Author: operations@endocollab.com

The Williamsburg Kiwanis Club’s KIDS program sends underserved children to Busch Gardens for a day trip.
The Williamsburg Kiwanis Foundation has raised nearly $1 million for youth agencies, with Busch Gardens donating park passes.
Gifts for the KIDS program can be mailed to the Williamsburg Community Foundation or donated online at WilliamsburgCommunityFoundation.org.
G. Gary Ripple of the Williamsburg Kiwanis Foundation highlights the program’s goal to provide a positive experience for local at-risk youth.

A commentary argues James City County’s budget process lacks transparency and public input. The author criticizes the Board of Supervisors for approving property tax increases, including a 21% hike over two years (2024-25). It is stated the board misrepresented how the tax rate increase occurred despite state law adjusting rates after reassessments. The commentary claims these increases disproportionately harm vulnerable residents like seniors and the working poor. The author advocates for a participatory budgeting model where county staff presents clear spending options and associated tax rates to residents.

In-person early voting for the June Democratic Primary races begins Friday, May 2, in the Historic Triangle, featuring candidates for statewide lieutenant governor and attorney general; key dates include the May 27 voter registration deadline and the June 17 primary Election Day.

Visit Williamsburg previewed upcoming May events in the Greater Williamsburg area, highlighted in an interview on 92.3 FM Tide with Selena Coles. Events include the 10th annual Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival, the Blues, Brews, & BBQ Festival, and various concert series. Visit Williamsburg also recently won the 2024 VIRGO Award for its Historic Holiday Pass campaign.

Flood insurance costs are dramatically rising for Virginia residents and businesses. This increase is driven by FEMA’s new Risk Rating 2.0 system, implemented fully by April 2023. Critics contend the system has significantly increased policyholder premiums and does not sufficiently reward flood mitigation. The average annual flood insurance cost in Virginia is estimated to rise by 45 percent. Only three percent of Virginia homeowners currently hold flood insurance. Flood risk is also increasing across the state, with over 28 percent of homes potentially facing risk in the next 30 years, particularly in areas like Virginia Beach. Southwest Virginia recently experienced significant flooding damage from Hurricane Helene. A lawsuit challenging FEMA’s rating system, joined by Virginia’s Attorney General, was dismissed in November 2023. Local communities can participate in FEMA’s Community Rating System by implementing flood protection policies to potentially lower insurance costs. A 20 million dollar federal grant for a flood resilience project in Hampton is reportedly at risk of cancellation.

Constance Connie Marie Butler, 58, of Williamsburg, passed away at her home on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Born March 11, 1967, she was the daughter of Horace Jones Sr. and the late Rosemary J. Allen. She was married to Tyrone Butler, had two daughters, worked at 7-11 and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and was active in her church. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, father, and siblings.

Shirley Louise White, 88, of Newport News passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025. She was a devoted mother and friend who worked for the Navy and later The Hidenwood Retirement Community. A Graveside Service is scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.

MSGT Raymond L. Fletcher, USAF, Retired, 79, of Hampton passed away at home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. He was a Peninsula resident for 46 years, served 20 years in the USAF with two tours in Vietnam, and was a Mason, member of the Hampton Elks No. 366, Shriners, American Legion Post 1596, and VFW Post 3529. He is survived by his wife Willa, son James, daughter Brenda, grandchildren, and family. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Newport News Elks Club 315. Donations may be made to the Peninsula SPCA or the American Lung Association.

Lynn Renee Muckelroy Wagner, 63, a US Air Force Veteran and dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, passed away Friday, April 11, 2025 at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News; she is survived by her daughter, son, and sister, with a Celebration of Life Service to be held later.

Sean Michael Irish, 60, of Newport News, passed away April 17, 2025. A Denbigh High School alumnus, a memorial service is scheduled for April 30 at 7 p.m. at Weymouth Funeral Home.