hburgnews.com

This week, the Breeze reports a more than 50% decease in criminal charges filed against JMU students in college housing areas August 27-28, as compared to 2009 levels over a similar period. JMU classes began on Monday, August 30. According to the story, 289 charges were filed the weekend before classes began in 2009.  This year, 43 of 139 total charges were filed by JMU officers.  Maggie Burkhart-Evans, JMU director of Residence Life, said it was much quieter in the dorms over the weekend than in past years, according to the story.   Additionally, in a press release this afternoon, the Strong Families/Great Youth Coalition announced that over  this upcoming weekend, September 3 and 4, the Harrisonburg Police Department and the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office are stepping up saturation patrols—not just for driving drunk, but for all alcohol- and drug-related offenses.

In a somewhat related story, WHSV reports a new survey released by the Office of Children and Youth has discovered an increase in marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes use, as well as increased engagement in sexual activity among 8th, 10th and 12th graders in Harrisonburg and Rockingham county as compared to 2007 reported levels. The 2007 report is here; the most recent report is not yet posted on the OCY website.

Also related to JMU student activity, despite the publicity associated with Spring Fling in April, WHSV is reporting that the Harrisonburg Rockingham County Chamber of Commerce is working with JMU on new initiatives to keep JMU students in the area after graduation. The program is called Vision 2020, and includes in part a survey requesting community feedback on a draft of a vision statement describing the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County area in 2020;  link to the survey here.