🌱 Firefighter Honored After Line-Of-Duty Death + New WinTran Route

Hey, Winchester! I'm here with your Wednesday edition of the Winchester Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Cloudy, showers, mainly early. High: 61 Low: 38.
• Thursday: Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 62 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories today in Winchester:

1. On Monday, firefighting vehicles gathered on Amherst Street to honor the passing of Frederick County Fire and Rescue Department Deputy Chief Chester T. Lauck. The veteran firefighter died at the age of 66 on Sunday after suffering a cardiac event at his home on Saturday. Because Lauck's passing occurred shortly after participating in a brush fire operation in Gore, it is considered a line-of-duty death. (The Winchester Star)
2. WinTran's new route to Lauren Ridge Community College is currently up and running, according to a post from the City of Winchester. The line runs Monday through Friday, leaving from the Boscawen Street transfer station every 70 minutes and making five stops to and from the Middletown campus. For those looking to try out the service, all WinTran bus rides are free through Jun. 30 of this year. (City of Winchester VA - Local Government via Facebook)
3. After filing for bankruptcy on Sunday, Bed Bath & Beyond is slated to begin the process of closing its locations in Virginia and across the country. The Winchester location on S. Pleasant Valley Road has already shut down after an announcement from the home goods retailer in January 2023. With the nearest remaining storefront over an hour away from Winchester, customers are reminded the brand's websites will remain open during this transitionary period. (Patch)

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Today and tomorrow in Winchester:

Wednesday, April 26

• e-Cycling Electronics Recycling At Landfill Citizen Center (7:00 AM)
• KidSTEAM At Handley Library (10:30 AM)
• Young Professionals Group (YPG) At Alamo Drafthouse (5:30 PM)

Thursday, April 27

• The Amish Outlaws And Raised On Analog At Backseat Event Center (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum reopened on Monday, with new exhibits added to the first floor and multiple renovations completed on the second floor. Admission to the museum is free for all Winchester and Frederick County residents. (The Winchester Star)
• Looking for a new job in the Winchester area? Several local companies are hiring for full-time and part-time roles, including some remote work opportunities. (Winchester Patch)
• The City of Winchester reminds residents that spotted lanternflies are currently in the hatching stage. Residents who see a spotted lanternfly at any stage (pictures available at the link) are asked to eliminate them, as they are an invasive species and are not natural to the Winchester area. (City of Winchester VA - Local Government via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival (May 4)
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That's it for today! I'll catch up with you soon with your next update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!