🌱 Freedom Bank To Fund Winchesters Ward Plaza + School Board Meeting

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Winchester.

Jun 22, 2023 6:19 pm EDT | Updated Jun 22, 2023 6:35 pm EDT

This post was contributed by a community member.

Hello again, neighbors! It’s me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Winchester Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what’s happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

Friday: Thunderstorms. High: 73 Low: 61.
Saturday: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 79 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories in Winchester today:

On Jun. 21, Freedom Bank of Virginia announced it will give $4 million in funding to the City of Winchester and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Winchester for the Ward Plaza shopping center. The revitalization project includes a 40,000-square-foot mixed-use project with homes and retail space. Joe Thomas, President and CEO of Freedom Bank, said the project will bring “immense opportunities and benefits for the community” and he is excited to see Winchester’s “bright future.” (PR Newswire)
On Tuesday night, Jun. 21, Frederick County School Board member Miles Adkins responded to calls for his resignation following his Jun. 8 driving under the influence (DUI) arrest. Adkins, 39, said, “All’s I got to say is I’m going to do better, working on that.” Then he quoted actor and stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle when he said, “When heroes fall, cowards rejoice.” Fellow board member Brian Hester told Adkins that he would be doing what is best for himself, the community, and the school system if he resigned. (The Winchester Star)
Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, a wild animal trainer featured in Netflix’s “Tiger King,” was convicted of wildlife trafficking in Virginia. Antle illegally bought endangered lion cubs at Wilson’s Wild Animal Park near Winchester to display at his zoo, Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina. Prosecutor Michelle Welch called the trade of immature lion cubs from Virginia to South Carolina the “cub pipeline.” (CBS News)

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Today and tomorrow in Winchester:

Friday, June 23

Sue Jackson’s Helper Fund Concert Series ft. VIVA LA MUERTE! At First Presbyterian Church Of Winchester (7:00 PM)

Saturday, June 24

Shenandoah Valley Wine Festival At Museum Of The Shenandoah Valley (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

Timmy French, a lifelong Shenandoah County resident and farmer, won the Republican nomination in the Virginia Senate District 1 primary. The Nov. 7 general election will decide between French and Democrat Emily Scott. The new Senate District 1 is comprised of the city of Winchester, Frederick County, Clarke County, Shenandoah County, and Warren County. (Winchester Star via Twitter)
Suki, an adorable tiny ten-week-old puppy, is looking for her FURever family in the Winchester area! Check out the Winchester Area SPCA to see Suki and other adoptable pets in your area. (Winchester Area SPCA via Facebook)
Online house hunting is fun, but nothing beats seeing a home in person! Check out upcoming open houses in the Winchester area, including a five-bedroom with a pool on Fishel Road on Jun. 24. (Winchester Patch)

That’s it for today! I’ll be back in your inbox soon with another 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!