VSP arrest Rockingham County man

Virginia State Police, VSP, Used by permission of VSP

Virginia State Police (VSP) have arrested a Rockingham County man accused of pointing firearms at another driver on I-81 in Frederick County.

The victim reported that a driver in a white SUV waved at least 2 firearms at hime the two vehicles were traveling southbound near mile marker 308.

The incident happened Monday, August 3rd, about 6 pm.

Troopers caught up with the SUV and arrested 23 year old Jose A. Simon of Rockingham County.

Police found multiple firearms and a reported grenade inside the vehicle.

A bomb squad was called to the scene and determined the grenade was inactive.

Simon is charged with 2 counts of brandishing a firearm and illegally wearing a mask.

He is being held at the Northwest Regional Adult Detention Center in Winchester.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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

Proposed route for transmission line

Valley Link Transmission has released proposed routes for a new 765-kilovolt transmission line that could impact Clarke County.

The project, a joint venture between Dominion Energy, FirstEnergy Transmission, and Transource Energy.

The line would run from Putnam County, WV, to Frederick County, MD, using transmission structures at least 150 feet tall.

Residents can review route maps online or at the Clarke County Government Center in Berryville.

An open house will be held Tuesday, July 7, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Clarke County Fairgrounds Ruritan Building.

The public can learn more and provide feedback on the proposal at this time.

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

VSP will receive steel from Ground Zero

Virginia State Police, VSP, Used by permission of VSP

Virginia State Police will receive a piece of steel recovered from Ground Zero at the World Trade Center.

The steel will be presented during a ceremony on Monday, May 11th, at the Virginia State Police Academy.

Donated by the Freedom Flag Foundation, it will become a permanent memorial at the academy ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

The steel comes from Tower One and was located near the area impacted when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building on September 11th, 2001.

The ceremony is being held during National Police Week, honoring current and fallen officers.

The public is invited to attend.

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

Town of Luray announces road closures

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The Town of Luray is advising motorists of an upcoming road maintenance.

Wallace Avenue, between Stoney Brooke Lane and Atkins Drive, will be partially closed to traffic beginning Monday, May 4th, and continuing periodically through May 20th.

The closure will be in effect daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for bridge maintenance work.

During this time, flagging operations will be in place.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane with two-way flow maintained.

Drivers should follow posted work zone signs, use alternate routes when possible, and expect delays.

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

FCP identify man killed in domestic dispute

Fairfax County Police have identified the man shot and killed by an officer following a deadly domestic stabbing in the Mantua area Monday morning, February 23rd.

Officers responded around 5:06 a.m. to Persimmon Drive for a reported domestic assault.

Police say they found multiple victims suffering from stab wounds inside and outside the apartment.

Officers encountered 54-year-old Chhatra Thapa armed with a knife and ordered him to drop it.

When he did not comply, an officer fired, striking him.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two women later died at the hospital, while a male victim remains hospitalized in life threatening condition.

A one-year-old child inside the home was not injured.

The incident remains under investigation.

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

Expect delays on I81 with bridge repairs

Traffic Update

Heads up for I-81 drivers in Shenandoah County!

VDOT is warning motorist of lane and exit closures.

Northbound lane closures begin Monday, September 8, for bridge repairs near exit 269.

Each closure may last up to 60 hours.

Wide loads must detour, and some exits, including 264 and 269, both for New Market, will be closed.

Expect delays.

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.

Volunteer energy reduction request from the Town

police radios

The Town of Front Royal is asking electric customers to voluntarily reduce energy consumption during peak hours from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, starting Monday, January 20, through Wednesday, January 22.

With temperatures expected to drop near zero, conserving energy can help lower transmission costs and keep electricity rates low.

Officials assure the grid is in good shape, but every bit of conservation helps.

Simple steps include lowering your thermostat to 68 degrees, turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and delaying chores like laundry until off-peak hours.

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

 

Kemp Miller’s weather update

lightning

The National Weather Service has continued the Winter Storm Warning and upped the predicted amount in our area to 9-12 inches with isolated areas up to 16 inches. The good news is that we are looking at mostly snow and not much if any mixed precipitation. There will be a mid-day lull in the snow starting early afternoon and then resuming in the late afternoon for the possibility of another 1-3 inches of dry, fluffy snow before it ends tomorrow night. Forget travel: the wind will be blowing off and on most of Monday and Monday evening which will make travel dangerous, if not impossible. I’ll have reports tomorrow morning on The River 95.3 starting at 6 a.m. Enjoy the day and take care.

Prepare for the winter weather headed our way

Be prepared for potential snowfall this Sunday & Monday.

Though forecasts may change, it’s always a good idea to stay alert and prepare now.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) recommends always keeping a storm prep kit stocked with essential items including flashlights & fresh batteries, bottled water, extra blankets or bedding and nonperishable foods.

Find a complete list of what to include at myrec.coop/stormprep

What to do before the storm:

  • Consider a secondary heating source such as a heating with a generator.
  • Gather any extra blankets, bedding, sleeping bags, sweaters and other warm clothing.
  • Generator Safety Tips:
    • Use your generator safely by isolating it from REC’s power lines and connecting
      devices directly.
    • If connecting to your home’s wiring, ensure you use a generator transfer switch.
    • Never refuel a generator while it’s running and provide proper ventilation to avoid
      carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stay informed, stay safe, and remember REC is always here for their customers!

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