August is Emergency Management Awareness month

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month, recognizing the professionals who work behind the scenes to help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management recognizes that firefighters, law enforcement officers and EMS professionals are often the most visible during an emergency.

But did you know that emergency managers play a critical role in coordinating the response?

They connect agencies, bring together resources and build partnerships between government, first responders, nonprofits, businesses and the communities they serve.

Emergency managers help communities prepare for disasters, respond when emergencies happen, recover afterward and become more resilient for the future.

This month, officials are recognizing emergency managers across Virginia for their dedication to keeping communities prepared and strengthening the Commonwealth’s ability to respond when disaster strikes.

For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management at vdem.virginia.gov.

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

Family Drive-In celebrating one final weekend before closing

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

The Family Drive-In Theatre in Stephens City announced they will be closing on November 30th.

They want to invite the community out to watch some final features.

The Drive-In will be open November 28th 29th and 30th and movies will be announced soon.

On Friday gates will open at 6pm and movies will start at 7pm and on Saturday and Sunday gates open at 5pm with movies starting at 6pm. There will also be an appearance from Santa Claus during the weekend as well.

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

Camping for Hunger wraps up

The 2025 “Camping for Hunger” initiative is coming to a close this morning.

The annual food and fundraising drive will end promptly at 9:00 AM today, November 22nd.

We want to send a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone in the community who has stopped by over the past few days.

Your generosity has been incredible, and every donation makes a significant difference in helping local families facing food insecurity this holiday season.

If you haven’t had a chance yet, there is still time to make your donation this morning before the 9 AM conclusion.

Every can, box, and dollar counts!

In what is already a record-breaking effort, we can confirm one key detail: the dedicated
students from Dominion Ridge Academy packed an astounding 328 boxes of donated
goods this year!

What an effort, Dominion Ridge!

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

Luray Police Department welcoming narcotics K9s

Used by permission by Luray Police Department Michael Wagoner

The Luray Police Department announced the finding of two nine month old chocolate labradors by the names of Summer and Skye who are both sisters and will become the departments newest narcotics K9s.

In the wake of K9 Boone’s passing the community around Luray Police Department generously donated a total of $19,000 to the Luray Police Foundation to purchase these two K9s.

“The loss of Boone was felt deeply by everyone here, but the outpouring of support from our community was incredible. Because of that, we were able not only to continue the program but grow it.” Said Chief Bow Cook.

K9 Summer and K9 Skye are training at Espial Canine Services in North Carolina and are expected to be certified and ready for service in March of 2026.

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

September is National Preparedness Month!

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s theme this year is “Preparedness Starts at Home.”

They encouraging everyone to take four simple steps to get ready for any emergency:

1. Know the risks in your area and how to stay safe.

2. Make a family emergency plan.

3. Build an emergency supply kit.

4. Get involved, help your community prepare too!

Start today. Being ready starts with you at home.

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

Jefferson County appreciates community support of seized animals

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Patch used by permission of Lt. Robert Sell of the JCSO

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control report their appreciation in the community’s support and concern of the recently seized 8 horses.

The horses are being closely monitored by a local veterinarian and licensed professionals.

Authorities are grateful to Southern States of Ranson West Virginia for donating a palette of feed and the community’s concern and support for the animals.

The Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control are humbled by the community rallying around the animals in need.

The four mares, one gelding, colt, filly and mini pony’s care is of utmost importance to Jefferson County authorities.

The animals were seized on a veterinarian’s recommendation.

Complaints about the condition of the horses at 9307 Leetown Road in Kearneysville were confirmed by the veterinarian and the investigation remains active.

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

Governor Youngkin declares August 9th “Commonwealth Day of Play”

Governor Glenn Youngkin has officially proclaimed Saturday, August 9, 2025, as the Commonwealth Day of Play, launching a new statewide celebration aimed at reconnecting children, families, and communities through joyful, active, and screen-free play.

The initiative is part of the Governor’s broader Reclaiming Childhood campaign, an effort to combat the rising mental health challenges among youth by reducing screen time and promoting physical activity and imaginative play.

Signature components of the campaign include Screen-Free Week, and Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free Schools, encouraging parents and caregivers to prioritize play and connection.

“In a world glued to screens, we’re hitting pause,” said Governor Youngkin. “The Commonwealth Day of Play creates space for children to move, explore, and build emotional resilience, free from digital distractions.”

Activities Across the Commonwealth  will celebrate  with local governments, schools, museums, businesses, and community organizations.

Local highlights include:.

  • Winchester: The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is hosting outdoor activity stations, yoga, and trail-based scavenger hunts.
  • Virginia State Parks: Promoting trail exploration and outdoor family play through a coordinated social media campaign.

For a full list of events, resources, and updates, families can visit ReclaimChildhood.Virginia.gov.

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

FCPS update school construction projects

james wood girls' basketball coach

Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Construction staff shared updates by email on three capital improvement projects July 23rd.

The updates included but are not limited to the county’s projected fourth high school.

Bidding on the fourth high school project is set for next March construction for next July and completion by June 2029.

The school itself is projected to serve over 1200 students, with core facilities to accommodate 1600 with comprehensive academic and technical programs.

Additional amenities hope to include a 2,000-seat gymnasium, 800-seat auditorium, a synthetic turf stadium, and extensive athletic facilities.

The new school’s name and mascot will involve community input and school board approval.

Design development is expected to be submitted by next month August 2025.

The phase one expansion at Jordan Springs Elementary School to increase capacity is expected to be complete by next August.

The Phase 2 gym addition is expected to be complete by July 2027 with constriction to begin this December and bid submission this fall.

Expansion at Middletown Elementary school to be complete by May of 2028 to accommodate over 780 students.

Superintendent Dr. George Hummer called the projects an investment in the community’s future.

The Superintendent noted that the projects address current capacity challenges while preparing for continued growth.

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

This week June 22 on brings the 1st heat wave of summer

Page County Sherriff’s Office and Kemp Miller would like to remind listeners of the dangerously high temperatures beginning tomorrow, July 22nd, with the heat wave expected to last several days.

Daytime highs will be well into the 90s, and the heat index may exceed 100°F.

These extreme conditions pose a serious risk to health and safety.

We urge all residents to take precautions:

  •  Stay cool – Remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day (10 AM – 4 PM)
    and use air conditioning if available.
  • Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol
    and sugary drinks.
  • Check on others – Please check on elderly neighbors, young children, and those
    without access to cooling.
  • Protect pets – Make sure your animals have access to shade and fresh water. Never leave pets in vehicles.
  • Never leave children or pets in cars – Temperatures inside vehicles can become deadly within minutes.

We encourage all community members to stay alert and look out for one another.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact local emergency services.

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

Visit the Healing Field of Honor

amanda behan

A powerful tribute is now on display in Winchester.

The Healing Field of Honor is set up in front of Handley High School, featuring hundreds of American flags, each one
honoring a military member, first responder, or personal hero.

The field is open to the public around the clock through Memorial Day.

A closing ceremony will be held Monday, May 26th at 3 PM.

It’s a moving way to reflect, remember, and say thank you.

Don’t miss this inspiring community display.

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