🌱 Woman Killed By Stray Bullet, VIPD Vow To Shake Things Up

After a brief break in our regularly scheduled emails, we're back in business.

An innocent woman was struck and killed by a stray bullet on St. Croix. The VIPD hosted a press conference in response, vowing to "turn up these streets" in retaliation. Full story in the VI Consortium.

That story and more below:

• A stray bullet hit and killed 46-year-old Stacie Schjang on St. Croix on Thursday morning, say to V.I. Police. Schjang was in her bedroom when a stray bullet from a nearby shooting struck her. The incident happened at 8:10 a.m. in the area of Castle Coakley and Peter's rest. Chief of Detectives, Lt. Naomi Joseph, said two vehicles were driving through the area and "we know that one was firing at the other," via the Virgin Islands Daily News.
• Cinnamon Bay Campground has reopened more than four years after the site was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Irma. The new and expanded campground offers 50 eco-tents and 31 bare campsites. 40 additional cottages, each accomodating up to four people,, are still under construction and will open in April, via the Virgin Islands Daily News.
• The V.I. Legislature advanced the Complete Streets Policy bill on Thursday, taking one step closer to revamping the territory's roads. The bill calls for building designated bike lanes, connecting sidewalks, and making roads and walkways more accessible for people with disabilities, via The Source.
• U.S. Virgin Islands Says 2021 Was a Banner Year for the Territory, via Travel Agent.

From our sponsor:

Tackling a big to-do list around the house to start the new year? Our partners at Thumbtack, the home services app, have made hiring trusted local pros for pretty much any job extremely easy and intuitive. In minutes, you can find a painter, plumber, roofer or someone to help with small jobs such as trash hauling or appliance repair. And Thumbtack's rating system can give you confidence that you're hiring a quality pro you can count on. Click here to get started.

Today's weather: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 82 Low: 73.

Patch USVI has the Weekend Weather Forecast.

Today's events:

• Special Meeting and Public Hearing before the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission starts at 9:00 a.m. The public is invited to observe the meeting live on Facebook.
• Tune in for the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park's ANNUAL MEETING at 12:00 p.m.
• Live music at E's Garden Teahouse in Charlotte Amalie from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday Movie Nights starts at 6:00 p.m. at Leatherback Brewing in St. Thomas
• WB Thompson's Cut from our Time Art Show opens at 6:30 p.m. at Mango Tango Art Gallery in St. Thomas. And while you're there, check out Jess Rosenberg's newest collection of colored clay pottery. "It's art for your home!"
• STX Farmer's Market in Christiansted, St. Croix is open from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Buy fresh, buy local!

And check out the full line-up of events happening this weekend, via Patch USVI.

Social Highlights:

• "Congratulations to the team at Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground on their reopening! It's been a lot of work by a lot of people! How wonderful to finally be able to welcome guests!" (Facebook)
• "On January 20, the VIPD’s Crime Prevention Bureau and Community Service Officers hosted “Bush Tea with a Cop” at The Market in Estate Plessen on St. Croix." (Twitter)
• "Results of the 2021 National Audubon Society St. John's Bird Count are in and things are continuing to improve post 2017 hurricanes! For more info on bird research on the island visit our website - https://friendsvinp.org/birds/ e" (Facebook)
• And the prize for best Facebook post that I've seen all week goes to Cheryl Ong: "How do I capture this guy and get him out of my bathtub?? Can anyone help??" (What's Going On St. Thomas?) photo credit: Cheryl Ong

  

Loving these emails? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com

— Ashleigh Baldwin

About me: I'm the Patch Community News Editor for the U.S. Virgin Islands. I'm here to provide news you can use. Do you have a news tip, question or feedback? Please contact me at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com.