Saturday, February 28, 2026

Toano named among 'friendliest places to live' in Virginia

Plus: Highway Pizza suffered major fire damage, a string of local arsons are under investigation, Williamsburg's city manager stepped down and a WJCC teacher is facing sexual assault charges.
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Feb 28, 2026

Good morning, Historic Triangle!


A mostly pleasant weekend is ahead, though more wintry weather will soon be heading our way.


Highs will be near 60 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday, and rain chances will be low.


Temperatures will tumble dramatically on Sunday evening as a cold front moves across our region, according to the 13News Now meteorology team. Overnight lows will be near freezing, and daytime highs will remain in the 30s.


A wintry mix is expected for our area on Monday night into Tuesday morning as rain mixes in with sleet, freezing rain or snow.


Big temperature swings are in the forecast for the week ahead. (Image by 13News Now Chief Meteorologist Tim Pandajis)

A warming trend is likely mid-to-late week, with temperatures in the 60s on Wednesday and Thursday and low 70s on Friday.


Now to the news.


-Christin 

Toano named among 'friendliest places to live' in Virginia

Historic Toano. (Photo courtesy of the Toano Historical Society)

Toano is one of the friendliest places to live in the Commonwealth, according to a new study by Nextdoor.


The neighborhood social networking website released a list of the friendliest communities in every state using data derived from positive interactions between neighbors.


Several factors were taken into account to determine the rankings, including the tone of interactions between neighbors, how often requests for help or recommendations were fulfilled, how many free items were shared and how strongly residents supported local businesses.


"When people are considering where to live, they want to know more than just the statistics — they want to understand what it's really like to be part of that neighborhood," said Kelsey Grady, Chief Communications Officer at Nextdoor.


Toano ranked no. 15 overall on the list of 20 Virginia localities. 


Other nearby communities included on the list are Gloucester Point at no. 5 and Barhamsville at no. 11. Great Falls earned the top spot at no. 1.


The report recognized Toano as a "peaceful, family-friendly town known for its beautiful landscapes and clean environment" and highlighted its quiet surroundings and "strong sense of community."


The historic James City County community is home to 10,478 residents, per the latest U.S. Census. 


Less favorable was Toano's affordability ranking, which currently stands at 68 out of a possible 100, based on residential and demographic data. Nextdoor's affordability score is calculated based on factors such as median incomes, home values and rents, as well as tax rates and regional prices analyses. 


In addition to highlighting the friendliest cities and towns across the U.S., Nextdoor compiled a list of the friendliest neighborhoods for 2026. In Williamsburg, Ford's Colony topped the list, coming in at no. 1 for its "quiet, tree-lined streets" and "sense of safety." 


Colonial Heritage, Longhill Station, Five Forks, James Terrace, Scott's Pond, Kingswood and Kingsmill also made the cut.


"This year's list shows that strong neighborhoods exist in every corner of the country — and that the people in them are what make the difference," Grady said.


To view Nextdoor's full rankings for each state, click here

'Absolutely devastating': Highway Pizza suffers major fire damage

Firefighters responded to a blaze at Highway Pizza in Williamsburg on Monday morning. (Photo courtesy of the Williamsburg Fire Department)

Highway Pizza in Williamsburg is facing an extensive rebuilding process after a fire tore through the restaurant on Monday morning.


More than 30 firefighters from the City of Williamsburg and nearby localities responded to the scene after reports of the blaze were called in at about 10:15 a.m. 


Crews arrived to find thick black smoke pouring from the back of the business. Upon entering the building, firefighters discovered active flames inside the kitchen.


Nearby businesses were evacuated, and the fire was brought under control at about 10:52 a.m. No injuries were reported, and the incident remains under investigation. 


In a message to customers posted on Facebook, the restaurant's ownership described the fire as "absolutely devastating" and expressed feeling "heartbroken" over the state of the building. 


"Highway Pizza means so much to our family, but it also means so much to this community," the owners said. "Standing outside this morning, waiting for the fire department to allow us back inside, was one of the most emotional moments we've ever experienced."

A view of the kitchen at Highway Pizza following Monday's fire. (Photo by Highway Pizza via Facebook)

A GoFundMe has been launched to help support the restaurant's staff as they face the possibility of prolonged unemployment. 


"Highway Pizza was built with love, resilience, and community," the owners said. "And we believe that same community will help carry us through whatever comes next."


As of Saturday morning, a total of $9,325 had been donated to Highway Pizza through the GoFundMe. 


Several other community businesses have launched their own efforts to support the restaurant, including a t-shirt fundraiser coordinated by Parkway Printshop.

NEWS TO KNOW

Williamsburg City Manager resigns, interim manager named

Andrew O. Trivette. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas/William & Mary)

Williamsburg City Council accepted the resignation of City Manager Andrew O. Trivette during a special City Council meeting on Feb. 25.


Deputy City Manager Michele Mixner DeWitt was appointed to the role of Interim City Manager, effective immediately.

  • DeWitt has worked for the city for 21 years, serving as Economic Development Director, Assistant City Manager and then Deputy City Manager. She also served as Williamsburg's Commissioner of the Revenue in 2025.

Background: During his time serving the city, Trivette launched the Future Festivals and oversaw several major construction projects, including the new fire station, police station and Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center. 

  • Trivette received the Prentis Award from William & Mary in 2021 for his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

No additional details were made available about the situation, as the city called the resignation a "personnel matter."

  • "City Council thanks Trivette for his service and dedication to the Williamsburg community over the past 10 years," the City said in a statement.

Deputies investigate string of arsons, robberies across York County

Varry Darnell Shannon. (Photo courtesy of the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office)

An effort to uncover the cause of a fire at a local car repair shop has evolved into a larger investigation surrounding a series of arsons and break-ins across York County and surrounding localities.


Deputies responded to reports of flames engulfing two vehicles at the Peninsula Heavy Duty on George Washington Memorial Highway on Feb 8. An investigation revealed that the blaze was intentionally set.

  • "Sheriff's Office and Fire and Life Safety personnel initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire and quickly determined that this was the result of arson," The York-Poquoson Sheriff's Department said in a statement. "The damage estimate exceeded $10,000."

  • Three days later, on Feb. 11, authorities arrested 18-year-old Varry Darnell Shannon of Yorktown and a 17-year-old male in connection with the fires. The teens are both facing felony arson charges.

After digging further into the incident, detectives have come to believe that the two teens are connected to additional crimes committed in York County over the past two months, including:

  • Dec. 31: A Dominion Power Plant located on Waterview Road was burglarized and then set on fire, leading to thousands of dollars in damage.

  • Feb. 1: A break-in leading to a burglary was reported at a home in the 600 block of Claxton Creek Road. Property damage exceeded $1,000, and the perpetrators attempted to set a building on fire using accelerant.

  • Feb 8: Multiple vehicles were intentionally damaged at English Motors located in the 2300 block of George Washington Memorial Highway. The damages amounted to thousands of dollars.

What's next: The investigation remains ongoing. Deputies say additional charges against the two teens are pending in York County and surrounding localities.

WJCC teacher faces charges in connection to alleged sexual assaults involving students

Andre Scione. (Photo courtesy of Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail)

A Warhill High School teacher was arrested in connection to the alleged sexual assaults of three female students.

  • Andre Scione, 34, of James City County, is facing two counts of sexual assault and three counts of assault and battery of a minor. 

An investigation was launched by James City County police in response to a complaint filed by a student. Williamsburg-James City County Schools then placed Scione on administrative leave. 

  • The alleged behavior began in 2024 when the students were attending Toano Middle School, where Scione was employed at the time, according to investigators.

  • Scione was taken to Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail upon his arrest on Feb. 23. Records show that he was released by court order. Authorities say additional charges may be pending.

Anyone with information that may be relevant to this case is asked to contact the James City County Police Department's Investigations Unit at 757-259-5152. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Crime Line at one-888-LOCK-U-UP or online at P3Tips.com.

IN THE HEADLINES

  • "James City County officials search for information in animal abuse case" (13News Now

  • "Take a ride on the African American Heritage Trail in Williamsburg" (WAVY

  • "Newport News community activist calls for investment in grassroots violence prevention after teen's death" (WTKR

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

📰  Sign up to receive The Triangle's weekly newsletters here.

🖥️ Visit our website to read previous articles.

📧 Want to reach out? Email christin@thetriangle.news or reply to this email.

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Monday, February 23, 2026

Notification: York Co. School Board Meeting @ Mon Feb 23, 2026 7pm - 9pm (EST) (Alexander of YorkTeaParty)

York Co. School Board Meeting
Join with Google Meet – Regular MeetingsRegular meetings are held to conduct the business of the schools, act on matters requiring Board approval, and recognize student, staff and community contributions to the school divisi

Friday, February 20, 2026

York County Restaurant Week returns Feb. 20 - March 1

Plus: The JCC Board of Supervisors approved a new affordable senior housing development, WRL received grant funding for a Latin dance program, and JCCPD is seeking the public's help in locating an "armed and dangerous" man.
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Feb 20, 2026

Good morning, Historic Triangle!


Springlike weather continues today, but another major temperature swing will soon be headed our way.


Scattered showers are expected to linger across the region this morning through midday, according to Meteorologist Myles Henderson of WTKR News 3. Afternoon highs will warm to the upper 60s.


Saturday will be noticeably cooler, with partly cloudy skies. Highs will only be in the mid-50s.


Widespread rain will sweep across the region on Sunday as a coastal storm develops along the East Coast.


Temperatures will drop into the low 30s, and forecasters say there is a potential for the rain to transition to snow during the evening.


Predicted snow possibilities for Feb. 22, per the GFS and Euro models. (Photo via Meteorologist Tim Pandajis)

"As the storm strengthens... colder air will attempt to work into the region late Sunday and Sunday night," according to 13News Now Meteorologist Tim Pandajis. "If that colder air arrives quickly enough, rain could change to snow." 


The chillier weather pattern will continue past Sunday's storm, with highs only in the mid-40s through midweek.


Now to the news.


-Christin 

York County Restaurant Week returns Feb. 20 - March 1

Coastal Thirst Beach Deli in Yorktown is participating in Restaurant Week 2026. (Photo courtesy of Visit Yorktown)

Menus have been released for the third annual York County Restaurant Week. 


More than 20 local dining establishments are participating, featuring diverse flavors including Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican and American. 


The promotional period runs from Friday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, March 1, with the goal of encouraging support for independent dining establishments during what is traditionally a slower time of the year.


Diners will have the opportunity to experience new flavors or enjoy old favorites while taking advantage of special discounts, according to the county.


Here's a list of this year's participating restaurants and their exclusive offers:


• Andrea's Italian Restaurant – 10% off dine-in and takeout
• Anna's Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta – 20% off entire bill 
• Antonio's Ristorante Italiano – 10% off lunch and dinner items
• Bellissimo's Pizza – Specials starting at $12
• Ben & Jerry's Yorktown – 20% off
• Burgers on the Edge – Select menu items for $8 or less
• Carrot Tree Kitchens – Soup/sandwich, dessert, and coffee/tea for $20.26
• Coastal Thirst Beach Deli – Specials starting at $12
• Dominion Dogs – Three-course meal for $15
• Donutz on a Stick – Buy one ice cream, get one half off
• Grunow's Kitchen – 20% off meal between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Gus's New York Pizza - One large 18" cheese pizza for $12.99 or 10% 
 discount on entire bill
• Jordan's Pizza Subs & Much More – Specials starting at $9.99
• Lantern – 25% off meal
• Mobjack Coffee Roasters & Petite Café – The Smoky Southern Stack 
 sandwich, house salad, and chips for $14
• Riverwalk Restaurant – Two-course dinner for $26
• Shibam Mix Grill – 10% off meal
• The Huntsman's Grill – Three-course dinner for $20.26
• Uno Pizzeria & Grill – 20% off 
• Vinny's Pizza & Pasta 2 – Three-course meal for $30
• Water Street Grille – Two-course lunch for $20 or two-course dinner for $26
• Yorktown Pub – Fish & chips and a drink for $13.95


For menus and additional information on York County Restaurant Week, click here.

James City County supervisors greenlight new senior living facility

A slide from a presentation on the Forest Heights construction project, presented at the James City County Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 7, 2026. (JCC)

The James City County Board of Supervisors voted last Tuesday to approve the construction of a new senior housing development on Richmond Road.


Forest Heights Senior Independent Living Facility is set to be built on 11 acres of rezoned land located at 6015 Richmond Road located near the Villages of Westminster.

  • The three-story, 50-unit facility will be geared toward residents aged 55 and older. It will be built next to a 46-townhome development that is currently under construction.

  • Developers agreed to design the units to meet affordability criteria for households with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income. 

  • One-bedroom apartments are expected to rent for between $800 to $1,200 per month, while two-bedrooms will rent for $1,000 to $1,500, according to Wayne Harbin Builder representative Chase Grogg.

Alan Walker, assistant director of multi-family housing and development for Bay Aging, said a study conducted by his organization shows there is a "strong demand" for affordable senior housing in James City County.

  • "Many older residents in the county fall squarely within these income ranges, [including] folks relying on social security, modest pensions or part-time incomes," Walker said. "For them, the rising cost of market-rate housing is a significant barrier to remaining in the community they call home."

Background: The supervisors approved a special use permit for Forest Heights in 2019. However, the developer failed to begin construction within the required 36-month timeframe, prompting the need for a reapproval process.

  • The new nearby townhomes will also meet the county's criteria for affordable housing, with sale prices ranging from $212,000 to $394,350. 

What's next: Grogg said the townhome development should be completed by this summer. It is not yet clear when construction will begin on the new senior housing facility.

WRL launches Latin Ballet of Virginia programs highlighting 'rich cultural heritage'

Marisol Betancourt Sotolongo, Artistic Director of Latin Ballet of Virginia. (Photo courtesy of Williamsburg Regional Library)

Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) is offering a series of new Latin dance performances and hands-on workshops for local Spanish-speaking families.


The programs, which kicked off in January and will run through April, are supported by an Arts in Practice Grant awarded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts.  

  • Participants experience a series of live Latin dance performances and hands-on workshops with the Latin Ballet of Virginia (LBV), presented as part of the library's intergenerational story time program called "Cena con Cuentos. "

Sandy Towers, director of WRL, said the recently-awarded grant affirms that the programming offered by the library system is valuable and relevant.

  • "Our hope for these workshops is that they'll provide our families who attend Cena con Cuentos with an opportunity to participate in Latin dance traditions that celebrate their rich cultural heritage and strengthen their sense of belonging within our community," Towers said.

Each program features a mix of live dance, narration and rhythm illustrating cultural stories and traditions from throughout the Latin diaspora and Caribbean. The performances are followed by workshops during which artists guide participants in simple dance steps using bilingual instruction. 

  • In addition to the special series, "Cena con Cuentos," which translates to "dinner with stories" in English, is offered monthly at the Stryker Center. The family-oriented event features books, songs, rhymes, crafts and dinner.

  • Attendance has increased by 72% since the program's inception in 2023, drawing an average of 41 visitors per session, according to WRL.

Participants dance during a hands-on workshop presented by the Latin Ballet of Virginia on Jan. 20, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Williamsburg Regional Library)

Marisol Betancourt Sotolongo, artistic director of the Latin Ballet of Virginia, underscored the role of local libraries in providing a space for learning, culture and connection.

  • "Our engagements in libraries allow us to meet families where they already gather and to share dance as a living language—one that welcomes all generations into the story," Sotolongo said. 

More information: Two additional programs will be held, including a workshop on March 17 and a performance on April 7. There is no cost to attend. Interested families can register by contacting Sara Meldrum, WRL's youth service librarian, at smeldrum@wrl.org.

James City County police seek 'armed and dangerous' suspect in connection to recent shooting

Eric Fenton. (Photo courtesy of JCCPD)

James City County police are looking for a suspect they deem "armed and dangerous."


Eric Fenton, 38, is wanted in connection with a shooting that sent a James City County man to the hospital on Tuesday night, authorities say. 

  • Police responded to reports of a fight that led to the shooting at the 3900 block of Meadow Grove Way at the Longhill Grove Apartments. 

  • Upon arrival, they found a 31-year-old James City County man suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News and is said to be in stable condition.

Public assistance sought: Fenton was living at the 200 block of Barlow Road in Williamsburg. He is wanted on several charges, including use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, malicious wounding and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

  • Fenton fled the area on foot following the shooting. He was wearing a mask and camouflage clothing at the time. According to a preliminary investigation, the suspect and victim knew each other.

  • Anyone with information is asked to contact the James City County Police Department at 757‑253‑1800. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Line at 1‑888‑LOCK‑U‑UP or submit a tip online at P3Tips.com.

CRIME REWIND

  • Williamsburg police are investigating after a 33-year-old man was found shot dead in his apartment on Wednesday night. The victim was identified as Antonio Knight. Authorities classified the death as a homicide but are calling the shooting an "isolated incident." (WAVY

  • Two people were arrested in York County on Wednesday after police seized narcotics and firearms from their vehicle during a traffic stop at the intersection of George Washington Memorial Highway and Rich Road. (13News Now

  • Three Newport News men are facing charges after investigators confiscated illegal drugs, a semi-automatic pistol and large amounts of cash while executing a search warrant in the 4500 block of George Washington Memorial Highway on Thursday. (WAVY

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

Our regular event newsletter will resume next week. Here are this weekend's highlights.

The Norfolk Admirals will transform into the Yorktown Admirals on Feb. 21 for a night of community pride at the Scope Arena. (Photo courtesy of York County)

  • Yorktown Admirals Night | Norfolk Scope Arena | Saturday, Feb. 21 | Attend a celebratory night of Yorktown pride at Scope Arena in Norfolk, featuring appearances by The Fifes & Drums of York Town, Tabb Middle School, The York County Department of Fire and Life Safety and the York Poquoson Sheriff's Office. Yorktown residents and their guests can purchase tickets for 20% off the regular price. 7:05 - 10:05 pm. 

  • Organ Recital: Cheryl Van Ornam | Bruton Parish Church | Saturday, Feb. 21 | Organist Cheryl Van Ornam of Richmond will present a candlelit recital in this 350-year-old church. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 7 - 8 pm.  

  • After Angelo | Jamestown Settlement | Saturday, Feb. 21 | This one-day program honors the legacy of one of the first African women ever mentioned by name in the historical record at Jamestown. The celebration of African American heritage and culture will include a community art project (9 am to 12:30 pm) and a panel discussion led by Barbara Hamm Lee, host of Another View (1 pm). Included with museum admission. 

  • William & Mary Presents: Nicole Zuraitis | Concert Hall of the Music Arts Center at William & Mary | Saturday, Feb. 21 | Nicole Zuraitis is a two-time Grammy-winning jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger. General admission is $35. Discounted tickets are available for military, senior citizens and children. 7:30 pm. 

  • Heart Rate Hero Ride | James City County Recreation Center | Sunday, Feb. 22 | Through an interactive ride, participants will learn to understand their heart rate zones and how they impact endurance, performance and heart health. Ages 14+. Free. 1:30 - 2:30 pm. 

  • The Historic First Baptist Church Concert Choir | Williamsburg Library Theatre | Sunday, Feb. 22 | The First Baptist Church Choir will present a concert of hymns, anthems, contemporary music and gospel in collaboration with the York River Symphony Orchestra. Free and open to the public. 3 - 5 pm. 

  • Open Door Concert Series: Plunky & Oneness | Williamsburg Presbyterian Church | Sunday, Feb. 22 | Wind down your weekend with a concert featuring legendary saxophonist James "Plunky" Branch. A Virginia native, Plunky's career spans more than 40 years and includes over 25 albums. His group has performed alongside some of the biggest names in black music, from Patti LaBelle to Ray Charles. Free. 4 pm.

  • The Virginia Black Film Festival | Kimball Theatre | Feb. 19 -22 | The third-annual Virginia Black Film Festival is held in partnership with Visit Williamsburg. The event's theme this year is "Black Excellence; Past, Present, & Future," and is part of the city's celebration of Black History Month. This star-studded event features educational and networking events for independent filmmakers, students and industry professionals. Tickets are available here.

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

📰  Sign up to receive The Triangle's weekly newsletters here.

🖥️ Visit our website to read previous articles.

📧 Want to reach out? Email christin@thetriangle.news or reply to this email.

The Triangle exists thanks to the generous donations of readers who make our work possible.

Support Our Work




Sent to: godlyman@alexanderofyork.com

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The Triangle, P.O. Box 7004, Williamsburg, VA 23188, United States