Detailed Local News for Williamsburg, VA (June 10–16, 2025)

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.

1. https://historictriangledems.com/vote/
2. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/1044/Office-of-Elections
3. https://www.whro.org/education-news/2025-04-30/williamsburg-james-city-county-still-negotiating-school-agreement
4. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6134
5. https://www.yeswilliamsburg.com/CivicAlerts.aspx
6. https://www.williamsburgva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1013
7. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov
8. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx
9. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/2673/Aquatics
10. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/4131/James-City-County-Recreation-Center—Po
11. https://newtownwilliamsburg.com/events-news/
12. https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/events/live-music/
13. https://www.wm.edu/sites/juneteenth/program/
14. https://news.wm.edu/2025/05/28/william-mary-invites-everyone-to-get-on-the-dance-floor-this-juneteenth/
15. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/4076/Project-FiveFortySeven
16. https://www.williamsburgfamilies.com/project-five-forty-seven-is-a-free-event-celebrating-the-longest-day-of-the-year-williamsburg/
17. https://www.wtkr.com/missing-persons/james-city-missing-eliza-yax-soch
18. https://www.williamsburgva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1134
19. https://wydaily.com/business/2024/10/17/glo-fiber-gives-an-update-on-progress-at-williamsburg-city-council-work-session/
20. https://www.williamsburgva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1131
21. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6365
22. https://www.williamsburgjuniors.org/art-on-the-square
23. https://www.williamsburgfamilies.com/art-square/
24. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/186/Colonial-Community-Corrections
25. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6303
26. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6324
27. https://porchcommunities.org/williamsburg
28. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1475425/full
29. https://historictriangledems.com/elections/
30. https://wydaily.com/latest/2024/06/25/wjcc-schools-deconsolidation-feasibility-study-and-transition-plan-presented-to-jcc-board/
31. https://thetriangle.news/williamsburg-james-city-county-officials-want-to-continue-operating-joint-school-system/
32. https://www.williamsburgfamilies.com/juneteenth-events-colonial-williamsburg/
33. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/facilities/facility/details/james-city-county-recreation-center-33
34. https://www.williamsburgfamilies.com/events/new-town-tunes-williamsburg/2025-05-07/
35. https://www.merchantssquare.org/events/art-in-the-square/
36. https://www.countynewscenter.com/county-fights-mosquitoes-from-the-sky/
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/
40. https://www.williamsburgva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1132
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/
43. https://wydaily.com/latest-news/2024/11/05/today-is-election-day-what-to-know-as-you-head-to-the-polls/
44. https://williamsburgva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7239/2025-Legislative-Agenda?bidId=
45. https://wjla.com/news/local/virginia-june-primary-election-voter-guide-what-to-know-voting-2025-democratic-republican-early-in-person-local-registrars-office-poll-location-governor-lieutenant-attorney-general-house-delegates-seats-races-ballot?photo=2
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
60. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6378
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
67. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/fe8874dcaf92d2e50c1a03ee297dac18a76abd67
68. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/be183c1c391ab824f8b89f08c58e53fbf03189ed
69. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/a67fdc221e35893784e93b3b13955a6e599c7826
70. https://www.whro.org/people/williamsburg-watch
71. https://www.whro.org/local-government/2025-06-16/james-city-supervisors-approve-transition-house-for-people-in-recovery-drawing-tears
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
74. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2025-02-06-13-47-27-209825-ygd
75. https://wydaily.com/news/series/tunes-in-town/2024/03/23/new-town-tunes-announces-its-concert-line-up/
76. https://www.williamsburgfamilies.com/events/longest-day-of-play-project-fivefortyseven/
77. https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/event/project:-fivefortyseven/1441/
78. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/be364abe0c4e7a28494487a37a381f314ac18304
79. https://www.williamsburgva.gov/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=1146
80. https://www.yeswilliamsburg.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=255
81. https://www.yeswilliamsburg.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=246
82. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00940771.2010.11461717
83. https://wydaily.com/latest/local/2025/06/09/new-food-pantry-donation-program-in-williamsburg-makes-it-easy-to-give-back/
84. https://www.newtownfoodpantry.org/about-us
85. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/bbf65e169d2f688a71cd6e3b08ba3a861c9f7ea2
86. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/498c599fee41526745103804d76ed50e23a6bd8e
87. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/8abd8289907fa6448f874c7984507b75f3e9ad50
88. http://link.springer.com/10.1093/jurban/78.2.359
89. https://www.paho.org/en/campaigns/mosquito-awareness-week-2025
90. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6343
91. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxyrBEJ1csQ
92. https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/historic-triangle/james-city-county-williamsburg-could-go-separate-ways-when-it-comes-to-schools
93. https://www.whro.org/local-government/2024-10-11/williamsburg-says-it-will-stay-in-joint-school-district-with-james-city-county
94. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5691&ARC=8635
95. https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/blog/post/juneteenth-in-williamsburg/
96. https://williamsburgva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=736
97. https://www.explorejccva.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4869&ARC=7363
98. https://www.afrh.gov/sites/default/files/DC_Rec_012025.pdf
99. https://www.williamsburgfamilies.com/events-activities-classes-and-camps-through-jcc-parks-recreation/
100. https://careers.jamescitycountyva.gov/our-opportunities
101. https://budget.lis.virginia.gov/amendment/2025/1/SB800/Introduced/MR/124/21s/
102. https://documents.jamescitycountyva.gov/Minutes/Agendas/2024/07232024BOSBMAGE.pdf
103. https://www.ntrawilliamsburg.org/home/
104. http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/stay-play/packages-special-offers/summer-getaway/
105. https://www.williamsburgfamilies.com/new-town-tunes-free-after-hours-concert-series/
106. https://www.williamsburgfamilies.com/events/park-pop-up/
107. https://www.williamsburgfamilies.com/events/crp-pool-party/
108. https://www.nps.gov/colo/planyourvisit/colo-parkway-rehab.htm
109. https://wydaily.com/latest/alerts/2025/02/26/pedestrian-dead-another-injured-after-being-struck-by-vehicle-on-merrimac-trail/
110. https://beach-community.files.svdcdn.com/production/Get-Help/Food-Pantries-and-Resources.pdf?dm=1733854341
111. https://foodbankonline.org/directory/
112. https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/62/3/593/8105466
113. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21642850.2024.2447454
114. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-72734-z
115. https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/shaping-leadership-competence-through-sociocultural-political-awareness-and-resilient-grit/
116. https://www.chndoi.org/Resolution/Handler?doi=10.16250/j.32.1374.2022248
117. https://mosquito-va.org/2025-tour-de-skeeter
118. https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6206
119. https://www.jccalert.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6279
120. https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SCR49/id/3248162/California-2025-SCR49-Chaptered.html