Furever Friday – Noel
Noel is a sweet little girl that came to us as a stray who was never reclaimed. We don’t know anything about her past
life but we want to ensure her future is bright and full of love, as she deserves. Noel has been nothing but a sweet baby
since her arrival and we just know, she is going to make someone very happy!
We have not dog tested Noel yet but plan to in the upcoming week. We believe she would do well with kids.
Noel is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, microchipped and 4DX tested (all negative).
Furever Friday is proudly sponsored by Shear Elegance Pet Boutique
Find them on Facebook or at 918 John Marshall Highway, Front Royal.
Attorney General Miyares Launches Civil Rights Investigation
Public Schools and the administration of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (“TJHSST”) for
unlawful discrimination in violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act (“VHRA”).
The investigation will examine if the administration’s decision to withhold National Merit Scholarship honors from
students and the school’s new admissions policies violate the VHRA.
“No student should be treated differently because of their race. Students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science
and Technology are amongst the brightest in the nation, yet some have been punished in the name of ‘equity.’ Racism
and race-based government decision making in any form is wrong and unlawful under Virginia’s Human Rights Act,”
said Attorney General Miyares. “The controversial admissions policies at TJHSST, which have significantly decreased
the amount of Asian American students enrolled in recent years, is another example of students being treated
differently because of their ethnicity. My Office of Civil Rights will investigate any potential violations of the law and
vindicate the civil rights of these students and their families.”
Read the letter here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Global Advanced Materials Manufacturer to Expand in Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Hollingsworth & Vose (H&V), a global manufacturer of advanced
materials used in filtration, battery, and industrial applications, will invest $40.2 million to expand its operation in
Floyd County. The company will add over 28,000 square feet to its facility at 365 Christiansburg Pike Northeast to
accommodate new production equipment to meet increased demand. Virginia successfully competed with Georgia for
the project, which will create 25 new jobs.
“Hollingsworth & Vose has generated positive economic impact and job opportunities in Floyd County for more than
four decades, and this significant investment further solidifies the company’s commitment to Virginia,” said Governor
Glenn Youngkin. “Businesses with a long history of expansion in the Commonwealth offer powerful testimonials on
why a Virginia location is a foundation for success, and we look forward to a continued partnership with H&V.”
“Hollingsworth & Vose has played a role in the success of Virginia’s advanced materials industry over the past 46
years, and we are thrilled to support this important corporate partner’s expansion in Floyd County,” said Secretary of
Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “The company’s continued investment is a strong testament to the New River
Valley’s strategic location and business-friendly environment, and we thank H&V for creating high-quality jobs in
Floyd County.”
“We’ve been a part of the Floyd, Virginia community since 1976. This facility is essential to serving both our global
and domestic customers,” said Josh Ayer, CEO of H&V. “We chose Virginia for this expansion because of its positive
business environment and strong support from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Floyd County.”
“We are delighted to continue to support Hollingsworth & Vose’s growth in Floyd County. Their new investment is
over three times bigger than the largest private investment in our county’s 191-year history,” said Joe Turman,
Chairman of the Floyd County Board of Supervisors.
“The Hollingsworth & Vose expansion will provide crucial jobs for our Floyd families and enable us to keep more of
our families working here at home,” said Delegate Marie March. “We are a hard-working community and believe that
this company understands the loyalty and dedication that workers here in SWVA bring to their business. I happily
welcome this investment and expansion to our economy. Private enterprise ventures always reward and benefit our
local community.”
With incorporation dating back to 1892 and headquartered in East Walpole, Massachusetts, H&V’s advanced materials
contribute to a cleaner world through products that provide clean air, clean liquids, and energy storage. The company
has been family-owned for seven generations. In 1976, H&V established its first Virginia facility in Floyd County and
employs over 200 workers.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Floyd County to secure the project for Virginia.
Governor Youngkin approved a $558,700 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Floyd County
with the project.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Federal Court Ruling Finding Transgender Sports Law Constitutional
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey in June told a crowd gathered at the State Capitol that a lawsuit
brought against a state law defining “sex” in school sports would not succeed. On Thursday, those words came to fruition: a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West
Virginia ruled the state legislature’s definition of “girl” and “woman” in the context of HB 3293 (Save Women’s
Sports Bill) is “constitutionally permissible.” “This is not only about simple biology, but fairness for women’s sports, plain and simple,” Attorney General Morrisey
said. “Opportunities for girls and women on the field are precious and we must safeguard that future. Protecting these
opportunities is important, because when biological males compete in a women’s event women and girls lose their
opportunity to shine. Under HB 3293, all biological males, including those who identify as transgender girls, are ineligible for participation
on girls’ sports teams. The challenge to that law came from a transgender student at Bridgeport Middle School identified in court papers as
“BPJ.” Attorneys for BPJ argued that HB 3293 violates BPJ’s rights under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of
the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Attorney General Morrisey, on behalf of the state, intervened and asserted the law protects female athletes’ safety and
keeps female sports competitive for female athletes, consistent with Title IX and the Constitution. Title IX was signed
into law on June 23, 1972. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program that
receives funding from the federal government. “This short and simple law demands that girls and women get their fair share of opportunities in education, and Title
IX’s regulations make it clear that this could be accomplished in school athletic programs by having ‘separate teams
for members of each sex’ where the teams are based on competitive skill,” Attorney General Morrisey said. Read a copy of Thursday’s ruling at: https://bit.ly/3GEyNxp.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
WPD Seeks Assistance with Hit and Run
The Winchester Police Department (WPD) is seeking information involving a Hit and Run crash, which occurred on
January 3, 2023 at approximately 9:45 am. Officers responded to the intersection of Jubal Early Drive and South
Loudoun Street and located an 83-year-old male, from Winchester, who had been struck by a vehicle. According to
witnesses, a light-colored truck, described as a Super Duty, was traveling north on Loudoun Street when the vehicle
struck the male. The vehicle was last seen turning east on Jubal Early Drive heading towards S. Pleasant Valley Road.
The victim was transported to Winchester Medical Center with life threatening injuries. The WPD has been working
diligently reviewing camera footage and speaking with witnesses, but we need the public’s assistance. If you have
information in reference to this incident, please contact Winchester Police Department at 540-662-4131 or Crime
Solvers by using the P3 Tips.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Windsong Community Chorus Open House
Windsong Community Chorus an all-female a cappella chorus is hosting their open house for new members
on Monday Jan 9th and 16th at 6:30pm at Opequon Presbyterian Church in Winchester at 217 Opequon Church Lane.
There is no audition and no experience necessary, but you must love to sing! Covid vaccination card is required.
Check them out on Facebook: Windsong Community Chorus or their website Windsongcommunitychorus.com
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
SVEC Scholarships
Fund your future with an SVEC scholarship! Scholarships are available for high school seniors whose parents or
guardians are SVEC members.
Applicants must write an essay and upload additional materials to be considered. Learn more and apply by 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 16, 2023, by visiting our website.
Through the Education Scholarship Foundation of the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric
Cooperatives (VMDAEC), high school seniors in SVEC’s service territory can apply for an additional $1,000
scholarship.
VMDAEC applications open on Jan. 30, 2023. To learn more about the VMDAEC scholarship, please visit
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Two-Vehicle Crash Leads to DUI, Drug Arrest/ Seizure
At approximately 8:10 am yesterday morning, Frederick County EOC receive reports of a 2-vehicle crash on
Bloomery Pike in the northern part of the county.
Callers indicated that one vehicle was on its side with the driver unable to get out. Units from FCSO’s Traffic Division
arrived as members of Frederick County Fire & Rescue stabilized the passenger vehicle and extricated the driver.
Upon interviewing the parties involved and examining the crash scene, Deputy A. Stump determined that a 2013
Chevy Sonic had crossed the double yellow line and struck a 2015 Dodge RAM occupied by a couple from West
Virginia. The male driver of the chevy was incoherent and unable to answer questions or identify himself with nothing
but a large sum of cash on his person. Deputy T. Cram conducted a search of the vehicle, attempting to identify the
male, where a large amount of suspected illegal drugs was subsequently found to include cocaine, crack
cocaine and an, as of yet, unidentified substance with a combined weight of 13 0z. and a street value of $26,000.00.
In addition to seizing the illegal narcotics, a total of $790.00 in U.S. currency was recovered from the driver
later identified as Shaquille O’Mar Webb of Cumberland, Va. Webb was believed to possibly be
impaired by the recent use of marijuana and a search warrant was obtained and executed for a blood
draw. As a result of the crash and evidence obtained, Webb has been charged with two counts of felony possession of
controlled substances with the intent to distribute, DUID, driving on a suspended license, reckless
driving, no insurance and two traffic infractions. He is currently under medical observation and remains in custody
awaiting his medical release and transfer to the adult detention center.
Sheriff Lenny Millholland stated that he is glad to know these drugs have been taken off the streets stating
“This individual was traveling through our area, apparently under the influence, while also transporting a significant amount of drugs. I think we are lucky he didn’t hurt or kill anyone in Frederick County with either of
these activities”.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Governor Youngkin Calls for Attorney General Jason Miyares to Investigate
Following recent news reports, Governor Glenn Youngkin today called for Virginia’s Attorney General Jason Miyares
to investigate allegations that information about National Merit Awards, as determined by student PSAT scores, was
withheld from students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology until after important deadlines
for college scholarships had passed.
“We need to get to the bottom of what appears to be an egregious, deliberate attempt to disadvantage high performing
students at one of the best schools in the country,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Parents and students deserve
answers and Attorney General Miyares will initiate a full investigation. I believe this failure may have caused material
harm to those students and their parents, and that this failure may have violated the Virginia Human Rights Act.”
The letter to the Attorney General can be found below
https://files.constantcontact.com/1db4409e701/bc10691c-2786-4fbf-9a5e-83f2ff3c537c.png?rdr=true
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
DMV Invites Car Dealerships to Participate in a Contest for a Cause
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) invites car dealerships across Virginia to participate in a contest to
raise money for organizations through the sale of revenue-sharing license plates. The dealership that sells the most
special license plates that support organizations and their causes will be announced at a news conference in March.
A revenue-sharing license plate is a license plate in which a portion of the cost is donated to benefitting organizations.
Popular examples include Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Tech, Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, and
Operation Wildflower. From the beginning of tracking revenue-sharing plates sales in 1992, Virginians have donated
over $73 million to nonprofit organizations and colleges and universities. Dealers participating in the contest may
offer customers any revenue-sharing plate or promote plates that benefit causes meaningful to them.
All dealerships in Virginia that are a part of DMV’s Online Dealer program are invited to participate. The dealership
that sells the most revenue-sharing license plates over the two-month period thereby raising the most money for
nonprofits and college scholarships, wins the contest.
Alvin Melendez, Executive Director of the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association (VIADA), encourages VIADA dealers to take part in the contest.
“Whether it’s volunteering their time or through charitable giving, Virginia’s Independent Dealers are constantly working to uplift their communities. The license plate contest is yet another wonderful opportunity for your local, family-owned dealerships across Virginia to have some friendly competition for a great cause.”
If your dealership would like to participate in the revenue-sharing plate contest for a cause, please sign up using this form: https://forms.gle/VdTw6V6gZhgbgFb1A
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.