Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Are Harrisonburg families truly ready for the next big emergency?

Also, don't miss Jacob Ritter on the Harrisonburg Patch calendar

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Friday September 18th Patch AM
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Hey hey Harrisonburg! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Are Harrisonburg families truly ready for the next big emergency?
  • What changes are coming to Harrisonburg's Court Square Theater?
  • Meet Harrisonburg's first female SWAT officer and her K9 partner

Also on today's calendar: Sustainability Success Stories and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Harrisonburg Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Harrisonburg Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Not as warm with a t-storm, with a high of 82 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy and not as warm, temps: high: 75, low: 65.
  • Sunday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, with a high of 80 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The American Red Cross shares disaster preparedness tips for National Preparedness Month (29news.com) — Harrisonburg families are being urged to get ahead of emergencies during National Preparedness Month by following the American Red Cross's three-step plan. Local Red Cross leaders say residents often regret not preparing before storms, floods, or other crises, and they recommend assembling a basic supply kit, creating an evacuation and communication plan that includes pets, and using the Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts.
   

2. Housing Authority announces Collective selected to manage Court Square Theater (rocktownnow.com) — Harrisonburg's Redevelopment and Housing Authority has tapped the CST Collective to manage Court Square Theater, aiming to stabilize and grow the city's arts hub. The new team plans to keep the downtown venue active with performances, films, and community events, and will share more details on programming and opportunities for residents in the coming weeks.
   

3. Harrisonburg's first female SWAT officer dedicated to making a difference (dnronline.com) — Harrisonburg residents are being introduced to Master Police Officer Chelsea Sofy, the city's first female SWAT officer and a K9 handler with Harrisonburg Police. She describes why she chose to stay in Harrisonburg after JMU, how local experiences shaped her career, and a memorable search for a missing resident that reinforced her commitment to serving the community.
   

4. Maryland Fugitive Sentenced to 115 Months on Federal Drug and Gun Charges (justice.gov) — A federal court in Harrisonburg has sentenced a Maryland fugitive to more than nine years in prison after a 115‑mph chase on I‑81 through Rockingham County ended in a crash and the discovery of drugs, guns, and cash. Officials say the case underscores efforts by Virginia State Police, FBI, and local agencies to keep the corridor safer for area residents.
   

📸 Around Harrisonburg

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Harrisonburg

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday September 18
  • Jacob Ritter →
    Pale Fire Brewing Co. – Harrisonburg, 217 S Liberty St Ste 105, Harrisonburg
    7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Harrisonburg Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Great apartment available in Bridgewater
    For professional or retired individual: One (or two) bedroom, open living-dining-kitchen, bathroom suite, office, screened porch on ground floor;... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hi, I'm looking for someone to insulate my crawl space for a reasonable price.
    Please send me recommendations if you have any. :) (Nextdoor Ralph Samson)
  • Arby's posted a job opening for Team Member in Harrisonburg. Apply here.
  • Aramark posted a job opening for Student Worker - Food Service or Catering - James Madison University in Harrisonburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harrisonburg here.

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: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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