No need to panic over Erin, but be ready, local emergency services say

Good morning! Hurricane Erin probably won't cause any major problems for us tonight...Williamsburg advances plan to make peace between landlords, residents and college students.

Aug 20, 2025

Projected path of Hurricane Erin from National Hurricane Center

Hurricane Erin is not on track to cause major problems for the Historic Triangle, but local emergency response officials say you should be prepared for potential issues just in case.

York County opened the parking lots at two county parks for individuals who want to relocate boats, trailers and other vehicles in case of flooding. These are Chisman Creek Park (1314 Wolf Trap Road) and the McReynolds Athletic Complex (412 Sports Way), which will be available through 4pm on Saturday, Aug. 23.

“Now is an excellent time for families to review their personal emergency plan so they know what steps to take for their safety in case of a major storm impact,” said Gail Whittaker, spokesperson for York County’s fire department. “Also make sure you have an emergency kit prepared.”

Those kits would include a three-day supply of water for drinking and sanitation -- about a gallon a day per person—non-perishable food, a can opener, disposable eating utensils, infant formula and diapers and pet food and supplies.

James City County spokesperson Renee Dallman said preparation guidelines include having a week’s supply of medications and copies of prescriptions, medical equipment with backup batteries, a first aid kit with antibiotic ointment and sunblock. She said residents can sign up for alerts at https://jccalert.org.

Detailed preparation steps are available at https://www.vaemergency.gov/prepare

York School Superintendent Victor Shandor

York County’s school board will be working on a transition plan to replace Superintendent Victor Shandor, who formally announced his retirement at a close-door session Monday.

“I know he was thinking about retiring sometime in the not so near future, but having some extended time off this summer made him realize just how relaxed he was, and he liked it,” School Chair Kimberly S. Goodwin told us . “Who wouldn't? He literally works from well before any of us get up until late in the evening most days. It was not an easy decision as he does love the division, but he felt it was his time.”

Shandor, 55, has been superintendent of the York school system since 2014, making him the longest-tenured school superintendent in Hampton Roads, according to a school system press release.

York schools consistently rank among the top school divisions in Virginia for academic achievement and on-time graduation rates, despite spending less per student than many of their neighboring school systems.

Shandor did not set a retirement date so that he could give the school system time to transition its leadership, District 1 board member Mark J. Shafer said.

“I don’t think that will be hard because York county is a destination school division, not only for teachers — it’s where superintendents would like to go,” Shafer said.

The York County School Division was named one of Virginia's first "School Divisions of Innovation" for implementing effective instructional practices and structures designed to improve learning, promote college and career readiness, and civic engagement. The division has earned numerous state and national recognitions during Shandor's tenure including National Blue Ribbon Schools, National Title I Schools, and Purple Star recognition for all 19 schools.

"His leadership has strengthened our schools, inspired our educators, and enriched our community,” Goodwin said. “We thank Dr. Shandor for his outstanding contributions and wish him the very best in retirement."

Making peace between landlords, students and residents goal of Williamsburg Rent Ready

Williamsburg city officials start public sessions next week on a program to improve rental housing conditions for William & Mary students living off campus, while easing tensions between them and local residents.

Landlords who participate will be promoted as the housing of choice by William & Mary to parents, in house fairs and exclusive listings. If their houses meet high-quality assessments for several consecutive years, they will be allowed to convert them to four-person rentals as long as they have sufficient bedrooms and parking.

The Rent Ready program was one of 27 concepts identified five years ago by the Neighborhood Balance Committee, a group of volunteers tasked to come up with neighborhood stability issues to propose to the city.

The concept, similar to one being used in Norfolk for Navy personnel, sets standards for the rental housing’s maintenance and appearance, leases that are easy to understand, and amenities.

It also requires renters and landlords to participate in an academy that will stress how to be a responsible neighbor to minimize issues with residents living nearby. You can learn more and provide your input on the idea on the program’s web site.

City officials will hold three public input sessions to gather feedback from landlords, residents and renters before City Council acts in November or December.

Public input session dates:

Thursday, Aug. 28 @ 3 p.m. | Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary St.
Thursday, Sept. 18 @ 6:30 p.m. | Tidewater B at Sadler Center, 200 Stadium Drive
Tuesday, Sept. 30 @ 6 p.m. | Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary St.
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