VSP investigates fatal crash in Nelson County

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Sunday morning (Dec. 21) in Nelson County.

At approximately 12:40 a.m., troopers responded to a crash on Route 60, approximately one-half mile east of Tye River Road.

A 1999 Chrysler Town & Country was traveling eastbound on Route 60/Richmond Highway when it ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as 39-year-old Christinia Vaughn of Gladstone.

Vaughn succumbed to her injuries at the scene. She was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Wine Wisdom for the Holidays

wine wisdom pod

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves pondering the perfect bottle of wine to bring to festive gatherings or to gift our gracious hosts. In a recent episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Lisa Bell, owner of LK Wine Tours and Sales, to demystify the world of wine and offer practical advice for both novices and enthusiasts. Their lively conversation offers actionable tips, local insights, and a healthy dose of encouragement for anyone who’s ever felt intimidated by the wine aisle. Click here to listen.

Choosing the Right Wine: It’s Easier Than You Think

Janet opens the discussion by voicing a common concern: how do you choose a wine when you’re not sure what your host likes? Lisa immediately puts listeners at ease, insisting there are no “stupid” questions about wine. Her go-to advice is simple—when in doubt, bring one red and one white. She recommends classics like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are widely appreciated and versatile. For those feeling adventurous, Lisa suggests exploring Italian Sangiovese or a thoughtfully selected blend, which makes a unique and memorable gift.

The Value of Local Wine Shops

Transitioning from wine selection to shopping strategies, Lisa highlights the benefits of visiting local, independently owned wine shops. These establishments, she explains, have knowledgeable owners who can guide customers based on their hosts’ food preferences or the nature of the event. Janet shares her own experiences with local experts, reinforcing the idea that you don’t need to be a connoisseur to make a great choice—just ask for help!

Sweet Wines, Sparkling Favorites, and Holiday Pairings

The conversation then turns to personal preferences, with Janet confessing her love for sweet wines and sparkling varieties. Lisa introduces listeners to unique options like a strawberry-infused sparkling red from Italy and discusses the enduring popularity of Prosecco and Champagne during the holidays. She also addresses the impact of tariffs and exchange rates on European wines, reassuring listeners that affordable and delicious options are still available.

When it comes to pairing wine with holiday meals, Lisa encourages flexibility. Whether your table features turkey, ham, or lasagna, she recommends fruit-forward, unoaked red blends that complement a variety of dishes. Ultimately, she urges everyone to “drink what you like”—the best wine is the one you enjoy.

Tasting Notes and Wine Storage: Demystified

Janet admits she’s often puzzled by tasting notes like “hints of chocolate” or “notes of grapefruit.” Lisa explains that these flavors are naturally derived from the grape’s environment and winemaking process, not from added ingredients. She encourages listeners to attend local tastings to develop their palate and to always snap a photo of a label they enjoy for future reference.

On the topic of storage, Lisa offers practical advice: store bottles on their side if they have a cork, keep them at a consistent temperature, and don’t stress over the details. Wine fridges are a nice touch, but a cool basement works just as well.

Mulled Wine and Community Connections

As the episode wraps up, Janet and Lisa share tips for making mulled wine—a holiday favorite that fills the house with festive aromas. Lisa provides a simple recipe using a dry, unoaked red wine, spices, and citrus, while Janet extols the virtues of her crockpot for easy preparation.

Lisa also sheds light on her business, explaining that as a distributor, she works with local shops and nonprofits, helping them source wines for fundraisers and special events. This community-focused approach underscores the importance of supporting local businesses and enjoying wine as a shared experience.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Journey

Throughout the conversation, Lisa and Janet emphasize that wine should be fun, approachable, and tailored to your own tastes. Whether you’re selecting a bottle for a party, experimenting with new varieties, or simply savoring a glass at home, the key is to enjoy the journey—and never be afraid to ask questions.

So, as you prepare for your next holiday gathering, remember Lisa’s advice: trust your palate, seek out local expertise, and, above all, raise a glass to good company and great wine.

REC makes significant contributions to local food banks

 Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) reported through press release it donated $16,000 to non-profit food banks across its service territory in October and November.

“These donations, which bring the total REC donations toward reducing food insecurity to more than $19,000 in 2025, are an example of how the cooperative powers more than homes, we power communities,” said Casey Hollins, managing director – communications and public relations.

The donations went to 18 non-profit food banks and food pantries that serve residents in 19 of the 22 counties served by REC, and ranged from $500 to $3,000, with $1,000 being the most frequent amount donated.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

First class of power line workers graduates from LRCC

Logo used by permission from Laurel Ridge Community College

Laurel Ridge Community College announced via press release they celebrated the first graduates of its new Power Line Worker Program on Friday morning.

Ten students graduated from the pre-apprenticeship course, the only one in the state north of Richmond.

They all earned credentials in the following areas:  Commercial Driver’s License, Heavy Equipment Operator, Power Industry Fundamentals, Power Line Worker Level 1, Virginia Department of Transportation Work Zone Flagger – Intermediate, OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR.

“Developing this program has truly been a partnership – one that proves when businesses and colleges work together we can quickly stand up in-demand programs that help students earn family-sustaining wages,” Laurel Ridge President Kim Blosser told the graduates and their families.

For the final 3½ weeks of the 14-week program, students stayed near Southside Community College, which has a pole-climbing facility.

Dominion and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative sponsored their housing costs.

Laurel Ridge has recently erected a pole yard, and a facility that will allow the college to host the Power Line Worker program from start to finish is expected to be ready within about a year, said Dr. Blosser.

The average starting salary for a Power Line Worker is $70,000, with numerous overtime opportunities, according to Whitacre.

All of the students had interviews earlier this month with representatives from Dominion, NOVEC and River City Construction, Whitacre said, and some have had additional interviews with other power companies.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

 

AG Miyares files lawsuit over insulin prices

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Attorney General Jason Miyares filed a lawsuit against the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit managers and insulin manufacturers in the Circuit Court for the City of Richmond for violations of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act based on a years-long insulin pricing scheme that artificially inflated the price of life-saving diabetes medications and deceived consumers about those inflated prices.

The lawsuit names as defendants Express Scripts, CVS Caremark, and OptumRx, as well as insulin manufacturers Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC and Novo Nordisk Inc. Together, these companies are enmeshed in nearly every step of insulin pricing, production, coverage, and dispensing in Virginia.

“Insulin is essential to life. For years, a group of powerful companies artificially drove up the cost of life-saving diabetes medication, enriching themselves while Virginians paid inflated prices just to survive. That system operated without transparency, deceived Virginians, and put profits over patients for far too long.” said Attorney General Jason Miyares.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, sit at the center of the prescription drug supply chain and play a powerful role in determining how much Virginians pay for diabetes medications and which drugs they can access.

Virginia alleges that this outsized control, paired with a rebate system that rewarded higher list prices, created a pipeline for profit at the expense of patients.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Newsmaker Sports Director Ryan Rutherford 2025 recap

In our latest newsmaker, Scott Bradley speaks with The River 95.3 and Fox Sports Radio 1450 Sports Director Ryan Rutherford on his past year covering sports.

This includes Front Royal Little League, High School Football, and more.

News makers are sponsored by Warren County.

Experience Warren County Where History, Nature, and Family Come Together.

To listen to the newsmaker, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Collecting Community: How the MSV Tells the Valley’s Story

msv collections pod

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) is more than just a repository of artifacts—it’s a vibrant center for community, history, and storytelling. In a recent episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Scott Stroh, the museum’s new Executive Director and CEO, and Nick Powers, Curator of Collections, to discuss the MSV’s evolving role in Winchester and the wider valley. Click here to listen.

Scott, less than a year into his role, brings a lifelong passion for history and museums, having previously led George Mason’s Gunston Hall. “I am very blessed and fortunate to have been able to take my love of history and museums and make it into a career,” he shares. Since arriving in Winchester, Scott is struck by the community’s warmth and the museum’s central place in local life.

Collecting the Valley’s Many Voices

Nick Powers, a familiar voice to listeners, explains the museum’s unique approach to collecting. The MSV’s collection spans 150 miles, from Harper’s Ferry to Natural Bridge, and covers a vast array of stories and communities. “We try to collect and exhibit all the communities that make up the valley,” Nick says, emphasizing the importance of allowing communities to tell their own stories.

The museum’s holdings are vast—over 25,000 objects, from miniature chairs to massive furniture, each meticulously cataloged. Recent upgrades to storage ensure both preservation and room for growth, reflecting the MSV’s commitment to stewardship and active collecting.

History in the Making

The conversation highlights how history is not just about the distant past. Nick points out that today’s everyday objects could become tomorrow’s artifacts, and the museum actively collects contemporary art and stories. “There’s always something new coming around the bend,” he notes, referencing both changing land use and the valley’s vibrant artistic community.

Janet and Nick reminisce about estate sales and family heirlooms, underscoring the personal connections that make the MSV’s collections so meaningful. Scott echoes this sentiment, describing the museum’s artifacts as the “collective identity of the valley,” akin to family heirlooms that tell the story of a people and a place.

Staff Favorites and Community Connections

A highlight of the current MSV experience is the “Inside Job: Staff Favorites from the Valley Collection” exhibition, celebrating the building’s 20th anniversary. Staff members selected their favorite objects, with Nick curating complementary pieces. The result is an exhibition that not only showcases artifacts but also the personal stories and evolving perspectives of the museum’s team.

One standout story is the “Little Beasties” toys, crafted during the Depression by the Shenandoah Community Workers of Bird Haven, Virginia. These toys, along with marketing ephemera, illustrate how valley residents use creativity and local resources to overcome hardship.

Sharing the Valley’s Treasures

The MSV’s reputation extends far beyond Winchester. A prized Grandma Moses painting from the collection is currently on loan to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, part of a major retrospective. Nick reveals that Grandma Moses spent nearly two decades in the Shenandoah Valley, a little-known fact that deepens the region’s artistic legacy.

Looking Forward: Apple Blossom and Revolutionary Valley

The museum is gearing up for major exhibitions. In 2027, the MSV will help celebrate the 100th Apple Blossom Festival parade with a community-driven exhibition. Residents are encouraged to submit objects and photographs that tell the story of this beloved event. “We want to acknowledge the very diverse group of people that make this a success year after year,” Nick says.

Another milestone is the upcoming “Revolutionary Valley” exhibition, opening July 4, 2026, to mark America’s 250th anniversary. The show will explore the valley’s role in the Revolution and beyond, featuring never-before-seen objects and personal stories, such as the correspondence of James Wood Jr. and the remarkable legal battle of Sarah Strother, a woman born enslaved on the Glen Burnie property who fought for—and won—her freedom.

The Power of Storytelling

As the conversation draws to a close, Scott emphasizes the museum’s mission: “At the end of the day, it’s about stories, it’s about people, it’s about place, and it’s about fostering dialogue and understanding.” The MSV stands as a testament to the valley’s rich, diverse, and ongoing story—inviting all to explore, learn, and connect.

For more information on current and upcoming exhibitions, visit msv.org or follow @visitmsv on social media. Memberships are available and make thoughtful gifts for anyone eager to discover the valley’s past, present, and future.

UVA names new president

The University of Virginia (UVA) has named its next president.

Scott C. Beardsley was unanimously selected by the University’s Board as UVA’s 10th president and will take office on January 1, 2026.

Beardsley has led the Darden School since 2015 and is serving his third term as dean.

During his tenure, he has overseen major academic initiatives, expanded the school’s programs, and strengthened its global reputation.

Before joining UVA, Beardsley spent 26 years as a senior partner at the international consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

In announcing the appointment, the Board of Visitors highlighted Beardsley’s leadership experience and his commitment to the university’s mission.

A statement from the Board described him as a leader equipped to guide UVA through current challenges while preserving the institution’s values and traditions.

Beardsley said he is “deeply honored” to be chosen as president and is focused on advancing UVA’s academic excellence, research, healthcare, and public service missions.

He pledged to work collaboratively with faculty, students, staff, and alumni as he begins his tenure.

The announcement caps a five-month presidential search.

Beardsley’s appointment follows the resignation of former president Jim Ryan earlier this year and a period of interim leadership.

More details about Beardsley’s background and plans for the university are expected as he prepares to assume his new role at the start of the new year.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

VA launches enhanced holiday DUI enforcement campaign

Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced enhanced holiday DUI enforcement across Virginia as part of the state’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

The governor is urging Virginians to plan ahead for a safe ride home if holiday celebrations include alcohol.

From December 10, 2025 – January 1, 2026, police departments across the Commonwealth.

Officers will conduct increased saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints during the period.

State officials note that drunk driving remains a serious concern.

Last year, 318 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Virginia, an 8.5 percent increase from the previous year.

Along with increased enforcement, the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign includes an expanded media effort.

This year’s message is titled “What’s the Damage,” highlights the real costs of a DUI.

It will appear on television, social media, and in locations where alcohol is sold.

Since the campaign began in 2002, Virginia has seen progress in reducing impaired driving.

Over the past five years, alcohol-related crashes statewide have decreased by four percent, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

The campaign is supported by a DMV grant and administered by the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, a Virginia-based nonprofit focused on traffic safety.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

A Guide to Valley Health Urgent Care Services

VH Urgent Care pod

When a sudden illness or injury strikes, knowing where to seek care can make all the difference. In this episode of The Valley Today Community Health series, host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Jeffrey Hoefle, board-certified Urgent Care physician and Urgent Care Medical Director at Valley Health, to demystify the options available to patients in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. Their conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of urgent care, the role of express clinics, and the critical distinction between urgent care and emergency departments. Click here to listen.

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room: Understanding the Difference

Dr. Hoefle begins by clarifying a common misconception: not all medical issues require a trip to the emergency room. Urgent care centers are designed for health problems that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening—think colds, flu, minor fractures, rashes, and simple cuts. In contrast, the emergency department is reserved for serious, potentially life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, severe bleeding, traumatic injuries, or symptoms of a stroke. Dr. Hoefle emphasizes that both settings perform triage to ensure patients receive the appropriate level of care, but choosing the right facility from the start can save time and resources.

The Role of Urgent Care Express Clinics

Transitioning to the topic of urgent care express clinics, Dr. Hoefle explains that these facilities offer a streamlined version of urgent care, handling straightforward cases like colds, simple urinary tract infections, and minor rashes. While express clinics can perform basic tests and treat minor ailments, they do not offer the full range of services found at main urgent care centers, such as X-rays or more comprehensive lab work. Valley Health operates several urgent care and express clinics across Virginia and West Virginia, making it easier for residents to access the right level of care close to home.

Expanding Services: Pediatric and Employer Health

The conversation also highlights the growing scope of urgent care services. Parents, in particular, benefit from after-hours pediatric care when their child’s primary doctor is unavailable. Dr. Hoefle notes that urgent care centers frequently treat children for common illnesses and minor injuries, and thanks to integrated electronic medical records, pediatricians can easily access visit details. Additionally, urgent care clinics provide employer health services, including DOT physicals and sports physicals, further expanding their role in community health.

Virtual Visits: Healthcare from Home

One of the most significant advancements discussed is the rise of virtual urgent care visits, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients can now schedule online appointments for many common ailments, reducing the risk of spreading illness and offering convenience for those unable to travel. Dr. Hoefle explains that while virtual visits are not suitable for emergencies or conditions requiring hands-on evaluation, they are ideal for recurring issues like sinus infections or mild respiratory symptoms. The integration of virtual care with electronic health records ensures continuity and coordination across providers.

Making the Right Call: When to Seek Emergency Care

Throughout the discussion, both Janet and Dr. Hoefle stress the importance of recognizing true emergencies. For symptoms like chest pain or signs of a stroke, patients should always call 911 rather than drive themselves or seek a virtual appointment. Triage systems at both urgent care and emergency departments help direct patients to the appropriate care, but making the right choice from the outset can be lifesaving.

Conclusion: Empowering Patients with Knowledge

As healthcare options continue to expand, understanding the differences between urgent care, express clinics, and emergency departments empowers patients to make informed decisions. With convenient locations, expanded services, and the advent of virtual care, Valley Health’s urgent care network stands ready to meet the diverse needs of the community—ensuring that help is always within reach, whether it’s a minor illness or a major emergency.