News Maker Preston Knight on protecting your SVEC payment

Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) and law enforcement are aware of checks being stolen and not reaching their destination.

We spoke with SVEC Communications Manager Preston Knight about the issue in our latest news maker.

News makers are sponsored by Warren County.

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

Preston has some tips on how to protect your payment and make sure it reaches its destination.

He also tells us the options that are available at the SVEC.coop website to help with paperless options.

Preston also reminds us that it is National Preparedness Month in September and to be prepared.

Click here for Preston’s latest news maker.

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

Furrever Friday: Meet Opal

 

Each week, we spotlight an adoptable pet from the Humane Society of Warren County.

This week we feature Opal a long standing member of the shelter family. Opal is a female hound dog who would do best as the only pet in the household. She is sweet and hoping for someone to see how special she is. Opal’s adoption fees have been waived.

All adoptable animals at the humane society are altered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations.

All cats, dogs, and other small animals at the humane society are cared for by the Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic at 840 B John Marshall Highway Front Royal.

If you would like to give Opal or any of  her friends a good 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.

The Humane Society of Warren County offers the Pick of the Litter Thrift Shop now at 113 East Main Street Front Royal.

Furrever 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.

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

Sheriff Sumption confirms the recovery of a woman who fell from Route 50 bridge

Used with permission of Clarke County Sheriff Travis Sumption

Clarke County Sheriff Travis Sumption confirmed by phone that an unidentified woman fell from the Route 50 bridge which spans the Shenandoah River.

As of September 3, preliminary indications are that the woman was sitting on the bridge and fell backwards.

Deputies reached the location yesterday at approximately 4 p.m.in the southeastern part of Clarke County.

The woman was seen and saved by first responders in the middle of the Shenandoah River.

The woman has been transported to Winchester Medical Center for evaluation to get the treatment she needs.

The extent of her injuries and her identity was not divulged at the time of the report as the investigation is ongoing.

The drop from the bridge is an estimated drop of anywhere from 75 to 100 feet to the river.

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

VSP and Waynesboro Police investigate a school forced entry and shooting

Virginia State Police, VSP, Used by permission of VSP

An email from Virginia State Police (VSP) confirms the shooting that occurred at Westwood Hills Elementary School on September 2.

Waynesboro First Responders with VSP responded to the incident in which a suspect forced his way into the school at approximately 9:10 a.m.

Within 3 minutes authorities located Anthony I. Ignatiadis-Isabelle of Waynesboro deceased in the school library.

Preliminary indications are that the suspect suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

There were no students in the library at the time.

The school had been placed on lockdown immediately following the forced entry.

One adult staff member suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and has since been treated and released.

On September 2 a press conference was held detailing all pertinent information known at the time in the ongoing investigation.

Westwood Hills Elementary School remained closed Thursday September 3 with information shared directly with families and staff regarding additional plans.

A reunification location for students and parents was set up at a nearby church as preplanned in cases of emergencies.

The Waynesboro school system has shared on social media grief and stress support for those who may need it.

All protocols and procedures were followed to the letter by staff and first responders, and all other staff and students are safe thanks to those safeguards.

The 19-year-old assailant had no affiliation with either Waynesboro High school or Westwood Hills Elementary school according to School Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Cassell.

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

ACSO investigate a shooting in Waynesboro

Augusta County Sheriff's Office ACSO. Used by permission of Augusta County Sheriff's Assistant Sarah Blackwell

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) reports the opening of an investigation into a shooting.

Deputies responded to the report of the shooting in the parking lot of Orchard Hill Shopping Center September 2 at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Two males reportedly were fighting with one another and eventually the fight escalated to gunfire.

Authorities found a man who was reportedly shot in the incident but authorities found that he had not been hit.

The suspect that produced the firearm and shot left the scene before authorities arrived.

The incident remains under investigation and anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the ACSO at 540-245-5333.

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

News Maker Paul Minichino on health insurance changes and options

A number of changes are coming to health insurance coverage beginning October 1.

We spoke to a member of Blue Ridge Agents Insurance Advocate Paul Minichino about the changes and our options in our latest news maker.

News makers are sponsored by Warren County.

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

Paul gives us details on the exact kind of changes that will be taking place as of  October 1.

He gives the options we need to take advantage of sooner, rather than later for 2027.

Paul also offers exact dates on when we can enroll for coverage and a breakdown of specifics.

Click here for Paul’s news maker.

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

A multi-jurisdictional chase ends with the arrest of a Culpeper man

Virginia State Police, VSP, Used by permission of VSP

Emails and text from multiple searches confirmed the following.

A Winchester police officer located wanted fugitive Daniel Quinn operating a vehicle in the 1300 block of Berryville Avenue on August 31 according to an email from Kayla Forman of Winchester Police.

Officers attempted a traffic stop in the area of Berryville Pike before the Interstate 81 exit ramp, but it was ignored.

Quinn failed to stop and fled onto 81 south where Frederick County Sheriff’s deputies and Virginia State Police picked up the chase according to a text from Sheriff Lenny Millholland.

Winchester police terminated their phase of the pursuit at mile marker 313 on 81 according to the email.

Warrants were obtained for Quinn in Winchester to include felony eluding police, operating an unregistered vehicle, falsified license plate, and operating a vehicle outside of license restrictions.

Frederick County Sheriff deputies were able to continue the pursuit into Fauquier County where Virginia State Police took over pursuit.

Once the chase reached Fauquier County spike stripes were used which slowed Quinn’s vehicle according to an email from Matthew Demlein of Virginia State Police.

Quinn’s Honda did strike both a Virginia State Police cruiser and Frederick County Sheriff’s office vehicle before stopping.

In Frederick County Quinn is facing charges of eluding and reckless driving.

The 42-year-old Quinn of Culpeper faces felony eluding charges by Virginia State Police with additional charges pending further investigation.

No injuries occurred and the cruisers sustained minimal damage according to Frederick County Sheriff Lenny Millholland’s text.

According to an email from Jeffrey Long of Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office Quinn is currently incarcerated in the Fauquier County Adult Detention Center without bond.

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

HPD make an arrest of 2 in a shooting in Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg Police Department/HPD Used by permission by Administrative Specialist of Harrisonburg Police Department Kyra Butler

The Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) reports the arrest of 2 people in a shooting investigation.

The shooting occurred September 1 at the Harris Gardens Apartments at approximately 4:50 p.m.

Multiple gunshots were reported in the 200 block of Vine Street.

Shortly after the initial call a second call was received from a victim reporting that they had been shot during an apartment break in.

Authorities found a 19-year-old victim suffering multiple gunshot wounds at the scene.

The victim was transported to Sentara Rockingham Memorial Hospital and then flown to UVA Medical Center.

At last report the victim was in stable condition.

Further investigation identified two suspects who were located at the Howard Johnson on East Market Street in Harrisonburg.

On September 2 at approximately 12:25 a.m. 18-year-old Joshua Dean was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics.

A juvenile has also been charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit murder as a principal in the second degree in the incident.

The investigation into the incident continues and anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the HPD at 540-434-4436.

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

News Maker Becky Ebert on Frederick County’s continued celebration of America’s 250

Frederick County continues to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with a lot of activities in September.

We spoke with Frederick County 250 Committee Chairperson Becky Ebert about September activities in our latest news maker.

News makers are sponsored by Warren County.

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

Becky tells of some of the activities planned in September throughout Frederick County including a four-day stay of the VA 250 Mobile Museum at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.

She even tells us that activities are planned for Labor Day Monday September 7.

Becky also gives us a little peek into the plans for October which can be followed here.

Click here for Becky’s latest news maker.

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

BCSO arrest a Maryland fugitive after a high-speed chase through Martinsburg

Used by permission of Berkeley County Sheriff Department Office Administrator Brandy Sullivan

The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) reports the arrest of a Maryland fugitive after a high-speed chase through Martinsburg.

Following an attempted traffic stop by a deputy, a black Jeep Patriot fled the scene on Apple Harvest Drive in Martinsburg on August 27.

The Jeep with three passengers and the driver raced through Martinsburg into several residential areas including on Winchester Avenue.

While fleeing the Jeep ran several stops signs and went through a yard before crashing into a grove of trees.

The driver fled the scene on foot and attempted to escape by climbing a fence behind Apple Harvest Drive Sheetz where he was taken into custody.

While being pursued the suspect threw items from the vehicle including a clear baggie and a Glock firearm.

Both items were recovered with the clear baggie found to contain capsules.

During the investigation it was learned that the suspect was staying at the Red Roof Inn off Viking Way and frequented a resident on Bernice Avenue.

Both locations were investigated with additional firearms, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, scales, and cash found.

The suspect identified as Floyd Craig of Baltimore was also found to be wanted out of Maryland for multiple violent offenses.

Craig was wanted for first- and second-degree assault, a felon in possession of a firearm, and using a handgun in commission of a felony.

The investigation into the Martinsburg crimes continues and additional charges in Berkeley County are pending.

The additional passengers in the vehicle were not charged following the investigation.

The 33-year-old Craig currently charged in Berkeley County with being a felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful assault, wanton endangerment, fleeing, and possession with intent to distribute narcotics.

Craig is currently being held on a $35,000 secure bond.

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