🌱 Teacher Arrested For Soliciting Pictures + Sunset Market Dates

Hey, Harrisonburg! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 78 Low: 54.
• Saturday: Plenty of sunshine. High: 78 Low: 51.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Harrisonburg today:

1. A 33-year-old teacher at James Madison Middle School has been accused of soliciting inappropriate pictures from a student, leading to criminal charges against him. The alleged incident involved the teacher requesting pictures from a student at the school where he was employed, according to the police. The teacher has been arrested. (WUSA 9)
2. The Harrisonburg Farmers' Market in Virginia is launching a new event called "The Sunset Market," which is a rebrand of their monthly Thursday Evening Market. The market will feature regular vendors, new members, live music, food trucks, and community activities, providing an opportunity for families and working individuals to enjoy an evening of fresh local goods and entertainment. Taking place at the Turner Pavilion, the Sunset Market will be held monthly from June through September, every third Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. (WHSV)
3. The Harrisonburg Fire Department in Virginia has acquired 29 sets of ballistic protection equipment to enhance the safety of firefighters during hostile incidents. The gear, including plate carriers designed to stop rifle rounds and ballistic helmets, will allow firefighters who are also trained as EMTs and paramedics to enter potentially dangerous environments more quickly to provide lifesaving care. The purchase reflects the department's commitment to advancing safety and response time in light of increasing incidents like active shooter situations. (WHSV)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Harrisonburg:

Friday, June 16

• Free Friday At Luray Caverns, Luray (9:00 AM)
• Book Sale At Central Library (12:00 PM)

Saturday, June 17

• X2 Comedy Night Benefitting Sadie Rose Foundation At Sipe Center (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation's lifeguards are collaborating with other pools in the region to provide proper training, with Broadway officials expressing excitement about having their own safety resources. The increased training efforts aim to combat the lifeguard shortage and ensure the community's safety through a regional collaboration approach. (WHSV)
• The Shenandoah Valley in Virginia is experiencing significantly low rainfall levels, leading to concerns about drought conditions. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has issued a drought watch advisory and is urging local governments and water users to develop or review water conservation and drought response plans in preparation for potential drought conditions. (The News Leader)
• Despite drought conditions in Rockingham County, Virginia, blueberry season is thriving at Hickory Hill Farm in Keezletown. The farm uses drip-dry irrigation to provide moisture to the plants, resulting in healthy and juicy berries, while the dry and sunny weather contributes to the sweetness of the blueberries and reduces the risk of fungal diseases. (WHSV)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.