Local News

RICHMOND — Virginia’s gasoline tax would be eliminated and its retail sales tax would increase from 5 percent to 5.8 percent under a transportation funding plan Gov. Bob McDonnell unveiled Tuesday.
The governor’s proposal also would increase vehicle registration fees, impose a $100 annual fee on alternative fuel vehicles and shift revenue from the state’s general fund to provide more dollars for roads, rail and transit.

Gasoline prices this year will be less expensive than in 2012 as a result of increased domestic oil production and lower demand, according to the American Automobile Association.
The national average price of gasoline should peak at $3.60-$3.80 per gallon barring any significant unanticipated events, which compares to a peak of $3.94 a gallon in 2012.
Gasoline prices should rise steadily through April or early May, but at a slower pace than last year.

The Galax Hope House is collecting donations for the family of Andres and Christy Mendoza, who suffered a major financial loss when the house they were renting caught fire on Dec. 30.
Their family of nine — including seven adults, a three-year-old child and a two-week-old infant — wasn't harmed, but the house was completely destroyed, along with all of the family’s belongings.
Hope House is accepting item donations, such as clothes, diapers and formula, for the family.

RICHMOND — For Gov. Bob McDonnell, his final full year in office is about unfinished business.
The Republican who campaigned under the slogan “Bob’s for Jobs,” has taken stock of his own job performance and assessed “what’s left to fix” to keep Virginia economically competitive.
“It’s two things,” McDonnell said during an interview Jan. 4 in his office. “It’s work force, which is education. And number two, it’s transportation gridlock.”