Good morning, Scoopers!

A big congratulations to Superintendent William C. Smith on his retirement from the Western Tidewater Regional Jail. Thank you for nearly four decades of leadership, dedication, and public service. Happy retirement! 🎉

And a quick apology for the wrong link in the Virginia’s Marijuana and Hemp Laws Are Changing story. My daughter is getting ready to take over while I’m on vacation, and let’s just say she had a little practice run. 😂 We’ve got it fixed now!

🌦️ Weather
🔥 SPSA landfill fire
🏫 Driver Elementary input
🥜 Mr. Peanut history
📅 Events

Let’s get into 👇

The News: Suffolk Fire & Rescue responded to a fire at the SPSA Regional Landfill on Bob Foeller Drive Monday night at 10:51 p.m. The fire involved a 50 by 50 foot trash pile on the east side of the property. Crews had water on the fire by 11:13 p.m. and had it under control by 11:49 p.m. All operations were complete by 1 a.m. Tuesday. No injuries were reported and no structures were threatened.

Why It Matters: This is the same landfill where the new Route 58 flyover ramp just opened to improve access. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Suffolk Fire & Rescue handled it quickly and efficiently.

👉 The Move: Big shoutout to Suffolk Fire & Rescue for the fast response Monday night. Suffolk is in good hands!

Learn More…

The News: Suffolk Parks & Recreation is asking the community to help decide what happens with the former Driver Elementary School property. You can share your input online right now without attending a meeting.

Why It Matters: This is YOUR community and YOUR chance to shape how that land gets used for future generations in Suffolk.

👉 The Move: Fill out the online form at form.jotform.com/261745757797074 or contact Suffolk Parks & Recreation at 757-514-7250 or [email protected]. Make your voice heard, Suffolk!

Suffolk helped give the world one of advertising’s most famous mascots. In 1916, Planters held a contest to design a brand mascot, and a Suffolk schoolboy named Antonio Gentile submitted a drawing of a peanut with arms, legs, and a cane. His sketch won the contest and helped create the character we now know as Mr. Peanut.

A commercial artist later helped polish the look, adding the fancy gentleman style that made Mr. Peanut famous. The fun part is that his full name is said to be Bartholomew Richard Fitzgerald-Smythe.

A note on the history: The main story is widely accepted. Planters and the Smithsonian both connect the original design to Antonio Gentile of Suffolk. Some details vary across sources, including whether Gentile was 13 or 14 and exactly who added the final top hat, monocle, and cane. The core story remains the same: a Suffolk schoolboy drew the original Mr. Peanut.

Sources: Planters brand history and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Get Creative!: Watercolor Pencils – North Suffolk Library | 6:00 PM

Storytime with Eric Litwin (First Performance) – Downtown Suffolk Library | 10:30 AM

Book Signing with Eric Litwin – Downtown Suffolk Library | 11:30 AM

Storytime with Eric Litwin (Second Performance) – Downtown Suffolk Library | 3:15 PM

Vinyl Headlights Live – Decoy's Seafood | 6:00 PM

The 11th Annual Amazing Peanut Chase – Morgan Memorial Library – 1:00 PM

T.L. Pass Book 2 Launch – Sojourn Fermentory | 1:00 PM

Red, White, and Brew: Summer Vendor Market – New Realm Brewing Co. | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Adult Recess: Line Dancing, Zumba & Musical Games – Downtown Festival Park – 6:00 PM–9:30 PM

The Artisan Caravan: An Artists & Creators Market – New Realm Brewing Co. -11:00 AM

Little Explorers: Scream for Ice Cream – Bennett's Creek Recreation Center – 10:30 AM–11:15 AM

Adult Recess: Kickball – Wellons Park – 6:00 PM–9:30 PM

Suffolk Parks & Recreation’s TGIF Summer Concert Series kicks off Friday, June 12 at Downtown Festival Park, 215 W. Washington St.

✅ Festivities start at 6 p.m.
✅ Live music runs from 6:30–9:30 p.m.
✅ Admission is free for all ages
✅ Food, concessions, and adult beverages for guests 21+ will be available for purchase
✅ Concerts will be held at Downtown Festival Park and Bennett’s Creek Park
✅ Bring a chair or blanket
✅ No tents or outside alcohol
✅ Free parking is available in nearby public lots

This summer’s lineup includes Island Boy, RaJazz, Slapnation, The Deloreans, The Steals, Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos, and The Band Monarch.

For weather updates, follow Suffolk Parks & Recreation on Facebook or call 757-514-7250 ext. 5.

Suffolk will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Downtown Festival Park.

📍 Downtown Festival Park
🕔 5–8 p.m.
🎟️ Free and open to the public

The evening will include:

⭐ Official Reading of the Declaration of Independence
⭐ Civil Air Patrol Presentation of Colors
⭐ National Anthem by Dr. Joleen Neighbours
⭐ The Second Ending Brass Quintet
⭐ Yorktown Fife & Drum
⭐ Living history reenactors
⭐ Merchants and exhibitors
⭐ All-American picnic food

Learn more at SuffolkVA250.com.

A stray dog was found on July 6 in downtown Suffolk. If you recognize this dog, call 757-514-7855, option 2, and reference Log #48881.