Staunton is remembering Bruce Elder. The family-man, former councilman, and business owner passed away Tuesday at the age of 63 following a long battle with cancer.
Facing $400,000 in unpaid utilities, Waynesboro reinstates disconnections as last resort
Facing $400,000 in unpaid utilities, Waynesboro reinstates disconnections as last resort By Tara Todd | January 25, 2021 at 10:48 PM EST - Updated January 26 at 9:13 AM
WAYNESBORO, Va. (WVIR) - Monday night, Waynesboro City Council reinstated the cityâs ability to cut off utilities for residents who havenât paid their bills, but only as a last resort.
The vote was unanimous, but the City insists it wants to work with its citizens whoâve experienced hardship due to the pandemic.
In November, Governor Northam enacted a bill to temporarily postpone utility disconnections for residents during the COVID-19 emergency.
Shenandoah Valley free tax prep program kicks off in two weeks
Shenandoah Valley free tax prep program kicks off in two weeks By Tara Todd | January 19, 2021 at 9:08 PM EST - Updated January 20 at 5:32 PM
SHENANDOAH VALLEY, Va. (WVIR) - Getting free tax preparation might be more important than ever this year for many impacted by the pandemic.
Valley VITA is back to provide that service for low-income households, but itâs going to look a little bit different this year due to COVID-19.
In just two weeks, the United Way SAW program kicks off its free tax prep. This year, theyâre doing scheduled drop-offs and virtual preparation, hoping to safely control the flow.
$40 million Middle River Regional Jail expansion plans presented to Augusta County leaders
$40 million Middle River Regional Jail expansion plans presented to Augusta County leaders By Tara Todd | January 13, 2021 at 10:57 PM EST - Updated January 14 at 8:56 AM
SHENANDOAH VALLEY, Va. (WVIR) - Middle River Regional Jailâs Superintendent laid out expansion plans to Augusta County Supervisors Wednesday night during a board meeting in Verona.
The jail also serves Staunton, Waynesboro, Rockingham County, and Harrisonburg. And, it is out of space.
The number of inmates has grown since the jail opened in 2006 which requires more beds. But, it also means increasing requirements when it comes to treating mental health, substance abuse, and providing medical care.
Waynesboro students back in the classroom amid teacher concerns
Waynesboro students back in the classroom amid teacher concerns By Tara Todd | January 12, 2021 at 10:44 PM EST - Updated January 13 at 8:28 AM
WAYNESBORO, Va. (WVIR) - Waynesboro students are back in the classroom, and for the first time this school year, everybody has the opportunity to come in. But, this move doesnât come without some concerns.
Waynesboro school leaders chose a phased approach bringing in the cityâs youngest and most vulnerable learners first and now, this week, high schoolers are back.
The younger the students, the higher the number going into the schools - 65% of elementary students, 55% of middle schoolers, and high school is about 50-50.