December 31, 2009

It's nearly time to be in with the new, and around Charlottesville that means a new President at the University of Virginia, a new look for the Cavalier Football team, and perhaps, warmer weather.

As for what we're leaving behind in 2009, CBS19's Cheryn Stone lists what's out with the old.

As this old year is extinguished, let's look at what we're leaving behind.

Smoking is out in restaurants with the public smoking ban now in effect.

End of freedom for criminals in the area: Slade Woodson sentenced for his role in the Interstate 64 shootings. Rodney Rodis is behind bars too for embezzling from Louisa County churches. John Donnelly going to jail for swindling investors out of more than $5 million in a Ponzi scheme.

2009 saw employers fall victim to the economy. Circuit City closed all of its stores. In Scottsville, the Hyosung tire plant announcing it's closing soon, leaving more than a hundred people without a job. The doors locked tight at the Blockbuster in Albemarle County.

Now to a change in plans: the Biscuit Run development appears to be an idea of the past, and the old Downtown Mall in Charlottesville is gone for good. The old bricks gone, the re-bricking project redid the foundation for the mall.

In Election '09: Creigh Deeds defeated after an upset primary win and voters end City Councilor Julian Taliaferro's term. A surprise in Albemarle: Board of Supervisors chair David Slutzky defeated in the polls.

The basic cell phone in many ways a thing of the past now. Smartphones are the new 'in' and Facebook no longer just for students with moms and grandmothers now logging on.

February saw the biggest changed to television since the color TV. Charlottesville turned off the analog transmitter a little earlier than much of the rest of the nation.

The year brought huge changes for the University of Virginia.
After four years as head men's basketball coach at Virginia, Dave Leitao resigns. Also, the Al Groh era of UVa football comes to an end. University of Virginia President John Casteen says goodbye, announcing he's retiring.

And of course, the weather. It knocked us out in 2009. Snow virtually shut down Charlottesville.

Now we wait to bring in the new, and bring you the news.