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Lynn Renee Muckelroy Wagner, 63, of Newport News passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Riverside Regional Medical Center. She was a US Air Force Veteran, Registered Nurse, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who dedicated over 30 years to psychiatric nursing. Wagner is survived by her daughter Jillian, son Jonathan, and sister Lisa Paridon. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

VIRGINIA FLOOD INSURANCE COSTS RISING SHARPLY

Flood risk and damage are increasing in Virginia, as seen with Hurricane Helene.

Only a small percentage of Virginia homeowners have flood insurance.

FEMA’s new Risk Rating 2.0 system is causing flood insurance costs to rise dramatically.

The new system uses more factors like property structure and value, not just elevation.

Critics say Risk Rating 2.0 fails to lower premiums and doesn’t reward flood protection efforts.

Virginia Attorney General joined a lawsuit challenging the system, but it was dismissed.

Flood insurance rates in Virginia are projected to increase significantly, averaging 45% higher.

Over 28% of Virginia homes face flood risk in the next 30 years, with vulnerability rising, especially in coastal areas.

Communities can participate in the Community Rating System to potentially reduce policy costs through mitigation efforts.

Local flood protection projects face funding challenges.

Community support is vital for those affected by flooding.

Source:

Virginia Flood Insurance Cost ‘Dramatically’ Rising, as is Flood Risk

WARHILL HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS THE LITTLE MERMAID

Warhill High School will stage its spring musical, “The Little Mermaid,” from May 2-4.

The show is based on the Disney movie about mermaid princess Ariel’s desire to live on land and her deal with sea witch Ursula.

Director Jacob Noble chose the show to be family-friendly and engage the entire community.

Senior Ashley Remmert plays the role of Ariel.

Senior Ava Shird plays the villain Ursula.

The production involves approximately 60 cast members, 25 tech crew, and 30 pit orchestra members.

Students are highly involved in all aspects of the production, including vocals, choreography, costumes, lighting, and set design.

Performance dates and times are May 2 at 7 p.m., May 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and May 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at warhill.booktix.com.

Source:

Warhill High School to Present ‘The Little Mermaid’ May 2-4

VIRGINIA HOUSING MARKET IMPROVES IN MARCH

March 2025 brought more listings and buyer activity to Virginia’s housing market.

Pending sales rose by 5.1% compared to March 2024, indicating more buyer participation.

Closed sales were down slightly by 4.5% year-over-year.

Active listings saw a significant increase of nearly 30%.

The statewide median sales price grew by 5.3% to $418,000.

Market conditions remain competitive despite the increase in inventory.

Rising inventory offers more choices for buyers.

Price growth and mortgage rate volatility could impact the spring market.

Source:

Report: March Brought More Listings and Buyers to Virginia’s Housing Market

BUSCH GARDENS PROMOTES FITNESS WITH NEW SIGNS AND 5K

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is introducing health initiatives ahead of the summer season.

A new sign in the England section shows park mileage and inclines for visitors.

The sign idea came from the operations team based on guest inquiries about steps taken in the park.

Busch Gardens will host a Food & Wine Festival 5K race called “Sip, Savor, and Sprint”.

The 5K race is scheduled for May 4th at 7:30 a.m. and builds on the success of past races.

The course runs through the parking lot and specific park areas like Festa Italia and Germany.

Race finishers will receive a medal, T-shirt, and access to a post-race party.

The 5K is a collaboration between Busch Gardens and Flat-Out Events.

Registration for the race is open online.

Source:

Busch Gardens Debuts New Fitness Signs Ahead of Upcoming Food & Wine 5K Race

STRANGEWAYS BREWING HOSTS ADULT BOOK FAIR

Strangeways Brewing in Williamsburg is hosting an adult book fair on May 31.

The event is intended to bring back childhood nostalgia similar to Scholastic book fairs.

It aims to combine the feeling of a book fair with craft beer for adults.

Vendors are expected to include local authors, vintage book collectors, and more.

The goal is to bring the community together and support local authors.

The event will run from noon to 5 p.m.

Source:

Strangeways Brewing to Host Book Fair Aimed at Adults May 31

WILLIAMSBURG DAR CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL

The Williamsburg Daughters of the American Revolution chapter celebrated its 100th anniversary with a ceremonial tea party.

The chapter was formed by twelve women on March 26, 1925, and chartered on April 18, 1927.

Agnes Virginia Dixon Foster was the organizing regent of the chapter.

The original charter is housed for safekeeping in the Swem Library Special Collections at William and Mary.

Over the past century, more than 800 women have been members, including notable figures.

Attendees at the tea dined on traditional tea sandwiches and pastries.

Speakers discussed the chapter’s history and its commitment to historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

Honorary Regent Cecie Adolphi read personal anecdotes from the diary of organizing regent Agnes Dixon Foster.

The chapter plans to publish a 100-year history book later this year.

Williamsburg Mayor Doug Pons declared April 22 as Williamsburg Daughters of the Revolution Day.

The Williamsburg DAR Chapter is currently recruiting new members.

Source:

Williamsburg DAR Chapter Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Commemoration Tea

Colorful pinwheels are displayed across James City County during April to raise awareness for National Child Abuse and Child Neglect Prevention Month through the “Pinwheels for Prevention” initiative. Various local groups, including the James City County Police Department, placed the pinwheels, which symbolize bright futures for children. Detective Gennie Bellas noted the pinwheels represent a commitment to helping this important campaign, emphasizing that all children deserve a happy, healthy childhood and the community plays a role in their development. The pinwheels will be removed at the end of April.

A Williamsburg 9-year-old, Quinn Eppright, and her family started a new nonprofit, Spark Community Empowerment, to help WJCC students in need. The effort was inspired by Quinn’s classmate being bullied for not having clean clothes. The nonprofit aims to fund a laundry token program through WJCC Schools and collect new and gently used clothing and socks for students. Spark Community Empowerment will host its first fundraiser, a family bingo night, on May 16 at the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex. A clothing drive for new socks, undergarments, and new or gently used clothing is ongoing until May 16, with drop-off locations at WISC, Williamsburg Orthodontics, and The Kensington School.

The Peninsula Community Foundation announced the 12th annual Give Local 757, a 24-hour online fundraising event, is set for Tuesday, May 6 in Hampton Roads. The event allows community members to directly support 231 participating local nonprofits. Over 500 neighbors are serving as fundraising champions, aiming to raise funds, with opportunities to donate online at givelocal757.org and potentially amplify gifts. Old Point National Bank is the presenting partner for the initiative focused on strengthening community bonds.