Week in Review
Good Saturday to you! Here's a look at the top stories we reported over the past week in case you missed an issue.
Monday, Dec. 15:
The new regional sports center has booked five conferences and eight sporting events for its opening next year, with another 28 events scheduled for its first full year of operations in 2027, its general manager reported.
But the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center will also make room for residents of the Historic Triangle to use it, general manager Ben Hardouin told the board that oversees the facility last week.
Read the full story: https://www.williamsburgwatch.com/i/181626933/regional-sports-center-getting-bookings-but-will-save-room-for-local-players
Tuesday, Dec. 16:
York Assessments to Jump 10-13%, Supervisor Says
York County taxpayers can expect real estate assessments to increase by double digits, District 5 Representative Thomas G. Shepperd said Monday.
In his report to the district, Shepperd said the new assessment notices due out in the next few weeks will show increases of 10% to 13%.
Meanwhile, First District Representative Douglas R. Holroyd warned the county is being asked to increase its contribution to the Williamsburg Regional Library, hinting the county may have to build its own facility to serve the northern part of York.
Read full story: https://www.williamsburgwatch.com/p/york-assessments-to-jump-10-13-supervisor
Wednesday, Dec. 17:
Parents Unaware of WJCC School Redistricting
More than half the parents whose kids attend Williamsburg-James City County schools appear to be unaware that a redistricting plan is in the works.
The consulting firm guiding the process told the school board Tuesday that 52% of the nearly 2,300 families they surveyed were not aware that redistricting would occur in 2027.
School officials launched the redistricting project to maximize school capacity after the five preschool classrooms of the Bright Beginnings program go into operation in 2027.
Read full story: https://www.williamsburgwatch.com/p/parents-unaware-of-wjcc-school-redistricting
Thursday, Dec. 18:
Our Top 10 Things to Do This Holiday Weekend
The Colonial Heritage Model Railroad Club Holiday Display opens Saturday, Dec. 20 with a large scale railroad display featuring trains from the Yarmouth Creek Western Railroad.
Bring the kids to see the elaborate railroad display and come up with ideas for your own, smaller version to put together at home.
There is no charge for the display, which runs from Dec. 20–29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Read full story: https://www.williamsburgwatch.com/p/our-top-10-things-to-do-this-holiday
Friday, Dec. 19:
Bank Robber Killed Himself, Police Said
The suspect in last week’s Wells Fargo bank robbery fled to North Carolina and killed himself when local deputies closed in, police said.
James City County police identified the suspect as 50-year-old Richard Frey of the 1100 block of 72nd Street in Newport News.
Police said Frey entered the Wells Fargo Bank at Monticello Marketplace as it opened on Dec. 13, waved a handgun, and fled with an undisclosed amount of money.
Read full story: https://www.williamsburgwatch.com/p/bank-robber-killed-himself-police