Category: Local

Lynn Renee Muckelroy Wagner, 63, of Newport News passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Riverside Regional Medical Center. She was a US Air Force Veteran, Registered Nurse, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who dedicated over 30 years to psychiatric nursing. Wagner is survived by her daughter Jillian, son Jonathan, and sister Lisa Paridon. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

VIRGINIA FLOOD INSURANCE COSTS RISING SHARPLY

Flood risk and damage are increasing in Virginia, as seen with Hurricane Helene.

Only a small percentage of Virginia homeowners have flood insurance.

FEMA’s new Risk Rating 2.0 system is causing flood insurance costs to rise dramatically.

The new system uses more factors like property structure and value, not just elevation.

Critics say Risk Rating 2.0 fails to lower premiums and doesn’t reward flood protection efforts.

Virginia Attorney General joined a lawsuit challenging the system, but it was dismissed.

Flood insurance rates in Virginia are projected to increase significantly, averaging 45% higher.

Over 28% of Virginia homes face flood risk in the next 30 years, with vulnerability rising, especially in coastal areas.

Communities can participate in the Community Rating System to potentially reduce policy costs through mitigation efforts.

Local flood protection projects face funding challenges.

Community support is vital for those affected by flooding.

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Virginia Flood Insurance Cost ‘Dramatically’ Rising, as is Flood Risk

WARHILL HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS THE LITTLE MERMAID

Warhill High School will stage its spring musical, “The Little Mermaid,” from May 2-4.

The show is based on the Disney movie about mermaid princess Ariel’s desire to live on land and her deal with sea witch Ursula.

Director Jacob Noble chose the show to be family-friendly and engage the entire community.

Senior Ashley Remmert plays the role of Ariel.

Senior Ava Shird plays the villain Ursula.

The production involves approximately 60 cast members, 25 tech crew, and 30 pit orchestra members.

Students are highly involved in all aspects of the production, including vocals, choreography, costumes, lighting, and set design.

Performance dates and times are May 2 at 7 p.m., May 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and May 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at warhill.booktix.com.

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Warhill High School to Present ‘The Little Mermaid’ May 2-4

BUSCH GARDENS PROMOTES FITNESS WITH NEW SIGNS AND 5K

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is introducing health initiatives ahead of the summer season.

A new sign in the England section shows park mileage and inclines for visitors.

The sign idea came from the operations team based on guest inquiries about steps taken in the park.

Busch Gardens will host a Food & Wine Festival 5K race called “Sip, Savor, and Sprint”.

The 5K race is scheduled for May 4th at 7:30 a.m. and builds on the success of past races.

The course runs through the parking lot and specific park areas like Festa Italia and Germany.

Race finishers will receive a medal, T-shirt, and access to a post-race party.

The 5K is a collaboration between Busch Gardens and Flat-Out Events.

Registration for the race is open online.

Source:

Busch Gardens Debuts New Fitness Signs Ahead of Upcoming Food & Wine 5K Race

WILLIAMSBURG DAR CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL

The Williamsburg Daughters of the American Revolution chapter celebrated its 100th anniversary with a ceremonial tea party.

The chapter was formed by twelve women on March 26, 1925, and chartered on April 18, 1927.

Agnes Virginia Dixon Foster was the organizing regent of the chapter.

The original charter is housed for safekeeping in the Swem Library Special Collections at William and Mary.

Over the past century, more than 800 women have been members, including notable figures.

Attendees at the tea dined on traditional tea sandwiches and pastries.

Speakers discussed the chapter’s history and its commitment to historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

Honorary Regent Cecie Adolphi read personal anecdotes from the diary of organizing regent Agnes Dixon Foster.

The chapter plans to publish a 100-year history book later this year.

Williamsburg Mayor Doug Pons declared April 22 as Williamsburg Daughters of the Revolution Day.

The Williamsburg DAR Chapter is currently recruiting new members.

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Williamsburg DAR Chapter Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Commemoration Tea

A Williamsburg 9-year-old, Quinn Eppright, and her family started a new nonprofit, Spark Community Empowerment, to help WJCC students in need. The effort was inspired by Quinn’s classmate being bullied for not having clean clothes. The nonprofit aims to fund a laundry token program through WJCC Schools and collect new and gently used clothing and socks for students. Spark Community Empowerment will host its first fundraiser, a family bingo night, on May 16 at the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex. A clothing drive for new socks, undergarments, and new or gently used clothing is ongoing until May 16, with drop-off locations at WISC, Williamsburg Orthodontics, and The Kensington School.

The Peninsula Community Foundation announced the 12th annual Give Local 757, a 24-hour online fundraising event, is set for Tuesday, May 6 in Hampton Roads. The event allows community members to directly support 231 participating local nonprofits. Over 500 neighbors are serving as fundraising champions, aiming to raise funds, with opportunities to donate online at givelocal757.org and potentially amplify gifts. Old Point National Bank is the presenting partner for the initiative focused on strengthening community bonds.

Early in-person voting for the Democratic June Primary begins Friday, May 2, in the Historic Triangle area. Ballots include candidates for statewide lieutenant governor and attorney general. Key dates are the May 27 voter registration deadline, the June 14 end of early voting, and Primary Election Day on June 17. The Republican Party is not holding statewide primaries as candidates are uncontested.

SPARK COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT LAUNCHES TO HELP WJCC STUDENTS

A 9-year-old girl named Quinn Eppright inspired her family to start a new nonprofit.

Spark Community Empowerment aims to help students in need within WJCC Schools.

The idea came after Quinn’s classmate was bullied for not having clean clothes.

The nonprofit will focus on providing a grant for a school laundry token program.

They are also collecting clothing donations for a distribution event before school starts.

A bingo night fundraiser will be held on May 16 at WISC to support their efforts.

Donations of new socks, undergarments, and gently used clothing are also accepted until May 16.

The initiative seeks to boost student confidence and make school a more positive experience.

Source:

Local 9-Year-Old and Family Start New Community-Based Nonprofit to Help WJCC Students in Need

NEW NONPROFIT SPARK COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT FOR WJCC STUDENTS

Nine-year-old Quinn Eppright was upset because a classmate was bullied for not having clean clothes.
Her family started Spark Community Empowerment based on Quinn’s experience.
The nonprofit will provide a grant to WJCC Schools for a laundry token program.
They will also collect new and gently used clothing and new undergarments for students.
The first fundraiser is a bingo night on May 16 at WISC.
A clothing drive is also underway at various locations.
The organization aims to boost student confidence by providing needed items.

Source:

Local 9-Year-Old and Family Start New Community-Based Nonprofit to Help WJCC Students in Need