Monday, October 27, 2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin Attends Dedication of Fredericksburg Regional Crisis Receiving Center

Commonwealth of Virginia

Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · October 27, 2025

 

CONTACTS:

Office of the Governor

Contact: Peter Finocchio

Peter.Finocchio@governor.virginia.gov   

Governor Glenn Youngkin Attends Dedication of Fredericksburg Regional Crisis Receiving Center

New 24/7 center will expand adult and youth crisis services, adding 23-hour observation and children’s care as part of Right Help, Right Now

Governor Glenn Youngkin delivers remarks at dedication of Fredericksburg Regional Crisis Receiving Center on October 24, 2025. Official Photo by Kaitlyn DeHarde, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today joined state and local partners to dedicate the Fredericksburg Regional Crisis Receiving Center (CRC), a major expansion of crisis services under his Right Help, Right Now behavioral health transformation initiative. Purchased by the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) with the support of $12 million in Right Help, Right Now funding, the 79,420-square-foot site will expand same-day crisis care for adults and children, adding 23-hour observation and children’s crisis services, and providing space for psychiatric assessment, stabilization, and coordinated connections to ongoing treatment for up to 38 Virginians. 


Located near the new Veterans Affairs outpatient center and a standalone emergency department, operated by Mary Washington Healthcare, and between two major hospitals, the center will serve as a regional anchor for timely, therapeutic crisis care. Renovations will start next spring, with services anticipated to begin in spring 2027. 


“When a loved one is in crisis, every minute counts,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This new Fredericksburg center brings help closer to home—combining compassionate, clinical care with rapid stabilization so families aren’t left waiting in crowded emergency departments. Today’s dedication represents another milestone in our mission to deliver Right Help, Right Now to every corner of the Commonwealth.” 


The Commonwealth has awarded $12 million to support the project, with an initial Right Help, Right Now grant to RACSB in March 2024 to construct a new CRC, followed by $5.5 million in August 2025 to purchase the larger facility and expand the scope to include relocating the Sunshine Lady House adult Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) and adding youth CRC and CSU services. 


“Fredericksburg is building a crisis system that meets people where they are—with dignity, speed, and the right level of care,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “By expanding 23-hour observation and standing up children’s services, this project closes critical gaps for families and creates a clear front door into recovery.” 


“This site is designed for what works in a crisis: rapid assessment, calm spaces, and a clear path to stabilization and community care,” said Nelson Smith, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. “Relocating and modernizing the Sunshine Lady House adult CSU, while adding youth capacity, strengthens the region’s safety net, eases pressure on hospitals, and supports law enforcement.” 


“Dedications like this one strengthen the backbone of Virginia’s crisis care network and expand the continuum of care in a real way—we are adding space for 38 Virginians to get the care they need, when they need it,” said Hallie Pence, Executive Director of Right Help, Right Now. “Behind every number we talk about, there is a person—a face, a name, someone who brings love and light to this world—who can wake up tomorrow and have a brighter day because of progress like this.”  


“For years, our region has worked toward creating a space where both adults and children experiencing mental health crises can get the right help at the right time,” said Joe Wickens, Executive Director of the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board. “With this facility, our community will have the space, services and partnerships needed to respond with the care and urgency these individuals deserve. It’s a transformative step for Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties.” 


“As someone who has called this community home for 18 years, I know how urgently families need timely, accessible behavioral health care,” said Senator Tara Durant. “The new center reflects what’s possible when state and local leaders work together to bring real solutions home.” 


“Coming together to celebrate this new crisis center is so important because this progress is what makes our community stronger,” said Delegate Bobby Orrock. “This strengthens critical resources that are a part of the larger build out across the Commonwealth through Right Help, Right Now.” 


Today’s dedication ceremony included remarks by local and state leaders and a tour of RACSB’s Mobile Crisis Unit.


Governor Youngkin’s Right Help, Right Now initiative is a three-year, $1.4 billion transformation of Virginia’s behavioral health system. Since launching in December 2022, the plan has expanded 988 services, integrated 911 and 988 in more than 50 emergency communications centers, added crisis receiving centers across the Commonwealth, and built a statewide system to ensure Virginians in crisis have someone to call, someone to respond, and a safe place to go.

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Monday, October 20, 2025

No Kings...except when they're your kings.

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Curbside recycling provider pushes back against VPPSA's claims, launches own service in JCC

Plus: State Police provide update on I-64 shooting in York County, how the government shutdown is impacting Virginians, National Night Out returns to Williamsburg and more news.
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Oct. 4, 2025

Good morning, Historic Triangle!


A gorgeous fall weekend is ahead.


Highs will be in the mid-70s Saturday afternoon amid mostly sunny skies. Sunday's weather will be similar, with highs in the upper 70s.


"We're in for a beautiful weekend, crisp and cool nights, mild and comfortable afternoons, said Chief Meteorologist Tim Pandajis of 13News Now.


The weekend weather outlook per Chief Meteorologist Tim Pandajis of 13News Now. (Photo via Facebook)

Temperatures will trend up, in the high 70s to low 80s, through mid-week next week. Scattered showers and storms will return on Wednesday and Thursday as a cold front moves across the weekend.


The second half of the week will be noticeably cooler, with highs only in the upper 60s.


Please note that there will be no event newsletter next week, but new upcoming events will be posted to our community calendar by Monday night.


Now to the news.


-Christin

Curbside recycling provider pushes back against VPPSA's claims, launches own service in JCC

A TFC recycling container. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle)

The Historic Triangle area's recycling provider is planning to launch its own subscription-based service for James City County residents after the Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority (VPPSA) abruptly canceled its contract with the company a week ago.


TFC Recycling, a locally owned business founded in 1973, said in a statement that VPPSA has been "unreasonably scrutinizing" their performance and "making demands well above required contractual terms and conditions."

  • The company has been providing curbside service for nearly 7 years to James City County, York County, the City of Williamsburg and the City of Poquoson. 

Some background: VPPSA's Board of Directors voted on Sept. 23 to end its partnership with the company because of ongoing "compliance issues." 

  • Jennifer Wheeler, the authority's executive director, said TFC has exhibited repeated compliance violations. 

  • Wheeler cited numerous specific "performance deficiencies," such as repeated failures to complete routes on time, inadequate hazardous waste cleanup and issues surrounding records and accurate billing.

TFC has its own version of the story, however. The provider claimed in a statement that VPPSA has been withholding payments dating back to January 2025, which created undue hardships and made it difficult for the company to maintain its high level of performance. 

  • The provider said it could have legally suspended its services earlier this year but chose not to do so in order to continue carrying out its commitment to customers. 

  • TFC also said the authority attempted to force them into accepting significantly lower pay in order to keep the contract in place.

Why it matters: James City County and York County residents currently have no access to curbside recycling as a result of the fallout. 

  • The City of Williamsburg is continuing to provide services through a new recycling contract with Republic, a company that already provides curbside trash pickup in the city. 

  • Poquoson entered into an "emergency contract" with TFC to keep services going for their residents through the end of November.

Kelli Tatum, spokeswoman for York County, said residents of the county can continue to place their recycling bins at their curbs on trash collection days through Oct. 31 while the county awaits a new solution from VPPSA. The bins will be emptied and collected as trash. 

  • Some York County households found that their recycling was not collected on the scheduled date this week, but residents were assured that it will be picked up and should be left out at the curb until it is emptied. 

James City County residents, however, may soon be able to access curbside recycling services without going through the county. TFC announced that it is "immediately launching a subscription-based service" where residents of the county can "sign up directly... and save money." 

  • Residents can inquire about the program and its costs by visiting tfcrecycling.com or calling the company at 757-543-5766. TFC will also provide updates on its Facebook page.

Virginia State Police provide update on I-64 shooting in York County, reiterate need for public assistance 

A photo of the vehicle of a shooting victim on I-64 in York County. (Photo courtesy of VSP)

Virginia State Police (VSP) are continuing to investigate a shooting that took place on I-64 in York County last week.


Officials provided scant details to the media in the wake of the incident. VSP has, however, confirmed that police responded to reports of the shooting at approximately 5:57 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

  • The gunshots claimed the life of the victim, a 54-year-old Gloucester resident whose name has still not yet been released.

State police are actively looking for the public's assistance. They're asking to hear from anyone who may have seen a Honda sport utility (CR-V) vehicle or noticed anything unusual during, prior to or after the incident. 

  • The area in focus is the Humelsine Parkway-Maquis Center Parkway or the Busch Gardens area, either in the east or westbound lanes off the interstate.

  • The shooting took place between the 242 and 243-mile marker in York County, authorities say.

Agents with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation are also involved in the investigation. They issued calls for assistance from anyone who may have been off the interstate in the area and heard gunshots around the time of the incident.

  • Sgt. Michelle Anaya, spokesperson for VSP, said the information released to the public is currently limited because the investigation is active and ongoing.

  • "Currently, no additional details are available," Anaya said. "However, investigators want to assure the public that there is no immediate threat to motorists or the community."

A second shooting: While state troopers say the York County shooting appears to be isolated, it reflects a broader, growing trend of violence along I-64 in recent months. A second fatal shooting on I-64 west in Norfolk claimed the life of a teenager earlier this week.

  • That shooting began on I-64 west in Hampton on the night of Oct. 2. After shots were fired, the driver took the Military Highway exit in an effort to get away from the situation, according to police.

The two incidents were eerily similar. The drivers in both cases fled the gunshots, crashed into a guardrail and died from their injuries.

  • Anyone with information about the York County shooting is urged to contact Virginia State Police at questions@vsp.virginia.gov or by calling 804-750-8789. 

  • Anyone who may have witnessed the Norfolk I-64 shooting is asked to call #77 from a cell phone or email VSP at info@vsp.virginia.gov.

How the federal government shutdown is impacting Virginians

The capitol building in Washington D.C. (Photo by Harold Mendoza via Unsplash)

The federal government's shutdown is continuing into a fourth day, and it is unclear how long the situation will persist. Here's how the shutdown is impacting Virginians. 

About 350,000 federal workers live in the Commonwealth, and many of them will not be paid until the shutdown resolves. 

  • These workers perform a wide range of jobs and include "emergency employees" - essential workers who must report for work even in emergency situations like severe weather or power failures, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management

In addition to the impacts on government employees and military personnel, other elements of daily life pertaining to all Virginians may be affected.

  • Flights: While TSA staff and air traffic controllers are still expected to report to work, flights will be delayed if workers call out while not being paid.

  • Parks: Most National Parks will continue to be open but will have limited or no staff.

  • Passports: Those applying for passport renewal may encounter delays.

  • Veteran services: While Veterans Affairs benefits will continue to be distributed, some VA services will be impacted, such as transition programs, career assistance, veterans outreach initiatives and grounds maintenance at VA cemeteries. VA benefits regional offices will also be closed, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Some services will not be impacted by the shutdown, including:

  • Mail: While the United States Postal Service is federally-run, it does not rely on taxpayer funding and will continue to operate as usual.

  • Benefits: Social Security, Medicare, SNAP and VA benefits are expected to continue as normal.

National Night Out to return to City of Williamsburg on Oct. 7

National Night Out returns to the City of Williamsburg on Oct. 7. (Photo courtesy of NNO)

The City of Williamsburg is inviting residents to attend its annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.

  • The event will be held at the Community Building located at 401 N. Boundary Street.

The details: National Night Out (NNO) is designed to strengthen community-police partnerships, enhance public engagement and promote neighborhood camaraderie with the goal of making neighborhoods better, safer places to live.

  • The theme for this year's NNO is "Safer Streets - Stronger Neighborhoods," according to the City.

  • The event will provide an opportunity for residents to meet members of local law enforcement agencies, including the Williamsburg Police Department, Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff's Office, Virginia State Police, York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, Colonial Williamsburg Public Safety, William & Mary Police Department and the National Park Police.

Free food and entertainment will be offered, and local business vendors will be on site. 

  • "National Night Out embodies our commitment to working hand in hand with the community to create safer streets and stronger neighborhoods," Community Resource Officer Herb Williams said. "Together, we can strengthen our sense of community, where neighbors look out for one another and feel empowered to make a positive impact in partnership with the Williamsburg Police Department."

CIVIC NOTES

  • Board of Supervisors Vice Chair John McGlennon, who represents the Roberts District in James City County, is inviting county residents to attend a town hall meeting on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. in Building F of the JCC Government Center. The proposed James City County Government Center, the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center and curbside recycling will be among the topics discussed. A Q&A will follow. 

  • James City County is seeking feedback from residents regarding the draft of its 2035 Strategic Plan. The survey is available here and will remain open until oct. 20. 

CRIME REWIND

  • A 20-year-old York County man was arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography he obtained through social media websites. He is currently being held at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail. (WAVY)

IN THE HEADLINES

  • Thrive Peninsula steps up to help federal workers during government shutdown (WTKR

  • Virginia taxpayers to get October rebate checks (Axios)

  • Attorney General candidate Jay Jones apologizes for 'disturbing' text messages (WAVY)

  • Virginia parents go viral for 6 kids with nearly identical names (WAVY)

  • President Trump plans to come to Norfolk Sunday to celebrate Navy's 250th birthday (13News Now)

  • The first supermoon of the year is approaching. Here's what to know. (AP News)

This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. Thanks for reading!

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