Blog

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS IS KEY

Hurricane season starts June 1, emphasizing the need for early preparedness.
Emergency management advises a simple three-step approach: make a kit, have a plan, and stay informed.
Preparedness kits should contain essentials like food, water, important documents, pet supplies, and cash.
Knowing your evacuation zone and having a plan for sheltering or evacuating is crucial.
Stay informed through local alert systems, phone alerts, news channels, and radio updates.
After a storm, prioritize safety during cleanup by avoiding hazards and overexertion.
Other tips include checking trees, cleaning gutters, securing outdoor items, and charging electronics.

Source:

From the Archive: Hurricane Season is Coming, and Preparedness is Key

WILLIAMSBURG CITY COUNCIL APPROVES BUDGET

The Williamsburg City Council unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
The final approved budget totals $103.3 million, reduced from an initial $112.3 million proposal through expenditure cuts.
New water rates were adopted, increasing costs per 1,000 gallons for both city and outside customers.
Proposed increases to meals, lodging, and admissions taxes were postponed until January 8, 2026.
Vice Mayor W. Pat Dent discussed the difficulty of the decisions and considering community input.
An exception for William & Mary and charitable events applies to the admissions tax proposal, along with a dealer discount.
A new library is included in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2026, but its construction is not guaranteed and subject to future decisions, only setting aside funds.
Public input sessions regarding the proposed library are scheduled for May 15 and May 20.
The approved budget will officially take effect on July 1.

Source:

City of Williamsburg Approves Fiscal 2026 Budget

The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra concludes its 40th anniversary season with a concert on May 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Williamsburg Community Chapel. The performance, titled “From the New World,” pays tribute to Native American culture and features world-renowned Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai. The concert also includes the premiere of a dance piece by the Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, set to music by composer Dawn Avery, honoring the history of the 18th-century Brafferton Indian School at William & Mary. The orchestra will close the program with Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” which was influenced by Dvorak’s understanding of Native American music.

Neighbors in Williamsburg are advocating for a name change for James Blair Middle School. The school was named in 1954 during Virginia’s Massive Resistance era after James Blair. Blair was a historical figure associated with advocating for the institutionalization of slavery. Advocates argue the current name does not reflect contemporary community values.

The Williamsburg Winery is expanding guest options by opening new wine lounges and tours. The Lafayette Library Wine Lounge recently opened and will hold a grand opening later this spring, pairing history with wine. A Rochambeau Room is planned for later this year, and a Founder’s Suite will open soon for wine club members. New tours including the Founder’s Tour & Estate Wine Tasting have also debuted. The winery’s restaurant, Café Provencal, is planned to reopen in 2026 after closing during the pandemic. A new apartment complex, 2 Rivers Apartment Homes, recently opened in Toano at 1000 Cowpen Court. The complex offers one, two, and three-bedroom units and various amenities. Construction costs for 2 Rivers Apartment Homes totaled about $26 million. Comfort Medical Supply, a retail store for home medical equipment, is expected to open a new location in Williamsburg this summer. The store will be on College Row in Midtown Row and will feature a 5,000 square foot showroom. The Williamsburg store is the company’s third location, providing local access for residents needing equipment.

VDOT and design-build partners began widening Interstate 64 in western James City County in April. The project adds one lane in each direction to a 9-mile stretch (Segment C) from mile marker 233 to the James City/New Kent line. This work is part of a larger effort to alleviate congestion and improve safety on I-64. Segment C is expected to be finished in fall 2027. Construction includes widening bridges, potential sound wall construction based on resident feedback, and resurfacing the Lightfoot Park and Ride. Tree removal pauses May 15-July 31 to protect bats, while other work continues.

The provided text is an opinion column discussing national economic issues, wealth, taxation, and socialism, rather than recent local news items. Therefore, it cannot be summarized according to the instructions provided for local journalism summaries.

GAS PRICES ARE FALLING ACCORDING TO AAA

AAA reports gas prices are decreasing week over week.

The national average dropped 3 cents to $3.15.

Virginia’s average decreased by 5 cents.

OPEC+ plans to increase output, potentially lowering prices further.

The national average is almost 49 cents less than a year ago.

Gasoline demand has decreased while supply slightly increased.

Local Virginia and Hampton Roads prices also saw recent declines.

Source:

AAA: Temperatures May be Rising, But Gas Prices are Not

5TH ANNUAL CARS FOR CHRIS CAR SHOW SET

The event is hosted by the Christopher King Foundation.
It will be held on May 17 at the Williamsburg Community Chapel.
Features include custom and classic cars, food trucks, and music.
The show will also have a safe driving area and distracted driving activities.
The foundation helped pass a new statewide seat belt law in Virginia.

Source:

Hometown Radio Interview: 5th Annual Cars for Chris Car Show Set For May 17 [AUDIO]

Jamestown Settlement will hold Jamestown Day celebrations Saturday marking the 418th anniversary of the 1607 founding.
The largest recreated ship, the Susan Constant, will not participate as it is in Connecticut for a $4.7 million restoration project expected to finish in June 2026.
The smaller Discovery ship will perform sailing maneuvers during the event.
Programs run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. including demonstrations at the pier and fort.
Admission applies, but residents of James City and York counties and Williamsburg, plus military members, receive free entry.
Historic Jamestowne will also celebrate Jamestown Day May 17.