Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 9, 1994 TAG: 9402090141
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
CHARLOTTESVILLE - Snowstorms, icy roads and biting winds delivered a heavy blow to much of the state's tourism trade in January.
Attendance was off by about 60 percent at historical attractions and sites of natural beauty.
The Shenandoah National Park had 26,000 fewer visitors this January than last.
Blue Ridge Parkway officials estimate 215,508 autos used the parkway, compared to 506,490 in January 1993. That's a drop of 57.5 percent.
Natural Bridge attractions manager Carl Tolley said attendance dropped 62 percent from January 1993, from 3,000 to 1,150 visitors. That meant a loss of $17,500 in anticipated revenue, Tolley said.
Luray Caverns officials said attendance dropped 49 percent from January last year. Officials did not disclose how many people on average tour the caverns in January, but said about 500,000 people come through annually.
- Associated Press
Albemarle lawyer to challenge Payne
CHARLOTTESVILLE - George Landrith III, a member of the Albemarle County School Board, said this week that he will seek the Republican nomination to oppose Rep. L.F. Payne, D-Nelson County, this fall.
Landrith, a major supporter of Mike Farris' unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor last year, said he decided to run after learning that state Sens. Charles Hawkins, R-Chatham, and Edgar Robb, R-Charlottesville, decided against challenging Payne.
"I certainly think I will appeal to the people who voted for Mike Farris," he said. "I certainly will appeal to the people who voted for George Allen and many people who voted for L.F. Payne."
A Charlottesville lawyer, Landrith, 33, was appointed to the county School Board two years ago.
The 5th District, which stretches from Charlottesville to Danville, includes most of Bedford County, plus the city of Bedford, Franklin County, Henry County, Martinsville and Patrick County.
- Associated Press
Realtor groups assist 4 Va. firms in lawsuit
CHARLOTTESVILLE - Four Charlottesville-area real estate firms are getting financial backing from local, state and national groups in their legal battle against The Daily Progress newspaper.
The paper filed an antitrust suit against the four in 1991 for allegedly conspiring to stop advertising in the paper. The four then sued the paper, claiming its suit is part of an illegal attempt to maintain a monopoly on real estate advertising in the area.
The four, who expect their legal fees to reach $350,000, have gotten commitments for $175,000 so far, said Deborah van Eersel, executive vice president of the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors.
- Associated Press
ABC board restricts wine sales to regions
RICHMOND - The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board on Tuesday reversed a hearing panel's decision and ruled in favor of a Northern Virginia wine wholesaler who had accused competitors of illegal distribution practices.
Forman Distributing Co. said that businessman Herbert Haft, owner of the Total Beverage stores, tried to circumvent state regulations covering alcohol. Forman, based in Springfield, said allowing wholesalers to sell to retailers in more than one region would be anti-competitive.
Haft has denied Forman's charges, but made clear his opposition to Virginia regulations covering wine distributorships that are based on regions. He contends they have hurt consumers with higher prices, driving up total costs as much as $100 million a year.
An ABC hearing panel in December dismissed Forman's complaint against Total Beverage, a Northern Virginia chain that sought to buy wine from other outlets in addition to Forman. The full board heard Forman's appeal last month.
Haft has filed an antitrust lawsuit in federal court, charging that Forman and other distributors refused to fill orders for Total Beverage.
- Associated Press
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB