Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Harrisonburg killer’s sentencing was suddenly pushed to May

Be sure to catch Christmas Eve Morning Double Feature with Santa Claus on the Harrisonburg Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 24th Patch AM
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What's up Harrisonburg! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Harrisonburg killer’s sentencing was suddenly pushed to May
  • Are your holiday candles and new gadgets creating hidden fire risks?
  • Why Sentara RMH just ranked among the nation’s best for births

Also on today's calendar: Christmas Eve Morning Double Feature with Santa Claus and 2 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 58 and low of 39 degrees.
  • Thursday: Cloudy and warm with mist, temps: high: 62, low: 33.
  • Friday: Cloudy, a little rain; cooler, with a high of 41 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Sentencing for shopping cart killer delayed until May 22 (dnronline.com) — A high-profile Harrisonburg murder case tied to the so‑called “shopping cart killer” has been delayed, with sentencing now set for May 22 in Rockingham County Circuit Court. The defense requested time for a neuropsychological evaluation of Anthony Eugene Robinson, who was convicted in the 2021 killings of two women whose bodies were found near a Howard Johnson on Linda Lane in Harrisonburg.
   

2. Harrisonburg Fire Department shares holiday fire prevention tips (whsv.com) — Harrisonburg’s fire chief is urging residents to take a few simple precautions so holiday cooking, candles, trees, and toy batteries don’t turn into house fires. He stresses staying with lit candles, properly charging lithium-ion batteries, and checking smoke alarms. Neighbors are welcome to stop by the firehouse with holiday greetings—just not because of an emergency.
   

3. Six Sentara hospitals listed among the best for maternity care (13newsnow.com) — Families in Harrisonburg planning to give birth at Sentara RMH Medical Center can take heart: the hospital has been named among the nation’s best for uncomplicated maternity care by U.S. News & World Report. The recognition highlights strong outcomes, breastfeeding support, and low complication rates across the Sentara system, which expects to deliver more than 15,000 babies this year.
   

4. Donnie Davis Deane (pagevalleynews.com) — A Shenandoah man, Donnie Davis Deane, 72, passed away December 19 at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg after a life rooted in Rockingham County and the Shenandoah Valley. A retired Merck operator and avid outdoorsman, he is remembered by family for his love of hunting, fishing, and time spent on local waters. Services will be private, per his wishes.
   

5. Affordable housing projects in Virginia get boost with $150M in financing (augustafreepress.com) — Harrisonburg is set to gain new affordable and supportive housing thanks to state-backed loans, including $5 million for senior apartments and $1.4 million for permanent supportive housing. The financing is part of a $150 million statewide package supporting 47 projects. Local residents could see hundreds of new or improved homes for low-income neighbors in coming years.
   

📸 Around Harrisonburg

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Harrisonburg

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events
    Saturday December 27
  • Harrisonburg Farmers Market
    228 S Liberty St , Harrisonburg
    9:00 am
  • Walk On Wedding
    Edith J. Carrier Arboretum , 780 University Blvd , Harrisonburg
    3:00 pm
    • Sunday December 28
  • Randy Black’s Annual Holiday Jam to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters
    Cave Hill Farms Brewery , 1001 Jacob Burner Dr , McGaheysville
    2:00 pm
    • Saturday January 3
  • Harrisonburg Farmers Market
    228 S Liberty St , Harrisonburg
    9:00 am

📣 Harrisonburg Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hey y’all, I live at liberty square 1116 Thomas Paine.
    I had a package stolen on Friday the 19th. Has anyone else had problems with packages getting stolen? I’m pretty bummed. It was a set of Picasso… (Nextdoor Liberty Square/II/Welling)
  • Chick-fil-A of Harrisonburg posted a job opening for Inventory/Stock Specialist in Harrisonburg. Apply here.
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Bakery Wrapper / Clean Up 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 got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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