SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (7News) The start of the Spotsylvania County Public Schools school year is just three weeks out. burning books. School division spokeswoman Ren Daniels said Tuesday that according to the divisions organizational chart, Deputy Superintendent Carol Flenard is the acting superintendent until the board names an interim. Grades served: PK, KG-12 Students: 23,770 Primary Schools: 17 Middle Schools: 7 High Schools: 5 Alternative Schools: 0 Together, we prepare our students for their future. During the meeting, Twigg called for an unscheduled closed door session, where he followed through on a promise to fire Superintendent Scott Baker, who had already signed an agreement to leave by the end of the year. At this time, no interim superintendent has been announced. WCHS JV vs Fauquier County September 14, 2022, WCHS vs Hedgesville Varsity Football September 2, WCHS vs William Monroe Wednesday, October 19, 2022 JV Football. "My thing is has anyone whose been talking negatively actually met Mark Taylor?" Kirk Twigg, 65, who. The fifth graders all had their heads down on their desks but not because they were in trouble. The Spotsylvania School Board has scheduled an emergency meeting for Friday to name an interim superintendent after three members noted that state law requires the county to have one.. "It has been that way for several months. If people up here are defending him, then theyre just as guilty as he is.. Multiple constituents from last nights meeting also stated constitutional violations, possible corruption/collusion between a sitting board member and a school board candidate and unmistakable government overreach. About Spotsy. Watch Online | Spotsylvania County, VA Home Government Boards & Commissions Boards, Commissions & Committees Board of Supervisors Watch Online A A Watch Online Streaming Video Live streaming available during active meetings. Spotsylvania County 9104 Courthouse Road Spotsylvania, VA 22553. The new president of the Spotsylvania County School Board in Virginia, Kirk Twigg, has given some parents pause for concern due to previous comments he's made and yes, it involves the old fascist chestnuts of homophobia and book burning. Even the ceremonial formality of the passing of the gavel from the outgoing chair to the new one was fraught with tension. Conservative board members voted to limit public comment at the start of the meeting, so there was confusion over who was allowed to speak and on what topics. Twigg forged a contract Shelley said at the Sept. 12 meeting. Eagles Wide Receiver Zach Pascal Robbed at Gunpoint in Maryland, College Park Mayor Arrested on 56 Counts of Possession, Distribution of Child Pornography, The Weekend Scene: Oscar Nominee Screenings, St. Patrick's Parades & 20 More Things to Do Around DC, Peak Bloom Dates for DC's Cherry Blossoms Revealed. Let's Go! https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title24.2/chapter2/article7/ ", READ MORE: Controversial books back in the spotlight after Fairfax County public library holiday display. Chevy Chase, MD 20815. There was no legal process followed [at Mondays meeting] to properly designate and place someone in the role.. Teachers even called out sick on Tuesday because of what took place at Monday night's meeting. "He has spoken about confidential HR matters in open session. WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM, Events to impact George Washington Parkway traffic, Bell, Gooditis, Howell announce retirements from Va. General Assembly, Pay hikes, tax rate cut included in Prince William County executives proposed budget, Community seeks answers after DC man shot, killed by Fairfax Co. police, Winds up to 50 mph expected to sweep DC region Saturday, NBC Washington anchor Pat Lawson Muse announces retirement after 40 years. He is constantly using his AOL account to send and read emails throughout school board meetings. All Rights Reserved. The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday and will happen in the School Board Meeting Room of the Administrative Services Building at 8020 River Stone Drive in Fredericksburg. We hope to hear answers to the following questions. Hundreds, including. The meetings of the Spotsylvania County Public School Board begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Meeting Room of the Administrative Services Building, 8020 River Stone Drive, Fredericksburg, Virginia. You have not stated any justification or ability to fill the position, said member Nicole Cole. The Spotsylvania County School Board fired the school system's superintendent without cause during a meeting that may have violated Virginia law. Spotsylvania Countys former school board chairman was indicted this week on charges of forgery and tampering with public records, according to Virginia state police. Will Nasty Nicole show her privilege card during public comment? All meetings are open to the public. "Its selfish and politically aimed behavior, and its not acceptable at a school board meeting. See what's LIVE here! Will Uncle Rich ask the Supervisors to fund sugary unhealthy snacks that cause diabetes for the students? That decision is set for Thursday. She said she believes chaos is Twiggs goal. "Mark Taylor has no experience. According to Virginia's Open Meetings Law, a public board must approve a motion to go into a closed session and say what it will be about. Kirk Twigg, 65, who was first elected to the board in 2015, turned himself in Thursday, state police spokesman Brent Coffey said in an email. "You dont know whether to laugh or cry. Previous Archives. Loading. The move to appoint him drew the ire of the outgoing chair, Dawn Shelley, who delivered a scorching criticism of Twigg. Any and all discussion from accused board members after last nights public Call of Action should be removed from record and suspended until further investigation. It is still unclear who will serve in that role while the search for a replacement begins. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. "He has seniority here, and he hasnt had the spot, so thats why I nominated him," says school board member Lisa Phelps. Required fields are marked *. Website Feedback. According to a parent who spoke at the meeting, the rancor was nothing new. Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversation about this article and others. The issue was raised in a September school board meeting when Shelley publicly said she had gone to the state police with the allegations. Will Lying Lorita ask the Supervisors to fund one of her disgusting equity committees that will bring down all the students in Spotsylvania County. Spotsylvania School Board schedules emergency meeting on interim superintendent. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. How does this make sense? Fireworks at a Spotsylvania County School Board meeting Monday night as parents expressed continued anger over the boards choice for the next superintendent. Spotsylvania County Public Schools You have been accused of violating multiple Virginia State Code of Ethics. The Spotsylvania County School Board directed staff to begin removing "sexually explicit". (540) 656 - 2050. [email protected]. We hope to hear answers to the following questions. The meeting will be for the purpose of conducting a closed meeting to discuss the interim superintendent position, according to the announcement. Meetings are aired live and rerun on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Community members voiced continued. Monday evening's meeting of the Spotsylvania County School Board ended after 13 minutes with no business conducted when the audience became unruly. Individuals wishing to speak during public comment may also sign up in advance by contacting the Clerk's Office by Noon on the meeting date. In Virginia, Spotsylvania County schools superintendent S. Scott Baker announced he would be retiring at the end of the year. "You have not stated any justification or ability to fill the position. The Spotsylvania County School Board directed staff to begin removing "sexually explicit . While some school board members are on Twigg's side, others had some fiery comments to make. SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA The Spotsylvania County School Board on Monday instructed school staff members to remove books that contain sexually explicit material from library shelves,. The 5-2 vote came after public outcry and an hours-long public comment period."I admit that we may have made a hasty vote to remove sexually explicit materials without the appropriate discussions about what was already in our policy . She won the jackpot. The law requires that a public board approves a motion to go into closed session and states what the closed session will be about. Boeing employee bought lottery ticket because it was at $747M, a nod to the aircraft. Prior to joining WTOP, Andrew worked for NBC Washington and he currently works at NBC Sports Washington from time to time. 2018. click here to learn more about . Twigg's first action as chair was calling for an unscheduled closed-door session where, in a 4 to 3 vote, Superintendent Scott Baker was fired even though he had already signed an agreement to leave by the end of the year. 19 hrs ago. Spotsylvania County Public Schools8020 River Stone DriveFredericksburg, VA 22407Phone: [email protected]. The polarized board has repeatedly been criticized for its decision last year to select a new superintendent who had no previous education experience. The one felony count of forgery and one misdemeanor count of tampering with public records were handed up by a Spotsylvania County grand jury. This attitude will prevail in all of its policies concerning staff, students, educational programs and services, and individuals with whom the Board does business. Two VA school board members called for burning books that have been deemed worthy of removal. The school board met the same day to approve Guempels contract. Area Alcohol Safety Action Prog Policy Board, Rappahannock Area Community Criminal Justice Board, Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, Rappahannock Area Youth Services & Group Home Comm, Rappahannock Juvenile Detention Commission. 2017 (540) 656 - 2050. [email protected]. Spotsylvania County schools will present the school budget at the Board of Supervisor's meeting tonight at 6pm. FOX 5 reached out to Twigg, but has not heard back. The Spotsylvania County School Board wasted no time Monday making its mark in the at-times contentious first meeting of the year, which included fiery jabs at the new chairman and squabbles between members. Virginia Code requires that all public school divisions have a superintendent, and that a superintendent "shall be appointed by the school board within 180 days after a vacancy occurs.". Contact Us. He is constantly using his AOL account to send and read emails throughout school board meetings. Skip to Main Content. Philadelphia County: Eric Feder Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County 1301 Filbert Street Suite 310 B Philadelphia, PA 19107 phone: 215-683-7700 fax: 215-567-7380 Pike County: Denise Fitzpatrick Pike County Courthouse 412 Broad Street Milford, PA 18337 phone: 570-296-7231. Our Services may display content that does not belong to Emerald Data Solutions or its affiliates. The board has since rescinded that decision. who had already signed an agreement to leave at the end of 2022. Game Stats Agricul Conservative members of the board have the majority now and the prior superintendent was abruptly fired in January. Archives. The budget asks for $49.3 million in new . Spotsylvania County superintendent fired after contentious school board meeting An area superintendent is out of a job after a contentious Spotsylvania County Public School Board. Cole has filed a lawsuit against the Virginia Board of Education regarding the current superintendents selection. Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. The board voted 43 Mondaywith Shelley, Cole and Daniels opposedto fire Baker without cause following a closed session that may have been in violation of Virginias open meeting requirements. asked a student who spoke during public comment. (FOX 5 DC) - An area superintendent is out of a job after a contentious Spotsylvania County Public School Board meeting Monday night shifted the board's majority and put a member who supports burning books in charge. At a county school board meeting Monday night, Baker. All information about School Board meetings--agendas, meeting details, and minutes--can be found using this link to the BoardDocs Pro website. Together - We Prepare Our Students for Their Future. The board voted 4-3 in favor of ousting Baker over protests of the minority members who said the action was taken illegally. Using our Services does not give you ownership of any intellectual property rights in our Services or the content you may access. spotsylvania County board of supervisors. At a contentious and chaotic school board meeting in Virginia's Spotsylvania County this month, members moved into an unplanned closed session and voted to fire Baker, who had served in. Its a disgrace," an anonymous teacher told FOX 5. Elections. For two members of the. I think its taken too long, Shelley said of Twiggs indictment in an interview Thursday. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Andrew Alsbrooks | [email protected]. Meetings held in the Board Meeting Room may be videotaped and/or telecast live. We havent even seen him in action.". Spotsylvania County Public Schools Log In Main Governing Board Change Vote Home Featured Meetings Active Agenda Policies Active Library General Events Strategic Goals Board Members Search Main Governing Board Policies Library Agenda BoardDocs A Diligent Brand, 2002-2023 MeetingsPoliciesLibraryMinutesInclude Attachments Navigate ThereClose People have got to remember there is a law for reasons.. RICHMOND, Virginia - The Virginia Board of Education postponed certifying Greene County Administrator Mark Taylor for Spotsylvania County supervisor in its August 17 meeting after parents and school board members offered public comments criticizing Taylor's qualifications and his ties to school board chair Kirk Twigg. "He has spoken about confidential [human resources] matters in open session. School Board Deputy Clerk Patty Boller sent out an email announcement of the Jan. 14 special emergency meeting at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Spotsylvania County9104 Courthouse RoadSpotsylvania, VA 22553, Cable TV and Telecommunications Commission, Agricultural/Forestal District Review Committee. "To plan to fire somebody without cause because you just dont like them is ludicrous," says Dodge. Virginia Gov. The Spotsylvania County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to staggered four-year terms. Glenn Youngkin announced the move Monday morning, saying that Amentum will invest $495,000 to relocate and create 157 . (Adopted 5/22/03) Copyright 2022 by WTOP. Two VA school board members called for burning books that have been deemed worthy of removal. The behavior was appalling," says parent Lea Dodge. Hill Executive Steering Committee, Fredericksburg Area Metro Planning Organization, Healthy Gen. Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, Healthy Gen. Area Aging Agency Board of Directors, Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, Rapp. The Spotsylvania County School Board has a new leader and his first call to action was to ask for the board to fire the superintendent without cause. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Maryland 529 whistleblower says he warned agency about negative impacts to parents' accounts, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' Actor, Dies at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm. Livingston District member Kirk Twigg was appointed new chair of the Virginia countys school board in a Monday night vote. | Just two days before the start of the upcoming school year, the Spotsylvania County School Board voted to approve a mask mandate for students and staff, during a school board. Phone: 540-507-7000. Screenshots of the agenda are below. If you have an estate case and . The Spotsylvania County School Board has rescinded a vote to begin removing explicit books from its libraries just a week after unanimously passing the motion. Wilderness Resort GymNestled in the Tobeatic Wilderness Area in UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, Trout Point Lodge is a luxury wilderness lodge & nature retreat and an . The closed session dealing with Baker was the second of the meeting and was not on the boards approved agenda. Many are concerned the action was done illegally. Search results are not intended as legal advice for you or your organization and are not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction. Kirk Twigg at a November meeting of the Spotsylvania County School Board said there is some "bad, evil-related material" on school library shelves. Screenshots of the agenda are below. Use this link to the SCPS Division Calendar to view School Board Meeting Calendar. Spotsylvania school board member charged with forgery, tampering with records. His win gives conservatives a majority on the school board. School officials did not provide details about what led to the charges, but school board member Dawn Shelley said in an interview that the charges are probably related to Twigg allegedly approving a salary increase for former interim superintendent Kelly Guempels contract in the summer without discussing it with the rest of the board. Social Services. Now with a conservative majority, the board voted 4-3 in favor of Bakers ouster. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Independent Contractor (Newspaper Carrier), Spotsylvania woman, 29, killed in crash Thursday morning, Woman pleads guilty to bashing former roommate with bat, Police cite medical emergency in Spotsylvania crash, Spotsylvania approves rezoning, making way for 'techno campus', Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Virginia aerialist wins 'Americas Got Talent: All Stars', New commuter bus routes coming to Fredericksburg area, Spotsylvania man convicted after being caught in child pornography sting, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, Spotsylvania schools' new chief of staff will be "legislative liaison" for school division, Spotsylvania School Board member charged with forgery, Virginia State Police seek public's help in fatal crash investigation, Spotsylvania man convicted of felony in driveway shooting, Stafford School Board approves budget requesting $49.3M in new funding from county, 55 library books have been challenged in Spotsylvania schools since last year, Spotsylvania School Board approves budget, UMW College of Education hosting field trips for area fifth graders, Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza. Mr. Andrew Alsbrooks is an Associate Producer at WTOP. I have covered education, local government and social services for the Free Lance-Star since 2016. "I do not believe Mr. Twigg has the temperament nor the skill to be chairman," school board chair Dawn Shelley said. The Virginia Board of Education still needs to decide whether it will grant Taylor a superintendents license. Fast, informative and written just for locals. Outgoing chair Dawn Shelley had harsh words about her replacement. "How is this good for the students, the children of Spotsylvania County? Will Uncle Rich ask the Supervisors to fund sugary unhealthy snacks that cause diabetes for the students? During public comment, people shared similar concerns, but there were also those who voiced support for Taylor. The next school board meeting is set for Jan. 25. 2022 WTOP. Board of Supervisors Seating Chart Planning Commission spotsylvania County school board. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. The search for a new superintendent will begin immediately. Meetings held in the Board Meeting Room may be videotaped and/or telecast live. In 2021, the board voted to remove sexually explicit books in school libraries, and two members one of whom was Twigg suggested burning the removed books. Spotsylvania County schools will present the school budget at the Board of Supervisors meeting tonight at 6pm. Please subscribe to keep reading. The indictment says Twigg on or about June 21, 2022, did without proper authority, destroy, tamper with, deface or otherwise damage county records or documents. RELATED: Spotsylvania parents concerned over superintendent candidate. SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (7News) During Monday's Spotsylvania County School Board meeting, a new chair was appointed and his first action was to fire the school's superintendent. An interim replacement has not yet been named. Marxist Megan and Shameful Shelley at the BOS meeting. Community members voiced continued concerns about the boards choice for superintendent, Mark Taylor. I am still the chairmanYou are out of order.". His children didnt even go to public school.". The closed session may have violated Virginias open meetings law. "A school board that has not appointed a superintendent within 120 days of a vacancy shall submit a written report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction demonstrating its timely efforts to make an appointment. SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. - Anger erupted at a Spotsylvania County School Board meeting with divisions on the board and community on full display Monday. We are aware of an investigation that is underway regarding a Spotsylvania County School Board member, spokesperson Tara Mergener said in an email. :) Show more Show more Try YouTube Kids. 2016. Shelley and school board member Nicole Cole said in interviews with The Washington Post they were interviewed by state police as part of an investigation regarding the contract. Spotsylvania citizens please recognize that you have not been given any valid reason.". There is a need for you to call an emergency meeting of the SCPS Board for tonight or tomorrow as the current Board is breaking the laws of the state of Virginia, specifically VA Code 22.1-58, which requires a superintendent to officially be in place to operate our school system, Cole wrote in an email to Twigg. He wants to burn books," Shelley said. All rights reserved, Julie Carey, Northern Virginia Bureau Chief, Spotsylvania School Officials Drop Explicit' Book Ban, Superintendent of Spotsylvania County Public Schools Resigns, Spotsylvania School Officials Ban Explicit' Books Amid Calls to Burn Them. Spotsylvania County Public Schools You have been accused of violating multiple Virginia State Code of Ethics. While both Cole and Shelley spoke, other board members attempted to interrupt them and pushed back against their comments. We the people demand an emergency meeting be held to address this immediately. The Division will fully cooperate with investigators.. You cannot even properly chair a meeting, but yet you're going to terminate a superintendent for no reason," Nicole Cole, a member from the Battlefield District, said. At Monday's board meeting, one major topic of discussion will. An area superintendent is out of a job after a contentious Spotsylvania County Public School Board meeting Monday night shifted the board's majority and put a member who supports burning books in charge. Will Uncle Rich ask the Supervisors to fund sugary unhealthy snacks that cause diabetes for the students? The Spotsylvania County School Board wasted no time Monday making its mark in the at-times contentious first meeting of the year, which included fiery jabs at the new chairman and. He is constantly using his AOL account to send and read e-mailsHe wants to burn books. Use this link to view and print a PDF version of the 2023 School Board Meeting Calendar, Cable:Comcast Channel 17Cox Channel 18Verizon Channel 36. Spotsylvania County School Board Meeting 10/11/2021 Amy Sudbeck 1.33K subscribers Subscribe 8.7K Share Save 194K views 1 year ago No caption necessary. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Virginia's Spotsylvania County School Board this week voted unanimously to have books with "sexually explicit" material removed from school library shelves. Sam Howell is the Commanders first-string QB for now, Nationals relievers see benefit in tinkering with new pitches, Kyle Kuzma, Wizards start fast and dont look back in win over Raptors. It began with a vote to name Livingston district member Kirk Twigg the new chair. You cannot even properly chair a meeting, but yet youre going to terminate a superintendent for no reason.. A petition on Change.org has received nearly 5,000. In this moment people are trying to shout me down, so I think people should be aware that thats happening," she said. "Give Mark Taylor a fair shot. The Spotsylvania County School Board also directed staff to report on the number of books that have been removed at a special meeting called for next week, The Free Lance-Star reported. SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. - Anger erupted at a Spotsylvania County School Board meeting with divisions on the board and community on full display Monday. All rights reserved. Spotsylvania County Public Schools confirmed that Twigg is still a board member representing the Livingston District and previously served as chair but declined to further comment on the situation. Bay Consortium Workforce Investment Board, Inc. Broadband, Telecommunications & Cable Commission, Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board, Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee, Community Policy & Management Team (CPMT), Fort A.P. The board did not name an acting or interim superintendent Monday. The School Board is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in relation to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, or marital status. Individuals requiring accommodations such as an interpreter or preferential seating during the meeting should contact the School Board Office at 540.834.2500 two business days in advance of the meeting. 5425 Wisconsin Ave Spotsylvania County Public Schools new chief of staff will be responsible for general staff administration and serving as the legislative li. At a special meeting Tuesday, the Stafford School Board approved a $442 million operating budget for fiscal year 2024, which begins July 1. The School Board encourages comment from individuals in the community during the time allotted for public comments on the agenda. SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. Spotsylvania County School Board's superintendent is suddenly without a job, after being abruptly fired at a chaotic meeting Monday night as a new conservative. Livingston District member Kirk. The seats of Chancellor District incumbent Dawn Shelley, Courtland District incumbent James Meyer, Livingston District incumbent Ray Lora and Salem District incumbent William Blaine Jr. were up for election on November 3, 2015. Twigg has previously called for banning, and even burning, some sexually-explicit books from public school libraries. There was a problem saving your notification. Multiple constituents from last night's meeting. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Will Shameful Shelley ask the Supervisors to fund her a new car by Nissan? This content is the sole responsibility of the entity that makes it available. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Spotsylvania County rescinds vote to remove sexually explicit books from school libraries. Meetings are aired live and rerun on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.Usethis link to watch the Live Streaming.Usethis link to view Archived Meetings. Spotsylvania County's former school board chairman was indicted this week on charges of forgery and tampering with public records, according to Virginia state police. FOX 5's Sierra Fox explores the divisive debate going on over the Spotsylvania County School Board's new superintendent nominee. Copyright 2023 Spotsylvania County Public Schools. The Spotsylvania County Public School Board meets on the second Monday of every month, unless otherwise noted, in the Board Meeting Room of the Administrative Services Building, 8020 River Stone Drive, Fredericksburg, Virginia. When board member Kirk Twigg was elected . "I was completely embarrassed to say that I live in this county. The Spotsylvania County School Board wasted no time Monday making its mark in the at-times contentious first meeting of the year, which included fiery jabs at the new chairman and squabbles between members. At a special meeting Tuesday, the Stafford School Board approved a $442 million operating budget for fiscal year 2024, which begins July 1. Spotsylvania County schools will present the school budget at the Board of Supervisor's meeting tonight at 6pm. 2 min read. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Twigg had two speakers kicked out of the meeting, including Napper. He has spoken about confidential (human resources) matters in open session. Upon request, a school board shall be granted up to an additional 180 days within which to appoint a division superintendent," the code states. 2017. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All information about School Board meetings--agendas, meeting details, and minutes--can be found using, SCPS Division Calendar to view School Board Meeting Calendar. Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and Weather. Available court records offered few details of the circumstances that led to the charges, but Coffey said state police launched an investigation on Oct. 13, with approval of the Virginia attorney generals office, into allegations that Twigg tampered with a county contract.