Community Spotlight

HOPEWELL COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

City Hall 300 N Main Street, Hopewell, VA 23860

For more information, Email: info@hopewellva.gov

Hopewell Community Remembers Councilor Yolanda Wyche Stokes

HOPEWELL, VA – The City of Hopewell is mourning the loss of Councilor Yolanda Wyche Stokes, who died Tuesday, December 23, 2025. She was 64.

Councilor Stokes served the city for a short time, but her impact was immediate and lasting. A woman of deep faith, she was actively involved in her church and known for her love of singing. She frequently shared stories, wisdom, and Bible scriptures with those around her.

Despite facing illness, Councilor Stokes remained committed to public service and continued to serve the residents of Ward 6 with passion, courage, and integrity. She was a longtime community advocate and a strong supporter of voter engagement. In 2018, Stokes became the voting registrar for the City of Hopewell. She was elected to the Hopewell City Council in 2024, where she represented Ward 6 with dedication and a steadfast commitment to the community.

Councilor Stokes is survived by her son, Xavier, as well as extended family members, friends, fellow council members, city staff, and a grateful community. Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed.

Mayor Partin and City Council members quote, “Councilor Stokes will be deeply missed. Her love for the community was evident in all she did, and we are holding her family close in our thoughts and prayers.”

For more information, contact PIO@hopewellva.gov or call (804) 541-2244.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Month of December 2025 - January 3, 2026, Hopewell Skating Rink
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays only. 5 PM - 8 PM
301 East Randolph St., Hopewell, VA 23860

Early Christmas Present for Hopewell Fire Department

Hopewell Fire & EMS has received a nearly $10,000 donation from Arrowwood Addiction T reatment Center to support and enhance the department’s drone program.

Earlier this year, two newly certified drone pilots identified limitations in the department’s existing equipment, including longer deployment times and reduced operational effectiveness. The department had been operating two aging drone platforms that no longer met operational needs due to technological advancements. Funding for replacements had not previously been available.

Arrowwood Addiction Treatment Center contacted Hopewell Fire & EMS to offer assistance, enabling the department to purchase a new drone from ANZU Robotics, an American-based company headquartered in Austin, Texas, that specializes in secure, high-performance, and affordable drone technology.

The new drone retains all capabilities of previous models while offering improved portability, faster deployment, and the ability to livestream real-time video to command staff and the city’s Emergency Operations Center. The donation also funded additional batteries, providing approximately two hours of total flight time, and a speaker system to support communication during emergencies.

The upgraded technology will enhance response efforts during structure fires, hazardous materials incidents, land and water search-and-rescue operations, and other emergencies.

Hopewell Fire & EMS extends our appreciation to Arrowwood Addiction.

Treatment Center for its generosity and continued partnership in supporting public safety in the city of Hopewell.

Main Street Station Co-Working Space Opens

in Downtown Hopewell

Downtown Hopewell is celebrating a new milestone in its economic growth with the opening of Main Street Station Co-Working Space, the city’s first co-working facility. Located at 117 S Main Street, the newly opened space officially welcomed its first tenants this week and represents a significant step forward in supporting entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small businesses in the community. To read the full article and get more information, click here.

Discover Hopewell

Visit our local restaurants for lunch and dinner.

Click this link for list of Churches and Places of Worship in theCity of Hopewell, VA

Share Community Events

Submit your event to PIO@hopewellva.gov

and follow the format guidelines for the document. Your event can be featured in the spotlight.

The deadline for submission is Wednesdays at 12 PM (noon)

Visit our Website

Virginia State University Career Services invites you to register for the upcoming Spring 2026 Pathways to the DREAM Internship & Career Expo. The event will be held on February 4, 2026 from 10:00am-3:00 pm. Please find the registration link below.

https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/887af19b-e887-4c38-92ed-99277af89f8f/employer_preview

Please note that registration is now open and will close once the maximum capacity of 110 registrants is reached. You are encouraged to complete your registration as soon as possible, as this event fills up quickly. Once capacity is reached, a waitlist will be created on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there.