Protect your pets and pipes during the cold

lightning

The dangerously cold air that Kemp Miller warned you about has passed, and you likely woke up to the coldest temperatures of the season this morning, with many areas dropping into the upper teens overnight.

While the absolute lowest temperatures are behind us, conditions remain frigid.

If you moved your pets inside last night, keep them warm!

If you forgot, check them immediately for signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Simple outdoor shelters are not adequate in this extreme cold.

As temperatures rise slightly today, this is the time to check exposed faucets, well pumps, and older plumbing for any damage or bursts that may have occurred overnight.

We will see a slight warming trend but continue to take care.

There is now a winter weather advisory for parts of the listening area starting tomorrow, Sunday, November 30th, starting at 3 pm.

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

Winchester Fire and Rescue called to structure fire

amanda behan

The Winchester Fire and Rescue Department reports of a fire that took place

Winchester Fire and Rescue was called to the scene of a structure fire on Monday November 24th.

The dispatch took place at 8:47 at the 1900 block of Henry Avenue.

Units found fire at the home which they were quickly able to extinguish.

After crews extinguished the fire they quickly began overhaul and ventilation operations.

The Red Cross has been notified.

There were no injuries to any crew or civilians however there were dogs and cats that occupied the residence that have been displaced.

This investigation is ongoing by the Fire Marshals Office.

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

SCSO reminds animal owners to microchip pets

Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office

Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office reminds us to microchip our domestic animals on National Check the Chip Day.

The chip can be activated by a scanner should your animal be lost or stolen.

Microchips are not a tracker but acts as another form of ID that is the size of a grain of rice that is inserted in your pet.

When an animal is found and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic they scan for the chip for quick identification.

If the chip is registered and has accurate information the animal can be returned easily.

Call any veterinarian to have a chip inserted in your pet.

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

Odor control maintenance at Wastewater Treatment Facility

The Town of Front Royal will be performing routine maintenance at its Wastewater Treatment Facility during the week of July 14–18, 2025.

Crews will be replacing the wood media in the odor control unit on the digested sludge tanks.

During this time, residents may notice a temporary increase in odors near the facility.

While the smell may be unpleasant, it poses no harm to residents or pets.

We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

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

WCSO reports rabid bat in 15th Street area

Used by permission by the Warren County Office employee Sergeant Terry Fritts

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is urging residents near 15th Street to remain alert following reports of  bat activity in the area.

Several bats have been collected and submitted to the Warren County Health Department for rabies testing.

One bat has tested positive for rabies, with additional test results still pending.

The Sheriff’s Office and Health Department are actively monitoring the situation.

Residents who have bats in or around their homes, especially in the 15th Street area, should contact the Sheriff’s Office.

If you believe you or  a pet may have been exposed, Animal Control deputies are available to assist and offer guidance.

Officials emphasize that pets with current rabies vaccinations are considered protected.

Residents are reminded to ensure their pets’ shots are up to date and to avoid handling wild animals.

For more information on rabies and exposure prevention, click here.

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

Tick season is upon us!

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

As we head into peak tick season, the Virginia Department of Forestry reminds you: the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases is to avoid getting bitten in the first place.

Here are a few quick tips to stay safe outdoors:

  • Stick to maintained trails, avoiding tall grass and leaf litter where ticks love to hide.
  • Wear light-colored pants and tuck them into your socks to spot ticks more easily.
  • Use insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of eucalyptus.

And don’t forget to check yourself, your kids, pets, and gear regularly while enjoying the outdoors.

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

Encounter one of Virginia’s largest predators

Bobcats, Coyotes, and bears!

These are Virginia’s three largest predators.

These are not encounters you usually seek out, but this time of year you may come upon them.

They are often more aware of you, instead of you being aware of them.

Bobcats and coyotes are currently in mating season and are more active.

At this point they are not paying as much attention to you.

Male bears are beginning to emerge from their dins to mark their territories.

They are preparing to teach their cubs to explore and look for food.

Here is what you should do if you see one of these animals:

  •  Stay calm, but make noise so the bear realizes you are not prey
  • Back away slowly
  • Do not run or climb a tree
  • Provide the a clear path of retreat for the animal

Pets are also a concern.

If you are hiking with your pet, keep it on a leash.

If your pet is in your yard, keep an eye on them.

All three predators are opportunistic and could look at your pet as an easy meal if food is in short supply.

If you would like more information, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

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.

Warren County Humane Society’s Safety Pet Tips

registration open polar plunge

More pets go missing over the Fourth of July holiday more than any other time of the year.

Here are some tips from the Warren County Humane Society to keep your pets safe.

Not using fireworks around your pets, making sure they’re wearing a collar with ID, having toys available for distraction, and turning on music to drown out the loud noises are just a few ways you can keep your furry friends from being overwhelmed and scared during the holiday.

More information can be found here on the Warren County Humane Society’s website.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here

SCSO warns on the dangers of leaving pets in your car

International Automotive Components Group

With temperatures soaring and summer fast approaching the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office (SCSD) urges pet owners to remember the dangers of leaving pets unattended in parked vehicles, especially during hot days.

Every year, countless pets suffer and tragically die from heatstroke after being left in parked cars.

Even on relatively mild days, the temperature inside a parked car can escalate rapidly, reaching lethal levels within minutes.

Dogs and cats are vulnerable to heatstroke as they are less efficient at cooling themselves down compared to humans.

To prevent incidents of heat-related pet emergencies SCSO offers the following tips:

  •  Never Leave Pets in Parked Cars: Even with the windows cracked open or in the shade, temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly, leading to heatstroke and death.
  • Plan Ahead: If you need to run errands or travel with your pet, make arrangements for them to stay home or have someone accompany you who can stay with the pet outside the vehicle.
  •  Be Aware of Signs of Heatstroke: Symptoms of heatstroke in pets include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
  •  Provide Adequate Water and Shade: When spending time outdoors with your pet, ensure they have access to fresh water and shade to prevent dehydration and overheating.
  • Spread Awareness: Educate friends, family, and fellow pet owners about the dangers of  leaving pets in parked cars and encourage responsible pet ownership.

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