Trust me. It will be interesting.

-From your new author

Folks, I’m tired. This blog was a fun experience, but life is preventing me from doing as much as I would like.

If anyone wants to take over, let me know. Otherwise this blog will go bye bye by the new year.

Thanks for all the fun and fish.

I am amazed that El Rodeo finally got to open there after trying since the beginning. One of the people working there told me it was town regulations making them change everything that caused the delay. I don’t know if that is the case; what business owner thinks the approval process goes smoothly?

So what is next for First & Main?

Well, another business is leaving, but moving across the street. Clix is leaving and heading over to the former Nanosonic location.

So Blacksburg Town Council, let me ask you this. What are you going to do about it? In all fairness, not all of you were on council when this debacle started and the main anti-big-boxer will not be on council at the beginning of the year. However, when downtown was floundering, you formed a revitalization committee. You came up with slogans. You did everything to save downtown. It seems to be working. So what are you going to do to fix the mess that has been created with First & Main? Don’t give me the “it is not what was presented to us” nonsense. It is what it is. You are so busy trying to get VT to pay taxes, but focus on bringing in more revenue. Repeal that asinine 1450 thing or whatever it is now. Or make it less restrictive. RECRUIT! Wal-Mart may be undesirable, but what about Kohl’s? Target? Some place where the average person can get underwear, kids clothes, shoes and more without having to spend a small fortune.

So what will it be Council?

And a special thanks to John B, one council member who always takes the time to get involved in the debate.

Downtown Blacksburg’s new Live Local campaign reminded me that I had planned on posting about great local restaurants in Blacksburg. Although I do not shop local because there is nothing local in Blacksburg I can afford that works for my needs, I do eat local. So here are some of my favorite places to go. And yes, some Blacksburg restaurants are not included because either they are a major chain or IMHO, suck.

In no particular order.

Cafe Mekong
1405 South Main Street, (540) 953 – 2838

One of the newest places in Blacksburg, it serves Thai and Vietnamese food. The food is great and really fills a much needed hole for those who love Thai food. They are still working on their full menu and have limited selections right now. Get there before the lunch rush, it’s a small place with limited seating. And not only is the food great, the price is right! YUM!

Boudreaux’s Restaurant
205 North Main Street, (540) 961-2330

If ya like Cajun, you’ll love Boudreaux’s. Their breakfast is amazing as well as the pecan pie. Allow yourself time though. Service is a little slow.

The Cellar Restaurant
302 North Main Street, (540) 953-0651

The Cellar has been a staple for decades in Blacksburg. Their pita pizza is great and they have recently expanded to include selling beer! Old school Burgians love The Cellar and it is a must try for anyone living in Blacksburg.

Backstreets Restaurant
207 South Main Street, (540) 953-0053

I only put them on here for their great lunch buffet. Otherwise it’s not all that.

Zeppoli’s
810 University City, (540) 953-2000

This is a great place to take visitors for upscale Italian food. Their wine selection is amazing. However, it is a small restaurant, so it’s not great for large groups.

Bull and Bones
1470 South Main Street, First & Main, (540) 953-2855

People give mixed reviews. I love it. The food is good and the beer is brewed there. Wings are excellent as well as the ribs. Try their soup of the day – no matter what it is! Monday is Tech Talk Live at the restaurant.

Sal’s
1440 South Main Street, First & Main, (540) 953-4040

What can I say? The owners are amazing and come out to check on diners during their meal. Kids can get dough to play with to keep them busy while the chefs take their time to prepare you an awesome meal. If you choose to get one of the specials, check the prices first. The pizza is great and the specials can vary from lamb to even rabbit!

Sake House
1560 South Main Street, First & Main, (540) 951-0068

Best Japanese hands down. Monday night is dollar sushi night (cash only) and an inexpensive way to try different flavors. For the non-sushi crowd, there is the typical tempura, katsu and teriyaki dishes as well as yakiudon! The servers are friendly. Lunch offerings include Bento boxes!

Frosty Parrot
125 North Main Street

For dessert, head over to the Frosty Parrot for a frozen yogurt treat. Choose your own flavor and add your own toppings. Pay for the weight. You can make it as healthy or unhealthy as you like!

India Garden
210 Prices Fork Road, (540) 951-5100

Never tried Indian? Come to their lunch buffet. Food on the buffet is mild and great for the first timer. They have added a bar and evening entertainment.

Mike’s Grill
418 North Main Street, (540) 951-7391

You’ve lived here how long and have never been? Unless you are a vegetarian, there is no excuse. Best burgers in town. Largest burgers in town!

Next Door Bake Shop
460 Turner Street, NW, #204 (540) 951-BAKE

Great soups! Warms you up on a cold day. Sandwiches and lots of yummy treats!

PK’s Restaurant
432-B N. Main Street, (540) 552-1577

Service can be slow, but the food is good. Pizza, sandwiches and more. Come early on Thursday night and do the Tijuana toss. Order a one topping pizza and at the end of the meal, the server will flip a coin. If you choose the right side of the coin, you get your pizza free!

Souvlaki
201 College Avenue, (540) 951-0555

Greek food at its best. Another Blacksburg staple. Tiny restaurant, looks like a dive, but I find that most dives have the best food. Get a gyro and peel it, don’t unwrap it. Check out the gravestones in the window during football season.

Log Cabin BBQ
781 University City Boulevard, (540) 951-3227

If it’s smokey BBQ you are craving, then head on over to Log Cabin. Finger lickin’ good!

Sycamore Deli
211 Draper Road, (540) 951-9817

Don’t let the scary steps down or the dive atmosphere fool you. They have the BEST SUBS in Blacksburg. Amazing choices and for the beer fan, lots of beer deals in the evening. Even VT football player Eddie Royal loved it. He has a sandwich named after him.

Abbys
1001 North Main Street, (540) 953-0100

Comfort food at its best. Also a dive atmosphere. Sense a theme? Thursday is meatloaf special day. Come with an empty stomach and leave quite comforted.

Edited to add:
John B. correctly pointed out that I left out Our Daily Bread (1329 South Main Street, 540-953-2815). Great choices, soups, sandwiches and yummy pastries! That also reminded me that I left out a HUGE Blacksburg staple – Carol Lee Donuts (1414 North Main Street, 552-6706). Their donuts are sinfully good. At one time they made amazing cakes as well, but the cake maker has since retired. Anyway, they are so irresistible that all locals have to see is that white box with Carol Lee’s name and address stamped on it and the contents of that box are devoured in no time!

Dear Chris, Bill, Mary and Matt,
It’s nice to see a couple of newbies on the board. With new faces needs to come new ideas. Yes, you represent a particular district in Montgomery County, but remember that Mont Co is more than just Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Times are changing and so are the ways we communicate. Embrace new technology and let the sun shine on your meetings.

Dear Penny, Wendell, Joe and Sarah,
You guys have had a rough time of it the past couple of years with schools falling apart and budgeting. Once again remember that Mont Co is more than just Blacksburg and Christiansburg. How about televising your meetings or streaming them so people can watch them at home? You also need to let a little more sun shine in on your proceedings.

Dear Helen and Richard,
You guys don’t have much to improve on. All I ask is that you look into electronic payments.

Dear Tommy,
It was a harsh race, and honestly, I didn’t vote for you. But you won by A LOT, so people must think you are doing a good job. I think though you need to be more open about the goings on in the sheriff’s office. Let people enjoy their first amendment rights when people speak ill of the department. And when something major happens – an inmate escaping, a double murder – let the citizens know as much as you can without hindering the investigation. You really need to work on the communications thing.

Dear Brad,
Keep on keeping on.

Dear John, Leslie and Michael,
John and Leslie – first let me say that when you guys were first elected, I was thinking “here we go again.” Well, I may not agree with your decisions, but I know that you do not make them lightly or follow in lockstep with certain special interest groups. Although I  know I will roll my eyes at some of your decisions, I know that you made them intelligently. I honestly have a lot of respect for you.
Michael – I preferred another candidate. Not to say anything negative about you, just more positive about him. However, that being said, I am glad to have someone with closer ties to the student community. I know certain special interest groups backed you. I hope however that you will think for yourself on council and not follow their every need and desire.
To all three – please, work with businesses who want to settle here – no matter what their size or name. To this day, I swear if it was not Wal-Mart that wanted to come in, but a business like Costco or Whole Foods who have a tendency to be more liberal politically, then Ordinance 1450 never would have been an issue. I am not saying we should allow anyone who wants to come in to Blacksburg do business, but it would be nice to be able to go shopping somewhere in town to get underwear, clothes for normal people, children’s clothes, etc without having to go to a thrift store or spending an entire paycheck. And it doesn’t take a business task force to see why Blacksburg has that anti-business reputation.

To Michael, Henry and Jim,
Christiansburg is getting there. You guys are becoming more transparent and that is awesome. I hope by you remaining on council that you will continue to work on being more open. The only thing I ask is that you try to bring down the good old boy network. Just because things have always been done a certain way, doesn’t mean it should continue to be so.

Dear John Edwards,
Remember that you represent more than Blacksburg.

Dear Joseph Yost,
I am ecstatic that you won. Believe me. But here is a little lecture for you. The GOP in the NRV sucks at marketing and public relations. Why you never showed up for a debate is beyond comprehension. You didn’t win because of who YOU are but because of what your opponent represents – anti-business, fair wage, etc. He is one of the main reasons First & Main is failing. He is immature and lacks respect for anyone who cannot help him push his agenda. Hell, I could have won against him, but you only won by just under 600 votes. So you need to work your tail off in the House of Delegates to reassure reelection. Be open and transparent. And my message to you is a little different than the others – don’t forget that Blacksburg is in  your district. Blacksburg has a reputation for being elitist, (perhaps another reason why Don did not win). However, just because the elected officials have that reputation does not mean its citizens are elitist. Represent your entire district and do them proud.

Salem v. Blacksburg
It is well known that Blacksburg does not have a great football team. So when Salem came into town to play, we knew it would be a blowout. At the half, Salem was one point away from the mercy rule (when a team is a certain amount of points ahead of the other, the clock does not stop to keep the game from dragging out). Despite the insane score, Salem kept their starters in the whole game (why not let them rest) and ran up the score even more. Salem took some cheap late hits. At the end of the game, despite pleas from the announcer, the Salem fans stood on the muddy field. The announcer kept asking people to get off the field to help preserve it, but no one would listen.

Christiansburg v. Blacksburg
Coming off a tough loss and without their star quarterback, Christiansburg came to play Blacksburg. They made some dumb plays in the first half and were up by 7 at halftime. In the second half, they turned on the jets and took control. They never were leading enough to have the mercy rule enacted, but they put in second and third stringers to rest their players for the playoffs. They didn’t try to run up the score. After the game, the team went into the middle of the field and huddled together. No antics. No nasty hits or unnecessary plays.

And Blacksburg? They may be bad, but they are small and never give up.

Glad to see good sportsmanship in Montgomery County Schools.

There are five candidates running for Town Council:
John Bush (I)
Leslie Hager-Smith (I)
Mel Huber
Paul Lancaster
Michael Sutphin

Citizen’s First endorsed Bush, Hager-Smith and Sutphin, which are reasons NOT to want them on Council. However, here are the three I support and why: Bush, Hager-Smith and Lancaster.

I have met Mel Huber and he is a GREAT guy. Don’t get me wrong. Blacksburg would benefit from him on Council. Michael Sutphin is a little too much BURG for my taste.

However, despite what I think of the political leanings of Bush and Hager-Smith, they have shown to LISTEN. Get that? LISTEN to citizens and what they have to say. They are very active in their positions and actually care and show they care about Blacksburg. Neither shy away from debate with those who disagree with them. They really try to understand both sides of an issue.

Lancaster has always been one of my favorites in Council. He was voted out a few years ago because he dared to call out the BURG people on their behavior. That’s why I like him. He does not put up with crap and actually looks at the issue instead of following in lockstep with the small interest group du jour.

So there you have it. Oh, and vote Yost.

Now, once in a while, you get a sicko who likes to post naughty pictures and other things that do not belong in that forum and people will “flag” the post and the post will be deleted by Craigslist.

The problem lately is that a lot of legitimate posts have been flagged and most of the ones flagged seem to have a common theme – they criticize the current sheriff of Montgomery County.

I am not one to normally think that someone in government checks the rants every day and then flags any negative comments on their organization. However, while there are many posts about Norman Croy (I) (some got a bit off topic, but still used his name in the title), the ones about Sheriff Tommy Whitt (D) seem to disappear.

Now this one was posted once and then deleted. The original poster was smart enough to copy what he said and repost. I don’t know if the MCSO flagger missed this one or what, but it was reposted. This post was in response to someone asking about the Sheriff’s race and who was running. Here is the content:

It’s a three horse race: The incumbent Whitt, Norman Croy, and George Jackson.

Whitt is the incumbent. Rarely seen by citizens. Has had many issues in the Sheriff’s office, most notably letting William Morva get away and kill a fellow officer. Morva was locked up for armed bank robbery and he allowed one overweight deputy to take him to the hospital for a fake condition. He escaped after going to the restroom. Poor transportation policy if you ask me. Transporting known criminals is serious stuff and shouldn’t just be shoved in the back of a squad car like the drunk yo pick up at night.

He also doesn’t run the Sherriff’s office very well. County Mounties have the reputation for not returning calls, overall lack of professionalism, lots of nepotism and political gamesmanship. Personally, I think it’s time for a change.

Norman Croy- Life long cop. Also a figher fighter. Had a fall out with the sheriff and retired. Something’s wrong when a 30 yr veteran of the dept gets treated like that. Croy was born and raised here and knows a lot of people. Very respectful and knows his stuff. He’ll need a good organizer as top deputy so he can be out in the community. Organization isn’t his high point, but others can do that for you. Is a very fair man and one of the few who follow the rules and does what’s right. Would make a good sheriff.

George Jackson- Currently a VT officer. Bounced around a couple of law enforcement jobs. Seems to be doing the best job campaigning vs the others. His signs & etc are everywhere, as well as his flyers. Has a website and a Facebook page. Certainly the most up-to-date guy technology wise. The youngest of the three by far. Was in the military. Not sure he has enough overall law enforcement experience to be the ‘top cop” in MC. But, I think he’d make a decent sheriff.

I really wish these guys would have a debate. This is one of the most important local races a county can have.

Good luck to candidates two and three.

Pretty straight forward. Then came another post, which was flagged within a couple of hours. I am going to post it after I say a couple of things because it is long and I am going to end this blog post with it. I have no inside knowledge of the MCSO. Whereas I do not agree with this poster (whose name I removed) with the mention of the VT shooting under his watch, I have often wondered how he was reelected after Morva escaped and why nothing much has been accomplished with the Caldwell Fields double murder. So here is the post and you can take it for what it’s worth:

Wow! I just have to jump in on this. My name is [redacted]. People say I’m a little bit crazy and I say “Yep, its PTSD and I was normal at one time when I was a cop.” Now I’m just an ex-cop with a law degree. I didnt pass the Virginia Bar so I dont practice law but what I do now is more rewarding than being a lawyer or a cop. I am a hospice C.N.A. and I help people die at home with love, dignity, compassion and respect. God does know what He is doing afterall.

I support Norman Croy for sheriff of our county. I, and my family, have known Norman and his family for over 50 years. We have watched him age like us and serve our county through the sheriff’s department and fire department. This man has given his entire life serving us residents in MOCO and has always had the dream of being sheriff someday. I was a patrol officer on Blacksburg P.D. 20 years ago and worked alongside both Tommy Whitt and Norman Croy. I considered both of them to be my friends until recently when Tommy “unfriended” me for being an American with freedoms such as supporting a candidate other than himself. When he found out that I was going to support Norman for sheriff he quit talking to me. I even sent him a “Good Luck” card with a $25.00 campaign donation but never ever got a “thank you” or a phone call. Oh, well, that shows what kind of character he has now.

Let me tell you the story as I see it…..

I worked on both of Tommy’s campaigns in the past. He was originally going to stay for two terms in the sheriff’s department and retire. Norman Croy had planned to run for sheriff after Tommy’s terms were up but then the rules changed….Tommy decided he was going to run again! Norman was devestated and told Tommy HE was going to run for sheriff. Tommy wouldnt have any such thing happen and because Norman was his subordinate there was something he could do about it. Tommy began to “go after” Norman and make sure he would be forced to resign over SOMETHING one way or another. He was also going to make sure there would be some “trash” about Norman to make sure he didnt run for sheriff. Well, it worked…Tommy accomplished his smear campaign against Norman and Norman retired to avoid a nasty battle that would have embarrassed the whole sheriff’s department.

I, too, have heard rumors about ALL three of the candidates. None of them are perfect BUT I have lost all respect for Sheriff Whitt over the way he has treated me, as a resident & taxpayer of this county. He cant intimidate people and threaten people into submission to support him. There are rumors that he has a drinking problem (like most old cops do), financial problems (like most cops do), and has even hit his wife in the past (like alot of cops end up doing). Since everybody is “hush-hush” about the allegations I take that as an admission.

I am very concerned about the complacency that has developed with Sheriff Whitt and his attitude. He is arrogant, ignorant, and big headed now. He thinks he is an untouchable and as a taxpayer that has pissed me off.

Many things have happened like Eric Sutphin’s & Derrick McFarlan’s deaths. That happened as a direct result of HIS decision making policies…he was the man in charge to allow that transport to take place. He may somehow feel some sense of responsibility and needs to purge that by being elected and forgiven by the voters. Most recently I heard that he had been drinking and showed up at the scene of the fatal shooting down on Ellett Road and got his cruiser stuck in a ditch. A fellow officer pulled him out of the ditch and sent him home before the State Police got there and saw his condition. He couldnt be seen by the media or press making a statement either…..strange, very strange. Many things like this have happened and we, the public, havent heard because of cover ups.

Alot has happened under Tommy’s watch….the VT Massacre, Caldwell Fields, Sutphin & McFarland, shootings, etc. and I think the man is worn and ready to go….HE needs to go but just cant face up to it. As an ex-cop myself I can recognize the burn-out in him but just dont know why others who work in the sheriff’s department dont? Well, that easy FEAR. They are afraid to stand up and speak out about his misconduct because they will lose their job.

The bottom line is Norman Croy has worked for this opportunity his whole life. He has dreamed of it and counted on it. He has served our community as a deputy, firefighter, and baseball umpire. He has raised five sons as decent young men to carry on serving our community in the future. He has done his time and is the best overall qualified candidate to take over as sheriff. He is a man of his word and loves our county. He is running as an Independent but has Conservative values…GOD, LIFE, & LIBERTY is what makes up this man.

George Jackson is a nice guy but is a “Campus Cop” and that is where he belongs. He doesnt know the first thing about wearing brown.

Bottom Line…..Sheriff Whitt NEEDS to retire and Norman deserves a chance.

Anyone else surprised that when Christiansburg town council was to vote on the next town manager they tabled it?

Me neither.

Now Barry may be a great guy and maybe even be a great manager, but come on folks, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone from OUTSIDE Christiansburg to maybe shake things up some?

Dear poster,

You said in your post Blacksburg is destroying a 1960 era structure.

“Blacksburg” is not “destroying” the building. The County is demolishing it.

Christiansburg is restoring the 1920 Virginia Inn building with tax credits

If you would take the time to look across the street from the middle school, you will see the Blacksburg Motor Company building (circa 1920s) which was restored with tax credits. And the Five Chimneys building which was built in the 1850s and now a government office is a block away. Head up Jackson and you will see the Old Town Hall also a government building. Then there is the circa 1920s house by Wong Park which hold government offices. And the Alexander Black House, which is in the process of being restored.

a 1960 era structure makes little sense

Although it was built in 1960, the building was a health hazard. Pay attention.

Now you know that I am not one to always spew compliments to our local governments, so let me add this:

However, dear poster, I will give you this, if the OBMS had not become the subject of a pissing match between the County, the School Board and Blacksburg, it may not have ended up in the shape it was in! The plans Modea and others have for the land could still be used, but the building could have been saved or better yet, used as a temporary high school. But that requires elected officials to put egos aside and think of the big picture.

Anyway, that is to educate you some. Maybe if you get educated enough, you can vote this November and make a change for decrepit buildings. Or the children. Or for the environment. Or the chickens.