Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will your usual I-81 Harrisonburg exit be shut next week?

Happening soon: Wednesdays at the Movies! - It's a Wonderful Life (1946, Not Rated, 130 minutes) on the Harrisonburg Patch calendar

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Cheers Harrisonburg! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will your usual I-81 Harrisonburg exit be shut next week?
  • How did Harrisonburg schools land on Virginia’s new report card?
  • Why a Confederate school-name fight is playing out in Harrisonburg court

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: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Clouds giving way to some sun, with a high of 46 and low of 24 degrees.
  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy and very cold, temps: high: 30, low: 13. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Cold with clouds and sun, with a high of 32 and low of 22 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• I-81 southbound exit ramp to close December 18-19 at Route 33 interchange in Harrisonburg (rocktownnow.com) — Drivers who use I-81 southbound to reach eastbound Route 33 in Harrisonburg should plan for the Exit 247A off-ramp to be closed from 7 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. VDOT has set up a signed detour via Exit 247B and nearby city streets while crews pave a new ramp as part of the ongoing interchange reconstruction.
   

• State report shows Valley schools on both ends of new performance rating system (whsv.com) — Harrisonburg schools are among several in the Valley flagged as needing “intensive support” under Virginia’s new School Performance and Support Framework, which rates schools from distinguished to off track. The report also highlights nearby Augusta, Shenandoah, Rockingham and other counties, showing a wide range of performance across the region. Residents can review detailed school ratings on the state education website.
   

• Trial begins in lawsuit case against Shenandoah County School Board over Confederate school names (whsv.com) — A high-profile civil rights trial underway in Harrisonburg is challenging Shenandoah County School Board’s 2024 decision to restore Confederate names to two schools, with students and the Virginia NAACP as plaintiffs. Testimony on the first day focused on the impact of the names on Black students and the history behind them, while the judge signaled his ruling could take months and likely face appeal.
   

📸 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

  • We were going to mail our custom Christmas cards but due to unusual expenses this year we decided to send them out online.
    I hope you understand. Wishing each of you and your families the best of the Christmas season, and a very Happy New Year. God bless Love, Mindy,… (Nextdoor Old Town Harrisonburg)
  • Hi guys!
    So I need some help for the holidays, I need help deep cleaning a dirty house. I’m willing to pay but I’m a pregnant mom of two with extreme morning… (Nextdoor Ralph Samson)
  • Panda Restaurant Group posted a job opening for Assistant Manager (P1-1365068-1) in Harrisonburg. Apply here.
  • Tractor Supply posted a job opening for Team Member in Harrisonburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harrisonburg here.

🗞 Nearby News

Bridgewater

  • Forum: ICE agents are like human lions stalking their prey (dnronline.com)
  • Clouser battles back for big year (tnonline.com)

Broadway

Elkton

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 demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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