🌱 Winchester Local Sentenced To 24 Months + Local Senator Election

Morning, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Breezy in the morning. High: 49 Low: 26.
• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 50 Low: 29.

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Here are the top three stories today in Winchester:

1. Gerald Kendrick Oxner, a 25-year-old of Winchester, was sentenced to 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to one charge of making a false statement during a firearm purchase. Oxner gave false information on documents during a firearm purchase in September 2022. He purchased a Smith and Wesson 9-millimeter handgun in January 2021 that was later used by another person in a fatal Washington D.C. shooting. (ABC 8 News)
2. As the 2023 Virginia General Assembly regular session ends, Blue Virginia made a list of the Senators' plans for reelection or new campaigns. It appears that right-wing Republican Juan Pablo Segura will run in the new SD31 (Winchester/Fauquier/etc.) election after Jill Vogel (R-Winchester/Fauquier/etc.) announced her retirement on Jan. 30. Democrats are still choosing between Russet Perry and Zach Cummings to run against Segura. (Blue Virginia)
3. The Maryland Department of Agriculture expanded its lanternfly quarantine zone, effective immediately, to most counties in the D.C. region, including Frederick County, Virginia. The quarantine "restricts the movements of regulated articles that might contain the spotted lanternfly in any of its life stages." Those living within the quarantine zone are encouraged to be vigilant in containing the spread of the invasive species and experts said to kill any lanternfly you see. (WUSA 9)

Today and tomorrow in Winchester:

Wednesday, March 8

• Hila Plitmann with EDGE Ensemble At Bright Box Theater (8:00 PM)

Thursday, March 9

• Block Printing for Beginners At Peter Bullough Foundation (6:00 PM)
• Benefit Play At Winchester Little Theatre (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Winchester's Pickup Parties will occur every first Thursday, April through November, at 5:30 p.m.! The parties are a new twist on the traditional community cleanup events. View the link for details including the schedule, party themes, and locations. (City of Winchester)
• You don't want to miss the Celtic Fest this weekend, featuring artisanal vendors, great interactive entertainment, hands-on cultural activities, and more! (Old Town Winchester, VA via Facebook)
• Meet Ethel! Ethel is a spayed 2-year-old adorable dog who is searching for her forever home! See Ethel and more adoptable pets at the Winchester Area SPCA. (Winchester Area SPCA via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox soon with a new 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!