Category: Local

Literacy for Life, a Peninsula nonprofit, celebrated its 50th anniversary educating adult learners. The organization provides free instruction in reading, math, English, and life skills to over 1,000 learners annually using volunteer tutors and staff. A celebration event at William & Mary recognized the group’s impact and community partnerships. Executive Director Jason Thornton noted growing demand but highlighted challenges including potential federal funding cuts of 20 percent, or $240,000. Literacy for Life plans to introduce a $50 annual learner registration fee with waivers to help offset potential funding losses. Learners Ed Swann and Kenia Ramirez shared stories of achieving literacy and citizenship goals with the program’s help. The organization stated its commitment to its mission despite facing funding and other obstacles.

JAMES CITY COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER PROJECT MOVES FORWARD

The James City County Board of Supervisors approved a special use permit for a new $189.5 million government center.
The project aims to consolidate 12 county functions into one building at a central location.
This new facility will replace aging and scattered current government buildings.
The board states the cost is comparable to maintaining existing facilities and will last longer.
Recent opposition has surfaced, with some demanding a public referendum.
Supervisors clarified the permit is a land use step and not final approval of the project’s design, contract, or funding.
Board members acknowledged the need for more public communication and plan town halls to address concerns and misinformation.
A referendum, they explained, can only address the financing method, not whether the project is built.
The special use permit was approved by a 4-1 vote.

Source:

James City County Approves Special Use Permit for New Government Center

Jamestown High School’s boys soccer team advanced to the Class 4 state championship game by beating Charlottesville 2-0 on Friday at Monticello High School. The boys team will play for the state title today at 12:30 p.m. Jamestown’s girls soccer team lost its Class 4 state semifinal game 3-0 to Woodgrove on Friday at Monticello High School.

Sentara hospitals across Hampton Roads celebrated the graduation of 26 Project SEARCH interns since late May. Seven interns graduated on June 6 from the program at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center. Project SEARCH is a school-to-work transition program for high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program partners with local schools and state agencies to provide year-long internships in a workplace setting. Graduates gained experience in various hospital departments, developing skills and confidence for future employment. Program staff and hospital mentors highlighted the graduates’ achievements and future potential. Some graduates have secured jobs or are pursuing further career opportunities following the program.

Ben Hardouin has been selected as the general manager for the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center as construction progresses. The 200,000-square-foot facility, located on Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center grounds, is 60% complete and expected to open next summer. Hardouin assumed the role on May 11 and is now hiring a sales and marketing director and a sports director. The center is a joint effort by local governments and tourism entities. The facility already has dozens of sporting event bookings scheduled for 2026 through 2028.

The ninth annual Kingswood Klam 5K took place June 7 at the Kingswood Pool and neighborhood.
Bethany Spector won the women’s race in 18:32 and Roger Hopper won the men’s race in 16:50 despite hot and humid conditions.
Age group records were broken by Bethany Spector, Isabella Strumke, Aimee Gianoukos, Connie Glueck, and Larry Arata.
Marjy Friedrichs had the top age-graded performance at 82.28 percent.
The race included 85 finishers in the 5K and 21 in a one mile fun run.
The event served as a benefit for the Kingswood Pool swimming team.

Pharmacist and author Dr. Jade L. Ranger writes in her column on parenting about the importance of raising children with purpose, even if one lacked a positive upbringing blueprint. She encourages parents to choose intentionally the kind of parent they want to be, modeling desired values and utilizing resources like self-reflection, external examples, and the Bible.

VIRGINIA RECEIVES DELAYED FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

Virginia will receive $8.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The funds are part of a national effort to clear a backlog of delayed grants announced three years ago.

The DOT is clearing 3,200 unobligated grants, having addressed 1,065 so far.

Specific Virginia recipients include Ashland, Smithfield, Petersburg, Richmond, Salem, and the Jamestown Scotland Ferry Project.

The largest single award is $5 million for Phase II of the Jamestown Scotland Ferry facility rehabilitation.

Richmond is receiving $2 million for a Broad Rock Boulevard rail crossing study.

The DOT stated it has eliminated previous requirements tied to racial equity, climate change, and social justice for these grants.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized focusing on core infrastructure and reducing red tape.

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Feds Release Delayed Infrastructure Grants, Sending $8.6 Million to Virginia

HOMETOWN RADIO INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAMSBURG JEWELERS

Michael Fagan, owner of Williamsburg Jewelers, was interviewed on Hometown Radio.
He discussed the current surging gold prices.
The interview covered Williamsburg Jewelers’ Digital Custom Design service.
Expert jewelry and watch repair services offered by the store were highlighted.
Reasons why many local residents choose Williamsburg Jewelers for engagement rings were mentioned.
Details about the Williamsburg Jewelers Father’s Day Contest were shared.

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Hometown Radio Interview: Talking About The Gold Market, Expert Jewelry Repair, And Digital Custom Designs With Williamsburg Jewelers [AUDIO]

Two James City County police officers will not face charges for the fatal shooting of James Andrew Evans on March 30. The shooting occurred in a Food Lion parking lot near the Williamsburg Premium Outlets during an attempted traffic stop. According to Commonwealth’s Attorney Nate Green, Evans exited his vehicle armed with a rifle, refused commands, and fired shots, threatening the officers. Green determined the officers were justified in using deadly force as they were threatened with deadly force. The decision came after an investigation by Virginia State Police. The officers have since returned to duty.