Category: Uncategorized

Former Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi stated in 2006 that nuclear weapons are very dangerous in the hands of undemocratic regimes. Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was described as a radical aiming for nuclear weapons to destroy Israel. Former Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani reportedly suggested one nuclear weapon could destroy Israel while hundreds would be needed against the Islamic world. Experts believe recent Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites signal a policy shift away from containment. This change is seen as occurring since the Oct 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel. Israel has increased military actions in Lebanon and Syria, calling it a new “border security doctrine.” Former US official Aaron David Miller noted a shift in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu towards using military force. The article attributes Israel’s strength partly to its high percentage of university and advanced degrees. It mentions Israeli contributions to technology including cellphones, Intel chips, and ICQ. Israel’s air force includes approximately 250 F-16 fighter bombers. An Israeli air attack reportedly used 200 F-16s to hit targets in Iran and crimple air defenses. Retired US Gen John Michael Loh is noted as instrumental in developing the F-16. The article was written by Frank Shatz, a Williamsburg resident, for the Daily Press on June 17, 2025.

Williamsburg was named one of the best places to celebrate Juneteenth by U.S. News & World Report.
The historic town is recognized for its significance in American Black history.
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery and African American life.
Various Juneteenth events are planned in the Williamsburg area.
A Juneteenth Freedom Celebration will take place at City Square Park on Thursday from noon to 6 p.m.
William & Mary will host its fifth annual Juneteenth celebration in the Sadler Center on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Colonial Williamsburg will hold events on Thursday, including a groundbreaking for the African Baptist Meeting House at 9 a.m. on Nassau Street.
Colonial Williamsburg will also have the public opening of the Williamsburg Bray School at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Jamestown High School boys soccer team defeated Blacksburg 1-0 at Monticello High School to win the Class 4 state championship. Max Cooper scored the winning goal for Jamestown in the 70th minute. This marks Jamestown’s sixth boys soccer state title. Bruton High School boys soccer team lost 2-0 to Glenvar in the Class 2 state championship final. West Point High School girls soccer team won the Class 1 state championship, defeating Auburn 4-1 with three goals scored by McKenna Foulis. Poquoson High School girls soccer team claimed its first state title, beating Clarke County 2-1 in the Class 2 championship game at Roanoke College on a late winning goal by Brynn Groseth. Ocean Lakes High School won the Class 5 baseball state championship, defeating Cox High School 2-1 in nine innings. Glen Allen High School defeated Western Branch High School 7-2 to win the Class 6 softball state championship.

NEWS BRIEFS FOR JAN 17

The Scout Guide national publication celebrated reaching 100 markets with the opening of The Scout Guide Santa Fe.
DAV and RecruitMilitary are hosting a free virtual career fair for veterans and military spouses on June 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The James City County Department of Social Services office will be closed from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18.
The Virginia Department of Health issued shellfish closures for the Poquoson River, Chisman Creek, and Bennett Creek effective June 15.
Carolyn Keurajian is stepping down as President and CEO of The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra later this summer.

Source:

News Briefs for Jan 17

Virginia holds primary elections today with polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Statewide, Democrats will choose nominees for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. In Hampton Roads, contested primaries are held for several House of Delegates districts. Local contested races include Chesapeake Sheriff, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, and Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney and Treasurer. In-person voters need identification. Provisional ballots are available for those without ID or needing to register on Election Day. Absentee ballots must be returned or postmarked by Election Day. Voters experiencing problems can contact election officials. Results will be posted online tonight.

Elections & Government

Virginia’s 2025 Primary Election takes place Tuesday, June 17, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.1 Voters don’t need photo ID but must bring some form of identification, and if you don’t have ID, you can still vote by signing an ID Confirmation Statement or casting a provisional ballot1. Same-day voter registration is available, though you’ll vote a provisional ballot that gets counted once registration is verified1. For James City County residents, early voting continues at the Office of Elections (4095 Ironbound Road) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with Saturday hours on June 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.2 Drive-up voting is available for disabled voters, and there’s a voting assistance hotline at (833) 757-33671.

School System Agreement Negotiations remain ongoing between James City County and Williamsburg. The current joint operating agreement for WJCC Schools expires at the end of June3. County Administrator Scott Stevens indicates both localities will continue funding school operations even if the agreement expires before a new consensus is reached3.The City of Williamsburg has expressed preference to remain in the joint system, and both parties agree a modernized agreement is needed4. Previous feasibility studies highlighted achievement gaps, with Williamsburg students (more likely to be Black, Hispanic, English language learners, or economically disadvantaged) showing lower graduation rates and test performance compared to James City County students3.

Community & City Services

Juneteenth Holiday Closures will affect city operations on Thursday, June 19. All City of Williamsburg offices in the Municipal Building on Lafayette Street will be closed5. Quarterpath Recreation Center remains open, and Waller Mill Park follows normal hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)5. A 24-hour bill payment dropbox is available at 401 Lafayette Street for city transactions, though payments made on June 19 won’t post until June 206.

James City County Social Services will close for staff development on June 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.7

Abram Frink Jr. Community Center closes June 16–27 for comprehensive annual maintenance, including deep cleaning of tile floors, carpets in multipurpose rooms, hallways, lobby, restrooms, and locker rooms8.

James City County Recreation Pool begins major renovations June 16, completely closing until November 24, 20259.The renovation involves complete overhaul of the existing pool area with structural, aesthetic, and functional improvements, including demolition, construction, flooring, painting, ADA upgrades, pool resurfacing, handrails, and new coating10. During closure, Upper County Pool will host American Red Cross Learn to Swim classes for ages 3+ this summer9.

Events & Recreation

New Town Tunes Concert Series concluded its spring run June 11, with the final concert of the six-week series11. The May 14 concert was postponed to June 18 due to weather8. These free Wednesday evening concerts (5-8 p.m.) in Sullivan Square behind Legacy Hall feature local food trucks and breweries1112. The series is a partnership between James City County Parks & Recreation, CultureFix VA, and New Town Commercial Association8.

William & Mary’s Juneteenth Celebration happens June 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Sadler Center’s Chesapeake and Tidewater rooms1314. This fifth annual celebration features music and dance as the centerpiece, with attendees invited to learn the “Boots on the Ground” line dance by 803Fresh14. The event is free and open to the public, with parking at Zable Stadium, local vendors, food options, and $16 t-shirts available14.

Project: FiveFortySeven – Longest Day of Play celebrates the summer solstice Friday, June 20, starting at 5:47 a.m. and running until 11:59 p.m.1516. James City County Parks & Recreation offers free activities all day, including pool access, recreation center use, select group fitness classes, and various programs16. Special events include Fitness Court Orientations (11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Warhill Sports Complex), Firetruck Duck Drop (noon at Chickahominy Riverfront Park), and Park Pop Up with popsicles (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)16. The event includes photo contests, sensory-friendly scavenger hunts, and special programming for ages 55+16.

Public Safety & Community Issues

Missing Person Case continues for Eliza Elizabeth Yax Soch, a 36-year-old woman last seen April 21 at approximately 6:30 p.m. leaving the Pineapple Inn Housing Center and Hostel178. She’s described as a white female of Hispanic ethnicity, about 5’1″ and 150 pounds, with brown eyes and long black hair, last wearing black pants and a green tank top17. Police report no confirmed contact with family, friends, or her employer since her disappearance17. Anyone with information should call James City County Police at 757-566-011217.

Traffic & Infrastructure

Merrimac Trail Incidents have caused periodic closures. In early May, a single-vehicle crash into a power pole in the 400 block closed the road, compromising power lines and a transformer, affecting 261 Dominion Energy customers with estimated restoration by 8-9 p.m.18. The road reopened by 10 p.m. that evening18.

GloFiber Installation Progress continues citywide with 36 months of the 48-month project complete19. So far, 2,100 homes have fiber built with 28 miles installed, leaving 500 homes and 4 miles remaining, plus 3,000 additional homes requiring HOA/MDU agreements19. Recent overnight work on Henry Street from Scotland to Ireland streets caused delays from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on April 28-2920. The company has implemented improved communication practices and a damage complaint tracker, with completion targeted by end of 202519.

Community Health & Safety

Mosquito Season Awareness is at peak activity from late April through fall21. James City County is providing free mosquito dunks (one package of two per household) that kill larvae for 30+ days21. Residents can call 757-259-4080 to request dunks for use in drainage ditches, rain barrels, rain gardens, and other standing water areas21. The county recommends eliminating standing water, fixing septic tank gaps, using EPA-registered repellent, and wearing long sleeves during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active21.

Community Events & Arts

Art on the Square was held April 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Duke of Gloucester Street, featuring over 100 artists in this 59th annual juried show2223. First place winners included Amy Snowden (Jewelry), Arista Wilson (Painting/Drawing), Russell Turnage (Ceramics), Robin Sesan (2-Dimensional), and Michael Cruz (3-Dimensional/Sculpture)22. Laura Emery won the raffle for an original oil painting “St. George Tucker House” by local artist Gulay Berryman, with proceeds supporting arts scholarships for local high school seniors22.

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37. https://www.williamsburgva.gov/334/Voter-Registrar
38. http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/through-the-seasons/juneteenth/
39. https://www.herewilliamsburg.com/williamsburg-concert-series-2025/
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41. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/Calendar.aspx
42. https://wydaily.com/latest/local/2025/06/16/virginias-2025-primary-is-tuesday-what-you-need-to-know/
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46. https://wydaily.com/latest/2025/04/11/where-things-stand-in-the-effort-to-fund-wjcc-schools/
47. https://wjccschools.org/newsroom/city-county-to-discuss-joint-school-contract/
48. https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6095&ARC=9241
49. https://www.williamsburgindependent.com/p/commentary-status-of-wjcc-joint-school-contract-still-unresolved
50. https://www.williamsburgva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1148
51. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6385
52. https://www.scc.virginia.gov/about-the-scc/contact-us/scheduled-closings/
53. https://events.wm.edu/event/view/wm/364682
54. https://williamsburgva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1148
55. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6400
56. https://wydaily.com/latest/local/2025/06/16/juneteenth-closures-around-the-historic-triangle-4/
57. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6401
58. https://vdot.virginia.gov/news-events/news/hampton-roads-district/hampton-roads-district-weekly-traffic-alert-june-15-21-2025.php
59. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6364
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61. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6381
62. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKPMiEnzU2I/
63. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKPk_6tvpmv/
64. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6384
65. https://www.jccalert.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6116
66. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/5fe235646ecc159ad760672042eb2de4356f37b5
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70. https://www.whro.org/people/williamsburg-watch
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72. https://wydaily.com/latest/2025/06/14/james-city-county-approves-special-use-permit-for-new-government-center/
73. https://connect.businesswilliamsburg.com/communitycalendar/Details/new-town-tunes-1283969
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VIRGINIA’S 2025 PRIMARY ELECTION DETAILS

Virginia’s Democratic Primary is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17th.

Candidates for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General are on the Democratic ballot.

The Republican Party is not holding a statewide primary as candidates are uncontested.

All 100 seats in Virginia’s House of Delegates are up for election in the fall.

There are contested GOP state House primaries elsewhere, but none are local to the Historic Triangle.

Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Anyone in line by 7 p.m. will still be allowed to vote.

Same-day voter registration is available but requires a provisional ballot.

Links are provided for local voter information in James City County, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and York County.

Additional election FAQs are available from the Virginia Department of Elections.

Source:

Virginia’s 2025 Primary is Tuesday: What You Need to Know

LOCAL STUDENT RECEIVES PADEREWSKI GOLD MEDAL

Jamestown High student Senah Drazdowski received the Paderewski Gold Medal.
The award is from the National Piano Guild for 10 years of successful auditions.
Auditions require memorizing 10 pieces annually and demonstrating other skills.
Playing piano is a multi-generational family tradition for Drazdowski.
She currently studies with piano teacher Cathy Combs.
Drazdowski is the first person in her family to achieve this award.

Source:

Local Student Receives Paderewski Gold Medal

STREAMLINE ROOFING DONATES NEW ROOF TO 4-H CENTER

Streamline Roofing completed its annual Raise the Roof community project.
This year’s recipient is the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center.
Jamestown 4-H suffered severe storm damage to a main building in March.
Streamline Roofing provided the roof replacement at no cost.
The company’s employees have personal connections to 4-H.
They recognized 4-H’s positive impact on the community.
Supplier sponsors Beacon Building Supply and CertainTeed supported the project.

Source:

Streamline Roofing Donates New Roof to Jamestown 4-H Educational Center

JUNETEENTH CLOSURES IN HISTORIC TRIANGLE

Government offices in the Historic Triangle will observe the Juneteenth national holiday on Thursday.
James City County offices, libraries, and the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center are closed.
Most James City County parks, the Recreation Center, and waste convenience centers remain open.
Williamsburg city offices are closed on Thursday.
Williamsburg’s Quarterpath Recreation Center is closed until 5 p.m.
Williamsburg garbage collection will follow its regular schedule.
York County government offices, courts, libraries, and some administrative offices are closed.
York County garbage and recycling collection will follow its normal schedule.
York County’s Transfer Station, Recycling Drop-off, and Compost Facility are open.

Source:

Juneteenth Closures Around the Historic Triangle