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| In the News |
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Mother and son are victims of robbery Police are looking for two suspects after a robbery in James City last night. The incident took place at the Burnt Ordinary apartment complex where four men intruded on a mother and her 7-year-old son. Police say no one was injured, but the child was held at gunpoint and the suspects escaped with approximately $3,000. The robbers drove away from the scene firing gunshots, which alerted police in the area. Police chased the suspects until their car crashed in a cornfield where two of the men were caught. It is not yet clear why the men chose to rob the occupants of the apartment. According to police, the victims and suspects were acquaintances. 17-year-old boy saves a life Saturday was not just another day at work for Jon Tesseo. Quick thinking and bravery allowed this 17-year-old sales clerk to help save the life of Lani Reynolds. After running an errand that morning, two boys confronted Tesseo screaming; “Get an ambulance. A train hit somebody.” Tesseo informed the boys he knew first aid and asked them to lead him to the scene. Once he arrived at the scene, Tesseo saw a girl sitting on the trestle. An Amtrak train, the Colonial, headed towards Washington had just hit Reynolds. Tesseo admits he didn’t see anything wrong until the girl said her leg hurt. He then noticed one of her legs was gone. Tesseo sent the two boys for help and began trying to console Reynolds as he administered first aid. “Pretend you’re in Bermuda. You’re sitting on the beach soaking up the sun,” said Tesseo as he lifted the girl’s thigh up to help stop the bleeding. Soon after, the ambulance and police arrived, but the Reynolds asked Tesseo to stay. He remained and rode with her in the ambulance holding her hand until they were at the hospital. After Reynolds was taken away for surgery, Tesseo began walking to a friends house. During the walk he remembered about what the ambulance attendant told him on the way to the hospital. Because Reynolds had lost so much blood, the attendant thought the girl would not make it. Remembering this made Tesseo sick, and he felt as though he didn’t do enough. Despite Tesseo’s feelings his actions were highly commended by Reynolds' parents. They were glad someone was there to save their daughter.Power Plant project…trip to Korea …Is the city of Hampton attempting to spend money that it does not have? This was the main concern of Hampton residents on Wednesday, March 28, 2001, at the Hampton City Council meeting. Citizens spoke passionately on recent developments in Hampton, and how they will affect those who live there. In voicing their opinions on these issues, residents accused Hampton Council members of wasting taxpayers’ money on frivolous spending. According to Council members, the Power Plant will be the home to a variety of retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots, which are expected to bring in more money to the city. However, residents say the building project requires money that Hampton does not have. In an update on this project, John Bates, counselor for the city of Hampton and the Industrial Development Authority, indicated that the Lowes store was under construction and is expected to be complete in July. The city is now trying to make all the necessary land acquisitions to make roads for this center. Of the $11 million allocated to the development of roads for the project, $10 million has already been spent, and there are still five parcels to obtain. The city hopes that the remaining $ 1 million will cover the costs of these further acquisitions. Following Bates’ brief update on the Power Plant, concerned citizen, Frank Ottoferro Jr. argued over the amount of money being spent for this project. During his presentation to the Council members, Ottoferro said that too much of taxpayers money is being spent on retail and amusement purposes. “This city’s $129 million venture will go way out of control,” said Ottoferro in describing the Power Plant project, “We are looking at a giant money pit.” After her had exhausted his time on the issue, Ottoferro continued to express his discontent by acknowledging past projects similar to the Power Plant that were now empty stores as well as the Council member’s scheduled trip to Korea. Another speaker supported the project and defended the closing of past complexes by reminding the audience that economic trends and population shift over a period of time. Like the Council members, despite past developments, some citizens feel this project will definitely increase the prosperity of the community and see it as a worthy investment. Also discussed was the Council member’s trip to Korea. George Wallace, city manager, gave an update on this topic, and Council members stated that it might not be necessary for all members to go to their sister city’s festival. Instead, it was suggested that the city send a few representatives to Korea, which would of course cut down on costs.
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