
What’s in a Name?
Ben Hur is a small, unincorporated community in Lee County that was named for the 1880 novel, “Ben-Hur: a Tale of the Christ,” written by former Union General Lew Wallace.
Neighborhood

Getting Wild in Southern Maryland
New national wildlife refuge dedicated in Charles County March 2025 by Gregg MacDonald, Staff Writer If you’re a northern long-eared bat or a dwarf wedgemussel residing in Southern Maryland, your life may have just improved. On Dec. 13, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife...

Couch Potatoes
Some dogs have it “RUFF!”

Send Us Your Letters
We welcome signed letters of less than 250 words. using the form at the bottom of the page e-mail to:[email protected]. mail to: Mailbag, P.O. Box 2340, Glen Allen, VA 230584-230. We reserve the right to edit for grammar, style and length, with a 250-word...
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Drones Over Opie
Mecklenburg County farm uses aerial technology to save time and money March 2025 by Michelle Greene Dean, The Delmarva Farmer In rural Southside Virginia, it’s rare to see a drone dropping cover crop seed on a field of soybeans, especially when they are already...

Testing Your Energy IQ
Intelligent insights about buying smart appliances January-February 2025 by Scott Flood, Contributing Columnist This time of year, retailers start trumpeting deep discounts on home appliances. That’s great if you’ve considered replacing some of your home’s tired...

Beep, Beep!
Low-speed electric vehicles are an alternative to full-size models October 2024 story courtesy of Brandpoint Spend a few days in a waterfront town, vacation destination or a golf community, and you’ll likely see a surge of low-speed electric vehicles on neighborhood...

Prepared for Fun
Taking the stress out of winter travel story January-February 2025 courtesy of Family Features While there’s plenty to appreciate about winter travel, including picturesque scenery and festive moments with loved ones, the season can also bring a unique set of...

Hanging by a Thread
When Cooperative Home Care Associates, a New York-based, in-home caregiver cooperative, ran into a shortage of personal protective equipment during the pandemic, another co-op ramped up to help out – Opportunity Threads.

Being Ready for the Workday
Making the most of your personal time January-February 2025 story courtesy of Family Features From a regenerative bath to that first cup of coffee, early morning rituals have the power to heal, restore and fuel. They can leave you feeling accomplished, empowered and...

Bringing Up Baby
Get your home ready for a child on the move with these safety steps and precautions.

It’s a Wash
Grooming advice to keep your dog clean and healthy March 2025 story courtesy of Family Features Regular grooming can keep your dog looking and smelling his or her best, but it’s also important for maintaining health. If you choose to groom at home rather than opting...

Aw, Shucks!
Virginia’s Oyster Trail and Maryland’s Crab & Oyster Trail include restaurants, seafood markets, tours, events and more.

It’s OK to Change Your Mind
An open mind and flexibility while navigating her career path allowed Rachel Harris to find a powerful career in geographic information systems with BARC Electric Cooperative in Millboro, Va.

It’s OK to Change Your Mind
An open mind and flexibility while navigating her career path allowed Rachel Harris to find a powerful career in geographic information systems with BARC Electric Cooperative in Millboro, Va.