Good morning, Scoopers!

Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop.

🌦️ Weather
💧 Solenis groundwater permit up for comment
🌾 Meet the woman connecting Suffolk’s farmers to the future
🐾 K9 Dunney retires after years of service
📅 Events

Let’s get into 👇

The News: Solenis LLC, a chemical company at 2301 Wilroy Road in Suffolk, has applied to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for a permit to withdraw up to 122.88 million gallons of groundwater per year from the Potomac aquifer. The public comment period runs July 14 through August 13, 2026.

Why It Matters: That is a major groundwater request from a shared underground source. DEQ says computer modeling predicts the withdrawal will not cause significant drawdown, but Suffolk residents still have the right to review the draft permit and speak up before a final decision is made.

👉 The Move: Submit written comments or request a public hearing by August 13. Contact DEQ’s R. Cecil Byles at [email protected] or call 804-401-7841.

Learn More…

The News: Suffolk hired its first-ever Agriculture Specialist, Julia Hillegass, in 2025 to give local farmers a direct line into city government. Now City Council is moving toward creating a Farming and Agritourism Grant Program to support that work with real resources.

Why It Matters: Hillegass says most of Suffolk’s farms are family-owned, with many passed down for generations. Farmers are facing rising costs, development pressure, and generational changes all at once. She says the farms that stand out are the ones telling their story because people want to know who grew their food and how it was produced.

👉 The Move: The grant program proposal is expected to get a full review at the September 2 City Council meeting. For Suffolk’s farmers, this could mean more support for farm events, agritourism, and keeping local agriculture alive.

Learn More…

The News: The Suffolk Police Department is celebrating the retirement of K9 Dunney, who officially ended his career on July 13, 2026. Alongside his handler, SPO Gauf, Dunney served the department and the City of Suffolk with a long record of police work and community service.

Why It Matters: Dunney was deployed 510 times during his career. His work helped seize nearly 400 pounds of cocaine, more than 200 pounds of marijuana, other illegal drugs, and 11 firearms. He also assisted with arrests, search warrants, and earned several honors along the way.

👉 The Move: Congratulations to K9 Dunney on a well-earned retirement. Enjoy the naps, treats, and belly rubs, buddy. You earned them. 🦴

Woodlake Community Yard Sale – Woodlake Terrace | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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

The Door of Good" Exhibition Opening Reception – Suffolk Art Gallery | 6:00 PM – 8:00 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

School Supply Drive with Suffolk Virginia Sheriff's Office – Walmart (N Main St, Suffolk) | 9:00 AM – 2:00 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 Public Schools is inviting the community to the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new John F. Kennedy Middle School on Thursday, July 30, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Families can join school and city leaders for the celebration and take guided tours of the brand-new building. The old JFK Middle School was auctioned off earlier this summer ahead of demolition, so this new school marks a fresh chapter for students and the community.

Bring the family, walk the halls, and see the future of JFK Middle School up close.

The 48th Annual Suffolk Peanut Fest returns to Suffolk Executive Airport from October 8 through 11 with country headliner Chris Cagle, a brand-new drone show, a live butterfly walk-through exhibit, and more. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Generations, One Picture Perfect Memory at a Time!” The festival is one of Suffolk’s biggest annual events, and this year’s new drone show and butterfly exhibit give families even more reasons to mark the calendar.

The Suffolk Virginia Sheriff’s Office is hosting a school supply drive on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 9 a.m. at Walmart on N. Main Street. Stop by during the 5-hour event to donate backpacks, notebooks, crayons, pencils, and other supplies for students in need. It’s also Tax-Free Weekend, so it’s a great time to help local kids start the school year ready.

Tonto is a handsome, sweet 1 to 2 year old Nigerian Dwarf goat looking for a new home through Suffolk Animal Control. He is leash trained and would do best with secure goat fencing, proper shelter, space to roam, and other goats for companionship. If you have been thinking about adding a friendly little goat to your herd, Tonto may be the perfect fit. Contact Suffolk Animal Control for more details on his temperament, adoption requirements, and availability.

Nahko is a 12-year-old Pomeranian with a calm, gentle soul and a sweet, quiet nature. He is up to date on his rabies vaccination and would do best in a peaceful home where he can relax and feel safe. Nahko may be a little shy at first, but with patience and kindness, he is sure to become a loyal little companion.

Rome is a 9-year-old neutered Brittany Spaniel with a sweet, gentle heart. He may be shy at first, but his confidence is growing every day. With a little patience and kindness, Rome is ready to keep blooming with a family of his own.