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🌱 Patch AM: How fast must Harrisonburg residents clear yard trash under new rules?

Be sure to catch Wednesdays at the Movies! - It's a Wonderful Life (1946, Not Rated, 130 minutes) on the Harrisonburg Patch calendar

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Good morning Harrisonburg! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How fast must Harrisonburg residents clear yard trash under new rules?
  • Which Harrisonburg media personalities shared their go-to holiday recipes?
  • How did Harrisonburg schools fare in Virginia’s new performance ratings?

Also on today's calendar: Wednesdays at the Movies! - It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Not Rated, 130 minutes) and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Harrisonburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Harrisonburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: A little snow, up to 1"; cold, with a high of 33 and low of 27 degrees.
  • Saturday: Clearing and not as cold, temps: high: 44, low: 23.
  • Sunday: Very cold; morning snow, with a high of 30 and low of 13 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. Trash in city yards must be cleaned up within 1 day, not 10 (hburgcitizen.com) — Harrisonburg property owners will now have just 24 hours, instead of 10 days, to clean visible trash from their yards after a city warning, or risk a contractor bill. City council approved the change 4–1, saying it targets refuse that can attract rodents, while officials stress they’ll start the clock only after reaching owners and responding to complaints, not patrolling neighborhoods.
   

2. Harrisonburg Media Group Holiday Treats (rocktownnow.com) — Harrisonburg-based Rocktown Now and Harrisonburg Media Group are sharing their staff’s favorite holiday recipes, from peanut butter buckeyes and ranch snack mix to prime rib and French toast casserole. If you’re planning festive gatherings in Harrisonburg, you’ll find plenty of easy, family-tested dishes and desserts you can make ahead or bake the morning of your celebration.
   

3. State report shows Valley schools on both ends of new performance rating system (whsv.com) — Harrisonburg families can now see how local schools stack up in Virginia’s new performance rating system, which labels some city schools as needing intensive support. The report also highlights several high-performing Shenandoah Valley schools, offering a clearer picture of how nearby divisions like Augusta, Rockingham and Page counties are doing under the state’s updated accountability framework.
   

4. Cybersecurity expert shares holiday shopping safety tips (whsv.com) — Harrisonburg residents shopping online this holiday season are being urged to double-check websites and device protections before entering payment information. A James Madison University cybersecurity expert recommends using only HTTPS sites, keeping browsers updated, and enabling firewalls and antivirus tools to block suspicious domains and protect personal and financial data.
   

5. JMU Football Fans gearing up for the College Football Playoff (whsv.com) — JMU fans in Harrisonburg are rushing to the campus bookstore for College Football Playoff gear, prompting nonstop work to keep shelves stocked. With more than 2,000 online backorders from Dukes supporters nationwide, staff are urging local fans to stay patient as new shipments arrive and are quickly turned around during the busy holiday season.
   

📸 Around Harrisonburg

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Office furniture for sale! 🪑✨ 
    Office furniture for sale! 🪑✨ 110 E High St Unit B Woodstock, VA 22664 We’re clearing out office furniture and supplies — and most of it is nearly... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Miko was LOST on December 9, 2025 in Harrisonburg, VA 22801 near Near Davis Mills Drive Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Sunset Heights)
  • Arby's Restaurant posted a job opening for Team Member in Harrisonburg. Apply here.
  • Dribbler LLC posted a job opening for Private Soccer Coach in Harrisonburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harrisonburg here.

Ok Harrisonburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I couldn’t put it down.
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