News Flash

Business Spotlight: Heritage Insurance Partners

Heritage Insurance Partners is a multi-generational independent agency that takes pride in creating relationships with its clients. Since 1979, the Bocrie family has been serving the Central Virginia region, specifically the Town of Ashland since 1983, wh...

APD Crime Prevention Tip: Tax Scams

Did you know that Virginia has ranked in the top 10 states for tax scam phone calls? As we move into tax season, Ashland Police Department (APD) wants to remind residents that scammers call thousands of people this time of year in an attempt to obtain pot...

Name an Ashland Snowplow Contest

Calling all you "punny" Ashlanders! Winter weather is 'nigh (sigh) and there are 4 hometown heroes in need of clever names before they salt and scrape Ashland's roads this season.Announcing the Ashland "Name a Snowplow&quo...

Letter from Mayor Trivett: Happy New Year!

Dear Ashlanders,As we head into 2023, I’d like to offer a few words on change and the power of community. I hope many in this community have had the opportunity to visit and enjoy the Richard S. Gillis, Jr. Ashland Branch Library. My fa...

Town of Ashland Statement: Response to Distribution of Antisemitic & Anti-LGBTQ Propaganda

On Sunday, Dec. 18^th, the Town of Ashland and Ashland Police Department (APD) were made aware that several residences in neighborhoods in and around Ashland were the recipients of antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ propaganda.

Hate has no home here in the Center o...

Welcome 2022-23 Class of Ashland's Community Leadership Academy!

Town staff welcomed the 2022-2023 class of Ashland's Community Leadership Academy for their first session on Tuesday, Dec. 13th. 

This class of 18 participants is the Town's largest class to date since the program began in 2014. ...

Town to Begin Service with New Trash Provider in 2023

In response to a level of service from our trash service provider that did not meet the Town's (or customers') expectations, the Town's trash service provider will change in the new year.

Beginning January 16th, 2023, WM will be ...

New Tool: 2023 Ashland Calendar & FY22 Annual Report

As part of our ongoing efforts to better connect with each of you and keep the community informed on Town projects, initiatives, and opportunities for input, the Town's Community Engagement department is pleased to share the Town of Ashland 2023 ...

Hanover County Public Schools Breaks Ground on New Gandy Elementary School

Hanover County Public Schools broke ground on Monday on the consolidated Henry Clay and John M. Gandy elementary school, the first school constructed in Hanover County since Laurel Meadow Elementary School opened in 2008.

Students, school division and coun...

Change to Tax Bill Due Date

On November 15th, Ashland Town Council voted to adopt ORD2022-08, which changes the annual due date for real estate and personal property tax bills from January 15th to February 5th of each year.  

Hanover County is the assessor for real estate an...

Business Spotlight: Companion Extraordinaire

Companion Extraordinaire provides personal home care services in the comfort of their client’s homes. They see clients in Richmond, Ashland, Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield, and the surrounding counties and can provide a care program that is pers...

Be Prepared: Winter Weather Tips

Winter is upon us and now is the time to prepare for potential snowfall and winter weather. Here are a few tips and reminders to make sure you're ready and well-equipped to safely weather any wintery conditions in the months ahead!

1. Sign up for ...

Business Spotlight: Wagner Jewellers

Wagner Jewellers is a small, quaint shop located in Ashland's historic downtown since 1981. Wagner Jeweller's main jewelers, Elizabeth Spahr and Susannah Wagner Merritt are registered, British goldsmiths. They specialize in custom jewelr...

Welcome, Bobbie Carey!

The Town of Ashland is pleased to announce that Bobbie Carey has joined our staff as Business Development Manager working on Economic Development initiatives within the Planning & Community Development Department.

Bobbie is a graduate of Lehigh Univers...

Tree Planting Tips from Hanover County Master Gardeners

Contributed by Susan Higgins, Hanover County Master Gardener Intern 

Seeking Experienced Members for Ashland's New Public Art Commission

At their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18th, Town Council voted to approve the creation of Ashland's first Public Art Commission. Like the Town's existing boards & committees (Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, Board of ...

Free Wi-Fi Arrives in Downtown Ashland

The Town of Ashland is thrilled to announce the launch of a free Wi-Fi network now available to residents, visitors, and businesses in historic downtown Ashland. 

The network, created in partnership with Connected Solutions Group, LLC (CSG) offici...

Town Sidewalk Projects: What to Expect & When

Following up on community requests for improved sidewalk connectivity, Town Council approved an initial list of three priority sidewalk projects in August 2022 as recommended by the Parks & Recreation Committee. That original list came from resident r...

Get Your Ashland Swag On - New AshlandVA Merch Store Launches

You asked, and asked, and asked - and we've finally answered! 

Show your love for Ashland and all things Center of the Universe with swag from the new AshlandVA Merch Store. From hoodies to hats, tees to tanks, water bottles to wee-sized ...

Celebrate Fall with the Ashland Parks Pumpkin Hunt

The Ashland Parks Pumpkin Hunt kicks off this Friday, October 14th, and will run through the end of the month. Enjoy Ashland's parks while you hunt for pumpkin artwork created by local kids at the Ashland Library and Ashland Farmers Market.

Can yo...

Ashland Unveils New Visitor Site & Planning Widget

Planning the perfect day or weekend in Ashland just got much easier! We’re excited to unveil the Town's new VisitAshlandVA website and Ashland VA Widget with integrated mobile apps, an interactive way to map out everything you don’t want to miss ...

Greenspot to Offer 50% off Electric Vehicle Charging in Ashland for 60 Days

Business Spotlight: RED VEIN Escape

Town's Nora Amos Wins Administrator of the Year Award

Congratulations to the Town of Ashland's Nora Amos, who won the 2022 Administrator of the Year Award from the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO)! 

Nora has served as the Director of Planning & Community Development for th...

APD Traffic Alert: Harvest Run & R-MC Homecoming

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, the Harvest Run will occur from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The running course will travel in areas between Carter Park and Randolph-Macon College. Some streets within the race parameter, including Route 54/England Street, will c...

Apply Now: 2022-23 Ashland Community Leadership Academy

The Ashland Community Leadership Academy is a series of monthly seminars designed to provide individuals living or working in Ashland with an in-depth look at how the town works, a chance to discuss important local issues with Town leaders, staff, and oth...

Berkleytown Receives Designation on National Register of Historic Places

The Town of Ashland is thrilled to share that on Tuesday, September 20th, Ashland's Berkleytown neighborhood received official designation and listing as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service...

Business Spotlight: ITL Group

Since 1977, ITL Group (a G&H company) has been an industry-leading outsourcing partner for true end-to-end design, development, and manufacturing of life-saving medical technology, diagnostic devices, and laboratory instruments. ITL began their US ope...

Town Council Presents Funding to Habitat for Humanity

On Tuesday, Sep. 20th, Ashland Town Council presented a check in the amount of $100,000 to Renee Robinson, Executive Director of Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity. This funding was made possible by the Town's American Rescue Plan Act ...

Business Spotlight: McKinney & Company

Founded in 1979, McKinney & Company is a multi-discipline engineering, architecture, and construction firm known for its innovative and smart solutions. Most recently and close to home, McKinney developed and finalized the design for Ashland'...

Downtown Ashland Association Presents: Ashland Halloween 2022

Ashland Halloween invites ghouls and goblins to a four-day event series in Downtown Ashland—Friday, October 28 through Monday, October 31, 2022. Local businesses will host quaint and quirky events, while Victorian homes take on a spooky glow for the long ...

Celebrating 10 Years of "Refunking" with Refunkit

Refunkit gift shop and art gallery in Ashland will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on Thursday, September 22, 2022!

Originally opened by three artists who enjoyed "refunking" furniture, household items, lamps, mannequins, and more, Refunkit is now...

It's Back to School Time! Be Safe & Stay Alert on Ashland Roads

It's back to school time! Hanover County Public Schools starts its 2022-2023 school year on Tuesday, Sep. 6th. With school buses and children once again traveling along Ashland's streets and sidewalks, the Ashland Police Department (APD)...

Ashcake Road I-95 Bridge Project Slated to Begin Sep. 8th

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is scheduled to begin the Ashcake Road (Route 657) bridge rehabilitation project over I-95 on Thursday, September 8th. The project, which will extend the lifetime of the bridge, is expected to be complete i...

Business Spotlight: Koenig Technology

Located at 340 Hill Carter Parkway, Koenig Technology is one of the leading manufacturers of machines for the production of baked goods. Since Koenig’s inception in 1966 in Austria, they have worked towards their goal of simplifying the...

Meet the Maker: Jinsun Bradner of Rina Factory Home Baked Goods

Download the Town's New Mobile App

Access to Town news and services is now at your fingertips with the new AshlandVA.gov mobile app! 

Free and compatible with both iOS and Android mobile phones, the AshlandVA.gov mobile app is a great tool for residents and business owners seeking ...

Construction Begins on Town Hall Lawn Pavilion

Construction is now underway on the Town Hall Pavilion, which will be located on the lawn in front of Ashland's Town Hall (121 Thompson Street). Envisioned as a shady gathering place for Ashlanders and a venue for small performances and community...

Business Spotlight: Caravati's Architectural Salvage

As the Richmond area's oldest supplier of architectural salvage, Caravati's Architectural Salvage has been dedicated to serving the customer in every aspect of old house restoration, remodeling, and repair since 1939. 

Owned and ...

Come One, Come All: Ashland Community Picnic on Aug. 6th

Ashlanders of all ages are invited to gather with neighbors and friends, new and old, for food, drinks, games, and a refreshing swim in Carter Park Pool (1112 Maple St) at a Community Picnic on Saturday, August 6th from 4pm-7pm.

Organized by the T...

Business Spotlight: Kristie Bradley Photography

Kristie Bradley Photography has been serving Ashland and the surrounding areas of Hanover and Henrico for almost 10 years. Putting down roots in Ashland with her brick-and-mortar studio in 2016, Kristie specializes in photographing high school senior port...

Historic John M. Gandy ES: Designed for Ashland's Next Generation

Designers from Crabtree, Rohrbaugh, & Associates presented the final renderings and gave a virtual tour of the interior of the new John M. Gandy Elementary School at the Hanover County School Board meeting held on Tuesday, July 12th, 2022. 

Th...

Investing in Ashland’s Future: ARPA Projects Update

In 2021, the Town learned we would receive over $8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the Federal government. Taking into consideration the various restrictions around the use of the funds, Town staff worked closely with Town Council on...

Town Council Recognizes Susan Richards, Appoints New Planning Commissioners

At their regularly scheduled meeting on June 7th, members of Ashland's Town Council recognized Mrs. Susan Richards for her years of service as a Planning Commissioner for the Town. 

Mrs. Richards was appointed in May 2020 to complete Feli...

Business Spotlight: Casa Herradura

Opened in 2021, Casa Herradura is a family-owned Mexican restaurant located at 428 England Street. Casa Herradura offers authentic Mexican food and the Bautista family truly loves to treat their customers like they're part of the family. ...

Meet the Maker: NANIH Farm & Garden

Welcome to our "Meet the Makers" series, where we're shining a light on some of our farmers market vendors. In this post, we're getting to know Patrick Johnson behind NANIH Farm & Garden. Ashland Farmers Market loves having...

Business Spotlight: BCLS Landscape Services

BCLS Landscape Services is a commercial landscape company providing grounds management, landscape enhancement services, irrigation, and commercial snow removal for clients throughout Central VA. In addition, BCLS offers commercial landscape installation s...

New EV Charging Stations in Downtown Ashland

Amid record inflation and rising fuel prices, the Town of Ashland unveiled four new public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations -- two each in the parking lots located at Town Hall (121 Thompson Street) and the Ashland Library (201 S Railroad Avenue).&...

Coming Soon: Pedestrian Improvements to Ashcake Road

In the coming months, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will begin the Preliminary Engineering phase for pedestrian improvements along Ashcake Road in the Town of Ashland to improve safety and walkability along this increasingly busy corrid...

Business Spotlight: Thrill of the Hunt

Opened in 2011, Thrill of the Hunt showcases a quality blend of stylish one-of-a-kind furniture, unique gifts, and home décor. 

In addition, they are an Annie Sloan Stockist for paint and supplies as well as offer custom furniture paint...

Amtrak Completes Upgrades at Ashland Station

A construction project to improve accessibility and safety at the Amtrak stop in Ashland has been completed. Amtrak and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) are partners in bringing Amtrak Northeast Regional daily service to the station located in...

APD Seeks Community Assistance in Identifying Possible Larceny Suspects

The Ashland Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying possible larceny suspects depicted in the below photographs.

In the overnight hours of June 3 and June 4, 2022, several vehicles were entered, and items were stolen from sev...

Meet the Maker: Studley Farms

Welcome to our "Meet the Makers" series, where we're shining a light on some of our farmers market vendors. In this post, we're getting to know the Boulden family behind Studley Farms. Ashland Farmers Market loves having Studle...

Ashland Residents Eligible for Discount on Flood Insurance

The Town of Ashland has been designated as a level 8 community by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). This recent change in designation means that Town residents may now be able to receive a discount on their flood i...

Business Spotlight: Beam Distributing

Beam Distributing is a woman-owned small business that was founded in Richmond in 2001 as a distributor of Pelican flashlights. Over the years, Beam grew to be the largest stocking distributor and dealer of Pelican products in the country. They are the su...

Homemades by Suzanne Receives 2022 SWaMmy Honor

The Town of Ashland would like to congratulate Homemades by Suzanne on receiving a 2022 SWaMmy Honor as a Legacy Business. Owner Suzanne Wolstenholme was recognized at an in-person event on Wednesday, May 25th. The 2022 SWaMmy Honors celebrates small, wom...

Mi Casa Es Su Casa: Building Community Through Art

On Thursday, May 12th, the Town of Ashland partnered with CultureWorks, The Branch, and residents of Ashland's Sedgefield neighborhood on a dynamic and meaningful community art event. Funded in part by a grant from the Town, CultureWorks organize...

The Fall Line Trail & Ashland

The Fall Line Trail. Whether you're a cycling superfan anxiously awaiting the Fall Line's completion or just hearing about it for the first time, this Ashland-focused overview provides details on the project, its goals, and how it could ...

Business Spotlight: Origin Beer Lab

Opened in 2016, Origin Beer Lab is a brewery that was built for research, development, and teaching of all things beer in downtown Ashland. Origin is the sister company to Center of the Universe Brewing and was created to continually tweak, enhance and cr...

APD Crime Prevention Tip: Burglars Shun Good Locks and Lights

Thieves and burglars don’t like quality locks and lighting and are often deterred by simple upgrades on your property. Step up your security measures with these tools:

Hidden shackle locks: Often used on tractor-trailer doors, homeowners...

Ashland Awarded Virginia Tourism Grant for “Center Your Universe" Marketing Campaign

The Town of Ashland is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC). The grant will help fund the Town’s “Center Your Universe” marketing and visitor experience campaign expected to launch in 202...

To Market, To Market: Ashland Farmers Market Opens May 7th

The Ashland Farmers Market will kick off its 2022 season on Saturday, May 7th! To celebrate and get those tastebuds primed for all the berries, cinnamon buns, and heirloom tomatoes you can carry, we're re-sharing a story and photos we ran last year on the...

Business Spotlight: ReMix Market & Junkluggers of Central Virginia

Junkluggers of Central Virginia is an eco-friendly junk removal company that takes an environmentally responsible approach by working with local area charities and nonprofits to donate, repurpose and reuse the items they pick up instead of dumping everyth...

APD Crime Prevention Tip: Phone Scams

Did you know that the 804 Area Code is considered one of the top 10 area codes in the country for scam phone calls?

Be alert for scam phone calls like the examples below:

• You’ve won a contest with a large prize (sometimes from overseas). Just send the conte...

Major Troy Aronhalt to Serve As Ashland's Next Chief of Police

The Town of Ashland is pleased to announce that Major Troy Aronhalt, Deputy Chief, has accepted an offer from Town Manager Josh Farrar to become the Ashland Police Department’s next Chief of Police.

“Given that fostering community relationships and buildin...

Highlights from the Town Manager's Proposed FY22-23 Budget

At the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, April 5th, Town Manager Josh Farrar shared his proposed budget for FY22-23. While a thoughtful and detailed budget is vitally important for transparency, all of those details can also make it difficult to decipher A...

Business Spotlight: We Think In Ink

Opened in 1988, We Think In Ink is a creative collaboration studio that offers quality, custom design and print services for businesses, government, community groups, and nonprofits in Hanover and the Richmond metro area.

“Ashland has so much going for it ...

APD Crime Prevention Tip: Home Improvement Scams

Home improvement scams increase as the weather breaks. In spring and summer, scam artists drive through neighborhoods hoping to find people in their yards. Once spotted, the victim is drawn into a conversation about the work that needs to be done on their...

FEMA Makes Changes to Ashland's Flood Insurance Rate Maps

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released the Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the Town of Ashland. These maps show the projected flood risk of properties, as well as areas that are subject to flooding. 

FEMA is ...

Business Spotlight: Hanover Foils

Hanover Foils is a flexible packaging converting company that specializes in foil products including confectionery foils, food wrap foils, beverage and dairy foils, pan stock for formed pans, Fin stock for refrigeration and HVAC, industrial foil products,...

How well do you know Ashland's parks?

Explore the Town of Ashland's Parks with a fun, family-friendly scavenger hunt! Sleuth your way through our parks solo or form a team to compete with/or against your friends!

How to Play

1. Register on the SCAVR app on your smartphone.

2. Open the app and fo...

Carter Park Pool Memberships On Sale Now

The countdown to summer is on, and there is no better place to beat the heat than Carter Park Pool!

Located in the Town of Ashland at 1112 Maple Street, Carter Park Pool offers eight junior Olympic-sized swimming lanes (25 meters) with a separate kiddie po...

APD Crime Prevention Tip: Solicitors

Did you know that Ashland Town Code requires all solicitors to obtain and display a license issued by the Police Department? 

As warm weather may increase the number of solicitors in our area, criminals may also solicit business or impersonate off...

Business Spotlight: Yoga on Center

Lorie and Brad Lower moved to Ashland in 2018 and opened the doors to Yoga on Center in October of the same year. Located at 403 S. Center Street, the building is a combination home and studio and sits a mere 25 feet from the train tracks. 

It’s a...

Community Meetings Recap

Thank you to everyone who attended and provided feedback at one of the Town Manager’s Community Meetings in February. 

We realize that taking time out of your day to attend Town meetings requires planning, considerable effort, and in some cases, s...

Spring Crime Prevention Tip: Lock Your Sheds & Garages

As spring and summer approach bringing us longer, warmer days, the Ashland Police Department would like to remind everyone of some tips to prevent residential crimes.

Remember to lock your sheds and garages. Many times, the best deterrent to keep ...

Town Council Presents Funding to Three Community Organizations

Members of Ashland's Town Council recently presented funding to three community organizations, which was made possible by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, that the Town received in 2021.

Circles Ashland (pictured at right) received $115,480 ...

Community Resource: Broadband Affordability Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. The program provides $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households.&...

Business Spotlight: Around The Table

After 27 years in the Culinary Arts field, Ammie Mines started Ammie’s Catering in 2016. "Through love and good food, I was able to bless many people, and my dream was to one day open my own restaurant," she said.

In 2021, Ammie and her cousin, K...

Ashland Town Council Approves Land Purchase in North Ashland

At their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 15^th, 2022, Ashland’s Town Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of three adjacent land parcels for development into a new public park. The Town is currently under contract for a purcha...

It’s Budget Time, and We Want to Hear from You

Every year, Ashland’s Town Council reviews, revises, and adopts an annual operating and capital budget for the Town. The budget is informed by community and staff input and guided by the Town’s Strategic Plan, which states that the Town’s budget should:&a...

And the Surveys Say...

Results from three different 2021 Town of Ashland surveys were presented at the Town Council meeting on Tues., Feb. 1st. While the intent, timing, and methodology of the National Community Survey, Business Survey, and Community Engagement Survey differed,...

Ashland Announces Retirement of Chief Doug Goodman

During a regular meeting of the Ashland Town Council on Tuesday, January 18^th, Town Manager Josh Farrar announced that Chief Doug Goodman will retire on May 1^st, 2022 from the Ashland Police Department after 14 years of exemplary leadership at the agency....

Introducing: "Talk of the Town"

Introducing “Talk of the Town” – a new email newsletter that will feature stories and actionable information about upcoming Town initiatives, programs, public meetings, and more. This newsletter will go out twice per month on the Thursday prior t...

Town of Ashland Welcomes Four New Full-Time Staff

The Town of Ashland welcomed four new full-time staff members between August 2021 and January 2022. The Business Development Coordinator and Planner II positions were hired to fill vacancies in the Town’s Planning & Community Development Department, w...

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to Begin Surveying in Ashland

This week, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) notified the Town of Ashland that they will begin surveying select Town-owned properties, businesses, and private residences to delineate boundaries between CSX Transportation right-of-way and right-...