Extreme fire danger for Page County
Due to the lack of rain for the last six months, and the extremely dry conditions across Page County, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has declared a drought warning.
The conditions are favorable for rapid spread fire that has the potential to impact life and safety, can cause threat to property and create widespread hazards.
It is highly suggested that there be no open air burning countywide.
Drought and weather conditions will continue to be monitored to keep the local state of emergency justified for the citizens of Page County.
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VDOT begins significant work in Shenandoah County
The Virginia Department of Transportation announced significant road work to begin in Shenandoah County on May 1st.
Crews will begin work on Route 211 (East Lee Highway) on May 1st with operations expected to last 30 days.
VDOT expects the milling and paving operation to create significant travel delays for the duration of the project.
The multi-phase operation will allow only one travel lane at a time.
The single travel lane will serve both east and westbound traffic along the three lane, steep mountain road between New Market and Page County.
Pilot trucks will guide traffic Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm until the work is completed.
Route 211 motorists can expect delays of 20 min at a time during work hours.
During non-work hours on weekdays, motorists should be aware of areas of uneven pavement.
Crews hope to level those areas before each weekend.
For updates or other travelling information, click here.
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Sherando band hosts inaugural showcase
Sherando High School’s Band Boosters are bringing a new indoor competition to the Northern Shenandoah Valley today with the Sherando Showcase.
This is the first time Sherando High School has been selected by the Atlantic Indoor Association to host a contest.
The event will begin at the high school’s gymnasium at 10 am today and feature performances across three divisions: color guard, percussion, and winds.
30 units from across Virginia will be competing for top honors including members of the Sherando Band which has been named a Virginia Honor Band for 5 consecutive years.
Some of the other competing high schools include Page County, Millbrook, Warren County, and Clarke County among others.
To learn more and view the digital program, click here.
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Page Co. Authorities rescue 2 people and 2 dogs from a fire
Stanley Fire Chief Terry Pettit reports that the Stanley Fire Department was called out Jan. 22 at 11:23 to Lucas Hollow Road.
While in route Page Emergency Communications advised responders that two occupants were trapped inside the structure by a fire.
Three Page County Sheriff Deputies were already on the scene when fire units arrived.
Deputies Tiller, Stillson and Debellastre were attempting to enter the building but were hampered by the fire.
Those inside the building were able to shout out the window to let rescuers know what room they were in.
Deputy Stillson was able to pry the plywood off the window to allow the two to climb out with their dog.
The three were assisted to the ground by the deputies, Page County Emergency Medical Services Personnel and Chief Pettit.
Firefighters quickly got the fire under control and conducted a second search to find another dog which was taken to safety.
The owner of the home 67-year-old Billy Dallas and follow occupant 37-year-old Amy Cook were treated at the scene.
Chief Pettit noted that a car adjacent to the house was fully involved with fire reaching to the back side of the home when he arrived.
The fire is believed to have begun at the vehicle and spread to the home with the exact cause of the fire still under investigation.
The 2008 Dodge Avenger is a total loss with estimated damage to the home at approximately $50,000.
Six units and 23 firefighters responded to the incident who remained on the scene for approximately 2 hours.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Page County Authorities investigate a tip from the NCMEC
The Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) reports an arrest after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
On Jan. 18 the PCSO received a cyber tip from NCMEC indicating that someone in Page County either uploaded or downloaded an image or video that could be considered child phonography.
The Investigative Division of the PCSO was able to follow up on the tip and identify a phone number and email address associated with the file transfer.
With that information authorities arrested David B. Cubbage of Stanley Virginia Jan. 19.
The PCSO is a member of the Northern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
If you have any information regrading any solicitation or exploitation of a minor you should contact the PCSO at 540-743-6571.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
PCSO lifesaving award is given to a 9 year old girl
The Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) reports that their lifesaving award has been received by a county 9 year old.
On December 12, 9 year old Harleigh Luciano was traveling with her stepmother on Leakesville Road in Stanley.
The girl’s stepmother suffered a medical emergency but managed to pull the car to the side of the road before falling unconscious.
Harleigh was able to locate her stepmother’s phone and call 911 and give approximate location to emergency communication personnel.
Responding Officer Chase Vaughn was so impressed with Harleigh’s demeaner through the entire incident that he nominated her for the Department’s lifesaving award.
As Vaughn drove Harleigh to meet her father at the hospital she told him that she has Autism and that’s what makes her smart.
Page County Sheriff Chad Cubbage agreed that she is smart and awarded Harleigh the Page County Sheriff’s Department’s lifesaving award Jan. 11 for her calm demeaner during the ordeal.
Sheriff Cubbage added that there is no doubt that Harleigh saved her stepmother’s life with her actions.
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PCSO Deputies make major arrest after a traffic stop
Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) reports that Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Jan. 9 in the 2700 block of Farmview Road in Stanley.
As the stop progressed the driver of the vehicle 46-year-old David Stroupe fled the scene after it was discovered that he was wanted in West Virginia.
The passenger of the vehicle 52-year-old Daniel Day also attempted escape.
Both men were apprehended by Deputies with little effort and are being held without bond currently.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle contained approximately 109 grams of what appears to be Methamphetamine.
Both men face several charges including possession of and intent to distribute narcotics charges along with several vehicle and road violations.
Stroupe is also currently awaiting extradition to West Virginia.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
PCSO offers an update on abused animal
The Page County Sheriff’s Office announced an update in the case of the abused dog that was rescued from the Egypt Bend Road area.
The dog was found deliberately chained to a fence and unable to move in late November.
The dog is in good spirits and is being well taken care of at the local animal shelter.
Until the conclusion of the investigation the Sheriff’s Office cannot offer any information regarding adoption of the dog.
The Animal Control Officers in charge of the case are in consultation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney with all developments.
The case is still an active investigation, and all leads are being aggressively pursued.
Where the Sheriff’s Office is receiving constant request about the animal, they cannot offer much more information until the conclusion of the investigation.
Anyone with any additional information in this case or any case of animal cruelty should contact the PCSO.
Contact Deputy Erica Nations at the PCSO at 540-743-6571.
It is part of the PCSO’s mission to be the voice of any animal that is abused and bring justice for our four legged friends.
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Comfort & Healing Care Packages
During the month of December, the Luray Women in Business group will be accepting donations for Choices.
Choices is a local non – profit that houses women and children that have been the victims of sexual and domestic
abuse. They will be accepting donations of Comfort & Healing packages to benefit these survivors.
They are in need of bedroom slippers, sports bras or bras without underwire, underwear, cozy socks, yoga pants,
leggings, lounge pants, & gift cards. All sizes are needed larger are preferred.
If you are interested in donating supplies, you can drop them off at the Luray – Page County Chamber of Commerce
& Visitor Center located at 18 Campbell Street, Luray, every day from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or at Anderson Corporation, 31
Stoney Brook Lane, Luray, Monday through Friday 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Page County Authorities investigate a case of animal cruelty
Page County Authorities report the investigation of a case of animal cruelty.
Nov. 21 authorities found a female husky mix deliberately locked and chained to a barbed wire fence.
The animal was found in the vicinity of 651 Egypt Bend Road.
The animal was unable to move due to the chains and fence.
After several attempts by Animal Control they were finally able to free the dog without incident.
Anyone with any information or knows the dog you are asked to contact Page County animal control.
Contact Animal Control Officer Nations at 540-743-6571.
Pictures of the dog and it’s situation are found here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.