Local bartenders compete in Virginia Cocktail Games

emergency funding for homeless

The annual Virginia Cocktail Games hosted by Virginia Spirits is underway and one local establishment is represented in the finals which will take place in Richmond on September, 12th.

The Catamount Lounge in Front Royal secured a spot in the finals with their beverage called “Old Medicine” created by owner Shenan Hahn.

The moonshine-based cocktail pays tribute to folk medicine traditions of Appalachia and the Blue Ridge and blends smoky, bitter, and sweet flavors into an earthy and herbal beverage.

The Catamount Lounge had two other drinks selected for the semifinals including “The Royal Oak” which paid tribute to Front Royal’s colonial history with a Manhattan-inspired cocktail and the vibrant, tropical “Rum Shaker” inspired by Virginia’s music history.

Middletown’s Vault and Cellar also received two nominations for concoctions like “The Nutty Professor” which smells like fresh baked banana nut bread and “Aural Tradition”, a complex cocktail inspired by the folk song Rye Whiskey and musical traditions of Appalachia.

To check out all the submissions, click here.

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

Middletown welcomes Lauryn Ricketts, Dexter Manley, and Bill for 4th of July

The Town of Middletown is preparing for the annual Independence Day parade and announced the Grand Marshals and special guests that will be joining in this year’s festivities.

Washington Football legend Dexter Manley and current Commander’s running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill, will ride in the parade along with Grand Marshall Lauryn Ricketts, an Emmy Award winning meteorologist and Frederick County local.

Manley is a two-time Super Bowl  champion and member of the Commander’s Ring of Fame.

Bill emerged as a fan-favorite and offensive weapon during his rookie campaign last season.

He led all rookie running backs with 8 touchdowns and looks to build on that success next season.

Lauryn Ricketts, currently serves the Washington DC area with engaging weather coverage and returns home to the Shenandoah Valley to celebrate America’s 250th in Middletown.

Also joining in on this year’s parade are former Washington kicker and NFL MVP Mark Moseley and the recently crowned Miss Virginia, Maddie Marchant of Lebanon, Virginia.

Before the parade begins at 5pm, join the Town of Middletown for events starting at 8 am in the park ranging from a softball tournament, kids games, vendors, skydivers, and even a hot dog eating contest.

The park will also host live music all day long starting with Robbie Limon at 11 am until the fireworks at dusk.

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

Freedom 250 Truck in Middletown today

A unique piece of American history rolled into the Shenandoah Valley.

The Freedom 250 Truck made a stop in Middletown.

Visit it today from 10am to 5pm at the Wayside Inn.

Part of a nationwide tour, the mobile museum is traveling across the country in 2026 to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

The “Freedom Truck” is one of several interactive exhibits designed to bring history directly to local communities.

Instead of visiting a traditional museum, residents can step inside a traveling experience.

The exhibit tells the story of America’s founding, from the Declaration of Independence to the nation’s growth over the past two and a half centuries.

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

Laurel Ridge Community College making a difference this season.

Logo used by permission from Laurel Ridge Community College

With the holiday season approaching, Laurel Ridge Community College has announced ways that they will be making a difference in the community as students and their families face hardships.

The community can support in various ways including a donation to the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation Food Drive.

With a donation the college is able to purchase items for its food pantries at wholesale prices.

The food pantries are also accepting donations, community members can sponsor a holiday meal for a family for 40 dollars.

Donations of food items and other hygiene products are also accepted.

On all three campuses there is an amazon wishlist campaign to additionally help students and their families in need, on the Middletown campus it’s called TRiO Holiday Drive and on the Fauquier campus it’s called Operation Present Drop. 

“While many of us look forward to the joy and abundance of the holiday season, for some families it can be a time of stress and uncertainty,” Dean of Students Dr. Amber Foltz noted. “This year, the federal shutdown has left some of our students furloughed and others without access to benefits that help them feed their families. Our college community has always had a generous spirit, and this year contributions to our holiday drives will mean more than ever, bringing hope and relief to the 19 families we serve through these drives and to countless others supported by our campus food pantries.”

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

Middletown honors former Mayor with sensory garden

The Town of Middletown unveiled a new Sensory Garden at Middletown Town Park on Tuesday to Honor Former Mayor and U.S. Navy Veteran Ray Steele.

This vibrant and inclusive new space was designed to engage the senses and welcome individuals of all abilities.

Steele’s daughters Mendy LeVan and Pamela Steele dedicated the project to their father for his years of service, advocacy, and compassion for community members with disabilities.

Surrounding features of the garden are colorful, hand-painted rocks created by local Frederick County Public Schools students to symbolize the creativity and connection of the next generation to their community.

During the unveiling, former Mayor Steele said, “I was very surprised and found myself at a loss for words. My family, Masonic brothers, and Middletown mean the world to me, and I am truly blessed to have received all these kind words and praise.”

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

Laurel Ridge welcomes new students after enrollment bump

Logo used by permission from Laurel Ridge Community College

Laurel Ridge Community College resumed classes for the fall semester Monday at the Middletown and Fauquier Campuses as well as the Luray-Page County Center.

According to a recent press release, the college saw a 4% increase since last year after a 9% enrollment bump through the summer semester.

The Luray-Page County Center saw the largest jump in enrollment of 11%, while the Fauquier Campus followed with a 6% increase and then a 3% increase for the Middletown Campus.

Enrollment figures do not include students dual enrolled in classes through their high school.

Some new programs arriving at Laurel Ridge this fall include career studies certificates in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Immersive Technology and Drone Technologies as well as a new associate degree in Criminal Justice.

Dr. Caroline Wood, associate vice president of student services and academic support said, “The first day of school is exciting, it is our ‘new year,’… and we are ready to greet the crowds with enthusiasm, care, and support.”

Classes are still enrolling for the fall semester.

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

Laurel Ridge Community College offers new line worker program

Logo used by permission from Laurel Ridge Community College

Laurel Ridge Community College reports they are offering Express Way to Power a 14-week course offering electrical line training.

The training is offering students a chance to earn seven industry-renowned credentials in a full-time program.

Subjects covered include CDL, Heavy Equipment Operator, Power Industry Fundamentals, Power Line Worker Level 1, and more.

The course is the only course of its kind offered north of Richmond Virginia.

There will be an introductory event August 14 from 5 to 8 at the Middletown campus with registration for the class by September 1.

This program at  Laurel Ridge Community College is supported by the Northwest Virginia Power and Energy Consortium in collaboration with electric cooperatives throughout the region.

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

Middletown Preserves Key Battlefield Parcel Along US Rt. 11

The Middletown Town Council has announced the successful preservation of a historically significant land parcel located at 7881 Main Street along U.S. Route 11—land that witnessed intense combat during the pivotal Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864.

This acquisition, made at a steeply negotiated discount from the original $251,000 listing to $213,000, adds to the town’s growing commitment to battlefield and greenspace preservation. The effort was made possible through a year-long series of good-faith negotiations between town officials and the property owner.

The newly acquired parcel—comprising a desirable double lot with no existing structures—ensures that the site will remain free of dense development. Its preservation helps limit traffic congestion, strain on the town’s water and sewer infrastructure, and further enrollment pressure on Frederick County’s already crowded schools and roadways.

Along with this addition and the 20 plus-acre Bernstein parcel, the Town Park, and Veterans Memorial, Middletown has now preserved nearly 40 acres of land within town limits. Combined with nearly 2,100 acres of preserved battlefield land among park partners just outside town boundaries, the town continues to honor its rich Civil War legacy while safeguarding its small-town character.

Mayor Harbaugh emphasized the long-term vision behind the acquisition: “This purchase is another major step in protecting our heritage, controlling growth, and ensuring Middletown remains a beautiful and balanced place for future generations. We hope our park partners are energized by our recent efforts to continue to preserve properties in and around Middletown.” It was the second main street property purchased by the town this year.

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

Middletown plants new Christmas tree

The Town of Middletown planted a new Christmas Tree at the Middletown Veterans Memorial on Main Street yesterday to ensure the continuation of the town’s cherished holiday tradition.

The 20-foot Norway Spruce Christmas Tree was secured through a $7,500 donation from Wawa and will replace the cedar tree along Reliance Road which served as the town’s official Christmas tree for 12 years.

Due to road improvements including a new turning lane for Wawa, the cedar tree will be removed.

The new tree is expected to grow to a height of 40-60 feet tall, 25-30 feet wide, and averaging 2-3 feet of growth per year over its 200 year life expectancy.

Shine Trucking transported the Norway Spruce from Jeffers Farm in Pennsylvania and it was planted by Boyer Landscaping using a crane from H&W construction.

All who played a role in bringing this new Christmas tree to Middletown will be honored at this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 28th.

Previous Tree Lighting Ceremonies have welcomed celebrities like Washington Football legends Doug Williams and Brian Mitchell.

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

A weekend of remembrance in Middletown

This weekend, the community of Middletown comes together to honor the sacrifices of those who fought in the Battle of Cedar Creek, a pivotal moment in American history.

Two special events are set to take place, offering opportunities for reflection, education, and community spirit.

The Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation will host its annual reenactment of the Battle of Cedar Creek on the original grounds of the battlefield.

This year’s event is particularly significant, occurring 160 years to the day after the battle. 

Throughout the weekend, visitors can experience a range of activities, including cavalry, artillery, and infantry demonstrations.

There will also be educational presentations, music, and hands-on demonstrations that provide insights into military and civilian life during the Civil War.

Local vendors will be on-site offering food and merchandise, along with fundraising raffles to support future preservation efforts.

Then at 6:45 PM, the 11th Annual “Luminaries of Middletown,” will light up Main Street.

This free event will feature 964 luminaries, each representing a soldier who lost their life during the climactic Battle of Cedar Creek.

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