VSP warn of frozen waterways

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

Virginia State Police are urging the public to stay off frozen ponds, lakes, and waterways as cold conditions continue across the region.

Officials checking ponds found ice approaching, but not exceeding, four inches thick.

Officials say four inches of clear ice is the minimum generally considered safe, and even then, it can be deadly.

Authorities warn conditions are especially dangerous on moving water.

Parts of the James River may appear frozen, but flowing water makes ice unpredictable and unsafe at all times.

Police report an increase in calls involving people, especially juveniles, on frozen waterways, and they’re asking parents to talk with children about the risks.

The safest choice, officials say, is to stay off the ice entirely.

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

A Winchester man is arrested by ICE

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) press release from February 27 reports that a Winchester man has been taken into custody.

Illegal Haitian National Rodney Solomon was last arrested this past Christmas Eve by Winchester Police for assault and pointing and brandishing a firearm.

Solomon entered the United States lawfully in May of 1992.

A Department of Justice immigration Judge ordered Solomon be removed from the United States on August 11, 2004.

Solomon was convicted of manufacturing, selling, and possessing cocaine on December 13, 2004, in Warren County Circuit Court.

That conviction led to Solomon being sentenced to five years in prison with four years and four months suspended.

On November 14, 2018, Solomon was convicted of driving while intoxicated in Winchester General District Court.

That conviction led to a four-month prison sentence with all four months suspended.

The Christmas eve arrest in Winchester led to Solomon’s arrest by ICE.

In the release ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington DC Field Office Director Russ Hott said Solomon’s actions violated his right to stay in the United States.

Hott went on to say Solomon’s actions demonstrate the type of behavior that ICE will not tolerate.

ICE of Washington DC stands firmly committed to the mission of prioritizing public safety according to Hott.

That commitment includes the arrest and removal of  illegal aliens from Washington DC and Virginia Communities.

The press release included an ICE hotline to report suspicious activity at 866-347-2423 or 866-DHS-2-ICE.

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

Preparation is key for winter weather

Governor Youngkin would like to remind Virginia that winter weather is once again moving into the area.

It is best to plan in advance, make sure you have your emergency supplies, refuel your car and any heat sources, make sure your generator is at least 20 feet from your house, check on your family and neighbors, and bring your pets inside.

Remember to watch forecast, prepare for impacts, and heed warnings.

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

Governor Youngkin proposes “No Sanctuary Cities”

Governor Glenn Youngkin unveiled a “No Sanctuary Cities” budget proposal aimed at strengthening cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proposal mandates that local law enforcement, sheriffs, and jail officials fully comply with ICE detainers and notify ICE at least 48 hours before releasing any undocumented immigrant who has committed a crime. Furthermore, the plan includes withholding funding from localities that declare themselves “sanctuary cities” or implement practices that hinder collaboration with ICE.

This budget proposal reflects Governor Youngkin’s ongoing dedication to reducing crime and fostering safer communities. It builds on initiatives such as signing Executive Order 41, launching Operation Bold Blue Line (OBBL), and supporting the Attorney General’s Ceasefire Virginia Initiative. These efforts have already shown significant results, with OBBL cities experiencing a 34% decrease in murders and a 12% reduction in violent crimes this year. Every category of violent crime in OBBL cities has seen a double-digit percentage decline, contributing to an overall 11% drop in violent crime across the Commonwealth.

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

Are you prepared for winter weather?

Traffic Update

Days are getting shorter and colder temperatures are moving in.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offer safety tips during winter travel and recommends keeping an emergency supply kit in the vehicle this winter to stay safe. 

VDOT encourages all motorist to plan ahead for traveling during winter weather and to observe extreme caution when on the roadways.

Before travel, motorists should inspect their vehicle tires and fluid levels and clear all ice and snow from the windows, windshield and mirrors, which could block visibility.

You should also follow forecasts and prepare for any unpredictable conditions. 

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

Cancellations and Delays Monday Jan. 25

With a winter weather advisory in effect the region could see snow, ice, freezing rain and sleet.

Keep mobile devices powered up and stay informed with The River 953 at all times.

These Schools are Closed today Jan. 25, 2021

Clarke County Public Schools will be virtual buildings are closed

Frederick County Virginia Public Schools are closed. Students should complete online instruction. Instruction will be available at 10 a.m.

Fauquier County Schools will dismiss early

Mountain View Christian Academy is closed

Page County Public Schools are virtual buildings and offices are closed

Powhatan Schools are closed today

Shenandoah County Public Schools are closed

Warren County Public Schools are virtual today and tomorrow no in school classes

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