CC Sheriff’s Summer Safety week 4

Used with permission of Clarke County Sheriff Travis Sumption

The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office Summer Safety theme for week 4 is pool and water safety.

There are a few precautions everyone needs to take when around water, drownings happen quickly.

  • Always keep your eye on children.
  • Wear a life vest when boating.
  • Never swim alone.
  • Stay alert to changing weather and water conditions.

Drownings can happen quickly and quietly, so always be aware of what is going on around you.

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

Warmer weather bring out motorcycles

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

With motorcycle fatalities in 2026 just slightly behind the pace of the past two years, Virginia State Police is urging drivers to stay alert on the roads.

May marks Motorcycle Awareness Month, and with warmer weather bringing more riders out, officials say both motorcyclists and drivers need to prioritize safety.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there have been 24 motorcycle fatalities in Virginia so far this year, as of April 30th.

Nineteen of those occurred in March and April.

By comparison, there were 30 fatalities during the same time period in 2024, and 32 in 2025.

State Police say riders should understand their skill level and ride within their limits, while drivers should remain vigilant and watch for motorcycles sharing the road.

To help improve safety, Virginia State Police is offering its “Ride 2 Save Lives” motorcycle self-assessment courses across the Commonwealth.

The program gives riders a chance to practice handling hazards, navigating curves, and riding safely in a controlled environment with trained motor troopers.

Those interested in participating can find more information and register online.

Space is limited, and riders must have a valid motorcycle endorsement, proper gear, and a street-legal bike with a DOT-approved helmet.

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

VSP warn drivers ahead of potential winter weather

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

The Virginia State Police are monitoring possible winter weather across the Commonwealth this weekend.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution:

  • Slow down
  • Increase following distance
  • Stay alert, especially on bridges, overpasses, and ramps

For up-to-date road conditions, visit 511Virginia.gov before traveling.

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

Authorities investigating possible police impersonation near Charles Town Racetrack

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

Law enforcement is investigating a suspicious vehicle incident reported near the Charles Town racetrack, raising concerns about a possible case of police impersonation.

According to a community member, the incident occurred Friday, August 8th: “While driving, I saw flashing red and blue lights behind me. I pulled over, but the vehicle was not a police car ,  it was a blacked-out older Mercedes with Maryland tags, one taillight out, and no siren. It sped past me and went into the racetrack parking lot.”

Officials are urging the public to be on alert.

If you see a vehicle matching this description or encounter a suspicious vehicle using emergency lights, do not pull over unless you’re in a safe, well-lit public area.

Instead, call 911 immediately and report the location, vehicle description, and any other identifying details.

Authorities remind residents to stay vigilant and look out for one another.

Police impersonation is a serious offense, and public safety remains the top priority.

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

This week June 22 on brings the 1st heat wave of summer

Page County Sherriff’s Office and Kemp Miller would like to remind listeners of the dangerously high temperatures beginning tomorrow, July 22nd, with the heat wave expected to last several days.

Daytime highs will be well into the 90s, and the heat index may exceed 100°F.

These extreme conditions pose a serious risk to health and safety.

We urge all residents to take precautions:

  •  Stay cool – Remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day (10 AM – 4 PM)
    and use air conditioning if available.
  • Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol
    and sugary drinks.
  • Check on others – Please check on elderly neighbors, young children, and those
    without access to cooling.
  • Protect pets – Make sure your animals have access to shade and fresh water. Never leave pets in vehicles.
  • Never leave children or pets in cars – Temperatures inside vehicles can become deadly within minutes.

We encourage all community members to stay alert and look out for one another.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact local emergency services.

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