When Kielce Gussie was sitting in classrooms at Annunciation Catholic School in Middleburg Bishop Snyder High School in Jacksonville and Mount St she never imagined she would eventually work at the Vatican in Rome the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church But that's how Gussie, 28, found herself standing in front of thousands of people, delivering the first reading in the April 26 funeral Mass for Pope Francis She was surrounded by cardinals and dignitaries "What was really special was being so close to people from all over the world," she said Francis died on April 21 at 88 following a long respiratory illness Born in Guam to then-military parents and raised in Middleburg, Gussie is now a journalist for the Vatican News an official news agency covering the Holy See she was summoned to participate after her boss received a call that an English speaker was needed to read a Bible verse Gussie also viewed the reading as her chance to bid farewell to Francis who she had met twice since she began work at the Vatican in 2024 "He was the first pope that I really followed Gussie had been touched by Francis' famous down-to-earth ways Her first meeting with the pope was as part of a large group of hundreds "Anyone would be tired but he took the time to greet every one of us … To connect with people," she said than the leader of about 1.4 billion Catholics across the world On Easter, his last day, Francis delivered a blessing from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica and later took a ride around the square in his popemobile Gussie and her colleagues "looked at how his last days were," she said "How he was giving of himself to the very end But she calmly read Acts of the Apostles 10: 34-43 Finding out their daughter would participate in the Mass was "a shock and pleasant surprise," her father said "We were very happy and excited for her," he said "We felt she was blessed to have been chosen … As lifelong Catholics Gussie gave a reading at the Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in St Because of that experience and her work at the Vatican News as writer and on radio "We knew that she was capable," her father said yet nervous since this was on a such a grand stage with so many dignitaries from all around the world," Thomas Gussie said It was not part of her plan or ambition to work for the Vatican and be afforded this tremendous opportunity to read at the pope's funeral." "We hope that this exposure will open up more opportunities for her." Now Gussie will be part of the Vatican News team covering the papal conclave, the private election where 135 cardinals vote on who will succeed Francis Mary's in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in theology She then moved to Rome to obtain a master's degree in church communication at Pontifical University of Santa Croce Gussie spent about two years at Rome Reports TV News Agency Earlier she was a production assistant for EWTN an American basic cable television network that offers Catholic programming she fell in love with Rome and its history and architecture It was overwhelming in the beginning … blew me away Everything has some sort of story," she said citing a particular pillar where Julius Caesar was thought to have been stabbed There are plenty of beautiful towns within driving distance of Alexandria to explore as a potential second-home getaway The reasons most people purchase a second home Some popular areas within driving distance of Alexandria (that include a range of home prices) include wine country both near Middleburg and Upperville as well as further south near Charlottesville Other getaway areas include Deep Creek Lake We'll take a look at these areas and others along with a variety of real estate options in those locations There are several options for home purchases in the area Set on an idyllic five-acre parcel and bordering a 400-acre private estate this extraordinary Neoclassical Palladian villa offers nearly 6,000 sq feet of interior living space with spectacular views of the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains Originally built in 1997 by esteemed architect Errol Adels the home finished a two-year renovation in late 2017 and continues to be well maintained a magnificent great room includes the gourmet kitchen dining room and two seating areas that overlook the terrace and swimming pool Each of the home’s five bedrooms - including two large ground level master suites - offer ensuite baths clad in floor to ceiling Carrara marble Additional noteworthy features include 10' custom doors 180-year-old reclaimed wide-plank flooring The 1,225 sq foot guest house has a spacious entertaining space with a concealed full kitchen outdoor spaces and gardens are inviting and well proportioned Completely private and in the middle of Virginia hunt country Lily Pad is an ideal weekend or full-time residence Listed by Laura Farrell• TTR Sotheby's International Realty •540-212-9993 (broker) •theplains@ttrsir.com (broker) Listed by Michael Rankin• TTR Sotheby's International Realty •202-333-1212 (broker) •georgetown@ttrsir.com (broker) Residences at Salamander: If you’re interested in living a resort lifestyle your home purchase comes with membership at Salamander Middleburg That includes concierge services to help with dining and spa reservations or tee times and horseback riding Each residence also includes a one-year membership to Creighton Farms Golf Club Current homes on the market are priced from $3,950,000 for a four-bedroom seven-bath home to $2.7 million for a four-bedroom If you’re looking for a home that might work as an Airbnb, how about a two-bedroom, one-bath cottage, on the market for $485,000? Known as “The Pink Cottage,” it sits on a half-acre lot just outside of Middleburg Co-Listing Agent: Curt Andrew Schaber 703-338-7300 Alexandria Living Magazine is your go-to source for exploring the past Jud Hulon MIDDLEBURG, Fla. – Family, friends and fellow teammates paid tribute to a 5-year-old boy who drowned in a Middleburg pool. The Argyle Athletic Association confirmed that the child was Marcus Rivers III, who played on the Argyle Aces T-ball team. On Friday, his loved ones and teammates gathered for a vigil in his memory. They wore royal blue and Sonic the Hedgehog apparel to remember a life gone too soon. His mother also hit a T-ball signed by all of his teammates. The team retired Rivers’ #13, and the field will be renamed Marcus “Rookie” Rivers the Third Field. Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved. Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She anchors News4Jax at 5:30 and 6:30 and covers Jacksonville city hall. Jud has worked at News4JAX since August 2010, all on the night beat. Not only does he help bring stories to life as a photojournalist, but Jud also monitors public meetings, court progress and other critical goings on to ensure the public stays up to date and informed. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us Careers at WJXT / WCWJ Closed Captioning / Audio Description WJXT Public File WJXT EEO Report WCWJ Public File WCWJ EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInMIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS Ohio (WOIO) - Metroparks Police are investigating after skeletal remains were found Director of Communications Jacqueline Lapine Gerling said the remains were found in the woods near Beyer’s Pond Gerling said the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner is now working to determine the identity of the person and the investigation is ongoing According to the Cleveland Metroparks website secluded lake tucked away in the far reaches of the Big Creek Reservation Forbes Five Star restaurant in Middleburg appoints Bin Lu as new chef de cuisine The fire pit at Harriman's Grill at Salamander resort in Middleburg Harrimans Grill, the signature Forbes Five-Star restaurant at Salamander Middleburg resort and refined approach to modern American cuisine Lu brings more than 15 years of experience in top kitchens across the United States and abroad Salamander Middleburg resort is about an hour's drive from Alexandria Lu joins Harrimans from The Restaurant at Blue Rock in Washington where he served as executive chef and general manager and spearheaded the reopening of the historic property Lu led the kitchen at Pineapple and Pearls the celebrated two-Michelin-star restaurant in Washington He also worked under Eric Ziebold at Cityzen in D.C. and earlier in his career sharpened his skills at top culinary institutions including Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina in D.C. “I’m both excited and humbled to be joining Salamander’s exceptional team,” said Lu “I look forward to working with the Harrimans team and helping create memorable experiences within this stunning setting.” Born in Shanghai and raised in the United States Lu took an unconventional path into the culinary world It wasn’t until his college years at the University of Virginia that he discovered his passion for cooking – trading textbooks for tasting menus and ultimately choosing the kitchen over a more traditional career track That late-blooming passion has since propelled him to the forefront of America’s fine dining scene Lu will showcase the rich agricultural bounty of Virginia through seasonal The restaurant features bold and flavorful dishes celebrating the rich resources and history of the state’s most fertile region The cuisine is locally driven and based on the bounty of Middleburg’s surrounding farms and specialty sourced seafood from coastal water while the carefully curated wine program showcases renowned wines of Virginia including a vertical tasting of RDV Lost Mountain vintages from 2012 to 2021 as well as strong representation from Napa Valley The octagonal-shaped dining room features sweeping views of Salamander’s pastoral estate and offers a dedicated Cooking Studio expansive Culinary Garden and firepits perfect for after-dinner drinks “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Lu to the Salamander Middleburg family,” said Scott Little managing director of Salamander Middleburg “His commitment to culinary excellence and boundary-pushing creativity aligns beautifully with our vision for Harrimans Grill as one of the region’s most exciting and elegant dining experiences.” Located on 340 picturesque acres in the storied village of Middleburg – the heart of Virginia’s famed horse and wine country – Salamander Middleburg is located only 35 minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport The luxury resort is one of only five properties in the United States and 26 globally to earn separate Forbes Five-Star Awards for its accommodations Designed to blend into the surrounding rolling countryside it draws its architectural inspiration from Resort Owner Sheila Johnson’s nearby farm and offers a series of immersive experiences unique to the area and a 22-stall equestrian center with riding arena The resort has also recently developed Residences at Salamander built-for-sale homes within a pristine landscape opens in a new window opens in a new window opens in a new window Pool closes 10 minutes before the center closes Click opens in a new windowhere for monthly activities Click here for schedule. Click here for flyer. opens in a new window Seniors 55+ are invited to join us for this first annual Holiday dinner provided by Santo’s Italian Ristorante & dance with Doo Wop music provided by The Geeezecats $40 per person, download flyer and sign up sheet opens in a new windowhere Purchase your seat(s) online or in person at the front desk NOW opens in a new windowSign up online through MH city website via Rec Desk or in person at the front desk with activity code # 6022.660  opens in a new window Do you have concerns about paying for long term care Have you been told that you have to spend everything down Find out how you may be able to protect additional funds while still qualifying for the assistance that you need opens in a new windowSign up online through MH city website via Rec Desk or in person at the front desk with activity code #6022.225 opens in a new window Free to attend / In Room C at the MHCC / Limited seats available Life program as Dennis Sutcliffe presents: “Triumph & Tragedy – The story of Ray Chapman & the 1920 World Champion Cleveland Indians” prohibition is the law and the Yankees have just signed Babe Ruth This is the tragic story of Ray Chapman and the triumphant story of the 1920 World Champion Donations to the A-T Children’s Project ( opens in a new windowatcp.org) are welcome opens in a new windowSign up online through MH city website via Rec Desk or in person at the front desk with activity code #6022.230 For information on Senior transportation availability, click  opens in a new windowhere For suggestions and comments, please contact Steve Dockman at (440) 234-2255 extension 1406 Mayor Matthew Castelli and Middleburg Heights City Council approved the expansion of the Middleburg Heights Sanitary Sewer Backup Reduction Grant to include sanitary sewer as well as household sewage treatment (septic) systems Waterproofing Assistance Grant (SSWAG) is to further assist residents with reducing the chances of basement “flooding” and the elimination of or improvements to private septic systems Waterproofing Assistance Grant (SSWAG) is available immediately.  All owner-occupied single-family dwellings in Middleburg Heights are eligible for this grant SSWAG will reimburse homeowners 100% of project costs up to $3,000.00.  SSWAG is offered year-round on a first come / first served basis SSWAG applicants understand and agree to dye testing of their storm and sanitary sewers for proper connection to the public sewer collection system Any deficiencies or illegal connections identified must be corrected prior to reimbursement and grant funds may be used for those repairs For more information about SSWAG, please call Assistant Director of Public Service Jeffery Minch at 440-234-2216 / service@middleburgheights.com or opens in a new windowclick here for the link to the application and complete details. Emergencies – 911 Non-emergency (440) 243-1234 Animal control (440) 243-1234 The mission of the Division of Animal Control is to promote and protect the health safety and welfare of people and pets in the City of Middleburg Heights This is accomplished in part by maintaining humane and orderly control of all animals taken into the care of the Animal Control Officer (ACO) Animal control professionals play a vital role in our safety and well-being helps make our city a good place for all creatures great and small Animal Control Officer Maria Lemmon  mlemmon@middleburgheights-oh.gov The City of Middleburg Heights’ setting provides an abundance of wildlife to enjoy situations can arise where wildlife becomes a nuisance Through education and management we are promoting the control and enjoyment of our wildlife See below for any required forms pertinent to your situation Donations will be used for improvements to the Tri-City Bark Park. Read the story at opens in a new windowCleveland.com It is the policy of the City of Middleburg Heights to accept donations to offset the costs of treatment and care of animals in the City’s possession Donations for animal care will are used for items Click here for the Middleburg Heights Animal Shelter webpages or or email Dani Farinacci, Animal Shelter Manager at dfarinacci@middleburgheights.com Save-the-dates for our Events and Concerts “We look forward to seeing everyone come together and celebrate Middleburg!” – Mayor Matt Castelli For more information, please see the 2025 Event flyers opens in a new windowhere Drop-Off Location: Middleburg Heights Service Center See more information by clicking here See the flyer opens in a new windowhere See more information by clicking here See the flyer opens in a new windowhere Cuyahoga County Council will be considering at their April 22 in the amount not to exceed $3,596,117.15 for rehabilitation of Smith Road from Sheldon Road to Pearl Road in the City of Middleburg Heights Columbia Gas is doing gas line rehabilitation and new line installation on Smith Road and anticipates completing the work by April 28 We expect a pre-construction meeting will be scheduled in the coming weeks to discuss project details Please check back weekly for project updates Proposed reconfiguration and straightening of the curve near Stroud Road Smith Road between Sheldon and Pearl Road has long served as a main artery through the City facilitating the movement of residents and commuters alike We are excited to announce that this heavily traveled street is set to receive much-needed resurfacing improving both its functionality and safety This $3.6 million project marks a significant achievement as the City has communicated extensively with Cuyahoga County to ensure Smith Road was included in the County’s resurfacing agenda the City and Cuyahoga County successfully secured a $1,370,600 State of Ohio grant to support the resurfacing project this initiative presents an opportunity to realign the curve near Stroud Road This planned realignment will enhance visibility for drivers navigating the road and improve traffic flow Further improvements include the installation of a new water line and a new sidewalk from Big Creek Parkway to Pearl Road ultimately connecting to the new multi-purpose path in Southland The storm sewers will play a critical role in mitigating flooding issues that have affected the area during heavy rain events Homeowners and local businesses can expect further details regarding the project timeline and all necessary traffic adjustments following the pre-construction meeting with the contractor and county officials Ohio — New data from Middleburg Heights Police Chief Ed Tomba shows the license-plate readers “I think it’s a really good tool for the city of Middleburg Heights,” said Tomba It even keeps people in the community like Penny Szunyogh safe “Let’s catch the bad guys if there’s warrants out for their arrest,” said Szunyogh “I don’t feel like it's big brother watching Tomba said the city’s flock cameras helped his officers catch two suspects in Middleburg Heights who he said were wanted for a robbery in Cleveland came into the city and the officers made a traffic stop over on 130th detained a couple of individuals and recovered a couple of weapons and some narcotics,” said Tomba While this technology has been around for several years in Middleburg Heights the chief said new data shows these cameras are effective in areas of concern He even said they help officers respond in real-time thanks to an immediate alert from the system to let officers know if a vehicle or a person that is attached to a vehicle is crossing in front of one of the city’s cameras Is there like a specific license plate number or is it everybody’s license plate number?” It has to be manually entered for a criminal justice purpose,” said Tomba different organizations like the ACLU of Ohio question its effectiveness due to concerns with privacy which Gary Daniels has shared with News 5 in the past “Automatic license plate readers have tremendous capacity if they are tweaked or set up in such a way to monitor our daily whereabouts,” said ACLU Spokesperson Gary Daniels Alli King said she understands some of the ACLU’s concerns but also sees the benefits of the flock cameras “Cameras anywhere can kind of be an invasion of privacy,” said King “But on the flip side if something bad happens you want to have that recall.” Patrick Cunningham said he supports the cameras as long as it’s not being used to catch people for minor traffic violations “I think that’s kind of stepping over the line,” said Cunningham “But as far as getting felons off the street The chief told News 5 the city is considering installing more flock cameras in different areas across the city The town and the surrounding Piedmont landscape even as the region has witnessed recent development Here we spotlight the best new restaurants locals wondered what would become of the space restaurateur Carlos Miranda and the Rubano family plus a selection of specialty Italian goods for sale in the store The large barn-like structure that houses Lark Brewing Co popped up suddenly outside Aldie last year with more than a dozen taps of lagers and ales and a dog-friendly courtyard featuring summertime games and live music Reservable igloos with heaters keep the outdoor drinking possibilities alive during colder months opened last fall in a brick building in downtown Middleburg that previously housed a brewery but the decor­—featuring Persian rugs and camel motifs—strays far from Kentucky Middleburg Deli has been the spot in downtown for takeout lunch Which explains the concern from locals when longtime owners Maria and Pedro Fuentes announced they were retiring in early 2024 and the relief when the new owners largely maintained the status quo and onion on a sub roll) remains a go-to option subtropical enclave in downtown Middleburg run by Christina and Michael Kozich of nearby Bluewater Kitchen serves fish tacos; carnitas; chips and elote salsa; and various salt-rimmed tequila cocktails in Mason jars The garden-like space feels more Austin or San Diego than Loudoun County a luxury resort in Middleburg with an award-winning spa the property features many activities for about $50 or less including cooking classes at Harrimans Grill an upscale outdoor-apparel line known for its waxed canvas jackets opened a brick-and-mortar location in Middleburg—only the fourth one in the US with its rustic wood detailing and chandelier lighting an 1820s brick building on a corner of Washington Street met in law school at Washington and Lee University a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design founded the stationery business Every Little Something earning a reputation for her luxury wedding invitations where she has curated a premium selection of home goods the Museum of Hounds and Hunting North America the new museum spotlights art inspired by this sporting tradition including a collection of bronze sculptures and a current exhibit with mixed-oil paintings by local Piedmont artists (those are available for purchase) The museum is open to visitors Friday through Sunday from noon to 4; $5 admission includes a tour who met in the library at Holy Trinity School in Georgetown after the last independent bookstore in the area had closed it hosts author events and supper clubs and offers a monthly book subscription service started as an online business before she opened her Middleburg storefront in 2023 The rustic space features a country-inspired selection of antiques and accessories a website that spotlights the top independent stores around the world named Federal & Black one of its ten best new shops of 2024 In addition to its Blue Ridge mountain views A secluded wood-paneled house on nearly four acres with three bedrooms An updated 1875 Colonial about five miles from downtown featuring three bedrooms An upgraded 1914 house downtown with four bedrooms A four-bedroom farmhouse on more than three acres with three and a half bathrooms A 4,280-square-foot house on more than three landscaped acres with four bedrooms This article appears in the March 2025 issue of Washingtonian Briant Galgas Fire Chief opens in a new windowemail Alternate emergency number: (440) 243-1212 Non-emergency and business line: (440) 243-1313 but a modern fire department does much more than that nearly 87 percent of the calls handled by our department are for emergency medical service We also rescue people who are victims of all kinds of accidents and we are prepared to help victims of natural and man-made disasters The fire department is responsible for saving lives and protecting property toxic materials and a variety of other threats-often under extreme circumstances our firefighter/paramedics train constantly to keep up-to-date with changes in equipment You’ll find a variety of useful information about safety We are proud to serve our city and we appreciate the support we receive from our community If you have any questions about fire safety or any other questions involving the fire department For all information regarding Fire Department employment, please visit the Middleburg Heights Civil Service Commission page opens in a new windowResidential Knox Box Program opens in a new windowNotice of Privacy Practices Brook Park and Middleburg Heights firefighters participated in the State of Ohio Fire Academy Fire Behavior Lab from Oct 17 – 19th The State of Ohio Fire Academy provides not only the use of the simulator but also provides the instructors to teach the firefighters about the danger of flashover during a fire The training is provided for free as part of a grant offered to fire department who train together Brook Park and Middleburg Heights train together monthly as part of a regional training program that has been in place for over 12 years The Fire Department will change its logo in celebration of their 75th anniversary. This will be the fourth patch in department history. Read full story here Brook Park and Middleburg Heights firefighters participated in the State of Ohio Fire Academy Fire Behavior Lab from Oct 17 - 19th The Mission: Lifeline team at the American Heart Association is excited to continue recognizing EMS agencies for applying the most up-to-date evidence- based treatment guidelines to improve care and outcomes in the communities served Prehospital personnel are the first providers of care to patients suffering from cardiac emergencies The role of EMS in the system-of-care for these patients is crucial and often sets the course for the patient’s outcome Ohio (WOIO) - Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights is reopened following a several-hour closure due to downed wires The road was closed between Engle Road and Old Oak Boulevard near Southwest General Hospital The cause is under investigation it didn’t involve a car accident Check back with 19 News for the latest on this story the former Sears building has been the subject of limited proposals that failed to align with the City’s vision for the area Concerned about the future of Southland and determined to prevent underutilization Recognizing the importance of redevelopment the City acquired the former Sears property for $1.8 million the City applied for and successfully secured a Brownfield demolition grant The demolition of the Sears building had long been a major hurdle due to the high costs and complexities involved but this funding provided a crucial path forward With the property secured and funding in place and potential end-users to ensure the site’s future served the community’s needs This proactive approach ultimately led to a deal with Meijer which purchased the property for $5.5 million Meijer will bring a 160,000-square-foot supercenter to Middleburg Heights featuring 70,000 square feet of general merchandise and an additional 20,000-square-foot garden center reestablishing a one-stop shopping experience for local residents The successful acquisition of a $5+ million Brownfield grant played a key role in moving the project forward The demolition process is set to begin in April with environmental remediation as the first step Demolition will commence with the automotive building before proceeding to the main structure The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year paving the way for a revitalized commercial hub in Southland the City of Middleburg Heights is demonstrating its commitment to economic growth and strategic redevelopment The new Meijer Supercenter will bring renewed energy and convenience to the community Sears Demo Making Way for New Meijer Supercenter SchooLinksPrepare for what comes after graduation Learn about student access to Technology tools resources and information to support their learning Principal Stephen Robinson101 N Madison StMiddleburg, VA 201175406875048 Office Phone: 540-687-5048School Hours: 8:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.mAttendance Phone: (540) 687-5048Attendance Email: middleburgcharterschool@gmail.com Welcome to the new Loudoun County Public Schools website updated look full of features and solutions that will improve your user experience Explore the user-friendly menu buttons for quick access to commonly used sections the events calendar and the improved search function Visitors are encouraged to explore the new changes and updates with patience and understanding and we apologize if you encounter any instances of downtime or unexpected issues Service for our rapid notification system has been restored after a short vendor technology outage this morning LCPS and Administrative Offices are closed Monday All activities on school campuses are canceled Monday Loudoun County Public Schools and Administrative Offices are closed on Tuesday All activities on school campuses are canceled on January 7 as well all schools serving as polling places will remain open unless otherwise announced by The Loudoun County Office of Elections The Annual School Board Organizational Meeting that is scheduled for Tuesday To the extent inclement weather makes it impracticable and unsafe for a quorum of the School Board to meet in person at the Administrative Building at that time the School Board will plan to hold such rescheduled meeting virtually to provide for the continuity of its operations additional information will be provided prior to that meeting Loudoun County Public Schools and Administrative Offices are closed Wednesday An announcement will be made by NOON on Wednesday if after school activities on campuses may take place Loudoun County Public Schools campuses will be allowed to reopen today Please check your school’s website for updates on canceled or confirmed activities Loudoun County Public Schools are on a 2-hour delay Thursday 9 with Administrative Offices opening on time After further assessment of neighborhood roads and sidewalks this evening after sunset we have determined that Loudoun County Public Schools will remain closed Thursday January 9 due to additional freezing and icy conditions Administrative offices will operate on a delayed schedule and will open at 10:00 a.m An announcement will be made by NOON on Thursday if after school activities on campuses may take place The Annual Loudoun County School Board Organizational Meeting Thank you for your understanding and stay safe Loudoun County Public Schools campuses will be closed today The Loudoun County School Board Organizational Meeting will continue as scheduled Loudoun County Public Schools are on a 2-hour delay Friday January 10 with Administrative Offices opening on time Please check our website for specific program information to see how the delay could affect you Loudoun County Public Schools campuses will be closed Saturday All activities on school campuses are canceled at this time Scheduled activities on school campuses may be allowed after 12:00 PM Please check our website for specific program information to see how the closure could affect you Loudoun County Public Schools campuses will remain closed today For the status of Loudoun County Parks and Recreation activities held in LCPS buildings, please visit: https://www.loudoun.gov/fieldstatus After the impacts of this past week’s inclement weather we wanted to let you know that LCPS will resume regular operations on Monday We appreciate everyone's flexibility and understanding during this time Please be assured that we checked road conditions with VDOT and other partners and our staff has worked diligently to ensure the safety and readiness of our facilities for students and staff All schools will operate on their regular schedules Buses will operate on their normal schedules Thank you for your patience and adaptability during the weather disruptions We look forward to welcoming our students and staff back to school Loudoun County Public Schools and Administrative Offices are closed Sunday All activities on school campuses are canceled Loudoun County Public Schools and Administrative Offices are scheduled to be closed Monday all activities on school campuses are canceled for Monday Loudoun County Public Schools are on a 2-hour delay on Thursday Please check your school’s website to see how the delay could affect you Loudoun County Public Schools campuses will be allowed to reopen today, January 21 beginning at 4:00 p.m. for scheduled activities. For the status of a particular event, please confirm the status with the event coordinator. For the status of Loudoun County Parks and Recreation activities held in LCPS buildings, please visit: https://www.loudoun.gov/fieldstatus Please be advised our team is currently surveying roads and a decision will be made later today regarding tomorrow Loudoun County Public Schools are on a 2-hour delay January 22 with Administrative Offices opening on time We will continue to monitor road conditions through the morning and will let families and staff know as soon as possible if anything changes please check your email or your school’s website at to see how the delay could affect you Due to the unpredictability of the current weather forecast and in an effort to give families ample time to plan Loudoun County Public Schools are on two-hour delay on Thursday with administrative offices opening on time all LCPS campuses will be closing at 9:00 p.m We appreciate your understanding and will continue to monitor conditions Loudoun County Public Schools will close three (3) hours early Tuesday due to the predicted afternoon snowfall for our area Schools will dismiss 3 hours early and all bus routes will operate three (3) hours earlier than their normal time All after-school activities are canceled for Tuesday Administrative Offices will also close 3 hours earlier than their scheduled time The School Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday will be rescheduled for Thursday February 13 with the work session starting at 4:30 p.m We will continue to monitor the weather and let you know if anything changes. As a reminder, optional snow day enrichment activities are available for your student at lcps.org/snowdayresources LCPS is aware that there is potential for precipitation in the form of snow and rain throughout the day Saturday We wanted to let you know we will remain open on Saturday especially as weather conditions can vary across the county and to check their school’s website for any updates to scheduled activities We will continue to closely monitor the weather and temperatures After surveying road conditions and deeming them suitable for travel We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to ensure a smooth and safe return to school Please disregard the previous message you may have received about a Negative Balance on your student’s cafeteria meal account (LINQ Connect) It was sent out in error and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience To verify the balance in your child's account please log into https://linqconnect.com/ and you will be able to view the current balance If there are any issues with the parent portal LINQ Connect may be experiencing higher traffic due to this error and we request you check back tomorrow morning Once again we apologize for the inconvenience LCPS is closely monitoring the weather forecast which predicts light snow starting tomorrow morning We are currently operating on a normal schedule Thursday we will be sure to update you as soon as possible Thank you for your understanding as we continue to monitor any potential impacts of weather and road conditions Final Reminder: LCPS Annual Staff Survey Closing Soon The deadline to complete the LCPS Annual Staff Survey is March 21 Your voice matters—help us improve LCPS by sharing your feedback School-based staff, check your email for the survey link and submit your responses today! Need support? Contact Research@lcps.org or visit the Stakeholder Surveys 2025 Information webpage superb access for private and public transportation and a responsive and established administration The Middleburg Heights Commercial Property Spotlight is on 7830 Freeway Circle This is a rare opportunity to purchase a freestanding office building in Middleburg Heights The 12,800 square-foot office building is situated on a 2.1 acre lot in a quiet suburban business park setting with excellent access to Interstate-71 and the Ohio Turnpike Director of Economic Development Charles Bichara is available to help businesses find a location that will ensure their success in Middleburg Heights Click to download PDF opens in a new window opens in a new window 5-5-25: Demolition work is completed at the former Sears Auto Center building at 6950 West 130th Street Abatement work continues at the former Sears department store building and is expected to be completed within the next four weeks demolition will immediately begin on the department store building The former Sears property is not accessible to the public during demolition and redevelopment have reached a deal for the Michigan-based retailer to purchase a 15-acre parcel in the Southland Business District Click to read the entire Press Release! Photo courtesy of Salamander Resort & Spa Salamander Middleburg hosts major culinary event for fifth year Family Reunion culinary event from inaugural event in 2021 only a few people really understood what was missing in the culinary festival landscape among those few were Chef and Restaurateur Kwame Onwuachi Salamander Collection Founder & CEO Sheila Johnson and FOOD & WINE Editor-in-Chief Hunter Lewis “We should be doing everything in our power to celebrate diversity in our industry,” said Onwuachi at the time “For too long we have gone unnoticed and under-appreciated The three joined together and The Family Reunion was born with the goal of celebrating diversity within the hospitality community That “time” to which Onwuachi referred had come The celebration is held at Johnson’s Salamander Middleburg resort which enjoys separate Forbes Five-Star ratings for accommodations You’d be right – the resort is also one of only five properties in the country with this rarefied designation The Family Reunion has become one of the nation’s premier and most-popular culinary events – quickly selling out with more than 1,000 people attending each day It combines thought-provoking panel discussions daily “family” meals and vibrant evening parties Although a full schedule will be announced in the coming months this year’s event will feature a FOOD & WINE-curated panel on renowned chef there will be three nightly Legacy Dinners hosted at Harrimans Grill by chefs who have participated at each previous Family Reunion • Thursday’s dinner will feature Mashama Bailey and Erick Williams; • Friday’s dinner will showcase Gregory Gourdet and Nyesha Arrington; • Saturday’s will be presented by Tiffany Derry and Tavel Bristol-Joseph There will also be a Golf Excursion at nearby Creighton Farms hosted by Kwame Onwuachi Both the Legacy Dinner and Golf Excursion opportunities can be purchased by those holding an All Access or Evening Only pass we have always offered an incredible roster of talent to celebrate Black and Brown excellence and 2025 will be our best yet,” said Onwuachi “Every year I tell attendees that they have a seat at the best restaurant in America for the weekend The mission of The Family Reunion is to nurture develop and celebrate racial and ethnic diversity within the next generation of hospitality professionals and for 2025 the event’s charitable partner remains the Culinary Institute of America Experiences take place throughout Salamander’s 340 acres There is also a sweeping outdoor Grand Stage venue hosting a rotating lineup of meals and events executing and celebrating – it’s quite an achievement,” said Johnson who is the only Black woman to wholly own a Forbes Five-Star resort and renowned for co-founding Black Entertainment Television We look forward to yet another inspiring weekend in the Virginia countryside.” The confirmed talent roster features: Virginia Ali Marcela Camargo MIDDLEBURG, Fla. – A Middleburg woman who was hoping for a miracle to happen after ICE ordered her husband to turn himself in to return to India, said he was deported on Saturday. Last week, Ashley Kennedy Purohit showed News4JAX an email that ICE sent to her and her husband’s immigration attorney. It reads “Received. Please have Mr. Purohit meet the team at the ticketing counter, no later than 2 hours prior to the flight.” The letter gave them directions on what her husband, Tapan Kumar Purohit, needs to do when he turns himself on Saturday morning to head back to India. “It’s hurtful. It’s very hurtful,” Tapan Purohit said. Tapan Purohit had been in the country without his status for over a decade. He moved here in 2011 on a J1, or temporary visa. However, it expired in 2012 and by 2013 he said he was told by the U.S. Immigration Office to voluntarily go back to India. “In India, there were so many crimes and everything was going on at that time, I got scared to go back,” Tapan Purohit said. Since he didn’t go back, Tapan Purohit said he worked in the stone industry for the last few years. That’s where he met Ashley. They got married last March. In August, his immigration attorney applied for a new visa. In December, Tapan was arrested after Ashley called law enforcement following a fight between him and her teenage son, which put him on ICE’s radar. The day after his arrest, a warrant for removal from the country was issued. Online records show, the Clay County charges were dropped, but the ICE order remained. Agents showed up at their house this week, ordering Tapan to come outside— but he refused. “I always tell her anything happens, I’m not going to lose you this is my first and last marriage this ring means to me, both the rings mean a lot. I’m not going to lose you,” Tapan Purohit said. News4JAX spoke with Immigration Attorney Vilerka Bilbao over the phone about this case. She said Tapan being in this country for so many years without his status is called unlawful presence. However, she said in case someone is in the country illegally, they have rights when it comes to ICE. “So, when ICE or any federal agent comes to your door and knocks on your door, unless you give them permission, they are not allowed to enter your house,” Bilbao said. “We have that protection. The Constitution gives us that protection, and it doesn’t matter if you’re an immigrant or not an immigrant, that still applies to you.” Ashley Purohit was hoping the judge would rule on two motions her attorney filed so her husband could stay in the country and fight to get residency. However, on Monday, Ashley Purohit confirmed with News4JAX that her husband left the country on Saturday. News4JAX reached out to ICE for comment on this situation. We are waiting to hear back. Khalil Maycock joined the News4JAX team in November 2022 after reporting in Des Moines, IA. Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism. A new Meijer is heading to Middleburg Heights Meijer will be moving into the former Sears at the Southland Shopping Center “We’re extremely excited to welcome Meijer to our community and give our residents what they have been consistently requesting ever since Sears and Kmart closed a one-stop shopping experience in Middleburg Heights,” said Mayor Matt Castelli “The redevelopment of the Sears property was our last opportunity to bring a supercenter back to our community and we’re incredibly pleased that we were able to accomplish this." the Middleburg Heights City Council unanimously approved the purchase between the city and Meijer Meijer is in the early stages of planning to develop the property City officials said the former Sears building will be demolished The Middleburg Heights Fire Department will be testing the operation and flowing water through all fire hydrants in the city beginning April 14 Residential and commercial areas will be tested throughout the day Notification signs will be posted for each area in advance prior to testing Do not run your water while hydrants are being tested in your immediate area All water users may experience some brownish discoloring in their water immediately after testing Letting the cold water run for a few moments at the lowest point in your home will usually clear the water to its normal appearance If water flow is restricted after hydrants are tested Testing is expected to last throughout the summer. See the press release here CLAY COUNTY – A Middleburg man was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a child exploitation investigation according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Deputies said the CCSO Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit with the help of the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force after the SWAT Unit served a search warrant to a home on Lazy Acres Road the occupants came out of the home and were detained the occupants were interviewed by ICAC detectives and the Department of Children and Family Services detectives found probable cause to arrest Browne Browne was booked into the Clay County jail Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Detective Eva Solis at esolis@claysheriff.com or 904-673-5892.