Chesterfield Observer

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‘Downtown’ project planned for Route 10, Courthouse - Chesterfield Observer

More than a decade after the 2008 recession thwarted the county government’s plans for a regional mall near the Route 10/288 interchange, a different type of project is poised to bring economic stimulus to the Dale District. A group of developers headed by Florida-based Dunphy Properties has applied to rezone 124 acres adjacent to the Chesterfield County courts building for […]

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Swift Creek important to Chesterfield County - Chesterfield Observer

Swift Creek is a beautiful and storied waterway. It thrives as both a natural and historic resource, a fluid artery of tranquility and hidden treasure. “Swift Creek is approximately 40 river miles,” says Weedon Cloe, senior water quality analyst for Chesterfield County Environmental Engineering. “It starts its journey at a small pond in Powhatan County and “crosses the county border […]

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What’s in a school’s name? - Chesterfield Observer

Editor’s note: This is part 2 of a story on how county schools received their names. To read part 1, visit www.chesterfieldobserver.com and search the archives. Page Dowdy/Chesterfield Observer The original Swift Creek school was located on what is now Hull Street Road and is currently home to an insurance company. Ever wondered who the namesake is for Marguerite Christian […]

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The stories behind how schools got their names - Chesterfield Observer

Editor’s note: This is part 1 of a two-part story on how county schools received their names. Additional schools will be included in part 2 in the Oct. 1 issue. Photo courtesy of Chesterfield County Public Schools Ever wondered who the namesake is for Marguerite Christian Elementary School? What about A.M. Davis or Chalkley? Looking at the county’s school names […]

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Famous murders in Chesterfield County - Chesterfield Observer

Famous murders in Chesterfield County By Diane Dallmeyer CONTRIBUTING WRITER Editor’s note: This is part 2 in a two-part story chronicling famous murders that have happened in the county’s history. Part 1 is available at www.chesterfieldobserver.com. Photo courtesy of Chesterfield Historical Society Newspaper clippings from 1911 show photos of victim Louise Beattie and her husband and murderer, Henry Beattie. "If […]

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The girl at table 10 - Chesterfield Observer

Crab Louie’s restaurant is known for its great seafood and cozy ambiance, but in paranormal circles, it’s famous for its ghosts. The building dates back to 1745, when two brothers from the Wooldridge family immigrated to the area from Scotland. They called their new home “Midlothian” since one brother was from the Scottish town of East Lothian and the other […]

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Digging up the past - Chesterfield Observer

Youths prepare for a kayaking trip at Dutch Gap.The lagoon at Dutch Gap Conservation Area may be tucked away off Coxendale Road in eastern Chesterfield County, but many local and out-of-town travelers still find their way back there to enjoy its treasures. Thick with forests, ships, wildlife and even a Great Blue Heron rookery, its peaceful beauty belies its rugged […]

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Special election voting underway in 4th District - Chesterfield Observer

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has called for a special election to be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21, to fill the 4th U.S. Congressional District seat left open by the passing of the late U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin. Because of 2020 Census redistricting, the 4th U.S. Congressional District lines in Chesterfield County changed last year. As a result, all registered Chesterfield County […]

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Napa Kitchen and Wine: California dreaming - Chesterfield Observer

Dennis Barbaro, owner of Napa Kitchen and Wine ASH DANIEL By any measure, Dennis Barbaro is a successful restaurateur. Fired from a dishwashing job on Long Island at 15, the New York native, bounced back into the business to establish a small empire that spans eight states, and includes one of the newest restaurants at Westchester Commons, Napa Kitchen and […]

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Five Minutes With… Dasha Kelly Hamilton - Chesterfield Observer

Writer, poet and storyteller On Feb. 19, the Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education will host Dasha Kelly Hamilton, a writer, poet and storyteller. She will present, “Makin’ Cake,” an original performance of poems and stories about race, class and equality in America. Q: How has your artistic journey shaped the “Makin’ Cake” show? In my 20s, I was […]