Category: Local

CONFEDERATE REMAINS REINTERRED IN WILLIAMSBURG

Four unidentified Confederate soldiers and three amputated limbs were reinterred at Cedar Grove Cemetery Tuesday.

The remains were discovered during a 2023 archaeological excavation near Colonial Williamsburg’s powder magazine.

Evidence suggests they were casualties of the Battle of Williamsburg who died in a nearby hospital.

Archaeologists are attempting to identify the soldiers using DNA and historical records.

The identification process may take several years.

The reinterment took place at Cedar Grove Cemetery, where other Battle of Williamsburg soldiers are buried.

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Confederate Remains Found Near CW’s Powder Magazine Reinterred at Cedar Grove Cemetery

DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA BURIED LINES REDUCE OUTAGES

Dominion Energy Virginia has completed burying over 2,500 miles of outage-prone power lines.

This work is part of the Strategic Underground Program, which targets areas most affected by fallen trees.

Burying lines has reduced average outage time for affected customers from 11 hours to 2 minutes.

Average restoration time during major storms has been cut in half for customers with buried lines.

Dominion Energy plans to bury thousands more miles in the coming years.

A separate program, Mainfeeder Hardening, replaces old poles and cross arms, reducing outage time by 30% on those lines.

The company is encouraging customers to prepare for the active hurricane season with tips.

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Dominion Energy Virginia: Buried Power Lines Reducing Storm-Related Outages

YORKTOWN SENIOR HEADS TO WEST POINT

Yorktown’s Abby Mynes, a Summit Christian Academy senior, is preparing to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.
She was inspired by her retired Air Force parents but chose the structured, challenging military path independently.
Mynes was accepted into West Point, the Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
She decided on West Point after visiting both it and the Air Force Academy.
Initially considering a pilot career, she is now interested in special operations.
She feels prepared but nervous for the upcoming Cadet Basic Training, which includes physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
Mynes is motivated by the idea of service to country and fighting for national pride in her generation.
Upon graduating, she will become an officer in the U.S. Army.

Source:

Service Above Self: Yorktown’s Abby Mynes Ready for West Point

WJCC SCHOOLS MUSIC PROGRAM RECEIVES NATIONAL HONORS

WJCC Schools music program received national recognition for music education.
The school division was named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation.
This honor recognizes outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students.
WJCC Schools is among only 24 divisions in Virginia to receive this recognition in 2025.
This marks the eighth consecutive year WJCC has received the award.
The designation required meeting criteria for funding, participation, instruction time, and more.

Source:

WJCC Schools Music Program Receives National Recognition for Music Education

WILLIAMSBURG’S JUNE EVENTS PREVIEWED

Visit Williamsburg CEO Ed Harris discussed upcoming June events on 92.3 FM The Tide.
Highlighted events include Juneteenth celebrations and the Williamsburg Whiskey and Wine Weekend June 27-29.
The recent launch of The Big Bad Wolf roller coaster at Busch Gardens was also mentioned.
Harris shared details about the Cool Summer Savings Pass offering local discounts and prizes.
Residents can find a full list of events and deals on the Visit Williamsburg website.
Visit Williamsburg is the official destination marketing organization for the area.

Source:

In The Know With Visit Williamsburg: Previewing A Busy June With CEO Ed Harris [AUDIO]

James City County is holding community input sessions for a proposed 25,000 square foot library addition.
The sessions are set for July 7 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. and July 9 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the James City County Recreation Center.
Residents can share ideas on the planned library addition, which would connect to the new government center on Longhill Road.
The addition is in the design phase and is expected to cost less than a previously estimated $49.6 million.
Library officials state the addition is needed to meet population growth and provide modern services like technology and meeting spaces.
The proposed library would be a technology center, complementing existing regional library locations focused on families and arts and culture.
Public comments can also be submitted online, by email, phone, or mail.

A recent survey by the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission found that over one third of local commuters are dissatisfied with their trips, highlighting frustrations with long, solo drives and a need for improved transportation options and local work alternatives.

Author Wilford Kale recently visited Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery in France. Standing on a bluff overlooking the beach, he reflected on his father’s D-Day experience and the battle where thousands of men were killed or wounded. He visited the cemetery where 9,389 American service members are buried near where they fell in 1944. The visit was a personal journey as his father, a D-Day veteran, had planned to return but died before the 40th anniversary. The article also notes local connections like Sgt. John Taylor Blacknall, a Williamsburg resident who died on D-Day at Omaha Beach.

YORKTOWN SENIOR HEADS TO WEST POINT

Abby Mynes, a senior at Summit Christian Academy, will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Coming from a military family, she chose the structured, challenging path over a traditional college experience.
She was accepted into multiple service academies but felt West Point was the correct choice after visiting.
Mynes is considering a career in special operations after previously thinking about being a pilot.
She begins Cadet Basic Training soon, anticipating intense physical and mental challenges.
Her motivation includes service to country and concern over dwindling national pride in her generation.
Upon graduation from West Point, she will be commissioned as a U.S. Army officer.

Source:

Service Above Self: Yorktown’s Abby Mynes Ready for West Point

WJCC SCHOOLS MUSIC PROGRAM RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

WJCC Schools received national recognition for its music education program.
They were named a “Best Community for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation.
The honor is for providing music access and education to all students.
WJCC is among only 24 school divisions in Virginia to receive this award.
This marks their eighth consecutive year receiving the designation.
They qualified by meeting criteria including funding, participation, and facilities.

Source:

WJCC Schools Music Program Receives National Recognition for Music Education