🌱 Winchester Man Sentenced To 31 Years For Rape + Roadside Banners

Morning, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Partly sunny. High: 70 Low: 46.
• Saturday: Times of sun and clouds. High: 68 Low: 49.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Winchester:

1. On May 25, 36-year-old Andre Robert Israel of Winchester was sentenced to 31 years in prison for raping a 24-year-old woman with autism and diminished intellect. A jury at the Frederick County Circuit Court found him guilty of rape, object sexual penetration, two felony counts of sodomy, and two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. (Winchester Star)
2. Almost 200 roadside banners that honor military veterans have been placed in the Northern Shenandoah Valley as Memorial Day approaches. Les Veach, a Winchester City Council member who volunteers with the region's Hometown Veteran Heroes banner project, said that 73 of the 174 total banners are in the City of Winchester as of Sunday, May 21. Each banner features the photo and name of a military veteran from Winchester, Stephens City, Middletown, Berryville and Clarke County, whether or not they still live in the area. (Winchester Star)
3. According to Forbes, Winchester is one of the top 25 places to retire in 2023! Winchester made the list due to good air quality, a good ratio of doctors per capita, a median home price seven percent below the national median, very walkable, a serious crime rate below the national average, and more. (City of Winchester VA - Local Government via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Winchester:

Friday, May 26

• FILTER With Another Day Dawns and Uncured At Blue Fox Billiards Bar & Grill (9:00 PM)
• Friday Night West Oaks Feat. Grayscale And The Chris Darlington Band At West Oaks Farm Market (9:00 PM)

Saturday, May 27

• Strawberry Festival At West Oaks Farm Market (8:00 AM)
• Live Comedy & Music - Singing Performance: Aneva Walker At 326 South Braddock Street (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Winchester Farmer's Market is every Tuesday and Saturday! Don't miss the fresh local produce, greens, beautiful flowers, hanging baskets, garden plants, herbs, free-range eggs and more! Stop by this Saturday, May 27, in the parking lot of Freedom AG and Energy at 447 Amherst Street. (Winchester Farmer's Market via Facebook)
• Frederick County Fire and Rescue are hiring a career Firefighter Technician/Specialist! Learn more and apply here. (Frederick County via Twitter)
• Congratulations to Natalie Painter! Natalie was named the City of Winchester's May Employee of the Month! Click here to learn about Natalie and her career with the city. (City of Winchester VA - Local Government via Facebook)

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

— 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!