Missing hunter found safe after night in the woods

Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office

A 73-year-old hunter who went missing Tuesday evening in Shenandoah County was located safe and sound Wednesday morning, thanks to a massive overnight search effort.

Thomas Kaschak, 73, of Hanover, was last seen by his hunting party at 7 a.m. Tuesday near their campsite in the Zepp area, northwest of Strasburg.

The Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office began a search Tuesday night after receiving a report he was missing.

According to Capt. Wesley Dellinger of the Sheriff’s Office, Kaschak made a final contact with his party via cellphone around 6 p.m. before the battery died.

After battling thick fog, darkness, and rain, search teams successfully located Mr. Kaschak around 9 a.m. Wednesday, less than a mile from the search perimeter.

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

VSP urge caution as October marks deadliest month for drivers

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

The Virginia State Police (VSP) is issuing a critical safety reminder to parents and teen drivers across the Commonwealth: October is statistically the most dangerous month on Virginia roadways for all crash fatalities, including those involving young, inexperienced drivers.

While the summer months are often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teens, VSP data support a focus on autumn, as environmental and seasonal factors make October an especially risky time for fatal crashes statewide.

Over the last decade, Virginia has recorded a higher percentage of crash fatalities in October than in any other month.

The increase in crashes during the fall is often linked to: Diminishing daylight, deer collisions, and inclement weather conditions.

The VSP stresses that inexperience, distraction, speeding, and failure to wear a seatbelt remain the top factors in crashes involving teenagers.

As many teen drivers are settling into new school-year routines, the Virginia State Police reminds parents to actively monitor their children’s driving habits and reinforce safe behaviors:

  • Limit Nighttime Driving: Restrict driving after sunset, especially on rural roads.
  • Mandate Seatbelt Use: Ensure all occupants are buckled up, every trip, every time.
  • Eliminate Distractions: Prohibit cell phone use and enforce passenger limits to reduce distraction.
  • Adjust for Conditions: Teach teens to slow down in fog, rain, or when leaves make the road slick, and to be hyper-vigilant for wildlife.

Parents are encouraged to use National Teen Driver Safety Week (held the third week in October) as a formal opportunity to review driving rules and sign a parent-teen safe driving agreement.

Working together, law enforcement and families can help reduce the alarming statistics for Virginia’s youngest drivers.

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

Drought conditions remain in area

lightning

The National Weather Service is warning that drought persists across the region, with little relief from rainfall.

As of today, severe to extreme drought conditions continue to affect the Shenandoah Valley and areas west of the Alleghenies.

In the last 30 days, less than 5 inches of rain has fallen across the region.

Dry weather is expected to continue through the weekend, with a possibility of rain early next week.

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

All 55 Counties in WV are in drought conditions

West Virginia state seal. Used by written permission by Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff of West Virginia Chuck Flannery

To aid West Virginia’s farming community amid ongoing drought conditions, Governor Jim Justice has declared a State of Emergency across all 55 counties.

The declaration comes in response to a persistent lack of rainfall that has led to severe and dangerous drought conditions statewide.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the entire state is experiencing extreme,
severe, and moderate drought conditions.

With this proclamation, Gov. Justice has activated the Emergency Operations Plan, instructed personnel and resources to be ready to respond to any emergencies, and granted specific administrative powers to the Director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to ensure essential emergency services are provided efficiently.

This State of Emergency will remain in effect for thirty days unless terminated earlier by another proclamation.

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

Flood watch in effect for much of listening area

lightning

A flood watch remains in effect for much of the listening area until 10 a.m., while a flood warning is in effect for southeastern Rockingham and northeastern Augusta counties until 11:15 a.m.

The National Weather Service says repetitive rounds of rain and runoff into rivers and streams could cause flooding, especially in low-lying or poor-drainage areas.

Officials recommend monitoring weather forecasts, being ready to take action should flooding occur and, of course, not driving through when water is covering the road.

Wildfires update

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) and Virginia firefighters have responded to over 100 wildfires within the last 48 hours.

While several fires in the region, including the Yeawood Fire in Culpeper have been contained.

The Coal Mine Fire in Shenandoah County is approximately 80% contained as of Friday evening.

Thankfully rain has began to fall in the area.

As fires become under control, crews are reallocated to wildfires in Page, Rockingham, and Shenandoah Counties.

Additionally, Federal, State, and local resources are aiding in the efforts to protect lives and property.

In Page County, several fires including the 211 West Fire will be combined into one incident named the “Luray Complex,” under a partnership between the Southern Area Gold Incident Management Team, the USDA Forest Service and DOF.

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

Drought advisory continues

The “Drought Warning” enacted in August 2023 by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality was lifted on Feb. 1st.

However, a “Drought Advisory” continues for the Shenandoah
drought evaluation region.

This includes the counties of: Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page,
Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties.

Although recent rain and snow have increased current moisture levels in soil, streams, and rivers a drought advisory remains in effect.

Long term precipitation deficits remain in the Shenandoah Valley.

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