(The Culpeper Train Depot at the end of historic E. Davis Street. Photo Clarion-Bugle).

There has been a major shakeup in the publishing world down in rural Culpeper where I am increasingly spending my discretionary time. The Weekly Citizen was sold to Rappahannock Media, owner of the Rappahannock News. We are very cosmopolitan there- two newspapers. The other one- the Clarion-Bugle, is more hard-hitting in coverage, with the whole first section devoted to local affairs. I view them sort of like the Washington Post and the Washington Times.

I collected the editions that had piled up in the box out by the road, and the other one, the Advertiser, which is exactly that, and comes in a little pink plastic bag, since they are thrown in the general vicinity of the end of the driveway.

I curled up to catch up on the local news, and was not disappointed.

Blue Ridge Produce- Empty Warehouse is Good News!

Ole Country Store and Bakery on Route 29 is burgeoning!

Old House Winery off Rt 3- great tastings and fine vintages!

Culpeper Police promote three for duty, honor, valor and courage.

Culpeper County Sheriff stands by decision to obtain an armored vehicle.

Former Mayor found guilty of sexual battery charge!

That one I had to read in detail. It involved a Christmas- hold on, can’t say that anymore- Holiday Party in which an extended hug left the hug-ee uncomfortable. The hug was reported to have lasted seven to ten seconds. The result was a suspended ten-day jail term and a fine of $2,500 was levied against the former mayor.

I marveled at the rates- that is $250 a second for the embrace. I am definitely opposed to groping or unwanted physical contact- it is just wrong. But I never saw it quantified before in dollars and cents.

So don’t tell me we don’t have stuff going on down at the farm. I can’t wait to get back. No hugs, though. I have a limited entertainment budget these days, and I don’t want them to have to deploy the armored vehicles to collect the fines.

Copyright 2014 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com
Twitter: @jayare303