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Cooling Assistance applications are now being accepted

Jun 15, 2020

Virginia’s Cooling Assistance applications are now being accepted. There are three ways to apply for Cooling Assistance benefits:

  1. Online through CommonHelp at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov
  2. By phone at (855) 635-4370
  3. By contacting their Local Department of Social Services. For Winchester city residents, applications are located in the drop box outside the Winchester Department of Social Services office (24 Baker Street).

The application deadline is August 15.

WinTran routes canceled for approximately two weeks

Jun 08, 2020

Effective immediately, all WinTran routes, including paratransit, will be canceled for approximately two weeks due to a positive COVID-19 case.

“The safety of our employees and passengers is priority. We regret having to cancel the routes for this extended period of time, but because all WinTran staff will have to quarantine for the recommended 14 days, the cancellation is unavoidable,” stated Public Services Director Perry Eisenach.

Winchester Police Chief, Mayor release joint statement with local NAACP President 

Jun 03, 2020

In a show of solidarity, a joint statement by the City of Winchester’s Mayor John David Smith, Winchester Police Chief John R. Piper, and Winchester’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Chapter President W. Thea Thomas has been released in response to the tragic recent death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd. As in many cities across the United States, residents of Winchester have been deeply affected by Floyd’s death.

Street closures and route for I Can’t Breathe event and walk

Jun 03, 2020

On Friday, June 5, 2020, an ‘I Can’t Breathe’ event and walk, organized by community members, will be held in Old Town Winchester. To ensure the safety of event attendees and downtown visitors during this permitted event, the City is releasing information regarding the associated street closures and the planned route for the walk.

Winchester Parks to open all-day summer childcare program

May 29, 2020

Winchester Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the re-opening of their all-day summer childcare program on June 8. Registration will only be accepted over the phone and on designated days and times (June 1-3).

Jim Barnett Park outdoor pool to have modified 2020 opening

May 26, 2020

Due to COVID-19 and associated restrictions implemented by the Commonwealth, the outdoor pool in Jim Barnett Park did not open on Memorial Day weekend as in years past. However, Winchester Parks and Recreation is planning to open the pool on Monday, June 1, 2020 for lap swimming and swim team practices for several local programs. General swimming will not be permitted until it is safe to do so and the Governor lifts restrictions.

Old Town meter enforcement to begin

May 22, 2020

Over the past two months, parking in metered spaces in the Old Town Winchester area has been free due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 1, 2020, the Winchester Parking Authority will return to enforcing use of parking meters requiring that parkers pay the meter to park and obey posted time limits.

2020 Memorial Day Schedule

May 20, 2020

In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, the City’s schedule for the week of May 24, 2020 is as follows:

Interim Winchester Fire and Rescue Chief appointed

May 15, 2020

Winchester Interim City Manager Mary T. Price has appointed Mr. Hadden Culp of Woodstock, VA as Winchester’s Interim Fire and Rescue Chief. Mr. Culp will temporarily replace Chief William Garrett on June 1, 2020 while the City completes the recruitment and hiring process for a permanent Chief. Mr. Culp retired from the Prince William County Fire and Rescue Department in 2011 after 34 years of service.