2023 VA News in Review, Williamsburg Family Remembers Young Man Killed in Car Accident, and more
2023 VA News in Review, Williamsburg Family Remembers Young Man Killed in Car Accident, and more
Historic Triangle News Roundup December 24 - 30
Happy New Year’s Eve! I’m reading up on 2023’s standout restaurants in the Hampton Roads area, but sadly nothing from the Historic Triangle made the cut. Since I moved back to the ‘Burg, I’ve been a fan of Southern Pancake & Waffle House, Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill, and Pisco 51. What’s your favorite spot to eat around town? Let me know and maybe I’ll feature it in an upcoming edition.
Without further ado, here are the week’s top stories:
Virginia Mercury recaps its 2023 commentary on state issues
This week Commentary and Deputy editor Samantha Willis summarized the work of the “Commentary Crew” for 2023, including her own piece on the future of reproductive rights in Virginia.
Other pieces this year directly relate to hot topics in the Historic Triangle, like Roger Chesley’s article on school funding or Wyatt Gordon’s take on the high number of road fatalities in the state last year.
There have also been many guest columnists published this year, such as a formerly incarcerated organizer advocating for rights restoration and a LGBTQ+ student criticizing Gov. Youngkin’s model policies on trans/non-binary students.
Community mourns young man who died after injury from truck on Richmond Rd
Joshua Barkley, a young man who had just turned 20, was taken off life support this week days after a semi-truck hit him in the early hours on Christmas Eve.
Barkley’s family and friends remember him for his passion playing football at Warhill High School and his fun-loving nature. He had been expecting a child in February.
The family is raising money for funeral expenses that you can donate to here, and a memorial service will be held at Liberty Live Church on Jan. 2 at 1:30 PM.
Other Headlines
Williamsburg was one of the few places in the state to see an increase in home sales compared to the same time last year, although the housing market in general has been sluggish. Still, there may be hope in sight.
The family that owns Bellissmo Pizza was involved in a car accident on Christmas that left them hospitalized. The community has started a GoFundMe to help with medical bills and Virginia Beer Company is hosting a fundraiser on New Year’s.
The local Habitat for Humanity celebrated an “innovative” 2023, dedicating two homes this month in Newport News, constructed with the help of 3D printing, and nearing completion of four new homes in Charles City County.
Upcoming Events
When: RIGHT NOW until 11:30 am
Where: Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Rd, Williamsburg
When: Today at 6:30 PM
Where: Kimball Theater, 410 W Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg
When: Today at 8:30 PM
Where: Culture Cafe, 747 Scotland Street, Williamsburg
That’s a wrap on 2023! Thank you all again for being early subscribers to this newsletter and helping me get this project up and running! I’m excited for 2024. If you’re looking for other NYE parties in Hampton Roads, check out the Pilot’s event list.
What’s up? Any final thoughts before 2023 comes to an end?
Cover photo from Barkley’s obituary.