Amateur Radio “Field Day” planned for this weekend

Amateur Radio “Field Day” planned for this weekend

Amateur Radio (or “ham radio”) Field Day is happening this weekend at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, as explained by longtime enthusiast Paul Hellmuth, who has practiced the hobby since age 13. Ham radio is a licensed, volunteer-based activity that combines experimentation, global communication, and emergency preparedness, allowing operators to transmit locally or worldwide using various methods like voice, Morse code, and digital signals. The Field Day event, which runs for 24 hours from Saturday at 2 p.m. to Sunday at 2 p.m., serves as both a public demonstration and an emergency communication exercise, with multiple stations set up on backup power to simulate real-world conditions. Visitors are encouraged to attend, learn how the technology works, and even try making contacts themselves, making it an engaging opportunity for the community—especially students interested in STEM—to explore radio communication and its critical role as a backup system during emergencies.

Morgan Dean, Triple-A 6/23/26 - Late Afternoons

Morgan Dean, Triple-A 6/23/26 - Late Afternoons by News/Talk WSVA

Harrisonburg registrer Mark Finks & City Manager Ande Banks

Harrisonburg City Manager Andy Banks and Registrar Mark Finks discussed the upcoming August 4 dual primary election, which includes a Republican primary for U.S. Senate and a Democratic primary for two open City Council seats. Finks explained that voters must choose one party’s primary but may participate regardless of party affiliation, as Virginia does not require party registration. Early voting began June 18 at City Hall and runs through August 1, with additional Saturday and Sunday hours available, and Election Day polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. He also outlined deadlines for voter registration and mail ballots, encouraging residents to register by July 24. Looking ahead, Finks noted a busy November ballot that will include federal, local, and statewide races. Banks then highlighted city updates, including a lighter City Council agenda, ongoing regional planning efforts, and the complexity of long-term infrastructure and housing projects such as the University Boulevard realignment and Bluestone Town Center development. He emphasized that many projects take years of coordination and funding, and noted that state budget approval primarily impacts Harrisonburg through school funding support.

Dennis Lynch, Shenandoah Valley Music Festival 2026 - Late Afternoons

Dennis Lynch, Shenandoah Valley Music Festival 2026 - Late Afternoons by News/Talk WSVA

Blue Ribbon Nursery in Broadway celebrates 20 years in business

Blue Ribbon Nursery, owned by Josh Shifflett and Chad Comer, is celebrating its 20th anniversary after starting as a small side landscaping project in 2006. The business grew from lawn care and planting jobs into a full-service nursery and garden center in Broadway, expanding over the years to include retail plants, a gift shop, and a seasonal produce market. Both owners developed an early interest in plants—Chad through gardening influences at home and Josh through landscaping work as a teenager. Their commitment to quality has been key to their success, carefully sourcing plants from trusted growers and maintaining them through challenging weather conditions. Today, Blue Ribbon Nursery offers a wide variety of plants, trees, seasonal décor, and locally sourced produce, with plans to continue expanding toward a country-store-style experience.