Briefs

Capitol bell tower gets face-lift

The capitol bell tower has undergone a restorative face-lift in recent weeks to prevent further crumbling of its bricks and mortar and is now in good shape as it approaches its 200th anniversary in 2024.

The restoration project on the bell tower at the western edge of Capitol Square began in June.

The project is being financed in part by the Virginia chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The DAR partnered with the Virginia General Assembly both to restore the tower and to acquire a new bell.

Along with extensive brickwork repairs, the project will include the removal of plants from around the foundation and the trimming of trees to make the tower more visible.

The tower was built to house the forerunners of Virginia’s Division of Capitol Police. In its early days, the bell was rung to alert residents to fires and other emergencies and, during the Civil War, was used to summon local soldiers to duty.

The tower fell into disuse by the early 1930s.

Brief by The Associated Press

Kaine: Being considered for VP was ‘surreal’

Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said Saturday that seriously being considered as Barack Obama’s running mate was a “surreal” experience, and he understood why Delaware Sen. Joe Biden was selected instead.

Kaine described Biden as “a person of great heart,” who brings a wide range of assets to the Democratic ticket.

Biden’s experience as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee helps offset what is widely perceived as an Obama weakness. It was something that Kaine, whose background is limited to state and local government, could not offer.

Kaine would not say exactly when he heard he wasn’t the vice presidential choice. He also declined to say whether he thought problems at home, including a looming budget shortfall, damaged his chances.

Asked how disappointed he was, Kaine said: “I’m not feeling bad at all right now.”

He said he intends to complete his four-year term as governor.

Obama’s consideration of Kaine as his running mate, as well as his heavy schedule of campaign appearances in the state, has been viewed as evidence that Virginia is now a battleground state. Virginia hasn’t supported a Democrat for president since 1964, but the party has won the last two governor’s races and the last U.S. Senate race.

Kaine said Virginians are ready for new leadership that demonstrates good judgment on military affairs and will revive the slumping national economy.

Brief by The Associated Press

Minn. State president in running for Virginia post

The president of Minnesota State University, Mankato, is among the finalists for the president’s job at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.

Richard Davenport has been the MSU president since 2002.

In a statement issued Friday, Davenport said he was pursued heavily by a search firm, which resulted in his selection as a finalist. He stated he has made no commitment to the ODU hiring board.

Davenport also stated he is happy where he is and is proud of his school’s many achievements.

The ODU president is Roseann O’Reilly Runte, who took the same position at Carleton University in Ontario, Canada.

Brief by The Associated Press

Computer systems affected by water-main break

A water-main break under 12th and East Main streets affected VCU computer systems this past Friday.

While university Web site and e-mail operations were down traffic was redirected to an alternate Web site which stated, “Water service to the VCU Computer Center has been restored and the cooling system is now functional. VCU computer systems are presently being restored and tested.”

VCU’s Web site, and e-mail functions were up and running Saturday morning.

The water-main break occurred during rush hour Friday morning, and several streets in the area were flooded.

Information provided by the Richmond Times-Dispatch