Category: Local

Good Shot Judy will headline a benefit concert at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center on Saturday, May 31, starting at 6 p.m., to raise funds for repairs after a March storm damaged a main cabin crucial for summer programs. The event at the center includes Virginia Beer Company, a food truck, and welcomes attendees with lawn chairs and leashed dogs, with tickets available for purchase.

A new law in Virginia allows domestic violence survivors to have physical evidence of assaults preserved anonymously at the state forensic lab without immediate police reporting. This law aims to give survivors in areas like Hampton Roads time to decide whether to prosecute, preserving evidence gathered by forensic nurses until they are ready.

Edward Lewis Blake, Jr. (Ed), 72, of Bruington, VA passed away Sunday, April 20th following a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Anita Bush Blake, daughters Shannon Kosek and Sarah Blake, grandchildren, and siblings.

William & Mary football player Hollis Mathis earned a rookie minicamp invite with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday. Mathis is one of four W&M players recently joining NFL organizations and is unique for having over 1000 career yards in passing, rushing, and receiving.

William & Mary wide receiver Matthew Akuchie earned a rookie minicamp invite with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, joining teammate Charles Grant and other former Tribe players pursuing NFL opportunities.

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote this week on a bill impacting Virginia’s ability to set clean vehicle emissions standards. The bill targets California standards requiring 100 percent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, which Virginia and 16 other states have adopted. Supporters of the standards say they encourage electric vehicles, saving consumers money and reducing pollution, while opponents claim they restrict consumer choice. A Government Accountability Office report suggests Congress may not have the authority to repeal the standards. The U.S. Senate is also considering similar legislation.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg recently debuted new signs detailing park mileage and inclines and announced the Sip, Savor, and Sprint 5K race for May 4 to highlight fitness opportunities for guests.

U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman was featured in a local “Ten Questions with” series in the Historic Triangle. He represents Virginia’s 1st District, which includes the Historic Triangle. Rep. Wittman lives full-time in his district and commutes to Washington D.C. He regularly meets with constituents across the district, including in the Historic Triangle where he has an office in Yorktown and visits Williamsburg. He defines success as enabling others to succeed. His most successful accomplishment in Congress is the bipartisan America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act, which benefits the Chesapeake Bay. Personally, he is most proud of his family. He enjoys home renovation projects for relaxation. Rep. Wittman intends to continue serving the people of his district.

James City County’s Fort Magruder Hotel at 6945 Pocahontas Trail may be converted into 126 apartments, with 40 percent designated as affordable housing, under a proposal by New Jersey-based Conserve Holdings. The plan also includes 32,000 square feet of commercial space in the existing conference center. The county planning commission recommended approval on April 2, and the Board of Supervisors will consider the rezoning application on May 13. The developer aims to revitalize the underutilized property and provide needed housing, particularly affordable units for local workers, although the county’s Housing Administrator expressed concern that some affordable units are tiered for incomes up to 120% of the area median income, potentially not reaching the lowest-wage workers. A historical feature, Redoubt 3 from the Civil War Battle of Williamsburg, located in the hotel courtyard, is planned to be preserved.

A property firm proposes converting the Fort Magruder Hotel in James City County into 126 apartments, including 52 affordable units. Conserve Holdings seeks a rezoning for the property at 6945 Pocahontas Trail to allow the project. The plan includes keeping 32,000 square feet for commercial use and preserving a Civil War-era redoubt on site. The county planning commission unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning on April 2. The James City County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider the application at its May 13 meeting. A county housing official expressed concern that targeting some affordable units for those earning 120% of the area median income might limit availability for lower-wage workers. The county is holding a community housing forum on April 30.