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Orange County Insight April 2026

Orange County's monthly source for in-depth information about activities, programs, events, and more.

INSIGHT		1
Page 16		1
New $1.27 Billion L3Harris Investment		1
Pages 3-4		1
Public Heard at March 24 Meeting		1
Page 5		1
2nd Annual Elementary School Flag Football Tournament		1
April 2026		1
Administrator’s Minute		2
We’re here for you...		2
SUBSCRIBE to the INSIGHT		2
Orange County Administration		2
Physical Address 112 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960		2
Mailing Address P.O. Box 111 Orange, VA 22960		2
Phone: (540) 672-3313 Fax: (540) 672-1679		2
Email the Editor newsletter@orangecountyva.gov www.orangecountyva.gov		2
SIGN UP for COUNTY NEWS & ALERTS		2
OCI April 2026		2
Table of Contents		3
Orange County Thanks Residents for Turnout and Participation at March 24 Joint Meeting		6
The Orange County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission extend their appreciation to the residents of Orange County for their active participation during the joint meeting held March 24 at the Hornet Sports Center. More than 1,000 individuals either attended in person or watched the meeting’s livestream.		6
At the meeting, supervisors and commissioners listened to a presentation given by representatives of the Valley Link – Dominion Energy Joshua Falls to Yeat Electric Transmission Line and asked questions about the project and its potential impacts in Orange County. Additionally, nearly 70 individuals spoke during public comment, with dozens of written comments received.		6
Those interested can watch the recording of the March 24 meeting at orangecova.portal.civicclerk.com/event/542/media.		6
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank the residents of Orange County who came out [March 24] to express their input and comments regarding the proposed transmission line project,” said J. Bryan Nicol, District 5 Supervisor and Board Chairman. “The Board will continue to advocate for Orange County and engage in the transmission line process at every opportunity,” he added.		6
Prior to the meeting, the Board submitted several questions to Valley Link. At the meeting, Valley Link representatives provided written responses to those questions. Those answers are now available to the public on the Orange County website at www.orangecountyva.gov/valleylinkquestions.		6
More information about the Valley Link Joshua Falls to Yeat Transmission Line project can be found on the project’s website at https://vltransmission.com/joshua-falls-to-yeat/.		6
At the end of the following week, on Friday, April 3, representatives from localities impacted by the proposed Valley Link Project, including Orange, convened in Louisa County to discuss local impacts and potential paths forward. Other attendees included representatives from Louisa, Appomattox, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Buckingham, and Goochland. The meeting highlighted a willingness to cooperate regionally, and locality representatives discussed specific project impacts affecting their communities. The collaborative spirit highlighted that, despite geographical and related differences between the counties, interests regarding the project are largely shared.		6
At the March 24 meeting, representatives of the Valley Link Project responded to questions posed by the Orange County Board of Supervisors and Orange County Planning Commission.		6
OCI April 2026		6
Cost Share for Septic System Repairs Open to All Residential Properties in Orange County		10
Attention homeowners! Do you have your own septic system? When was the last time you had it pumped out or inspected? Do you know how well it functions? As a homeowner, it is in your best interest and beneficial for local streams and groundwater to maintain your system and the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District is here to help!		10
The Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District has recently received additional funding for its residential septic cost share program which allows the District to expand its eligible area to include all of Orange County! Previously, it was limited to just the Rapidan and Upper York watershed areas. Now, the entire county can benefit.		10
Cost Share Payment Amounts		10
Pump Out		10
50% of cost or $225 max (up to $360 low income)		10
Pump Out & Inspection		10
50% of cost or $3,250 max (up to $5,200 low income)		10
Repair		10
50% of cost or $3,750 max (up to $6,000 low income) Alternative systems not eligible		10
Conventional System		10
50% of cost or $6,250 max (up to $10,000 low income)		10
Conventional System with Pump		10
50% of cost or $8,250 max (up to $13,200 low income)		10
Engineered / Alternative System		10
50% of cost or $15,750 max (up to $25,200 low income)		10
Connection to Public Sewer		10
50% of cost or $6,250 max (up to $10,000 low income)		10
Connection to Sewer with Pump		10
50% of cost or $10,250 max (up to $16,400 low income)		10
This program is focused on reducing any existing or potential impacts on local ground and surface water quality. E. Coli bacteria in some local streams has long been identified as being higher than expected by state water quality standards, although other pollutants can also be involved, particularly nutrients.		10
An additional benefit to the property owner is the assurance that their system is up to standards and functions properly. It is a win-win for both water quality and property value. If you have not had your septic system pumped out in the last five years, and you are a resident of Orange County, you are eligible! This program is available for residential properties only. A basic pump out of your septic tank and an inspection are the best insurance for maintaining a functional system. The program offers 50 percent reimbursement for any occupied residential property, with up to 80 percent for low-income households. See the chart for reference.		10
Pump outs with an inspection extend the life of a system and prevent higher costs later on if the systems fail. If further repairs are indicated by the pump out and inspection, the owner is still eligible for the additional repair payments. Applications are required and need to be approved prior to the work being done or funding can be declined. Free assistance with initial assessments of individual system needs is available from the District. Reimbursement payments are made promptly once the work has been completed. The program is entirely voluntary and assistance from the District is free of charge.		10
Further information on the program is available from the District at (540) 948-7531 or (540) 825-8591. Funding for these projects has been secured by the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Commonwealth of Virginia.		10
OCI April 2026		10
IMPORTANT REMINDERS FROM THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE:		11
DUE DATE FOR:		11
Paying State Income Tax		11
Filing Business Personal Property Forms		11
Filing Estimated Taxes		11
MAY		11
QUESTIONS? CALL THE COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE’S OFFICE AT (540) 672-4441		11
Voting Information for the Upcoming April 21 Special Election		12
Orange County voters should be aware that a Special Election will be held on April 21, 2026, regarding a proposed Constitutional Amendment. The final opportunity for early voting for the Special Election will be Saturday, April 18, at the Office of Voter Registrations and Elections located at 130 North Madison Road, Orange, VA 22960. Any registered voter in Orange County is eligible to vote early.		12
Office of Voter Registration and Election Hours of Operation:		12
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.		12
Saturday, April 11: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.		12
Saturday, April 18: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.		12
*Saturday, April 18 is the FINAL DAY to vote early in the election.		12
Information about the proposed Constitutional Amendment can be found here on the Virginia Department of Elections website at: www.elections.virginia.gov/election-law/proposed-amendment-for-april-2026-special-election/		12
Important deadlines:		12
Last day to register to vote a regular ballot: Tuesday, April 14, 2026		12
Last day to request a mailed ballot: Friday, April 10, 2026		12
Final day for early voting: Saturday, April 18, 2026		12
Sample ballots can be found on our website at www.orangecountyva.gov/663/Election-Information.		12
To locate your polling place please visit www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/polling-place-lookup/.		12
If you have questions, please contact our office at (540) 672-5262 with any registration or election questions. Your voice matters and we are here to support you.		12
The Office of Voter Registration and Elections is located at 130 North Madison Road, Orange, VA 22960. It is downhill from the Orange County Courthouse.		12
OCI April 2026		12
Broadband in Bloom: April Director’s Message		13
Are your pets up to date on their Rabies Shots?		14
DRIVE THRU RABIES CLINIC		14
Sunday, April 19, 2026		14
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.		14
Orange County Animal Shelter 11362 Porter Road Orange, VA 22960		14
OCI April 2026		14
Second Annual Elementary School Flag Football Tournament		17
Orange County Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Orange County High School Football team, hosted their second annual Elementary School Flag Football Tournament on Saturday, March 28, at Porterfield Park in Orange. Building on the exciting success of last year’s event, this year maintained enough interest for separate fourth and fifth grade divisions. All of last year’s schools, including Gordon- Barbour Elementary School, Lightfoot Elementary School, Locust Grove Elementary School, and Orange Elementary School, returned. This year, the field expanded to add Grymes Memorial School to the list of contenders. In fact, there was so much interest that participation increased from 85 last year, to 106 registered student athletes this year!		17
Our fourth and fifth grade athletes enjoyed the opportunity to play on the “big” field at Porterfield Park!		17
Organizers were thrilled to see the same energy and school spirit return. Parents, grandparents, and other flag football enthusiasts watched from the stands while sporting the colors of their young athlete’s elementary school. Despite strong play from all of our contenders, both of this year’s championship teams, Orange Elementary School (Fourth Grade) and Grymes Memorial School (Fifth Grade), went undefeated in their respective divisions!		17
Parks & Recreation would like to thank all those who made this event possible, including the Orange County High School Football Team, as well as our coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and participants!		17
We look forward to seeing which schools raise the trophy next year.		17
Orange Elementary School (left) and Grymes Memorial School (right) went undefeated to take home the trophies (and championship rings) in the fourth and fifth grade divisions, respectively.		17
THRIVE BEYOND 55 A FREE health, safety, and crime prevention conference specifically designed for citizens 55 & older.		18
Wednesday, April 29 8:45 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.		18
Lake of the Woods Church 1 Church Lane, Locust Grove, VA		18
Lunch provided		18
On-Site resources		18
great speakers		18
Door Prizes		18
Free Admission		18
Great speakers are a hallmark of this event’s attractions.		18
Dementia care education specialist Teepa Snow spoke at last year’s event.		18
Thrive Beyond 55 2026 Speaker Lineup		18
Vickye Parker Traffic safety specialist, get tips for managing age-related driving risks		18
Kate Kleinart		18
Romance scam victim - turned tragedy into triumph		18
Deputy Ron Kesner Scam prevention information		18
Brett Johnson Former cybercriminal on U.S. Most Wanted List... join us for the rest of the story!		18
CONCEALED CARRY TRAINING CLASS		19
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES		19
Learn more about the instructor at wildguyde.com		19
SCAN THE CODE FOR DETAILS, PRICING AND ONLINE SIGN UP.		19
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.		19
50 & WISER ACTIVITIES		19
CAVING & ROCK CLIMBING		19
INTERMEDIATE ROCK CLIMBING		19
PARENT/KID ROCK CLIMBING		19
HIGH KNOB FIRE TOWER HIKE		19
VIA FERRATA CLIMB & HIKE		19
LITTLE STONY MAN HIKE		19
INTERMEDIATE WILD CAVING		19
$30 Registration Fee		19
Additional Programs Available At orangecountyva.gov/ocpr		19
Orange County Library Honored With Pair of VPLDA Awards		20
Friday Night Fly‑In at the Airport		21
On the evening of April 10, the Orange County Airport hosted its second Friday Night Fly‑In Movie Night, welcoming families, aviation enthusiasts, and community partners for an evening of hands‑on fun and outdoor entertainment.		21
The event drew volunteers and supporters from across the county, including members of the Civil Air Patrol, Orange County Fire & EMS, the Gordonsville Eagles, and Earthquest Inc. Their displays and demonstrations gave children and adults alike the chance to learn more about aviation, community service, and the many groups that help keep Orange County vibrant and connected.		21
Smiles filled the apron as children explored aircraft up close, climbing in and out of cockpits and asking questions about all things flight. One of the night’s highlights was the paper airplane contest, where kids had the chance to decorate their own planes before competing in friendly flights across the ramp. As the sun set, families settled in for an outdoor showing of Fly Away Home, wrapping up the evening with popcorn, blankets, and a relaxed movie night under the stars.		21
The Friday Night Fly‑In Movie series continues to grow as a favorite community gathering blending education, exploration, and family fun right at our local airport.		21
Pinwheels for Prevention		21
April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each year, our Department of Social Services, along with partner departments like the Office on Youth, help spread awareness about child abuse and prevention efforts through the sale of pinwheel gardens. Local organizations, businesses, and individuals can purchase a pinwheel garden and plant it at their location. The whimsical spinning of the pinwheels helps attract attention, and a sign with a QR code provides more information about preventing child abuse and available resources.		21
The pinwheel was chosen as a symbol for this effort by Prevent Child Abuse America because it “represents the great childhoods all children deserve and the prevention efforts that help them happen. Today, it inspires all of us to play a role in providing the best possible environment for every child to flourish and thrive.“ If you suspect a child is in danger, don’t wait! Those who have concerns about a child being a victim of child abuse are encouraged to contact the Orange County Social Services Department at (540) 672-6166. The Virginia Department of Social Services also provides a 24-hour hotline at (804) 786-8536.		21
PHMS		22
Sheriff’s Office		22
FiberLync		22
ORANGE COUNTY WELL WATER TESTING CLINIC		23
Rely on a well, spring, or cistern?		23
Check your water quality.		23
Testing includes 28 chemical and bacteriological constituents including:		23
Chemicals & Nutrients		23
Bacteria		23
Plus more!		23
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED		23
$65/sample kit $70/sample kit		23
For Orange County residents thanks to the Culpeper Soil and Water District for the support of our program. For residents of other counties.		23
Interest form available at: https://tinyurl.com/26ocwwtc		23
Pick up: May 26 - June 1 8 am - 5 pm		23
Drop off: June 3rd 7-9 AM		23
Virginia Cooperative Extension - Orange County 127 Belleview Ave. Orange, VA 22960		23
For questions, contact the Orange County Extension Office		23
at (540) 672-1361.		23
Spring Gallery Art Walk in Historic Gordonsville		26
2026 Summer Reading Program May 26th—July 25th		27
Sign up at your local branch and read each week to win prizes!		27
Craft Programs for SchoolAge(K-5)andTeens (6-12)		27
on alternating weeks @2pm: Wilderness: Mondays Gordonsville: Thursdays Main: Fridays		27
movie Parties		27
Join us for snacks and fun!		27
Teen: Jurassic Park June 16th/17th School Age: Disney’s Dinosaur June 23rd/24th		27
Check out the library’s calendar for specific dates and details!		27
Family Performances!		27
Animals Unlimited		27
TEEN Book Talk		27
June: Read a fiction book		27
July: Read a graphic novel		27
Read any book and come chat about it! Snacks provided.		27
The materials and activities described herein are not sponsored or endorsed by the Orange County School Board.		27
2026 Orange County Holiday Schedule		30
New Year's Day		30
Thursday, January 1, 2026		30
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day		30
Monday, January 19, 2026		30
George Washington Day		30
Monday, February 16, 2026		30
James Madison's Birthdate (observed)		30
Monday, March 16, 2026		30
Memorial Day		30
Monday, May 25, 2026		30
Juneteenth		30
Friday, June 19, 2026		30
Independence Day		30
Friday, July 3, 2026		30
Labor Day		30
Monday, September 7, 2026		30
Columbus Day & Yorktown Victory Day		30
Monday, October 12, 2026		30
Election Day		30
Tuesday, November 3, 2026		30
Veterans Day		30
Wednesday, November 11, 2026		30
Noon Closure for Thanksgiving		30
Wednesday, November 25, 2026		30
Thanksgiving		30
Thursday, November 26, 2026		30
Friday, November 27, 2026		30
Christmas Eve		30
Thursday, December 24, 2026		30
Christmas		30
Friday, December 25, 2026		30
This holiday schedule is subject to change and applies only to those County Government offices under the purview of the Orange County Personnel Policy Manual. Some offices may follow alternate schedules, such as the Landfill and Collection Sites. Public safety departments (Sheriff’s Office, COFEMS, E911) remain available 24/7.		30
The Board of Supervisors may grant additional holidays, under special circumstances, throughout the year. County employees will be notified of additional holidays after they are granted.		30
OCI April 2026		30
SUMMER		31
KICK-OFF		31
AT BOOSTER PARK SAT., MAY 30 10AM - 2PM		31
VENDORS		31
VEHICLE DISPLAYS		31
ADOPTABLE PETS		31
FUN RUN		31
THIS RUN SUPPORTS THE MICHAEL’S GIFT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM		31
T-SHIRT INCLUDED		31
DEADLINE TO GUARANTEE SHIRT:		31
MAY 14		31
ORANGECOUNTYVA.GOV/OCPR		31
Virginia’s Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Ban Begins July 1 for ALL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS		32
Background		32
Problems with EPS Foam		32
It takes at least 500 years for EPS to breakdown, and less than 1% is recycled.		32
It can blow out of trashcans and enter the environment as litter.		32
Wildlife can mistake it for food and can’t digest it.		32
It is made of styrene, a possible carcinogen. Chronic exposure to high levels of styrene can cause liver and nerve tissue damage.		32
Alternatives		32
Suggested alternatives include reusable containers and those made from recycled paper, bamboo, wheat straw, foil & metal, and recyclable plastic.		32
More Information: www.deq.virginia.gov/eps Contact: (804) 659-2663, VA-landr@deq.virginia.gov Scan the QR Code to View the Law		32
OCI April 2026		32
OCI April 2026		32
Orange County Added to the Virginia Piedmont Tourism Region		33
The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) has approved the creation of a new tourism marketing region, Virginia Piedmont, expanding the Commonwealth’s regional tourism structure from 10 to 11 regions.		33
The Virginia Piedmont region was proposed through a collaborative petition from local destination marketing organizations (DMOs) seeking to establish a tourism region comprised of the same 11 localities as GO Virginia Region 9, an economic development initiative that encourages collaboration among local governments, higher education, private industry and workforce.		33
The newly established region will include the following destinations:		33
Albemarle County		33
City of Charlottesville		33
Culpeper County		33
Fauquier County		33
Fluvanna County		33
Greene County		33
Louisa County		33
Madison County		33
Nelson County		33
Orange County		33
Rappahannock County		33
Tourism regions are established by VTC to organize tourism assets within defined geographic areas and present those experiences to travelers through a variety of marketing channels.		33
Additional details about the Virginia Piedmont region, including future marketing initiatives and visitor experiences, will be announced by regional partners as plans are finalized. The new region will become official on January 1, 2027.		33
Benefit Programs Specialist IV - Case Reviewer		34
Development Services Director		34
Library Business Manager		34
Animal Shelter Veterinarian		34
Library Aide - Wilderness Library		34
Solid Waste Equipment Operator I (PART-TIME)		34
Upcoming Orange County Meetings		35
Board of Supervisors		35
Tuesday, April 28, 2026; 5:00 p.m.		35
Thursday, May 7, 2026; 6:00 p.m.		35
Planning Commission		35
Tuesday, May 12, 2026; 5:00 p.m.		35
Economic Development Authority		35
Wednesday, April 15, 2026; 5:30 p.m. at 109 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960		35
Unless otherwise noted, listed meetings are held at:		35
Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room Orange County Public Safety Building 11282 Government Center Drive, Orange, VA 22960		35

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