Two killed on I-81 Thursday morning

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

Two people were killed in separate crashes on Interstate 81 Thursday, according to Virginia State Police.

In Shenandoah County, 78-year-old Dennis Marshall of North Carolina was struck and killed after getting out of his disabled vehicle, which was then
hit by a tractor-trailer near mile marker 286.

A passenger was hospitalized with injuries, and the truck driver suffered minor injuries.

A few hours later in Frederick County, an adult woman died after her SUV swerved to avoid an object in the roadway near mile marker 318.

She left the interstate, and struck a tree.

Her identity has not yet been released.

Both crashes remain under investigation by Virginia State Police.

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

Drug investigation leads to interstate pursuit

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

A Harrisonburg man is behind bars following a drug investigation and high-speed chase through Warren and Shenandoah counties.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office says Brian Terrell Richardson fled from deputies on Interstate 66 Thursday, striking another vehicle and driving recklessly before being stopped with a PIT maneuver near Strasburg.

Investigators recovered approximately 690 grams of methamphetamine, 82 pressed fentanyl pills, and more than $4,300 in cash.

Richardson faces multiple felony charges, including drug distribution, felony eluding, and hit-and-run.

He is being held without bond at the RSW Regional Jail.

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

WVA man pleads guilty in fatal Shenandoah County crash

Virginia State Police, VSP, Used by permission of VSP

A West Virginia man has pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from a three-vehicle crash in Shenandoah County last year that killed a Strasburg woman.

Roy Jesse Mongold Jr., 45, of Fisher, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, DUI-related involuntary manslaughter, and driving under the influence of drugs in connection with an April 25, 2025, crash.

Investigators determined that Mongold crossed into oncoming traffic, striking one vehicle before colliding head-on with a vehicle driven by 28-year-old Alysia M. Coffelt of Strasburg.

Mongold admitted to using methamphetamine on the morning of the crash in an effort to stay awake while driving.

Toxicology testing later confirmed the presence of amphetamine and methamphetamine in his system.

Coffelt was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two dogs that were traveling in her vehicle survived the crash.

Mongold remains incarcerated while awaiting sentencing.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 30, 2026.

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

Strasburg takes on Glenvar in Class 2 State Title

The Strasburg Rams are playing in The Class 2 State Title Game later this morning against the Glenvar Highlanders.

Just one year after falling to Graham in last year’s State Title, Strasburg returns to Salem once again.

This will be the sixth time the Rams have appeared in a State Title Game and they have not won in previous championship matchups.

Randy Woodward and Ryan Rutherford have the call on Fox Sports Radio 1450, theriver953.com and The River 95.3 App with coverage starting at 10:45am and kickoff at 11:30am. 

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

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.

Drug Take Back Day in the Shenandoah Valley

Graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

If you’re heading out today, remember that, Saturday, October 25th, is the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

This is your crucial opportunity to safely dispose of old and unused medications and actively safeguard your homes and communities.

Collection sites across the Northern Shenandoah Valley will be open for a limited time, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This effort is vital for preventing prescription drug misuse and accidental poisonings by removing temptation right from your medicine cabinet.

In Frederick County, your primary collection point will be staffed at the Sheriff’s Office on Coverstone Drive.

The drive-through process is quick and anonymous.

Remember, you can always use the secure, permanent drop-box at the Sheriff’s Office year-round, but today provides an extra push to clear out expired pills.

Let’s keep those chemicals out of our local waterways!

Moving south to Shenandoah County, you can drop off your unwanted pills at the collection unit at the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office in Woodstock.

They encourage all families to take a critical step today, especially since many instances of substance misuse begin right in the home.

If you miss the event hours, the Woodstock Sheriff’s Office also offers a 24-hour drop box in its lobby for convenience.

Finally, in Warren County, the Front Royal Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office will be partnering with the Valley Health Multi-Specialty Clinic on North Commerce Avenue.

The drive-through lane will be running smoothly to accept your pills, capsules, patches, and tablets.

A note for the community: please remember to leave liquids, aerosols, inhalers, syringes, and other sharps at home, as those require different specialized disposal methods.

This is a vital service to our community.

Let’s take advantage of it!

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here

SCSO charges four on drug related charges

Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office

The Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of four individuals on drug related charges.

Authorities conducted a traffic stop on September 23rd in the vicinity of MM 282 on Interstate 81.

While the stop was taking place authorities discovered 10 grams of suspected MDMA, paraphernalia as well as U.S. Currency.

The suspect behind the wheel was identified as Eyob Tsegaye Tekeste of Rockville, Maryland. The three passengers were identified as Galdy Nelson of Silver Spring, Maryland, Paulos Abenet Bekele of Burtonsville, Maryland, and Reginald Maurice Diamonte Simmons of Silver Spring, Maryland.

The charges placed as follows:

Eyob Tsegaye Tekeste: 18.2-250: Possession of a Sch. I or II Controlled Substance.

Galdy Nelson: 18.2-250: Possession of a Sch. I or II Controlled Substance, 18.2-256/18.2-248: Conspiracy to Distribute a Sch. I or II Controlled Substance.

Paulos Abenet Bekele: 18.2-256/18.2-248: Conspiracy to Distribute a Sch. I or II Controlled Substance.

Reginald Maurice Diamonte Simmons: 18.2-248: Distribution of a Sch. I or II Controlled Substance.

The occupants of the vehicle were transported to Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren Regional Jail and additional charges are pending.

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.

 

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.

Food production boost in Winchester and Shenandoah County

Governor Youngkin today announced infrastructure grant awards totaling over $497,000 to boost local food production and agricultural across Virginia.

The announcement comes during Virginia Agriculture Week and highlights the administration’s commitment to strengthening local food systems and supporting the Commonwealth’s largest private industry, agriculture.

Among the grant recipients are the City of Winchester and Shenandoah County, both receiving funding to expand vital food-related infrastructure:

  • City of Winchester – $47,900
    The Winchester Economic Development Authority will use the funding to construct a new commissary kitchen, offering much-needed space for food entrepreneurs lacking commercial kitchen access. The facility will help strengthen the local food system and expand opportunities for value-added Virginia agricultural products.
  • Shenandoah County – $50,000
    Funding will support the renovation of an existing space in New Market into a commercial kitchen. The facility will provide room for multiple vendors and include a new roaster to support the growth of Crazy Fox Coffee, a local business.

Grants are awarded on a reimbursable basis and primarily support capital improvements such as commercial kitchens, food hubs, farmers markets, and value-added processing facilities.

Matching contributions from localities and partners further amplify the impact of these investments.