Deaf village history at Samuel’s Public Library
Samuels Public Library is featuring the Lantz Mills Deaf Village History exhibit until December 30, 2023.
This unique traveling exhibition, presented by the Library of Virginia with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Sorenson Foundation.
The intriguing history of a shared signing community in Shenandoah County, Virginia, from 1740 to 1970, similar to that of Martha’s Vineyard.
The Lantz Mills Deaf Village exhibit is more than a historical showcase; it’s a celebration of diversity and communication within a community setting.
It serves as a vital educational tool, offering insights into the rich tapestry of Virginia’s deaf culture.
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Rodeo approved by Shenandoah County
The Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors approved an application submitted by Mike Foster of Tumbling Ranch and Rodeo.
The plans include a full slate of bulls, barrel racing, and broncos.
The rodeo will be coming to Battlefield Road in Strasburg after Tuesday’s approval.
Foster hopes to bring a spring and fall rodeo back to Virginia, train bulls to send off to bigger events and to give back to the community.
The Tumbling Ranch and Rodeo hope to have the center open by mid-2024.
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Three Arrested in armed robbery in Edinburg Virginia
On July 27, the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to a reported armed robbery where three males fled the scene in the area of Elizabeth Lane, Edinburg.
At approximately 9AM, a SCSO Deputy located the vehicle involved and conducted a traffic stop.
The driver was identified as Joshua Wayne Dellinger, of Edinburg.
Officers took Dellinger into custody and charged him with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The two passengers in the vehicle, Kyle Austin Cowart of Mount Jackson, and Dallas Michael Fraley from Woodbridge, were taken into custody for outstanding warrants.
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New bridge opens on Route 11 in Shenandoah County
STAUNTON – Traffic on Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) in Shenandoah County is scheduled to begin using the new bridge over the North Fork Shenandoah River today. The newly constructed bridge is located between Route 720 and the Mount Jackson southern town limits.
A traffic lane-shift will allow Route 11 traffic to transition to the new bridge. Contractors for the VDOT Virginia Department of Transportation have been working since early 2022 to replace the older Truss bridge and was scheduled to complete construction this august.
The new Route 11 bridge is about 38 feet wide, which is 14 feet wider than the old structure. The additional width will accommodate two 11-foot travel lanes, an 11-foot shoulder on the west side of the bridge, and a five-foot shoulder on the east side.
After Route 11 motorists begin using the new bridge, contractors will begin removing the old bridge and will finalize the project.
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WEATHERWISE, JULY 2023
This month we’ll take a look at some of the headlines in weather news over the past month and try to figure out what’s going on…there’s heat in the Atlantic Ocean, the 2023 hurricane season has come in like a lion, we’ll look at the potential cost of El Nino and…what’s happened to the lightning bugs!.
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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SCSO seeks information on subject in Malicious Wounding
Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) reports the need for help from the public in locating Matthew Midkiff of Woodstock.
Midkiff is wanted for Felony Aggravated Malicious Wounding in a January 2 incident in Edinburg.
Upon further investigation authorities obtained and executed a warrant on a building on Jewel Lane in Edinburg where a Methamphetamine laboratory was discovered.
Midkiff is wanted in the investigation of the laboratory and faces charges in the malicious wounding incident.
Midkiff also faces charges of Abduction, Cruelty to Children and Felony Possession of a firearm.
Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Midkiff is asked to contact the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office at 540-459-6100.
A picture of Midkiff and additional information is found here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Virginia Tourism reaches and exceeds pre-pandemic levels
In an email Shenandoah County Tourism announced that tourism has surpassed pre pandemic levels in their contributions to both the local and state economy.
Tourism expenditures reached over $130 million while local labor income reached $31 million supporting almost 1,150 jobs in Shenandoah County alone.
In addition, tourism supported over $5 million in local taxes at the county and town level.
In addition to that tourism in Shenandoah County added another $3.3 million in state taxes.
The Director of Tourism and Economic Development Jenna French explained in the email that it was exciting to see the industry bounce back above pre pandemic levels.
French noted that places like Shenandoah County were among the top destinations which helps fuel the local economy and small businesses as well.
The Virginia Tourism Corporation announced that travelers to Virginia spent $69 million a day in 2021 that is up from $48 million in 2020.
Virginia’s tourism revenues reached $25.2 billion in 2021making an 87 percent recovery from the 2019 pre pandemic spending.
Coastal Virginia, Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Highlands were some of the top destinations and revenue generators for the state.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
“Tools for Teachers” Collects Thousands of Supplies for Educators
The “Tools for Teachers” Donation Drive to support educators in Shenandoah County Public Schools proved to be an overwhelming success. The effort was a collaboration between United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, Just Because,
George’s Inc., and the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce.
The groups delivered mounds of supplies to each of the schools and announced the results of the drive: In total, the community donated over 3,000 items, valued at more than $7,000! In addition, they received $1,300 in cash
donations.
On September 8th, the groups were recognized by the Shenandoah County School Board for hosting
the drive and presented $130 checks to each of the 10 school principals.
The funding will allow the schools to purchase specific supplies requested by teachers. The top items collected include: 772
packs of colored pencils, 431 packs of markers, 336 packs of glue sticks, 234 spiral notebooks and
193 packs of pens.
“It was truly inspiring to see the community give so generously, “said Jennifer Hall, Senior Director of
Community Investment at United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley.
“Our annual campaign themethis year is ‘Small Act Big Impact’ and this project is proof that it works! Every person who donated $1 or a pack of pens, collectively worked together to make a big impact and we are so grateful.”
According to a survey the national nonprofit AdoptAClassroom.org, teachers spend an average of
$750 of their own money each year to help students be successful in the classroom.
With inflation costs, that number is expected to be even higher this year.
This was the first drive of its kind designed exclusively to aid teachers in Shenandoah County Public
Schools and was the idea of staff at George’s Inc. who wanted to work with community partners to
achieve a greater impact.
“We want our teachers to know they are valued and appreciated by our community,” said Billie Jo
Espino, Human Resources Supervisor at George’s Inc. “George’s is a family-owned business and we
are deeply committed to supporting families and education. This is one of the many ways we are
giving back to support our local community.”
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Shenandoah County will see an influx of bicyclist
Woodstock and Shenandoah County have been selected by Bike Virginia for a one day cycling event.
According to an email from the Executive Director of Bike Virginia Kimberly Perry reports that the one day event will be Sept. 17 largely between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m..
Residents need to be aware and on the watch for the influx of cyclist riding through Woodstock and Shenandoah County.
The cyclist are expected to have little impact on local roadways as guest will use several different routes in the region.
Cyclist will utilize anywhere from 11 mile treks to 75 mile treks at various times through the day.
Cyclist will take those routes at their leisure throughout the day and may be riding alone or in groups.
Several activities are planned for the bikers at various locations through the county as well.
Registration for the day ride remain open at this time and can be made here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.