🌱 Local News Outlet Awarded + Harrisonburg Fire Stations Secure Grant

Good morning, hello! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 69 Low: 52.
• Saturday: Cloudy, a t-storm in the p.m.. High: 73 Low: 52.

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Here are the top three stories in Harrisonburg today:

1. Local news outlet The Harrisonburg Citizen is celebrating its upcoming fifth anniversary and recently received 10 awards from the Virginia Press Association, including the 2022 News Sweepstakes award for online publications. The publication, co-founded by Andrew Jenner and James Madison University Professor Ryan Alessi, aims to fill gaps in coverage and has become an incubator for journalistic talent. The Citizen's impactful stories, such as the investigation into mismanagement at The Salvation Army last year, have prompted public scrutiny and sparked change in the community. (WMRA News)
2. Two fire stations in Harrisonburg have been equipped with fire sprinklers through a grant obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The $181,000 grant, combined with funding from the Virginia Aid to Localities program, has made Fire Station No. 2 and Fire Station No. 3 safer for firefighters and protected critical infrastructure. The project, awarded through a competitive bidding process, involved collaboration with construction companies, architects, and contributions from Harrisonburg Public Utilities and Harrisonburg Public Works. (Augusta Free Press)
3. Massanutten Technical Center (MTC) is preparing to auction off three student-built structures: a 480-square-foot tiny home and two 510-square-foot mini-cabins. The construction of these buildings involved various MTC students specializing in carpentry, building management, electricity, plumbing, and HVAC. The live auction will take place on Jun. 3 during MTC's Community Day, which offers additional family-friendly activities. (WHSV News)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in and around Harrisonburg:

Friday, May 19:

• Dayton Farmers' Market At 3105 John Wayland Highway, Dayton (9:00 AM)

Saturday, May 20:

• Downtown Dinner Party At Turner Pavilion (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The application process for the Summer PATCH Camp is now open to all 13- to 16-year-olds. It offers youth the opportunity to learn and grow in terms of pride, accountability, teamwork, courage, and honor while participating in various camp activities. (Harrisonburg Police Department via Facebook)
• Get ready for the exciting Liberty Street Lawn Party happening in downtown Harrisonburg on Saturday, Jun. 17! Take a leisurely stroll down Liberty Street and enjoy a refreshing beverage while exploring pop-up vendors, live music, and engaging in fun lawn games at various participating businesses. (Facebook Events)
• James Madison University (JMU)'s men's and women's basketball teams have made roster additions this week. The women's team gained Hevynne Bristow, a transfer from Ohio State who contributed to their Elite Eight appearance last season. JMU's men's team welcomed guard Michael Green III from Robert Morris, who demonstrated high-scoring ability. (WHSV)

You're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.