🌱 More I-81 Bridge Repairs + Sen. Kaine Visits Winchester Airport

Hello again, everybody! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: An a.m. shower; mostly cloudy. High: 78 Low: 56.
• Thursday: Periods of sun. High: 81 Low: 60.

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Here are the top three stories in Winchester today:

1. On Jun. 23, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) was alerted to structural issues on the bridge over the railroad tracks near the exit 317 ramp of Interstate 81, just south of Winchester. Temporary repairs were completed the same day, easing traffic congestion and lane closures by 8 p.m. VDOT is set to conduct more extensive, permanent repairs in the coming weeks and urges motorists to stay alert, especially near the Route 11 on-ramp to exit 317, and to check traffic alerts and traveler information for updates. (The River 95.3)
2. U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia visited the Winchester Regional Airport on Monday, engaging in a round-table discussion with local aviation officials and surveying the construction of the airport's new terminal and other capital improvement projects. The visit comes as the airport is also planning to construct a second series of hangars with investments from a Purcellville-based firm. In May, Senator Kaine and Senator Mark Warner announced $360,000 in federal funding allocated to the Winchester Regional Airport for the design of a taxiway. (The Winchester Star)
3. The Frederick County Esther Boyd Animal Shelter announced on Jun. 22 that it is currently at capacity and has begun restricting animal intake. Due to the overcrowding, animals are being doubled up in kennels, and the staff is attempting to transfer some animals to rescue organizations, though many local rescues are also full. The shelter is urging individuals who have a pet at the facility to reclaim them as soon as possible and advises the public to spay and neuter their pets. (Frederick County)

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Today and tomorrow in Winchester:

Wednesday, June 28

• e-Cycling Electronics Recycling At 280 Landfill Road (7:00 AM)
• Financial Well-Being: The 10 Rules of the Road to Investing With Elizabeth Rishel At Growth Gains Cafe (12:00 PM)

Thursday, June 29

• Ribbon Cutting & Open House At National Spine & Pain Centers (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Handley Regional Library System is hosting a 'Rockin' the Library' event this Thursday, Jun. 29, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., where attendees will have the opportunity to meet renowned children's authors and illustrators. The event will feature live music, a bounce castle, photo booth, signed books, Kona Ice, face painting, and more. (Handley Regional Library System via Facebook)
• Several newly listed properties in the Winchester area, ranging from $55,000 to $1,450,000, have hit the market, offering potential buyers a variety of options. Additionally, there will be open houses on Saturday, Jul. 1, at 11:00 am for properties located at 130, 141, and 135 Tye Court, featuring homes priced between $384,740 and $401,740. (Winchester Patch)
• The latest edition of the Rouss Review, featuring City Manager Dan Hoffman and Public Information Officer Sarah Frey, is now available, providing updates on City Council's upcoming agenda, including discussions on tax credits for historic properties, vertical farming and micro transit. (City of Winchester VA - Local Government via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with your next update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.