BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE PUNGO — Before he retired as a master police officer with a unique specialty, Chuck Lauchner spoke about his boyhood back when you didn’t have to look all that hard to find a farm in Virginia Beach. There… Continue Reading
Ed. note — The Independent News asked candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to the 81st Virginia House District in the Tuesday, June 13, primary to answer questions about a range of issues. The following responses initially appeared in print on Friday, May 26.… Continue Reading
Ed. note — This column ran in print shortly before the 34th annual Pungo Strawberry Festival. BY DAVID TRIMMER VIRGINIA BEACH — It is a great time of year as we approach Memorial Day. Our daylight grows by the day, the agriculture… Continue Reading
BY JANE BLOODWORTH ROWE VIRGINIA BEACH — Southern Virginia Beach marks the arrival of spring by the ripening strawberries, and locals celebrate the season by hitting the fields with buckets and baskets in hand. Many pick pounds at a… Continue Reading
Ed. note — This story originally ran in the June 10, 2016, print edition of The Independent News. THE INDEPENDENT NEWS PUNGO — The taco shell is made from a waffle cone, and what fills it is sweet – fresh local strawberries,… Continue Reading
Ed. Note – The following is adapted from remarks during the Thursday, May 11, press conference announcing this year’s dignitaries and the theme for the 34th annual Pungo Strawberry Festival, Friday, May 26, through Sunday, May 28, in “downtown” Pungo. … Continue Reading
THE INDEPENDENT NEWS PUNGO – The second episode of PAINCast, an occasional podcast of The Independent News, features Toni Guagenti, author of a 100 Things to Do in Virginia Beach Before You Die. Guagenti serves as media manager for Mayor… Continue Reading
Ed. note — This story originally ran in the June 10, 2016, print edition of The Independent News. BY VENI FIELDS PUNGO — Brad Keithly’s hands were trembling slightly as he walked up a set of metal stairs and leaned into the… Continue Reading
BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE PUNGO – Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Frank Davis started participating in the Pungo Strawberry Festival, including overseeing parking, back in 2002 – about a year after the retired Navy master chief joined the sheriff’s office, initially… Continue Reading
THE INDEPENDENT NEWS PUNGO — Police accused a delivery truck driver of involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence following a crash on Indian River Road on Friday, May 19, that left a woman dead and another woman critically injured.… Continue Reading