Author: operations@endocollab.com

Williamsburg city officials recently launched RAVE Mobile Safety, a new mass notification system, to enhance communication with residents during emergencies. The system replaces Everbridge, integrates with the 911 center, and is projected to save the city $30,000 annually. Residents previously signed up for Everbridge have been automatically enrolled. Future phases will add features for city employees, with full implementation expected by the end of July. There is no cost for residents to join, though message rates may apply.

Ben Hardouin has been selected as the general manager for the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center as construction progresses. The 200,000-square-foot facility, located on Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center grounds, is 60% complete and expected to open next summer. Hardouin assumed the role on May 11 and is now hiring a sales and marketing director and a sports director. The center is a joint effort by local governments and tourism entities. The facility already has dozens of sporting event bookings scheduled for 2026 through 2028.

The ninth annual Kingswood Klam 5K took place June 7 at the Kingswood Pool and neighborhood.
Bethany Spector won the women’s race in 18:32 and Roger Hopper won the men’s race in 16:50 despite hot and humid conditions.
Age group records were broken by Bethany Spector, Isabella Strumke, Aimee Gianoukos, Connie Glueck, and Larry Arata.
Marjy Friedrichs had the top age-graded performance at 82.28 percent.
The race included 85 finishers in the 5K and 21 in a one mile fun run.
The event served as a benefit for the Kingswood Pool swimming team.

The Virginia Racial Healing Institute will host its fourth annual Journey to Racial Healing on Saturday, June 21, from 1-4 p.m. at the Stryker Center in Williamsburg. The free event features speakers Charles Holman III and Bill Sizemore discussing their family ties to slavery. Holman is a Black lawyer and genealogist whose ancestor was enslaved by the Bush family ancestors. Sizemore is a white retired journalist whose ancestor enslaved people. The event includes refreshments and access to a Juneteenth art exhibit. Registration is required to attend.

Pharmacist and author Dr. Jade L. Ranger writes in her column on parenting about the importance of raising children with purpose, even if one lacked a positive upbringing blueprint. She encourages parents to choose intentionally the kind of parent they want to be, modeling desired values and utilizing resources like self-reflection, external examples, and the Bible.

VIRGINIA RECEIVES DELAYED FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

Virginia will receive $8.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The funds are part of a national effort to clear a backlog of delayed grants announced three years ago.

The DOT is clearing 3,200 unobligated grants, having addressed 1,065 so far.

Specific Virginia recipients include Ashland, Smithfield, Petersburg, Richmond, Salem, and the Jamestown Scotland Ferry Project.

The largest single award is $5 million for Phase II of the Jamestown Scotland Ferry facility rehabilitation.

Richmond is receiving $2 million for a Broad Rock Boulevard rail crossing study.

The DOT stated it has eliminated previous requirements tied to racial equity, climate change, and social justice for these grants.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized focusing on core infrastructure and reducing red tape.

Source:

Feds Release Delayed Infrastructure Grants, Sending $8.6 Million to Virginia

HOMETOWN RADIO INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAMSBURG JEWELERS

Michael Fagan, owner of Williamsburg Jewelers, was interviewed on Hometown Radio.
He discussed the current surging gold prices.
The interview covered Williamsburg Jewelers’ Digital Custom Design service.
Expert jewelry and watch repair services offered by the store were highlighted.
Reasons why many local residents choose Williamsburg Jewelers for engagement rings were mentioned.
Details about the Williamsburg Jewelers Father’s Day Contest were shared.

Source:

Hometown Radio Interview: Talking About The Gold Market, Expert Jewelry Repair, And Digital Custom Designs With Williamsburg Jewelers [AUDIO]

Two James City County police officers will not face charges for the fatal shooting of James Andrew Evans on March 30. The shooting occurred in a Food Lion parking lot near the Williamsburg Premium Outlets during an attempted traffic stop. According to Commonwealth’s Attorney Nate Green, Evans exited his vehicle armed with a rifle, refused commands, and fired shots, threatening the officers. Green determined the officers were justified in using deadly force as they were threatened with deadly force. The decision came after an investigation by Virginia State Police. The officers have since returned to duty.

Thousands of Hampton Roads residents are expected to join national “No Kings” protests across the region Saturday. Demonstrations are planned in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Protesters object to Trump administration policies, including a military parade, cuts to veterans affairs and social services, and perceived authoritarianism. Organizers anticipate large crowds at the peaceful events, which are planned to coincide with Flag Day and the Army’s anniversary. Sign-making sessions were held earlier in the week in preparation for the weekend rallies and marches. Local organizers are coordinating with police and implementing safety measures for participants.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll attended an Army 250th birthday commemoration in Yorktown on Thursday.
Fort Eustis in Newport News will host a free public celebration for the Army’s 250th birthday on Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Murphy Field.
The Fort Eustis event includes family activities, vehicle displays, a concert, and 8:30 p.m. fireworks, requiring adult visitors to present a government ID.
Additional Army 250th anniversary events on Saturday in Yorktown include a Governor’s band performance and historical presentations at the American Revolution Museum, accessible with museum admission.
A paid theatrical presentation called The American Soldier will also be held Saturday at 7 p.m. at the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown.