🌱 Newport News Schools Proposed Budget + Shipyard Retiree Gives Back

Hello all. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 52 Low: 38.

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Here are the top three stories today in Newport News:

1. Hampton Police Department is asking the public for assistance surrounding a Wednesday morning shooting that resulted in one dead and another hospitalized. The shooting occurred in the 1500 block of Briarfield Road, where the suspect reportedly flashed his weapon and began to fire at the victims; they fled to the 1400 block of Aberdeen Road outside Aberdeen Elementary where they sought out assistance. Jesse Tidwell was pronounced dead at the scene and the other victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police continue to investigate the case, as they have no suspect information or a motive as of Wednesday. (WAVY.com)
2. The Newport News School Board had a meeting Tuesday night dealing with some major topics, including a proposed increase in the school budget to $380 million. The new proposed budget is said to include raises for teachers and a new starting rate, more security guards and precautions in schools, and additional mental health services to assist teachers and administration from overextending themselves. The district plans to add more behavioral support coaches in classrooms to address student behaviors and take some stress off teachers. Schools also plan to have two security guards per elementary school by the end of the month and metal detectors in every school by Mar. 14. (News 3 WTKR Norfolk)
3. Newport News shipyard retiree Glenn Norcutt has spent his time retired giving back to his community by cleaning the trash in the Huntington Heights community on his daily walks. Norcutt states that he started walking for exercise and could not bear to see the trash throughout the community, so he takes four to five grocery bags and collects the trash laying along the yards. Norcutt has found other items than trash including credit cards, driver's licenses, and even cell phones that he returns to the individuals when he is able to. Norcutt received the Everyday Hero award, as well as a $300 Visa gift card, from News 3 for his efforts. (News 3 WTKR Norfolk)

Today in Newport News:

• Virginia MOCA Spring Exhibition Suite - Virginia Museum Of Contemporary Art (9:00 AM)
• Group Piano — Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center (5:00 PM)
• Felicia Hoyos - Cove Tavern (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• In recognition of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, the Newport News Police Department is celebrating these amazing women and all they do for the force and their community. Everyone is thankful for the leadership and commitment they continue to show daily and continue to support each and every one of these women. (Newport News Police Department via Facebook)
• The Newport News preschool registrations are officially open for the 2023-2024 school year! Spaces are available for eligible children; for more information, click here to get your child signed up! (Newport News Public Schools via Facebook)
• Once again, we are thanking the Citizen Fire Academy Alumni for their support and for representing the Newport News Fire Department at the marathon earlier this week! The eighth academy of the Citizen Fire Academy started Mar. 6. (Newport News Fire Department via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you around.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.