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🌱 Patch AM: Which Harrisonburg routes will see I-81 ramp closures and lane shifts?

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Greetings Harrisonburg! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which Harrisonburg routes will see I-81 ramp closures and lane shifts?
  • Feeling overwhelmed by AI headlines? Here's how Harrisonburg residents can cope.
  • Thinking of nursing school in Harrisonburg? Compare JMU and EMU fast-track paths.

Also on today's calendar: Shenandoah Valley Real Estate Wealth Workshop (Live Virtual Sign-Up) and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: How do you know the moon is going broke? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 69 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Some sun, then clouds; nice, temps: high: 72, low: 55.
  • Wednesday: High thin cloudiness, with a high of 80 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Traffic delays in the Shenandoah Valley – Week of October 2, 2026 (rocktownnow.com) — Harrisonburg-area drivers face a busy week of VDOT work starting October 2, including nighttime closures on I-81 near Exit 243 and lane restrictions on Routes 11, 33, 42, and nearby secondary roads. Expect detours, slower work-zone speed limits, and shifting traffic patterns around city limits and throughout Rockingham County, especially during overnight paving and long-term widening projects.
   

2. Therapist offers tips to manage anxiety amid growing concerns about AI (whsv.com) — A Harrisonburg therapist is sharing practical ways to ease anxiety about artificial intelligence, noting that constant alarming headlines can keep your brain stuck in threat mode. She suggests limiting doom-scrolling, setting specific times to check news, and turning off push alerts, and says it may be time to seek professional help if AI worries start disrupting work, sleep, or family time.
   

3. Virginia Fastest ABSN Programs For Career Changers (allnurses.com) — If you're in Harrisonburg considering a nursing career change, this guide breaks down accelerated BSN options at JMU and Eastern Mennonite, including tuition, clinical sites, and time commitments. It compares them with programs across Virginia, explains admissions hurdles, and outlines real costs, loan-forgiveness options, and how quickly local nurses typically recoup their investment after graduation.
   

4. Local colleges sit high in latest U.S. News rankings (dnronline.com) — James Madison University in Harrisonburg climbed significantly in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, with leaders eyeing a long-term push into the national Top 50. Smaller Harrisonburg-area schools like Eastern Mennonite University and Bridgewater College also earned strong showings, giving local students and families more nationally recognized higher-education options close to home.
   

5. Marshall vs James Madison Picks and Predictions for Saturday October 3 2026 (picksandparlays.net) — James Madison hosts Marshall at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg on Saturday, October 3, with kickoff set for 7:45 p.m. and TV coverage on ESPNU. Oddsmakers heavily favor the Dukes, and the analysis here leans toward JMU covering the spread and a lower-scoring game, offering betting angles for local fans following the Dukes' strong 4-0 start.
   

📸 Around Harrisonburg

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🪧 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

  • There is an emergency vehicle on I-81 S reported...
    There is an emergency vehicle on I-81 S reported at 10:39 AM. "Roadside assistance in progress" (Nextdoor )
  • Aramark posted a job opening for Cook - James Madison University in Harrisonburg. Apply here.
  • Chili's Grill & Bar posted a job opening for Prep Cook - Harrisonburg Chili's 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: It's down to its last quarter. (Thank you Linda H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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