Governor Youngkin launches digital hub for veterans
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced by email the launching of the state’s Gold Standard Digital Hub which offers Virginia veterans and their family’s better access to benefits.
Military families will be able to more easily access information regarding earned benefits and resources tailored to their needs with cross-agency support.
The new service will also provide affordable apartments giving veterans priority placement as well as legal services and many other services.
A veteran or family member can access the website here.
The website is provided by the Virginia Department of Veteran Services.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Forbes names Winchester a top location for retirees
Forbes named Winchester one of the top 25 places to retire in 2023.
Winchester was one of two cities in Virginia on the list joining Virginia Beach.
Some of the reasons highlighted by the publication include a median home price 7% below the national average, low serious crime rate, very low vulnerability to natural hazards and high air quality.
The only con listed was that it is only “somewhat bikeable” but the city was praised for its walkability.
Some other important qualities for retirees included the lack of a state tax on Social Security or inheritance.
Winchester also appeared on Forbes 2019 list for Best Small Places for Business and Careers where the city ranked 9th.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
News Maker Sheriff Tim Carter on keeping Shenandoah Co. Safe
As we try to do at least once a month, we check in with Shenandoah County Sheriff Tim Carter in our news maker segments.
News makers are brought to you by Warren County Together We are Community.
Today Sheriff Carter tells us about the community outreach his office is doing in the coming months.
He also tells us of the chances to create community watch programs all over Shenandoah County.
Sheriff Carter also tells us how to stay connected with his office to keep up to date on the planned meetings to keep communities across Shenandoah County safe.
Click here for Sheriff Carter news maker.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Drug arrest made after overdose of 13 year old girl
Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) announced an arrest on Thursday, May 25th for the man believed to be the distributor of drugs that led to the overdose of a 13 year old girl.
On Tuesday, May 23, officers received a report about the young girl’s overdose that was later linked to LSD, a potent psychedelic drug, and psilocybin, commonly known as shrooms.
During the investigation of the overdose, officers identified contact information for the distributor.
Officers contacted the distributor posing as a juvenile and arranged a sale in Marshall.
The suspect, identified as Shayan Seifazadeh, 18 of Ashburn, was arrested at the location for the sting and officers located LSD and MDMA in a search of his vehicle.
He was arrested on multiple counts including, possession with intent to distribute, distribution, and distribution to a minor of a Schedule I or II substance.
He is being held at Fauquier County Adult Detention Center without a bond.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
BRNGTF concludes six month investigation with drug arrest
The Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force confirmed by email that they have concluded a six month investigation on May 25 after the arrest of a Rappahannock resident.
Eric L. Butler, 45, was arrested following a search warrant of his property that uncovered 100 grams of cocaine, 20 grams of heroin, 100 grams of marijuana and $21,792 cash.
The street value of the drugs is estimated at $18,000.
Officers also seized seven firearms and a 2009 Chevy Tahoe in the search.
He was charged with two felony counts of possession with intent to distribute schedule I/II drug, one felony count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one felony count of possession of a firearm while in possession of a schedule I/II drug, and one felony count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Butler is being held at RSW Regional Jail on a secured bond.
The Task Force also thanked law enforcement from surrounding areas and the Virginia State Police for their assistance in the investigation.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
River Report: 5-29-23
Happy Memorial Day! It’s the unofficial start to Summer, and Mark has some important safety reminders as friends and family gather on the river. Brought to you by Front Royal Outdoors, where Don Roberts can help you safely enjoy our beautiful South Fork. Visit https://frontroyaloutdoors.com
and plan your next adventure!
Intersection improvements begin along Boyce’s Main Street
The Virginia Department of Transportation will begin improvements on the intersection of Route 340 (Greenway Avenue) and Route 723 (Main Street) in Boyce on Wednesday, May 31.
VDOT crews will install flashing stop signs and a high visibility crosswalk with pedestrian signs. The existing overhead flashing signals will be removed.
During installation, motorists should expect flagger traffic control from 8 am to 4 pm.
Crews will return a week later to remove the overhead signals.
When the intersection is complete, drivers approaching the intersection on Route 723 will encounter the dynamic stop signs.
Remember to stop completely and proceed when the road is clear.
The improvements were made following a request by the Town of Boyce to evaluate the intersection.
VDOT plans to install a full traffic signal at the intersection in the future.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
WCPS announces summer meal program
Warren County Public Schools in partnership with No Kid Hungry will offer free summer meals in the county June 5th through July 27th.
Daily meals will be offered Monday through Thursday with a few exceptions for holidays.
Three options are available to acquire the lunches including pick up at E Wilson Morrison Elementary School with breakfast available from 8 AM- 10 AM and Lunch from 11 AM to 1 PM.
A Sodexo Van will also bring meals to stops at Brighter Futures, Front Royal Church of Nazarene, Kendrick Lane Apartments, and Royal Hill Apartments.
Another WCPS SUV Route will travel between Skyline Middle and High Schools and Royal Arms Apartments.
Not all areas of the county qualify for the program but anyone age 1-18 in qualifying areas can receive free meals.
To see if you qualify or to recommend an area to the program call 540-631-0040 ext. 3.
To view the announcement shared by WCPS, click here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Newtown Heritage Festival returns to Stephens City
Newtown Heritage Festival kicked off in Stephens City yesterday with the marquis events set for today.
The Newtown Commons open at 10 am with food, craft vendors, and the Festival HQ.
History lovers should check out the Newtown History Center which will be hosting four other local museums or take a free guided trolley tour of the town.
Tickets through the HQ are free but required due to limited seating on the trolley.
Live music starts at noon with the Newtown String band and continues into the evening with Gunner Heathe, A Little Too Serious, and Dunlap & Mabe.
The festival parade starts at 2 pm and will shut down a portion of Route 11 for the duration of the event.
If heading to the festival earlier, do not park along Main Street or you will be towed before the parade.
The festivities will conclude at 9 PM with a bang thanks to a fireworks display.
For a full list of events, click here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Furever Friday Meet: Squish
Welcome back to Furever Friday! Each week, we spotlight an adoptable Pet from the Humane Society of Warren County.
Today we are featuring Squish believed to be a boxer mix and the shelter says he is a bundle of joy. Squish is somewhere around 2 years old. He is potty trained and full of love according to the shelter. One thing for sure like all animals at the Humane Society Warren County he is neutered, microchipped and up to date on all vaccinations.
If you would like to give Squish his forever home please fill out an application at humanesocietywarrencounty.com. Once you apply and are approved, a staff member will contact you with the next steps.
You can also check out the Humane Society of Warren County’s adoptable pets on petfinder.com.
Furever Friday is proudly sponsored by Shear Elegance Pet Boutique. Shear Elegance Pet Boutique has been giving pets the love, care and respect they deserve since 2011.
Visit them today off John Marshall Highway and on Facebook.
The Humane Society of Warren County offers their Pick of the Litter Thrift Store at 450 S. Commerce Ave. Front Royal.
The store is a great way to support the Humane Society of Warren County by way of both purchase and donations.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
