🌱 Superintendent Retires In June + Top Chef Event Raises Nearly $50k

Hello, everybody! It's Wednesday in Harrisonburg and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A passing morning shower. High: 74 Low: 51.
• Thursday: Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 81 Low: 55.

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Here are the top stories in Harrisonburg today:

1. Dr. Oskar Scheikl, the superintendent of Rockingham County Public Schools, was recognized for his years of service at his final school board meeting. He started his career with the school system in 1995 as a teacher and became superintendent in 2017. Dr. Scheikl announced his retirement in September 2022 and his contract will end in June. During the meeting, he expressed his love for the community and his dedication to the school system. The new superintendent, Dr. Larry Shifflett, will take over the role on Jul. 1. Additionally, it was also Dan Breeden's last regular meeting as a member of the school board. (WHSV)
2. VPM PBS in the Harrisonburg viewing area (WVPT) recently underwent required maintenance, resulting in a temporary reduction in over-the-air signal power. The maintenance started on Jun. 8, 2023, and will continue until Sep. 15th. Viewers may experience reception issues during this period. However, an alternative option to watch VPM PBS in Harrisonburg is provided through their live stream. (VPM News)
3. The Top Chef Harrisonburg event held at Frieden Farms in Mount Crawford successfully exceeded its fundraising goal for Blue Ridge CASA, a non-profit organization that supports children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The event showcased chefs from the area competing for the title of Top Chef, with Ryan Zale of Local CHOP winning this year. The event raised nearly $50,000, exceeding the goal of $43,000. CEO Sherri Mckinney-Frantz emphasized the importance of having dedicated advocates for children in foster care in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham area. (WHSV)

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Today and tomorrow in Harrisonburg:

Wednesday, June 14

• Geeks Who Drink Trivia At Pale Fire Brewing Co. (8:00 PM)

Thursday, June 15

• Caitlin Fernandez And Compañeros At Arts Incarnate (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The local real estate market in Harrisonburg is active, and there are several homes available for sale. Some of the newly listed properties include a house on Broad St priced at $259,500 with three beds and two baths; a property on Smithland Rd priced at $259,000 with three beds and two baths; and a house on Horseshoe Ln priced at $349,500 with four beds and three baths. (Harrisonburg Patch)
• Dane Pedersen has signed a contract extension with JMU that will keep him with the university until the 2026-27 season. This news was announced on Jun. 12, 2023, and the contract extension ensures Pedersen's continued involvement with JMU's sports program. (WHSV)
• Several Halifax County students at James Madison University have been named to the dean's list for the spring semester. The students, majoring in fields such as computer science, communication sciences, psychology, and history, achieved a GPA between 3.5 and 3.899 and carried at least 12 graded credit hours. (YourGV.com)

That's it for today! See you all soon for your next 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.