March 24, 1999

People like the convenience of cell phones. But they don’t like the idea of out of towners whizzing through the county in fast cars, chatting away as they drive.

And people like clear views of the unspoiled mountains and hills. But they don’t like the idea of those mountains interfering with the ability of local police and rescue teams to talk to each other on the radio when they need to.

It is conflicts like these that are giving county residents pause as they mull over requests from Sprint PCS, a cellular phone service provider that wants to set up shop in Rappahannock.

Unfortunately, Sprint’s main goal is to erect any number of 250-foot communications towers throughout the county, an idea that does not sit well with many local homeowners.

“You’re asking us to trade off our beautiful views and the place that we cherish for the convenience of your customers who are just passing through,” said Sperryville resident

Jim Gannon. “I think that’s a terrible trade-off.”

Conner Miller of Washington qualified for the Southern Regional Wrestling Tournament this past weekend at the District Wrestling Tournament in Manassas.

Conner won the silver Medal in the 52 pound Bantam Division. Conner is a first year wrestler on the Culpeper Youth Wrestling team.

He compiled a respectable record over the season. His tournament record for the year was: 2nd Stuart’s Draft Tournament, 1st Orange County Tournament, 2nd Culpeper County Tournament, 1st League Championship.

The District Tournament held this past weekend in Manassas had over 500 wrestlers from North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. This district is one of the largest and toughest wrestling districts in the United States.