The future of the Joshua Wilton House

Cassidy Walker, HDR 6/26/26 - Late Afternoons

Cassidy Walker, HDR 6/26/26 - Late Afternoons by News/Talk WSVA

The future of the Joshua Wilton House

than Herman, a Shenandoah Valley native and experienced hospitality professional, is the new owner of the historic Joshua Wilton House in Harrisonburg, originally built in 1888 and long regarded as a cornerstone of the local dining scene. He outlined its evolution from a private residence to various uses—including a fraternity house and apartments—before becoming a fine dining restaurant and inn in 1988. Drawing on years of restaurant experience, including time at a Michelin-starred establishment, Herman aims to modernize and rebrand the Wilton House while preserving its core values of hospitality, quality food, and memorable guest experiences. The current iteration will close on July 3 for renovations, with plans to reopen in the fall (targeting mid-August) as a refreshed restaurant and inn featuring expanded menus, updated aesthetics, more casual spaces like a lounge and bar, and a renewed focus on attracting both longtime patrons and new visitors while honoring the building’s historic character.

Paul Helmuth, National Amateur Radio Field Day - Late Afternoons

Paul Helmuth, National Amateur Radio Field Day - Late Afternoons by News/Talk WSVA

Senator Mark Obsenshain, State Budget - Late Afternoons

Senator Mark Obsenshain, State Budget - Late Afternoons by News/Talk WSVA

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.