Friday, January 16, 2026

News Briefs for Jan. 8

Artists Invited to Join 60th Art on the Square

This year marks 60 years of Art on the Square. (Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg)

The Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg is inviting artists to join the 60th Art on the Square on Sunday, April 26.

The event features fine artists from across the country and is free and open to the public. Proceeds from artist booth fees are donated to visual and performing arts organizations throughout the greater Williamsburg area.

Artists interested in participating can apply here. Artist applications are due by Jan. 16. For more information, email artonthesquareshow@gmail.com.

Blood Drive at Poquoson City Hall

The Red Cross is holding a blood drive in Council Chambers at Poquoson City Hall from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8.

To register for an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code: PoquosonCity.

James City County Police Department Announces Promotions

The James City County Police Department recently announced the promotion of (l-r) Sgt. Josh Drury, Capt. Chris O’Neil, Capt. Keith Campbell, Sgt Patrick Fitzsimmons, Lt. Kurt Dykstra, and Lt. Dave Rochard. (JCCPD)

Following what it described as a rigorous and highly competitive selection process, the James City County Police Department recently announced six promotions within its ranks.

Those promoted were Sgt. Josh Drury, Capt. Chris O’Neil, Capt. Keith Campbell, Sgt Patrick Fitzsimmons, Lt. Kurt Dykstra and Lt. Dave Rochard.

The department said each of the officers demonstrated exceptional service, integrity, and leadership, and will help guide the department into the future.

Chesapeake Bank Earns National, Statewide Honors for Workplace Excellence and Performance

Chesapeake Bank recently announced it has been recognized with three honors that underscore its commitment to employees, customers, and communities. The bank was again named one of American Banker’s 2025 Best Banks to Work For, ranking No. 49 nationally on the overall list, and No. 32 nationally on banks less than $3 billion of assets.

In addition, Chesapeake Bank was honored as a Top Performing Bank by American Banker, an honor it has earned consecutively since 2007. Virginia Living magazine awarded Chesapeake Bank first place in the Bank/Credit Union category for Eastern Virginia in its annual “Best of Virginia” awards, as well.

The full list of the 2025 Best Banks to Work For is featured at americanbanker.com. For more information on the Best Banks to Work For program, visit BestBankstoWorkfor.com.

Addison Brown joins Jamestowne Investments, Williamsburg

Jamestowne Investments, LLC recently announced the addition of Addison “AJ” Brown to its team of financial professionals.

Brown joins Jamestowne Investments as a Financial Advisor. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Addison holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and has demonstrated exceptional dedication to helping clients pursue their financial goals.

Since joining, the firm said Brown “has been instrumental in supporting Clayton James, Founder and President of Jamestowne Investments, in managing client accounts, developing tailored financial plans, and conducting research and analysis for individual stock portfolios.”

Brown has successfully earned his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses through FINRA and NASAA, and his credentials can be verified on FINRA BrokerCheck.

New Kent Winery and Talleysville Brewing Company Expand Distribution

The New Kent Winery and Talleysville Brewing Company Building. (Consociate Media)

New Kent Winery and Talleysville Brewing Company announced they have expanded their reach across Virginia with the addition of a wholesale beer distribution license through the Virginia Beer Distribution Company.

With their Virginia Winery Distribution Company license, both craft beverages can now be distributed statewide.

New Kent Winery first opened in 2008 and has been operating under current ownership since 2014. Co-located on the New Kent Winery premises with a shared production facility and tasting room, Talleysville Brewing Company has been producing craft beer since 2020.

Businesses interested in carrying New Kent Winery wines or Talleysville Brewing Company beers can learn more at newkentwinery.com and by contacting joe@newkentwinery.com.

James City County General Services Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report Available

The James City County General Services Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report is now available for viewing online. The report highlights the accomplishments of General Services between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

View the report here. To learn more about the department, visit here.

Ruch Elected as Region 3 President for International Association of Emergency Managers

Pictured L to R: Beth Armstrong, Executive Director, IAEM; Mick Fleming, Region 5, Illinois; John Shear, Region 9, Hawaii; Claire Canaan, Region 7, Missouri; Dustin Willett, Region 8, South Dakota; Chelsea St. George, Region 1, Massachusetts; and Sara Ruch, Region 3, Virginia. (James City County)

James City County Deputy Coordinator Sara Ruch was recently elected as the International Association of Emergency Managers Region 3 President and IAEM USA Council board member, the county announced.

The International Association of Emergency Managers is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting the “Principles of Emergency Management” and representing those professionals whose goals are saving lives and protecting property and the environment during emergencies and disasters, the county said. Region 3 includes Virginia, West Virginia, D.C. Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.

Ruch’s two-year appointment began at the conference on Nov. 19. Ruch has worked as the Deputy Emergency Manager for James City County since April 2017.

For more information on IAEM, visit iaem.org.

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