Whatever else might be said about Union Major Gen. Benjamin F. Butler – once described as “militarily inept but politically well-connected” – he can hardly be accused of slacking in his preparations for the 1864 conflict that we know as the Battle of New Market Heights.

In the weeks leading up to the battle, Butler put together some 16 pages of instructions outlining his proposal to attack Confederate forces on the outskirts of Richmond.

Having observed Union failures in July and August to penetrate the defenses on the Confederate left, he devised a two-pronged surprise attack on the right and center, utilizing a new pontoon bridge that would supplement the bridge already in existence at Deep Bottom. > Read more.

Ever heard someone say: “My business just needs more business, we just need more exposure.”

Inevitably, they may get more exposure, but often, no more business. Exposure is necessary, but it does not translate into more business.

Often times “marketing” makes us think of corporate marketing plans, big budgets, and ads everywhere we turn. Small business owners have different needs, and need to scale their marketing efforts to strategies that can be effective without the big expenditures. > Read more.

A few Henrico residents and current UVA students are using their summer vacation to help college hopefuls with their SATs.

Adrian Troy and Yin Liu, graduates of Henrico High School, and Ian Major, a J.R. Tucker High alum, were selected by Revolution Prep to teach summer SAT courses in Henrico this summer after applying for the job online. The courses, scheduled to start in early July, consist of three weeks of lecture, with three two-hour lectures per week. The participating students also will take several practice SAT exams. > Read more.

Between eight major carriers and their respective regional affiliates, approximately 180 flights are offered every day. This impressive statistic is only the beginning: let’s take a closer look at the inner-workings of the Richmond International Airport (RIC). Outside, there are around 11,000 parking spaces available for travelers in the form of parking garages and surface/economy lots. The average rate of occupancy for any given day is estimated to be between 55 and 65 percent. > Read more.

Updated July 14: Funeral arrangements have been set for a Henrico police officer who was killed earlier this week in a traffic accident while off duty.

A viewing for Thomas P. Berry, Jr. will be held at Bliley's, 8510 Staples Mill Road, on Friday, July 15, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, at St. Paul's Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road, with an interment to follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 12609 Patterson Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Laws Sons and Daughters Fund, c/o Henrico County Credit Unit, 8611 Dixon Powers Drive, Henrico VA 23228.

Berry, an eight-year officer with the county, was traveling west on Ridgefield Parkway near John Rolfe Parkway at about 2:40 p.m. July 12, when an SUV exited the John Rolfe Commons Shopping Center. Berry's motorcycle struck the side of the SUV. He was transported to VCU Medical Center, where he died as the result of his injuries. > Read more.