School bus traffic offenders get closer eye

News

The Winchester Police Department is increasing enforcement of school bus traffic laws in an effort to ensure the safety of our children. Motorists are reminded that both directions of traffic are required to stop on four-lane roads without a divided highway — including Valley Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road — when a school bus is picking up or dropping off students. Violators will be charged with reckless driving, a class 1 misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.

The city recently produced a new Winchester Green Circle brochure detailing completed and future trail sections. Copies are available at Winchester Parks and Recreation, City Hall and the Visitors Center, or online at WinchesterGreenCircle.com.

Programs update

Fatherhood Program — The Winchester Department of Social Services will begin its third Fatherhood Program on March 7. This program, designed to strengthen families, helps fathers in our community share resources and parenting ideas, achieve stronger relationships with their children and achieve better financial stability. This free, 12-week program is held every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Child care and/or transportation to the War Memorial Building at Jim Barnett Park are provided upon request.

Real estate tax relief for elderly and disabled — The city’s commissioner of the revenue is now accepting applications. This program offers full or partial real estate tax relief to qualifying homeowners who also meet certain low-income criteria. Deadline for filing, along with all supporting documentation, is April 1.

Pedestrian mall  revitalization project update

Completed to date: 500 feet of sewer main, 400 feet of water main and seven manholes.

Field conditions have allowed both the water and sewer mains to be installed in the same trench. This will help save time during the construction process.

Water and sewer replacement has been completed on approximately half of the south side of the mall.

Small fliers have been created and are currently being distributed to let the public know that Old Town Winchester is “Open for shopping, for dining, for you.”

Current focus: Installing lateral lines from the water and sewer mains to the individual buildings

Upcoming events

Third annual Big Kiss (Feb. 9) — Grab your sweetheart and join us at the George Washington Hotel as we attempt to break last year’s Big Kiss record. But first, enjoy a Jimmy Stewart movie, “Bell, Book and Candle,” at 1 p.m. and get your blood pressure checked for free between 3:15 and 4:30 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., the smooching begins.

C.B. Rouss Birthday Celebration (Feb. 11) — To honor the contributions made by Charles Broadway Rouss to Winchester more than 100 years ago, the city will be celebrating his birthday with cupcakes and historical tours of Rouss City Hall. From 8 a.m. until noon, birthday cupcakes will be shared with city customers and friends. At noon and 5:15 p.m., Planning Director Tim Youmans will offer guided tours of the century-old building.

Generous donations

From the Rotary Club — Allowing the Winchester Police Department to purchase digital cameras for all patrol officers.

From the Elizabeth C. Clark Foundation — Winchester Parks and Recreation will now be able to make further improvements to the Dog Park in Jim Barnett Park.

Information compiled by City of Winchester