Ed Pugh

Inspire Energy, a local energy company, has stepped up in a big way to support the Suffolk Cheer Fund, both financially and through hands-on volunteer work. The company's commitment to the Suffolk community shines through their dedication to this vital program, which provides holiday assistance to families in need.

The King's Fork Bulldogs (10-1) will host the Nansemond River Warriors (9-2) in the Region 5B semifinals on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. The winner will advance to the Region 5B championship to face either Maury or Warwick.

Nansemond River High School swept the top individual honors in Class 5 field hockey, with senior Anyia Woods earning Player of the Year and head coach Alison Dize claiming Coach of the Year. The Virginia High School League announced the awards as part of its 2024 Class 5 All-State team release. This marks the first time in school history that Nansemond River has taken home both awards.

Michael D. Duman was declared the winner of the Suffolk mayoral race Monday by a razor-thin margin, according to election results certified by the Virginia State Board of Elections. The certified results show Duman out gained his opponent Clinton L. Jenkins by a mere 164 votes (0.32%). The tight margin could trigger a request for recount by Jenkins, however, in a statement on Nov. 15, Jenkins was unsure if he would make that request. A request for an update from Jenkins on Dec. 3 was not immediately provided. Given the margin is less than .5%, the local electoral board would be responsible for the cost of the recount.

Javon Ford II, the standout running back from Kings Fork High School, officially signed to play football at Towson University on the NCAA's first signing period of the 2025 recruiting cycle on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

The Suffolk Planning Commission's Nov. 19, 2024 meeting, saw debate surrounding parking for Pearlz & Bowtiez, a proposed community center aiming to provide a space for community engagement and events. The project, submitted by Roberta and Talbot Branch, seeks to transform a former laundromat at 506 E. Washington Street into a multipurpose space for skills workshops, tutoring, vendor shows, and various events.

The 2024 National Night Out (NNO) rankings have been released and even though Suffolk catapulted into a new population category of 100,000-300,000, it was able to crack the top 10 in attendance for the 2024 event.

King's Fork took care of Cape Henry 95-55 on Monday. Tyson Harper led all scorers with 26 points, and Jeremiah Morris led the Bulldogs with 12 rebounds and added 12 points. Adarius Boston added 14 points and nine rebounds, and Khalil Caple added 10 points and 7 boards.

In this, its 90th year, the Suffolk Cheer Fund continues its tradition of providing Christmas to children less fortunate throughout Suffolk, meeting the $50,000 goal set for the 2024 campaign. As the giving season comes to a close, so to does the 90th anniversary of the funds' existence. Here is a look back at how the fund started and how it arrived at where it is today.