The NRDGTF raid several local tobacco and vape shops

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

Virginia State Police report by email that the Northwest Regional Drug and Gang Task Force (NRDGTF) raided several tobacco and vape novelty shops.

Members of the task force with Virginia State Police executed five search warrants at various tobacco and vape novelty shops on January 20.

The stores located in Edinburg, Strasburg, and Woodstock were raided simultaneously.

During the operation the task force seized over 39,000 grams of THC based products, 430 grams of Psilocybin, 500 grams of Khat, and two firearms.

Collectively the seizure amounted to approximately $136,000 worth of illegal substances along with just over $103,000 in U.S. currency.

The task included members of the Woodstock Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Department of Homeland Security agents.

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

News Maker Michelle Smeltzer on shelter for the homeless in frigid conditions

Dangerous cold continues into next week with WATTS of Winchester and HARTS of Front Royal providing shelter.

Today we spoke to Michelle Smeltzer Board President of Hope And Rest Temporary Shelter (HARTS) of Front Royal in our news maker.

News makers are sponsored by Warren County.

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

Michelle tells us that the shelter at 115 Luray Avenue will do everything they can to help those seeking shelter from the cold.

She goes on to tell us how donations have made it possible for HARTS to provide what it does like meals and warmth.

Michelle tells us how the international Coldest Night of the Year Walk February 28 brings awareness to and supports efforts like HARTS.

Click here for Michelle’s news maker.

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

Winchester selects a new City Manager

The Winchester City Council announced the appointment of John Piper as City Manager as of January 26.

After interviewing several qualified candidates, the council decided on Piper.

Piper was chosen for his strong leadership, dedication to public service, and deep community knowledge according to the council members.

Piper has been serving as interim city manager and was deputy city manager from 2022 to 2025.

The former Winchester Police Chief has lived with his family in the city since 2017 following 24 years of experience with the Fairfax County Police Department.

Over his years with Winchester Piper oversaw public health and safety operations for police, fire and rescue, emergency management, and social services.

In the city’s announcement Piper said that he is honored to be chosen.

He went on to add that he looks forward to continuing to work alongside the employees and residents of Winchester.

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

VSP respond to over 500 crashes across Virginia since January 24

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

Virginia State Police (VSP) report by email the response to 506 crashes across the state since January 24.

Authorities continue to monitor roads and are still advising caution.

In the Winchester Harrisonburg corridor 43 crashes were reported with 4 injuries.

Hampton Roads recorded the highest number of  crashes at 118 with 9 injuries reported.

Next highest number of crashes were reported in central Virginia Richmond area at 108 with 4 injuries.

70 crashes were reported in southwest Virginia with 5 injuries.

Northern Virginia reports 4 injures including a fatality and the Roanoke area recorded 5 injuries and a fatality with 58 crashes in each jurisdiction.

In the Appomattox Central Western Virginia area 51 crashes have been reported with 7 injuries.

Caution needs to be taken as Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reports a hard freeze in the overnight.

Crews continue to treat the roads but below freezing temperatures through the week will hamper their efforts.

Primary roads will see the first attention with secondary roads in some cases days away from attention according to VDOT.

Please be patient and give crews room to work by keeping vehicles off the sides of roads and emergency routes in communities.

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

Governor Spanberger urges caution in winter weather

Governor Spanberger is urging caution in the winter weather as hospital visits increase.

With some of the coldest weather of the year upon us temperatures are expected to be below freezing through the week.

Many Virginians are turning to alternate heating sources.

Governor Spanberger is encouraging citizens to be cautious when it comes to hypothermia, cold exposure, and carbon monoxide exposure.

Improper ventilation of generators or other heating sources has caused an increase in hospital visitation since the storm hit.

It is advised that portable generators must be used strictly outdoors at least 20 feet from the home with exhaust turned away from the home.

Never leave space heaters running while sleeping or unattended.

Always plug space heaters into the wall socket never use an extension cord.

Carbon Monoxide and smoke alarms are essential in keeping you and your family safe especially in these conditions.

Additional safety tips from The Virginia Department of Health are available here.

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

News Maker Robyn Miller extends the hours of WATTS during colder weather

The Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter (WATTS) extended their hours during this cold weather.

We spoke to WATTS Executive Director Robyn Miller about availability in our latest news maker.

News makers are sponsored by Warren County.

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

Robyn tells us what the shelter has to offer those in need.

She also tells us that the shelter can provide transportation but those in need have to be at the Timbrook Building in Winchester by 6 p.m.

Robyn also tells us that one of the shelter’s biggest fundraisers is a nationwide effort to raise awareness of homelessness.

Click here for Robyn’s news maker.

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

Front Royal & Warren County remains under a Declaration of Local Emergency

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

Front Royal and Warren County issued a Declaration of Local Emergency that will take effect at 7:00 tonight with winter weather approaching.

This declaration allows for local government to mobilize resources, coordinate with state agencies and adjust public services for the safety of residents.

Local officials urge the community to take this storm seriously.

It is advised not to drive during or after the storm as road conditions are expected to get worse.

Officials also warn to be prepared in case phone or internet outages occur.

This declaration will remain in place until it is formally rescinded.

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

WCFR responds to fire alarm activation

Warren County Fire and Rescue reported the response to the South Street Martins Grocery store yesterday afternoon for a reported fire alarm activation.

Authorities that arrived on scene identified a sprinkler head that was activated and water that was flowing into the building in a utilities control area on the second floor.

 

It was determined after an investigation that a propane gas leak occurred and ignited.

The fire was extinguished prior to the arrival of authorities by the buildings fire suppression system.

Units successfully secured water and electrical service to the area affected.

Both the Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office and Warren County Building Official’s Office conducted an assessment ensuring the safety of the building for continued occupancy.

After two hours the fire suppression system was functional and all hazards were isolated.

There were no injuries to report.  

News Maker Sheriff Lenny Millholland with some snow advice and more

Frederick County Sheriff Lenny Millholland has storm preparation advice in our latest news maker.

News makers are sponsored by Warren County.

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

Sheriff Millholland reflects on just how far his office has come since he was elected to the position.

He tells us that his office is better and more equipped now than ever and ready to assist the county.

The Sheriff also offers some common sense advice on the best way to stay safe in the snow.

Sheriff Millholland also tells us about the upcoming Valor 5 K fundraise coming April 11 on the airport’s runway.

Click here for Sheriff Millholland’s latest news maker.

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

Valley Health reports health needs assessment and grant

valley health covid-19 vaccine

Valley Health reports by email on the findings of the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment along with the introduction of the 2026 Community Partnership Grant program.

The Community Health Needs Assessment is completed by Valley Health every three years.

The assessment is an evaluation of the overall health of the community and it is used to identify key health challenges and resources that are available in order to address these challenges.

Results from the survey has identified four priority health needs across the region that is served by Valley Health:
– Access to Health and Wellness Services
– Nutrition and Physical Well-being
– Mental Health
– Housing

The 2026 Community Partnership Grant Program is a strategy used by Valley Health to address needs from the survey.

Local organizations are invited to apply for one of the 13 grants.

The grants total $200,000 with one grant for $50,000, four grants for $25,000, four grants for 10,000 and four mini-grants for $2,500

These Community Partnership Grants will be announced in April of 2026.

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