What's up Harrisonburg! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: FREE Camino de Santiago Presentation and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What happened to the pregnant cat that ate yarn? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Traffic delays in the Shenandoah Valley – Week of September 7, 2026 (rocktownnow.com) — Expect lane closures and shifting traffic patterns this week on I-81, Route 11, Route 33, and Route 42 in and around Harrisonburg, including major work at the East Market Street interchange and toward the northern city limits. VDOT warns of reduced speeds, flaggers, and occasional rolling slowdowns as widening, bridge, sidewalk, and utility projects continue through fall and beyond.
2. Virginia breaks ground on expansion projects at regional animal health laboratories (augustafreepress.com) — Harrisonburg's Regional Animal Health Laboratory is getting a significant expansion as part of a $13.1 million statewide upgrade to animal testing facilities, adding modern lab space and new diagnostic capabilities. State officials say the project will bolster disease monitoring, food safety testing, and public health protections that support local veterinarians, farmers, and consumers across the Shenandoah Valley.
3. Five takeaways from Week 1 of CUSA action (underdogdynasty.com) — James Madison fans in Harrisonburg saw the Dukes open their season with a 20–13 win over Liberty at Bridgeforth Stadium, part of a mixed Week 1 for Conference USA teams. A detailed breakdown of the CUSA slate highlights JMU's run-stuffing defense against Liberty, Western Kentucky's defensive woes, and promising signs for Sam Houston and FIU despite losses.
4. Cynthia Paige Gochenour Bell (pagevalleynews.com) — Family and friends in the Valley are mourning Cynthia Paige Gochenour Bell, a Luray resident who was born at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg and passed away on August 30. Close family attended a graveside service today, followed by a public Celebration of Life this afternoon in Luray, honoring her deep faith, love of family, and passion for reading and music.
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Ok Harrisonburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: She had mittens! (Thank you April M. for sending it in!)
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