April 8, 2022

Spring is Back with a New Market Season, Website Design, and Groundbreaking Event

New County Website Design Launches Monday!
York County’s website – www.yorkcounty.gov – starts the week off with a new modern look that offers one-click access to our most visited pages, social media sites, and Citizen News. All of the new features enhance the already easy-to-navigate pages and commitment to transparency. With over 200,000 page views each month, visitors will find streamlined content right at their fingertips. This update is the first in over five years.  Click to see the new layout and updates. 
 
Join Us for the Return of Yorktown Market Days
Tomorrow (4/9) is the kick off of this popular waterfront event. Saturdays, from now through October from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Yorktown Market Days offers a variety of vendors, artists, food trucks, and the spectacular location with amazing views of the York River. Visitors can shop for seasonal produce, meats and seafood, breads and other baked goods, beautiful original art, and more. Tomorrow’s event is the Go Green Market with additional exhibitors promoting recycling and environmental sustainability. Educational crafts, activities and games help kids learn about the importance of protecting the earth. Be sure to bring your reusable bags for shopping!  Find the list of vendors and activities scheduled on Visit Yorktown’s this week at the market.

Fire Station 7 Groundbreaking Ceremony April 19
The public is invited to attend this event at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, at 5684 Mooretown Road in the upper County.  The existing building, the former Crossroads Community Youth Home,  is being repurposed as Fire Station 7 and will serve our residents and visitors in that region, as well as providing assistance to neighboring jurisdictions. The project is scheduled for completion in the winter of 2023.  Look for project updates on the County’s website and Facebook page.

Latest “York News” Program Spring is Back Premieres on WYCG-TV
The County’s TV news program returns with stories about upcoming events and returning attractions, next fiscal year’s budget, awards and ribbon-cuttings, the return of “Pedal the Parkway” for bikers and strollers, and more . . . including another “What’s in the Works” highlighting York County’s Department of Public Works.  You can watch the program now airing on WYCG-TV (Cox 46, Verizon 38) or on demand from the County’s website and YouTube channel.
 
FEMA Updates Flood Insurance Rate Methodology
It is not uncommon for our region to experience flooding, and many residents have flood insurance to protect their property. FEMA has a new approach to flood insurance risk rating that utilizes industry best practices and new techology.  This allows the federal agency to deliver rates that are more sound, fair, and easy-to-understand and better reflect a property’s flood risk. As of April 1, flood insurance policies are subject to the new Risk Rating 2.0 methodology.  Learn more on the FEMA website.  Reminder:  Most flood insurance policies require at least 30 days to take effect.
 
Baseball Camp for Kids in 2^nd-8^th Grades Led by Grafton H.S. Coach
This four-day camp is led by the Grafton High School baseball coach, Robbie Hiser, who, along with other team coaches and players, focuses on fundamentals, drills, live pitching and infield/outfield play. The camp is 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., June 13-16, at Grafton High School. Cost is $120. Space is limited so register today.

Looking for Family Fun?  Try Skate, Rattle & Roll
Come join us at Dare Elementary School Gym on Friday nights for two sessions of skating:  elementary school age (grades K-5) and their families from 6 to 8 p.m., and middle school age (grades 6-8) from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Admission is $5.00, which includes skates (rollerblade rental is $3 extra).  Concessions are available for purchase. Come boogie to your favorite tunes while you skate in a safe environment.  More information is available on the Parks and Recreation website.

In April We Recognize . . .
Child Abuse Prevention Month. Tragically, hundreds of thousands of children are abused each year. To help bring attention to this terrible crime, York-Poquoson Social Services (YPSS) was joined by members of County staff, Fire & Life Safety, and the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office to place pinwheels at the entry of the Operations Center. YPSS is working to raise awareness of child abuse and is asking the public to report suspected incidences of mistreatment.  These pinwheels represent the innocence of childhood and are there to remind us all that child abuse should be not permitted to continue.  If you see something, say something. Call YPSS at (757) 890-3787.   April 10-16 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, an important team to recognize in April, and throughout the year.  The York-Poquoson-Williamsburg 911 is no exception with a top-rate team of professionals who are the first to answer the call.  Many thanks to these individuals who offer their service and compassion to us all.  

Additional Notes for the Week…Have you noticed any potholes on your daily commute?  VDOT crews are on the lookout, but you can help by reporting any that you come across. Call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623) or visit VDOT’s website and submit a work order.

Citizen News Weekly is compiled and published by York County Public Affairs each Friday to share news and events with our citizens and neighbors. This weekly newsletter is placed on our website and delivered directly to your inbox. Questions? Contact Gail Whittaker, Public Information Officer: (757) 890-3310 or whittgl@yorkcounty.gov.