Category: Local

The Rev. Kali Cawthon-Freels, a pastoral resident at Williamsburg Baptist Church, authored a column discussing finding hope in difficult times by comparing the musical “Hadestown” and the biblical book of Jeremiah. She argues that both stories illustrate repeating cycles of tragedy but also a commitment to continue (“sing it anyway”) despite knowing the outcome. Cawthon-Freels highlights the concept of “feral hope,” distinct from fragile optimism, which she argues can thrive in despair and is seen in Jeremiah’s persistence despite setbacks, offering a vision of how the world could be.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg debuted its new coaster, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge, on its 50th anniversary, May 16, offering members early access before the public opening on May 23.

Williamsburg area native and Bruton High School graduate Zena Cardman has been announced as commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station. Cardman, 37, will embark on her first space flight with a crew of four from three nations in July for an approximate eight-month assignment. The mission will involve scientific research and technology demonstrations, including Cardman conducting experiments on human physiology in space. Cardman was a backup for a previous mission and has spent years training since being selected as an astronaut candidate in 2017. Her former high school biology teacher at Bruton High School recalls her early ambition to become an astrobiologist.

BIG BAD WOLF COASTER RETURNS TO BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has begun previews for its new roller coaster, The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge.
Construction started in summer 2024, and the name was chosen based on fan feedback to honor the original ride.
It is North America’s longest inverted family coaster, featuring speeds up to 40 mph on 2,500 feet of track.
The coaster has height requirements of 42 inches with an accompanying adult and 48 inches to ride alone.
Park members are offered exclusive ride previews from May 16-18.
American Coaster Enthusiasts and media previewed the ride, with enthusiasts calling it a great homage to the original.
The ride utilizes the former Draken Fyre station and maintenance building in a previously closed area of the park.
Park officials believe the coaster will be a signature attraction balancing family thrills and enthusiast appeal.
A Grand Opening Ceremony for The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge is scheduled for May 23.

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Big Bad Wolf is Back: Busch Gardens Williamsburg Offers a First Look at New Coaster

James City County Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning Tuesday allowing redevelopment of the Fort Magruder Hotel into a mixed-use community. The plan converts 303 guestrooms into 126 apartments, with 40 percent designated as affordable housing, and the conference center into 32,000 square feet of commercial space. Supervisors also encouraged the developer to seek a protective easement for the Civil War Redoubt 3 on the property.

DRUMMER’S CALL CELEBRATES MILITARY MUSIC AT COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

Drummer’s Call takes place May 16-17 at Colonial Williamsburg.
The event celebrates the tradition of military music from various historical periods.
It features the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums and seven visiting fife and drum units.
All performances are free and open to the public.
An evening concert is scheduled for May 16 at 7:30 p.m.
A Grand March and Review will occur on May 17 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
The event concludes with the Williamsburg Military Tattoo torch-lit march on May 17 at 8:30 p.m.
Visitors should check the Colonial Williamsburg website for rain updates.

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Drummers Call Returns to Colonial Williamsburg this Weekend

COLONIAL AESTHETICS & WELLNESS EXPANDS

Colonial Aesthetics & Wellness celebrated its expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The business moved to a larger location on Jamestown Road in Williamsburg.
Their new space doubles the size of their previous location.
Owners Brittany Ptachick and Catherine White combine general medicine with aesthetics and wellness.
The practice received commendations for its growth.
The expansion reflects their commitment to serving the community with personalized care.

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Colonial Aesthetics & Wellness Celebrates Move and Expansion

VIRGINIA GOVERNOR PAUSES COLLEGE PROJECTS

Governor Glenn Youngkin paused over $600 million in funding for higher education projects.

The pause affects 10 renovation and expansion projects at Virginia colleges and universities.

The decision was made due to uncertainty about the country’s economic future.

Virginia retained $900.4 million from its budget, leaving a projected $3.2 billion surplus as a cushion.

The governor stated it would not be financially prudent to proceed with construction currently.

Affected institutions include VSU, VCU, William & Mary, UVA, Virginia Tech, and the VCCS.

Projects range from renovating old buildings to constructing new facilities and acquiring property.

The governor plans to reintroduce the projects in his December budget proposal if funds are available.

Some institutions are using other resources to continue planning despite the funding pause.

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Renovation and Expansion Projects at 10 Virginia Colleges and Universities Put on Pause

William & Mary track and field athletes set three school records at the CAA outdoor championships May 14-15 in Greensboro.
The men’s team finished third and the women’s team tied for fourth at the conference meet.
School records broken at the meet were the men’s 4×400 relay (3:09.63), Jackie Jones in the women’s 100 meters (11.62), and Emily Ervin in the women’s 400 meters (54.07).
Freshman Summer Mellow set a new W&M freshman record in the women’s 100 meters (12.03).
W&M won three events at the CAA championships: Collin Walsh (men’s steeplechase), Catherine Garrison (women’s steeplechase), and Brian Walsh (men’s decathlon, setting a CAA meet record).
Other school records were set earlier in the season by Lauren Jones (women’s long jump), Elizabeth Strobach (women’s pole vault), Avery Glidden (women’s 400 hurdles), Austin Rice (men’s 400 meters), and Catherine Garrison (women’s steeplechase).
The men’s 4×800 relay team ran the third-fastest time in W&M history at the Penn Relays.
The Tribe next competes at the NCAA East Region Preliminaries in Jacksonville, Florida beginning May 28.

Local pharmacist and parent Dr. Jade L. Ranger discussed coping with children growing up in a recent opinion piece. Ranger shared personal reflections on her sons’ transitions and noted that children need parents differently as they age. She offered four strategies for maintaining strong connections: being present, building shared hobbies, preserving memories, and showing affection.