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Fifty Years After its Opening, Chesterfield Celebrates Reimagined LaPrade Library
 County leaders, library staff, and community members celebrated the reopening of LaPrade Library on Monday, Feb. 9 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that welcomed residents back to the newly renovated space.
“We’re reopening more than a building,” said Deputy County Administrator Clay Bowles. “We’re reintroducing a resource that has grown alongside this community for decades.”
The 20,000-square-foot facility blends its longstanding role in the community with modern updates to improve accessibility and functionality. Enhancements include expanded meeting and collaborative spaces, a relocated building entrance, upgraded technology, new furnishing, enhanced natural lighting, a makerspace, a reading porch, and an outdoor activity space.
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In the News
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County Offices Closed
Feb. 16 for Presidents Day
Chesterfield County government offices, courts, libraries and convenience centers are closed next Monday, Feb. 16 in observance of Presidents Day. All will reopen Tuesday morning under normal operating hours.
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Apply for Summer Internship Program Through Feb. 15
Chesterfield is accepting applications through Sunday, Feb. 15 for the 2026 summer internship program. Interns are introduced to local government through a variety of meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
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Register for Spring Session of Govt. Citizens Academy
Have you ever wanted to learn more about local government? Would you enjoy meeting county staff and leaders, to ask questions and provide feedback? If so, sign up for Chesterfield’s Government Citizens Academy. Registration is open through Friday, Feb. 23 for the spring 2026 academy.
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Provide Input on Regional Transportation Projects
The Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) will hold a public hearing on Friday, Feb. 27 to receive input on a round of regionally funded transportation projects for fiscal years 2027 through 2032. A 15-day public comment period begins Wednesday, Feb. 11, and ends Thursday, Feb. 26
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Community Champions Awards Nominations Open
Nominations are open through Monday, March 9 for the Chesterfield Community Champions Awards, which honor residents, groups and organizations who volunteer to go above and beyond. Winners are recognized across seven categories, from youth volunteers to senior citizens making a difference in our community.
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RMTA Transitioning to Fully Electronic Tolls This Year
Heads up, Chesterfield drivers! The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority (RMTA) is transitioning to all-electronic tolling on the Powhite Parkway, Downtown Expressway and Boulevard Bridge in early 2026. Drivers are encouraged to obtain an E-Z Pass as cash payments will no longer be accepted once the change is complete.
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Due to field conditions at River City Sportsplex, Chesterfield Parks and Recreation's third annual Snowball Festival has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy skating on a synthetic ice rink and playing in a variety of winter-themed inflatables.
We're also delighted to announce that African penguins from the Metro Richmond Zoo will be making a special appearance at the Snowball Festival. Come out and visit our penguin friends in person!
Admission to the event and skate rentals are free. Food and drinks will be available to purchase from vendors.
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Upcoming Events
Marlbank Farms Town Hall
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6-8 p.m. at Matoaca Middle School
Matoaca District Supervisor Kevin Carroll will host a town hall to discuss the pending Marlbank Farms residential rezoning case (25SN1153). The scheduled meeting is a follow-up to a community meeting hosted by the case applicant in December. The town hall will provide residents an additional opportunity to learn about the proposed rezoning and offer feedback.
Hopkins Road Bridge Design Public Hearing
Thursday, Feb. 12, 4-6 p.m. at Falling Creek Elementary School
The purpose of the project is to improve the Hopkins Road bridge by replacing the existing single-span bridge structure with a new single-span concrete box-beam bridge and widen the approaching roadway to meet the width of the new bridge. Display boards of the design elements will be available for review at the public hearing hosted by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Route 360-Courthouse Road Intersection Information Meeting
Thursday, Feb. 12, 5:30-7 p.m. at North Courthouse Road Library
The purpose of this VDOT project study is to evaluate potential modifications at the intersection of Hull Street and Courthouse roads. It seeks to develop an intersection improvement that will address conflict points while providing congestion relief and improving the flow of traffic through this area. The public is invited to review information and submit comments now through Feb. 26.
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Black History Month: Celebrate Century of Commemorations
Chesterfield County and Virginia State University are celebrating Black History Month with a full calendar of programs that bring history, culture and community together throughout February. From live music and storytelling experiences to lectures and hands-on learning, this year’s observance centers around the national theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”
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Chesterfield Behind the Mic
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On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, which drops tomorrow, we talk to Dr. Mark Miller of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors about his first tenure as chair, some of the big items facing the county in 2026, and a number of updates on projects in the Midlothian District.
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Every Monday, This Week in Chesterfield points residents to fun, exciting and interesting things going on around their community.
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Chesterfield Behind the Mic is an audio and video podcast focusing on the people, stories and happenings of #Cfield.
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Subscribe to our Chesterfield on Point blog to stay informed about a variety of topics and events important to the community.
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Adoptable Pet Spotlight
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Say hello to Snowflake!
This beautiful girl is Snowflake (Her name is fitting after all of the winter weather we have been receiving lately). Unfortunately Snowflake's owner was unable to continue caring for her. She is an almost 4-year-old spayed female. Snowflake loves to talk to her people and play with interactive toys. She also loves to get all of your attention.
While at the shelter she has been very tolerant of daily handling, veterinary care, and even having her nails trimmed. We know how special Snowflake is and we know she will find a new home soon.
If you are interested in meeting this pet, please contact Chesterfield County Animal Services at 804-748-1683, option "2," to schedule an appointment. Office staff are available by phone 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Our shelter is located at 9300 Public Works Road.
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Resources and Useful Information
Report Concerns or Request Assistance
Chesterfield County is dedicated to upholding the highest standards through efficient uses of resources, promoting integrity and accountability and ensuring Chesterfield is the best place to live, learn, work and play.
As part of that commitment, the county welcomes and encourages citizens to provide feedback, concerns, report fraud, waste or abuse.
If you are experiencing an emergency or to report a crime in progress, call 911. For more information, please visit chesterfield.gov/report.
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GRTC's LINK Service Now Operating on Hull Street Road
LINK, the on-demand microtransit service from GRTC, is now available in the Clover Dale Zone.
LINK runs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-8 p.m., connecting you anywhere in your community. Simply download the GRTC on the Go app and select your pick-up and drop-off locations anywhere within our service area, and we’ll be there within 20 minutes to get you where you need to go.
The Clover Dale Zone provides quick and convenient service along Hull Street Road from Chippenham Mall to Harbourside Centre, with direct connection to downtown Richmond via GRTC’s Route 1C and 82x. LINK vehicles are fully ADA accessible, and feature on-board WIFI and USB charging ports – and right now, LINK is entirely fare-free!
For more information, visit ridegrtc.com/link or call 804-358-4792.
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Get Accurate, Up-to-Date Information from Chesterfield Alert
Now is the time for residents to familiarize themselves with all of the different ways that Chesterfield County puts out emergency information.
One of those is Chesterfield Alert, an opt-in system that sends messages directly to you in the event of an emergency. This system can send out alerts via text, email, and phone call depending on how the subscriber chooses to receive the messages. Sign up today!
Click here to learn more about how you can get accurate, up-to-date information from Chesterfield in the event of an emergency.
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Request a Speaker Today!
Did you know your group or organization can request a speaker from the #Cfield Speakers Bureau? The Speakers Bureau features a variety of topics on current and timely subjects from county leaders who are eager to talk to your group or organization.
Our subject-matter experts want to be your best resource for getting answers to important questions about Chesterfield. Topics include:
✅ District update – Request your board member to speak
✅ Preparing for an emergency - Emergency Management
✅ Senior resources in Chesterfield - Office of Aging and Disability Resources
✅ So much more
Request a speaker online.
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 Congrats to Our Outstanding School Counselors of the Year
Feb. 2-6 was National School Counseling Week, an annual recognition designed to focus public attention on the contribution of school counselors. Each year, CCPS recognizes outstanding school counselors who go above and beyond in order to maximize student success and promote access and opportunity for all students.
Congratulations to these school counselor leaders who are all in for all students:
- Outstanding First-Year Counselor of the Year: Hannah Dowdy of Monacan High
- Outstanding Elementary School Counselor of the Year: Kristen Bailey-Hardy of Falling Creek Elementary
- Outstanding Middle School Counselor of the Year: Christopher Jeter of Falling Creek Middle
- Outstanding High School Counselor of the Year: Annathen Lacks of Thomas Dale High
Read more about these amazing counselors and their dedication to the well-being of our students on our website.
Enrollment Open for Chesterfield Virtual School, CCPSOnline
For families interested in an alternative to the traditional school setting, registration for Chesterfield Virtual School and CCPSOnline for the 2026-27 school year is now open through April 24.
Chesterfield Virtual School offers K-8 instruction with licensed teachers following the format of other Chesterfield Schools. The virtual school operates like any other school, with student support services, PTA, after-school programs, student clubs, and more.
CCPSOnline offers courses for grades 9-12 taught online by licensed CCPS teachers and delivered through the Canvas learning management system. Students have opportunities to interact with their teacher and peers throughout the course, but do not follow a daily bell schedule.
VIDEO: Celebrating Students at Chalkley ES's RACER Week
Join us for a glimpse of RACER Week at Chalkley Elementary, where students who are positive role models get celebrated by their fellow students, teachers, and community with an inspiring parade for the example they set for their school.
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Explore career opportunities in Chesterfield and join our team of dedicated professionals in Government and Public Schools—apply today to shape our community’s future.
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Discover who represents you in Chesterfield and learn more about your magisterial district to stay connected and informed.
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