Briefly… for Nov. 21-Dec. 4, 2013

Dogwood Classic set for April 5

A day of world class steeplechase racing and trackside tailgating will return to Colonial Downs on Saturday, Apr. 5, as the second annual Dogwood Classic helps usher in the area’s spring outdoor festival season.

The ’14 Dogwood Classic will play host to a day of National Steeplechase association (NSA) sanctioned jump races held over the Secretariat Turf Course, all while vehicle tailgating takes place on the 1 1/4 mile dirt track, which is positioned just outside of the turf course.

Reserved vehicle tailgating spaces are $200 for a spot along the home stretch, or $125 for a spot along the backstretch and in both turns. That price also includes six Dogwood Classic admission tickets to be used by the purchaser and their passengers. Additional friends that want to join a tailgate can purchase a general admission ticket for 410. A $15 parking fee for the general lot will be in effect, so fans are advised to carpool.

This year’s tailgate decor theme is based around the Dogwood Classic theme, which will be announced soon. There will be “best of” competitions in categories like tailgate decor, fancy hats, and men’s and women’s themed attire.

Reserved tailgating spots and general admission tickets will be available starting Monday, Nov. 18 and will go on sale to the general public on Monday, Nov. 25. Tailgate spaces and tickets can be purchased at www.dogwoodclassic.com or by calling 966-7223, ext. 1033.

Intersection review study underway

Recent accidents at the intersection of Route 612 (Airport Road) and Route 249 (New Kent Highway) prompted New Kent supervisors during their Nov. 13 meeting to ask for an acceleration of a project to reduce speed and make the connecting point safer.

District 1 supervisor Thomas Evelyn asked VDOT resdiency engineer Mike Cade the status of the project and the possibility of accelerating it due to recent events at the intersection, including a three car crash that sent a dozen people to the hospital.

Cade responded that even if the project is sped up, the roadblock would lie with moving utilities, an area that VDOT doesn’t have any authority over. Cade mentioned that studies have been ongoing at the intersection, including the possibility of a roundabout and rumble strips.

For now, the stop signs will be replaced with bigger sizes, according to the VDOT representative. Cade also told supervisors that real estate signs affect the line of vision and efforts to remove them haven’t been successful, as more signs are placed there the following day. He also advised that the board does have a legal right to pursue litigation if the signs continue to be placed in the sightline.

The intersection is part of New Kent’s six-year secondary plan, with a projected date of July 2014 to have a solution in place.

CC man receives more indictments

A Charles City man has received two additional indictments from Charles City Circuit Court.

David Yates Sr., 45, formerly of the 4500 block of Rockinghorse Lane, received two indictments of grand larceny during the Nov. 12 proceedings. According to the indictment, Yates allegedly burglarized residences on Rockinghorse Lane and Haupt’s Lane.