questioned by county supervisors, the VDOT representative said that the emergency bid process is still continuing, along with other inspections. Cade also informed supervisors that residents have been moving barriers and driving across the bridge, posing a hazard for workers. He concluded by saying the recommendation from inspectors was for no type of traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians, use the bridge in any way and if the matter continues, video surveillance may be used to identify those who trespass.
The bridge is one of three roadways that connect Charles City and New Kent counties. Drivers are instructed to use Route 155 (S. Courthouse Road) and Route 60 (Pocahontas Trail) as an alternative route. The bridge closed on May 23 after a thorough inspection revealed hidden corrosion. The entire deck and railings of the bridge will be replaced.
Duo arrested on credit card charges
Two individuals using stolen credit cards have been arrested by New Kent Sheriff’s Office after receiving a tip from a grocery store manager.
Alieu Mansaray, 29, of 11649 N. Shore Dr., Apt. 1, Reston, and Sallu Deen, 31, of 7706 Seans Terrace, Lanham, Md., were arrested on July 24. Each defendant was charged with four counts of credit card theft, four counts of conspiracy to commit credit card fraud, three counts of credit card fraud, and three counts of credit card forgery.
According to the police report, two male suspects attempted to purchase groceries from the Food Lion on Route 249 in Quinton. After three attempts to use credit cards came back as declined, store management was notified and made deputies aware of the alleged suspects and their vehicle. Deputies tracked the vehicle to the Food Lion on Route 60 in Bottoms Bridge and questioned the suspects. Authorities determined the suspects were in possession of several fraudulent cards. A search warrant was attained and more cards were discovered in the suspects’ vehicle. The credit cards were found to have actual stolen credit card numbers that were on the rear swipe bar that did not match the credit card number on the front of the card. Both Mansaray and Deen were being held without bond.
In an unrelated matter, Guy William Bilodeau, 53, of 3810 Ropers Church Road, Lanexa, was arrested on one count each of forcible sodomy, sexual battery, and carnal knowledge. On July 30, Bilodeau allegedly sexual assaulted a minor after receiving a report from witnesses. He was being held without bond.
NK authories seek info on break-ins
New Kent Sheriff’s Office is asking for county and local help from citizens on recent burglaries in the area.
On Aug. 9, a residence located at the 800 block of Dispatch Road in Quinton was burglarized. While forced entry appears, nothing seemed to be taken from the home.
On Aug. 12-13, a burglary occurred in the nighttime to early morning hours at Eltham Auto Clinic. Among stolen items include 40 inspection sticker books and cash. Evidence has been recovered from the scene and the incident may be related to others in surrounding jurisdictions.
If you or anybody you know has information in relation to these crimes, please call New Kent Sheriff’s Office at 966-9500, or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.