Augusta County "Rocket Boy" case covered by WVTF public radio

In the summer of 2009, Augusta County government shut down VAST, a local rocket club that offered a safe, family-friendly activity for local young people. Led by VAST President Chuck Neff and other responsible adults, it was an activity geared to science and math at a time when many are concerned about our youth's involvement in drugs, gangs, smoking, and drinking.

After being shut down by the county which then denied a special use permit (something the club had been told was "merely a formality"), VAST sued Augusta County. The lawsuit is currently awaiting action from the court.

Last week WVTF public radio picked up the story, concentrating on Staunton's R.E. Lee High School rocketry club. In the past, as participants in national rocketry competitions, the club had prepared by launching test flights at Croft Field under the watchful eye of VAST. The field is located in the middle of 500 open acres in sparsely-populated western Augusta County.

This year, because the use of Croft Field has been barred by Augusta County authorities, the school's rocketry club has had to prepare for the national competition by launching test flights from their adviser's back yard which is surrounded by trees. The few launches that have occurred have resulted in lost rockets, a rocket stuck in a tree, and other issues not encountered in the wide open spaces of western Augusta.

The 2010 rocket competition challenge requires the launching of an egg and returning it to earth uncracked. With limited opportunities available to perfect the launch, the club may not win this year.

Listen to WVTF's story about Augusta County's Rocket Boys here. Read the entire "Rocket Boy" series here.