In the Hampton Roads region, combined state and local sales taxes add up to 6% to 7%.

Virginia has offered the sales tax holiday for more than a decade, usually in early August to coincide with the back-to-school season. Last year the holiday was delayed until October because of problems during budget negotiations.

Eligible tax-free items include school supplies that cost $20 or less per item, as well as clothing and footwear that cost $100 or less per item. Eligible emergency preparedness products include portable generators for $1,000 or less and gas-powered chainsaws for $350 or less. Some Energy Star and WaterSense products for home or personal use are also eligible.

Sports gear, protective equipment and accessories are not eligible. A full list of eligible items can be found online at tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday.

Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com

On Wednesday, July 31, customers can get as many doughnuts as they like for $1 each, while supplies last, the North Carolina-based chain said in a news release.

The offer is only available in-store and no additional purchase is necessary.

Rewards members can get $1 original glazed doughnuts starting Thursday, Aug. 1, for a limited time, according to Krispy Kreme.

The doughnut and coffee chain is also rolling out a few limited-time treats to celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The new “Go USA” dozen features three fan-favorite doughnuts:

• Go USA doughnut
• Chocolate iced glazed with sprinkles doughnut
• Original glazed doughnut

Find your nearest Krispy Kreme here.

“We are dedicated to brewing exceptional craft beers that cater to all tastes while creating a community hub in the heart of Gloucester Main Street,” Mike Brewer, owner of Gloucester Brewing Co., said in a news release. “This support will allow us to continue making facility improvements and serving our community with high-quality, locally brewed craft beers.”

The Backing Small Businesses grant program by the National Main Street Center in partnership with American Express provides support to businesses that are integral to the economic and social fabric of their communities, particularly those in historic commercial districts. The program awarded grants to 500 recipients across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico this year. Grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.

The grant will help Gloucester Brewing, founded in 2018, expand its marketing efforts and enhance customer comfort as it commits to fostering a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, the business announced.

Posh Wholesale Surf Shop recently opened on 17 1/2 Street behind Get Lost Shave Ice.

Customers can enter the quaint, 600-square-foot surf boutique through the oversized garage door. The bright pink and blue walls are decorated with oversized pool floats, surfboards and three large TV screens playing surfing videos.

Owner Tim Paasch said his store carries different products than the other area surf shops.

“We try and source local inventory and try to stick with USA made products,” he said. “We have sourced products on a wholesale basis, so we can save locals money on their purchases.”

The shop carries surfboards, skimboards, body boards and paddle boards. Other surf shop products include beach cruisers, skateboards, coolers, trendy clothing, floppy sun hats, beach apparel, snorkel gear and children’s beach items.

Local artist Ally Washington said she was happy to have her handmade beaded jewelry included in the new surf shop.

Her brand, Hangin’ Around, features a collection of bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

“I love that Posh Surf Shop is supporting local artists like me,” Washington said. “It’s a win-win relationship because the shop gives me exposure, and I’m bringing my large customer base to the store.”

Paasch, born and raised in Virginia Beach, grew up riding his bike to the beach. He said he shopped at all the local surf shops and always wanted to open one himself. His passion wasn’t just for the sport of surfing, but for the lifestyle it represented.

The local entrepreneur also opened Moke America Virginia Beach, which rents and sells street-legal golf carts, on 17th Street. Additionally, he operates the rental company RentBeachBuggies.com.

Paasch said Posh Surf isn’t just about selling products. It’s about sharing a lifestyle. “The surf shop is for locals to buy at local prices.”

Old Point National Bank Chairman, President and CEO Robert Shuford Jr. said in a second-quarter report the bank would close its Crown Center branch at 580 E. Main St. on Sept. 27. The bank has a branch on Granby Street in Ghent.

“This is not a decision we made lightly and we remain dedicated to serving customers in the community by providing banking services through our other nearby branches, online and mobile banking, and customer support center,” Shuford said.

Old Point started efforts to reduce expenses in late 2023 amid inflationary pressures and economic conditions increasing the cost of doing business, Shuford previously reported. The bank had reported the decision to reduce its employee headcount by about 12% in the first half of the year.

Last year, Old Point’s net income was $7.7 million, down from $9.1 million in 2022, according to its annual report.

In January, the company announced the transition of mortgage loan processing to Chesapeake-based Tidewater Home Funding as part of a strategic alliance that would continue Old Point Mortgage branding. That decision was related to both rising interest rates and expense control.

Still, Shuford reported Thursday the company’s net income was the highest it has been in five quarters at $2.5 million. While loan growth slowed as expected, he said core deposit growth was stronger than anticipated. As of June 30, Old Point reported total assets of $1.4 billion and total deposits of $1.2 billion.

“We approach the second half of 2024 with continued optimism given the strength of our company, driven by an outstanding team of employees,” Shuford said. “I remain fully confident about the ability of our team to drive value for our customers, our communities, and our shareholders.”

Boar’s Head Provisions Co. recalled its liverwurst because it may be tainted with the listeria bacteria, the U.S. Agriculture Department said. The company is also recalling additional deli meats that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst.

The USDA said a sample of Boar’s Head liverwurst from a Maryland store tested positive for listeria. The sample was from an unopened package, collected by the Maryland Department of Health as part of an investigation into the listeria outbreak.

Testing is underway to determine if the liverwurst sample is connected to the outbreak, health officials said.

The outbreak was first reported last week. As of Thursday, 34 people were sickened, with all but one hospitalized. Two people died.

People most commonly reported eating deli-sliced turkey, liverwurst and ham, officials said.

Listeria can contaminate food and sicken people who eat it. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. It can be treated with antibiotics, but it is especially dangerous to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

An estimated 1,600 people get listeria food poisoning each year and about 260 die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Boar’s Head recall includes a number of products stamped with an August 10 sell-by date, including bologna, garlic bologna, beef bologna, beef salami, Italian Cappy-style ham and Extra Hot Italian Cappy-style ham. Also included is Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat and Eat, with a sell-by date of Aug. 15.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

The home goods, appliances and consumer electronics retailer is closing 70 of its 170 stores nationwide, according to its website. The closing Hampton Roads locations are:

• 1082 W. Mercury Blvd., Hampton
• 2550 Airline Blvd., Portsmouth
• 3421 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach

The retailer is advertising a going-out-of-business sale online with 30%-50% off its e-commerce site and in-store.

Conn’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on July 23 after three years of declining sales, the Houston Chronicle reported. As of June, the company reported operating more than 550 stores, including 380 Badcock Home Furniture & more stores, across 15 states.

Wiers Farm expanded last week’s recall on Monday and the FDA posted the announcement on Tuesday.

Here’s what to know:

What foods are recalled from what stores in which states?

This recall includes bagged produce and bulk produce sold individually or by the pound.

Bagged produce:

Walmart: Stores in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia carried Wiers Farm brand bagged Green Beans (variable weights), Salad Cucumber (2-pound), Poblano (16-ounce), Cubanelle (16-ounce) and two-count trays of Organic Bell Peppers, Organic Cucumbers, Organic Yellow Squash, Organic Zucchini Squash.

Aldi: Stores in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and West Virginia sold Freshire Farms brand bagged green beans in 16-ounce bags and Jalapenos in 8-ounce bags.

Bulk produce:

Anaheim peppers; Cubanelle peppers; green bell peppers; Jalapeno peppers; Habanero peppers; Hungarian Wax peppers; Poblano peppers; Serrano peppers; green beans; cucumbers; pickling cucumbers; mustard greens; cilantro; parsley; and tomatillos.

Walmart: Stores in Kentucky, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee.

Kroger: Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia.

Save A Lot: North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.

Shop N Save: Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, West Virginia and Ohio (only cucumbers, green bell peppers and pickling cucumber).

Shop N Save Express: West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Fas Chek Market:Pennsylvania and West Virginia, but only cucumbers.

Foodland: Pennsylvania and West Virginia, but only cucumbers, green bell peppers and pickling cucumbers.

Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio Foodbanks: Mixed Vegetable boxes.

Pennsylvania individual markets: Masontown’s Shoppers Value and Kitanning’s Franklin foods got cucumbers; Ligonier’s Sherwood Forest Foods and Connellsville’s Pechin Market got green bell peppers; Grove City Country Market got green bell peppers and pickling cucumbers; and Johnstown’s Market Basket got pickling cucumbers.

Why are they being recalled?

According to the original recall notice from Wiers Farm, Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development tested some of the cucumbers in the original recall and found listeria. Wiers Farm, based in Willard, Ohio, says that prompted the company and the Ohio Department of Agriculture to do its own investigation.

“This expansion is in response to that investigation,” the recall expansion alert says. “Wiers Farm is committed to implementing all measures necessary to fully resolve this situation.”

What is listeria?

Listeria strikes relatively few people in the United States annually, but it kills about 260 of the 1,600 people it does strike, according to the CDC. That doesn’t include listeria-caused miscarriages. Pregnant women, people over 65 and children under 5 get listeria’s worst.

Most people suffer from headaches, fever, muscle aches and stiffness, confusion, unsteadiness and seizures.

What should you do?

Take any recalled foods back to the store where you bought them for a full refund. Take any questions about this recall to Wiers Farm at 419-933-2161 or customercare@wiersfarm.com.

©2024 McClatchy Washington Bureau. Visit at mcclatchydc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Dance moves such as the head spin, windmill, worm or the moonwalk will be on display at downtown Norfolk’s Selden Market, which is hosting a breakdancing competition on Friday during its “Summer Games” themed event.

The market wanted to mark the inauguration of breakdancing in the Olympics during an after-hours game night and vendor market, said Careyann Weinberg, director of economic vitality of Downtown Norfolk Council, which operates Selden Market.

The best breakdancer will receive a cash prize, and the winner will be chosen based on audience reaction. The dance-off starts at 7 p.m.

“The Selden Market shops have created a fun summer series around social gaming and healthy competition,” said Sarah Spence Ting, Selden Market manager. “It’s a nod to the ultimate competition — the international Olympic Games.”

Selden Market shops will host games such as ax-throwing and cornhole. Cooking with Greens, a store selling healthy spice blends and kitchen ware, plans to host an archery competition.

Derak Green, owner of Cooking with Greens, said the “Summer Games” event is all about showcasing Selden Market while giving customers something fun to do.

Many of the shops have planned creative games that won’t be found in the Olympics such as a coffee cup race by S’mores Amore, a “guess the tea” game by Potted and a “Golden Girls” trivia game hosted by Norfolk Candle.

All the storefronts will participate in a market-wide scavenger hunt, and pop-up vendors will join in on the games and offer themed products and crafts. A Summer Games photo booth, music by DJs and themed food and beverages will be available at the free event from 6-9 p.m. Friday.

In Town Center of Virginia Beach, Keagan’s Irish Pub and Three Notch’d Brewery & Craft Kitchen will co-host a “Summer Bar Olympics” at noon Sunday. The free event invites teams to compete in bar-themed games such as a tic-tac-toe flip cup game, oversized Jenga, yard pong, hopscotch and relay races. Customers can enjoy free beer tastings and swag, too.

Smartmouth Brewing is getting in the Olympic spirit by releasing a special beer named Screaming Eagle Pale Ale that features an Olympic-themed label designed by local artist Dwight Easter. The release party is 7 p.m. Friday at Smartmouth’s Norfolk location. Easter will sign copies of the label and sell art that reflects Olympic athletes.

Also, Smartmouth will be hosting an Olympics-themed competition Tuesdays through Aug. 6 that includes games such as beer pong, cornhole and Kan Jam. A $10 entry fee per team goes toward a donation to the Elizabeth River Trail.

The Old Beach Farmers Market in the ViBe Creative District is celebrating the Summer Games with a French-American market day. Bakers and vendors have created Olympic-themed items such as tartes aux abricots (glazed French apricot tarts) by Lexi Berlin, French-inspired sourdough baguettes and brioche breads by Krid’s Crumbs and gougères (cheese puffs) by the Virginia Pie Shop. Shop the market 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at 620 19th St.

“Dogtopia Games,” hosted by doggy daycare Dogtopia in Town Center, featured four-legged athletes for its Olympic-style activities this week. The week started with opening ceremonies featuring bubble torches and activities including agility exercises and water sports in a kiddie pool. The weeklong event for clients wraps up Friday with a closing ceremony for the pups. Just like the real Olympics, dogs will pose with medals and trophies that will be captured during a photo shoot.

Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net

The restaurant’s official Facebook page posted photos of the aftermath which showed what appeared to be the front entrance being punched in by a silver sedan, with the glass door and large windows pushed all the way to the benches of the waiting area inside.

The post stated that the restaurant, located in the 3400 block of West Mercury Boulevard, will be closed until the repairs are completed.

“We look forward to seeing each and every one of your smiling faces in the very near future,” the post read.

It’s unclear if anyone was injured and whether there was anyone in the restaurant at the time.

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com