Chesterfield County Community Insider Weekly Newsletter

Welcome to another edition of the Chesterfield County Community Insider! We've rounded up the stories, events, and local happenings that matter most so you can stay in the know without spending hours scrolling through the news.

This week, we've got updates on Google's proposed data centers, a look at the first completed section of the Fall Line Trail, important information about rising Dominion Energy bills, plus local events, the 10-day forecast, and plenty more.

Grab your favorite drink, settle in for a few minutes, and let's catch up on everything happening around Chesterfield.

Thanks for reading, and as always, have a fantastic week!

Matt

If you've been following the proposed Google data centers in Chesterfield, this week is your chance to hear directly from the company. Google is planning three large data center campuses across the county, and many residents have questions about how they'll affect nearby neighborhoods, water usage, the electric grid, noise levels, and long-term job creation.

To help answer those questions, Google and Chesterfield County are hosting open-house meetings on July 15 at Brightpoint Community College and July 16 at Cosby High School, both from 5–7 p.m.

Residents can review project plans, learn about infrastructure and sustainability efforts, and speak directly with Google representatives. Many neighbors say they hope a strong turnout will encourage more transparency as these projects move forward.

Three Chesterfield firefighters and the driver of a pickup truck were taken to local hospitals after an ambulance and pickup collided Wednesday afternoon on Whitepine Road near Chesterfield County Airport. Thankfully, officials say everyone's injuries were non-life-threatening, and the firefighters were transported mainly as a precaution.

According to police, the pickup truck crossed the center line and struck the oncoming ambulance. The driver is being charged with failure to maintain proper lane, and the crash remains under investigation.

It's a good reminder to stay alert behind the wheel—especially around emergency vehicles.

If your electric bill looks a little higher this month, you're not imagining it. Dominion Energy has begun adding an $8 monthly fuel charge to help recover more than $1.1 billion in fuel and purchased power costs from the past year.

The increase will last for the next 12 months, with another $1.80 monthly charge expected to begin later this year to cover financing costs over the next decade. Combined, the average customer using 1,000 kWh each month is expected to pay about $312 over time.

Dominion says summer heat can also drive bills even higher due to increased air conditioning use. Customers who want to comment on the rate increase can sign up to speak during a public hearing in August.

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There's some exciting news for walkers, runners, and cyclists! The first completed section of Chesterfield's Fall Line Trail is officially open, marking an important milestone for a project that will eventually connect more than 18 miles of trails from the Appomattox River all the way to Ashland.

Construction is already underway on additional sections, including another mile expected to open later this year. Once finished, the trail will create a continuous network for recreation, commuting, and outdoor adventures throughout the region.

Four adults are temporarily without a home after a house fire last Wednesday night on Brandywine Avenue. Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the attic and flames inside one room of the home, but crews acted quickly and kept the fire from spreading beyond the room where it started.

Fortunately, no one was injured. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents while investigators work to determine what caused the fire.

A scary scene unfolded last Wednesday evening when a driver crashed into a convenience store on Robious Road. Chesterfield Fire and EMS crews, along with the Technical Rescue Team, responded to the incident to ensure the building remained structurally safe.

One juvenile bystander suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital, but no other injuries were reported. Photos from the scene showed the car partially inside the building with bricks scattered across the vehicle. Firefighters completed a structural assessment before clearing the scene.

Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Chesterfield County Farmers Market
Details: Shop fresh local produce, baked goods, honey, meats, flowers, handmade crafts, and specialty food vendors. A great mid-week stop to support local farmers and artisans.

Thursday, July 16 – Summer Nature Walk 🌳

Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Rd., Chesterfield
Details: Ranger-led morning hike through one of Virginia's largest state parks. Learn about local wildlife, native plants, and enjoy a leisurely guided walk suitable for most ages. Registration recommended.

Thursday, July 16 – Family Storytime 📚

Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Chesterfield County Public Library (various branches)
Details: Interactive storytime featuring books, songs, movement activities, and crafts designed for preschool-aged children and families.

Friday, July 17 – Friday Night Live Music 🎵

Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Local breweries and restaurants throughout Chesterfield
Details: Several Chesterfield-area breweries, including Steam Bell Beer Works and other local venues, feature live music Friday evenings with food trucks and family-friendly atmospheres. Event schedules vary by venue.

Saturday, July 18 – Youth Soccer Tournament ⚽

Time: Beginning at 8:00 AM
Location: River City Sportsplex, Midlothian
Details: Regional youth soccer matches featuring travel teams from across Virginia. Spectators are welcome throughout the day, with multiple games played simultaneously.

Saturday, July 18 – Community Pickleball Open Play 🏓

Time: 9:00 AM – Noon
Location: Harry G. Daniel Park
Details: Recreational open-play pickleball for adults of all skill levels. Players rotate courts throughout the morning.

Saturday, July 18 – Hanover Tomato Festival 🍅 (Nearby Regional Event)

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Hanover Tomato Festival
Details: One of Central Virginia's biggest summer festivals featuring local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, family activities, and plenty of famous Hanover tomatoes.

Sunday, July 19 – Community Disc Golf Meetup 🥏

Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Gillies Creek Park (near Chesterfield)
Details: Weekly casual disc golf gathering welcoming beginners and experienced players alike.

Tuesday, July 21 – Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Meeting 🏛️

Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Chesterfield County Administration Building
Details: Public meeting covering county business, planning issues, public hearings, and community updates. Residents are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, July 21 – Richmond Flying Squirrels Baseball ⚾

Time: 6:35 PM (first pitch)
Location: Richmond Flying Squirrels
Details: Richmond's Double-A baseball club begins another home series. Expect family-friendly entertainment, promotions, and post-game activities depending on the night's schedule.

Wednesday, July 22 – Chesterfield County Farmers Market 🥕

Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Chesterfield County Farmers Market
Details: The weekly market returns with fresh produce, local meats, baked goods, handmade items, and seasonal vendors.

Wednesday, July 22 – Summer Concert Series 🎶

Time: Approximately 6:30 PM
Location: Local Chesterfield parks and community venues
Details: Several community organizations continue their summer outdoor concert programs featuring local musicians. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy free evening entertainment.

Weather forecast: Guaranteed to be 100% accurate at least 20% of the time—unless it changes. Expect sunny skies… or rain. But definitely weather. We guarantee some form of that. No refunds!

Note: While the provided forecast gives a general idea of expected weather conditions, it should be treated with caution due to potential inaccuracies in long-term predictions. Checking closer to the date will provide a more reliable forecast.

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That's a wrap for this week's Chesterfield County Community Insider! Thanks for spending a few minutes with us to catch up on what's happening around our community.

If you found this newsletter helpful, be sure to share it with a friend or neighbor who likes staying in the loop.

We'll be back next week with more local news, upcoming events, weather, and everything else that makes Chesterfield such a great place to call home.

Until then, have a safe, fun, and wonderful week!

Matt

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