Brunswick Academy Varsity Soccer finished 4th in the VCC Conference. The Vikings hosted #5 seed KFS in the VCC quarterfinal game and lost out 2-1. They had a fantastic season and were coached by Sigmund Jones and Harrison Jamison.

L to R:Brady Burke- 2nd Team All-Conference, Nathan Love- 1st Team All-Conference, Berkeley Jones- 1st Team All-Conference, and Jacky Zhu-All-Academic

MOTORISTS URGED TO BE PATIENT AND DRIVE DISTRACTION FREE

RICHMOND – With Memorial Day weekend traffic on Virginia roadways expected to be close to 2019 numbers, being patient and alert are crucial for the safety of everyone on the road. Virginia State Police (VSP) is encouraging motorists to slow down, ditch distractions, buckle up and enjoy the holiday safely.

“Virginians need to make traffic safety a priority every day, and with a large number of travelers expected on the road this Memorial Day weekend, as traffic increases so should their vigilance and patience,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Memorial Day weekend is filled with celebrations, vacations, outdoor festivals and backyard cookouts, which is why we need all drivers to comply with posted speed limits, be patient and alert, buckle up, and never drive buzzed or drunk.”

Beginning Friday, May 27, 2022, VSP will join law enforcement around the country for Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E), a state-sponsored, national program intended to reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries due to impaired driving, speed and failing to wear a seat belt. The 2022 Memorial Day statistical counting period begins at 12:01 a.m. on May 27 and continues through midnight Monday, May 30, 2022. All available state police troopers and supervisors will be on patrol through the holiday weekend to help keep traffic moving safely and responsibly.

This year, the Memorial Day Operation C.A.R.E. initiative falls within the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign. This helps to further emphasize the lifesaving value of seat belts for every person in a vehicle.

During the 2021 Memorial Day Operation C.A.R.E. initiative, 15 people lost their lives in traffic crashes on Virginia roadways. During the combined Memorial Day C.A.R.E. initiative and the annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which ran from 12:01 a.m. May 24 through midnight May 31, Virginia troopers cited 5,553 speeders and 1,818 reckless drivers, and arrested 79 impaired drivers. In addition, 740 individuals were cited for seat belt violations and 281 felony arrests were made. Virginia State Police also assisted 2,302 disabled motorists.

With the increased patrols, VSP also reminds drivers of Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle stopped alongside the road. If unable to move over, then drivers are required to cautiously pass the emergency vehicle. The law also applies to workers in vehicles equipped with amber lights.

By: Martin Short, Lead Economic Development Specialist & Public Information Officer

Operating a small business comes with a lot of variables and considerations for the owner. Some business owners are challenged by having to wear so many hats, address internal challenges, and most importantly, win customers. These challenges often cause business owners to work in their business and not on it. When this happens, this often causes internal problems, it prevents acceleration and growth. Also, the owner ends up so engrossed in the internals that they lose sight of treating their business as a business. 

Here are some valuable best practices that can help make the road smooth.

1. When starting a new business, open a business bank account. Too many small business owners operate business income through their personal bank accounts.
2. Establish a comprehensive recordkeeping system. A comprehensive recordkeeping system will track all your income, expenses, and receipts. 
3. Learn the requirements and expectations of the IRS.

Operating a business involves keeping good financial records and complying with local, state, and federal laws. In addition, this practice can be of great benefit when applying for a loan. Clarity of records helps the loan officer and underwriters assess your application and repayment capacity. Most importantly, a financial system will enable you to look at your business immediately and tell you about the business’s financial health. 

The IRS offers assistance for small business owners relating to business compliance matters. Connecting with the IRS and learning their requirements can save you a lot of time and trouble. In addition, the SBA offers a dynamic learning platform to help understand basic business practices. Also, the SBA offers business technical assistance through a variety of resource partners. One can access resource partners near them by utilizing local assistance on the SBA’s website.

Keep in mind, that your business is a separate entity from you, therefore treat your business as a business. Visit the SBA-VA Richmond District Office to learn more about workshops and learning opportunities at www.sba.gov/va.