Dog Rescue Flights, School Bus Accident, and more
Dog Rescue Flights, School Bus Accident, and more
Historic Triangle News Roundup February 25 - March 2
Hey, howdy, how are ya? If you haven’t already, take the February News Quiz and test your knowledge of the past month’s headlines. Here’s the first question:
Princess Cruises announced that the Island Princess cruise ship would no longer be making a stop in Yorktown after months of opposition efforts by a community group. Where will the cruise ship be stopping instead?
Select one of the answers to begin the quiz.
Here’s this week’s top stories:
Williamsburg Nonprofit Flies At-Risk Dogs to Safe Locations
Dog Rescue Flights, a program of Senior Dog Sanctuary of Virginia, has rescued 69 animals from being euthanized, flying them to sancturies, no-kill shelters, and forever homes over the course of 66 trips and 300+ flight hours.
Animals brought into shelters in certain states like neighboring North Carolina can be scheduled to be put down in a matter of days or hours, so air travel allows nonprofit volunteers to make interventions more quickly than by car.
In related news, there are a few different bills making their way through the General Assembly to curb animal cruelty in Virginia. Those interested in donating to or volunteering for Dog Rescue Flights can learn more at their website.
School Bus Driver Charged after Hitting Other Car, Injuring Students
On Friday, eight James Blair Middle School students were injured when a Williamsburg-James City County school division bus driver rear-ended a Toyota sedan when merging from York Street to Page Street. All injuries were minor.
WJCC and other local school divisions have struggled to fill bus driver positions since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. The labor shortage is a statewide and national trend, exacerbated by low pay, safety concerns, and other factors.
Last year, WJCC imposed non-transportation zones for elementary schools, where students living within a half-mile of their school no longer had bus service. Community organizing reversed that decision for some schools, but not all.
Other Headlines
Dozens of speakers railed against the York County School Board this week after revelations that three board members, including Chair Lynda Fairman, are affiliated with the “York County Poquoson Constitutional Militia.”
A bill moving through the General Assembly would stop localities from requiring special or conditional use permits for future short-term rentals. As of last year, there were 300+ STRs operating in James City County, some without permits.
After public backlash, the Department of Medical Assistance Services in Virginia is pausing new regulations which would have taken away reimbursement payments for people providing care to Medicaid-enrolled family members.
Upcoming Events
King’s Arms Tavern: Women’s History Month:
When: March 8 - 31
Where: 416 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg
When: Saturdays 9 am - noon, March 2 - December 21
Where: 7891 Richmond Road, Toano
When: March 5, 10 am
Where: Silver Hand Meadery, 224 Monticello Ave, Williamsburg
Photo and video courtesy of Dog Rescue Flights.