County resident becomes Va. State Police trooper

Silke N. Gaessner, 30, has joined the Virginia State Police as a trooper. Gaessner, a Chesterfield County resident, is a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate with a major in recreation and park management and a minor in criminal a minor in criminal justice. She is also a former member and emergency medical technician (EMT) of the Bensley- Bermuda Volunteer Rescue Squad. Trooper Gaessner's first patrol duty is in Henrico County and the city of Richmond.

Scottrade, an online investment firm, has opened a branch office at 2065 Wal-Mart Way at the Shops at Stonehenge shopping center in Midlothian. The online investment firm known for its $7 online trades has 292 branch offices nationwide, including seven in Virginia. The new office is managed by Kombiz Momtaz. The phone number is 594-0909, and the Web site is www.scottrade.com.

Chiropractic Centers of Virginia is hosting an open house on Thurs., Apr. 19 from 4-7 p.m. at 10002 Courtview Ln. in the former Howlett's Restaurant location.

The marriage of Miss Danielle Elizabeth Williams, daughter of Ms. Clara E. O'Neal of Chester and Mr. Michael S. Williams of Chester, to Mr. Furman Jerry Rogers IV, son of Mrs. Sandra L. Glover of Raleigh, N.C. and Mr. Furman Jerry Rogers III of Chester, took place on Mar. 31 at Amber Grove Inn in Moseley. Rev. Russell W. Datts Sr. officiated.

Graduates of Thomas Dale and Midlothian high schools who now attend the University of Richmond have been named winners in the 2006-07 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships competition, the premier undergraduate scholarship in mathematics, science and engineering. Bryan Der, a junior biochemistry major from Chester, and Evan Wang, a sophomore double-majoring in chemistry and mathematics from Midlothian, were among 317 undergraduates named nationwide as Goldwater scholars. The one- and two-year awards cover tuition, fees, books, room and board up to $7,500 a year.

Students from L.C. Bird High's Pre- Engineering Specialty Center worked with representatives from Austin Brockenbrough & Associates last Wednesday in field surveying, geotechnical testing and preparation of construction documents for a proposed pedestrian bridge at Pocahontas State Park. The project will result in a new pedestrian bridge across Third Branch Creek between campsites and the amphitheater/ swimming pool area.

Nicole Ando, a graduate of Clover Hill High School who currently attends James Madison University, recently competed in the 37th Annual Virginia Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Championship and won the state title in the saber competition with a record of 10-0.

Sarah Walters of Midlothian is among five Converse College students who have been selected to write and maintain a personal blog for the college. It can be accessed at www.converse.edu/blogs/sarah and chronicles her daily life at college. Walters is a graduate of James River High School.

Brian Roquemore, a senior linebacker at James River High School, recently received a scholarship to Lenoir Rhyne College to play football.

The John Tyler Community College Gateway Outreach Center opened in Petersburg last month. The center assists students with admission applications, class registration, placement testing and other services.