National Night Out

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

Communities across the Shenandoah Valley and around the country are preparing to come together for National Night Out.

This annual event is to strengthen relationships between residents and first responders.

National Night Out events often feature opportunities for families to meet police officers, firefighters, emergency responders in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

The evening to connect with residents outside of emergency situations, answer questions and share information about crime prevention and public safety.

National Night Out is also a chance for children to meet the people who serve their communities and learn more about the work they do.

Events vary by community and may include food, games, music, demonstrations and activities for children.

Organizers say the goal is simple: build stronger connections between neighbors and the public safety professionals who serve them.

National Night Out is held annually on the first Tuesday in August across the nation.

This year the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Foundation will host the celebration from 5 to 8 pm at the Gazebo.

Please more information, please listen to Monday’s Newsmaker with Front Royal Chief Bryan Whited about National Night Out Front Royal.

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

New laws for July 1st

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Several new Virginia laws take effect July first, bringing changes that could affect many residents.

The new Clean Slate Act will allow eligible misdemeanor and some low-level felony records to be automatically sealed.

This will help more Virginians qualify for jobs and housing.

Job seekers will also benefit from new workplace rules.

Many employers will now have to include salary ranges in job postings and will no longer be allowed to ask applicants about their salary history.

For drivers, judges can now require certain repeat reckless driving offenders to install speed-limiting devices in their vehicles.

And beginning July first, all remaining food vendors across Virginia must stop using Styrofoam takeout containers as the state’s environmental ban expands statewide.

Most of the new laws take effect Tuesday, although some enforcement provisions will be phased in over time.

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

VA Statewide Tornado Drill – March 10, 2026

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is encouraging you to take part in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:45 a.m.

Schools, businesses, government agencies, and families across the Commonwealth are invited to use this opportunity to practice tornado safety plans and review emergency procedures.

Participants are asked to register in advance at: https://www.vaemergency.gov/2026-statewide-tornado-drill

Officials say just a few minutes of preparation can make a critical difference when severe weather strikes.

Gunshot shakes South Kent Street

lorenzo wheeler homicide

The Winchester community was shaken late Tuesday night after a dangerous incident involving a firearm on South Kent Street.

At approximately 10:34 p.m. on November 18th, Winchester Police rushed to the 700 block of South Kent Street following reports of a gunshot.

Authorities believe a firearm was recklessly handled in the area, leading to the dangerous discharge of the weapon

Officials confirm that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Detectives are now working to identify the individual responsible and determine the circumstances that led to this reckless act in a residential neighborhood.

Winchester Police are urgently asking for the public’s help.

If you live in the area, authorities encourage you to review any home security or doorbell footage from around
10:34 p.m. that night.

If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact Detective McCoy at (540) 662-4131.

You can also submit tips anonymously through the P3 Tips system.

Police ask residents to remain vigilant as the investigation continues.

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

Flood awareness class offered

Local residents will have the opportunity to enhance their weather awareness and emergency preparedness during an upcoming Skywarn Flood Class scheduled for Tuesday, June 11th, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

The class will be held in the Community Meeting Room at 200 Skyline Vista Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630.

Hosted by Skywarn in partnership with the Warren County Fire and Rescue Department, this free training is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of flood threats specific to the Warren County area.

Participants will learn vital information, including:

  • The role of storm spotters and area-specific flood risks
  • What to report during a flood event and how
  •  Different types of flooding
  • Forecasting and meteorological tools used for flood prediction
  • Real-world flooding case studies
  • National Weather Service (NWS) products related to flooding

Please note: Completion of the Basic 1 Skywarn Class is a prerequisite for attending this session.

To register, individuals can scan the QR code on the official flyer or contact the Warren County Fire and Rescue Office at 540-636-3830.

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

Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 11

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are announcing the Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 11 at 9:45 a.m.

Schools, businesses, and families across the state are encouraged to participate.

Practice your tornado emergency plan and register your participation at vaemergency.gov.

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

Kemp Miller’s weather update

lightning

The National Weather Service has continued the Winter Storm Warning and upped the predicted amount in our area to 9-12 inches with isolated areas up to 16 inches. The good news is that we are looking at mostly snow and not much if any mixed precipitation. There will be a mid-day lull in the snow starting early afternoon and then resuming in the late afternoon for the possibility of another 1-3 inches of dry, fluffy snow before it ends tomorrow night. Forget travel: the wind will be blowing off and on most of Monday and Monday evening which will make travel dangerous, if not impossible. I’ll have reports tomorrow morning on The River 95.3 starting at 6 a.m. Enjoy the day and take care.

Regenerative agriculture workshop

Photo by Janet Michael

Join Blandy Experimental Farm, on Tuesday, June 25th at 6:30 pm, for the first of a series of workshops and presentations on the techniques and benefits of restorative grazing.

In this series you will learn how to apply methods of grazing to reduce costs, produce grass-fed livestock as a profitable income, increase the soil quality, and provide support to a variety of wildlife.

We will view Part One of a newly released documentary, “Roots So Deep You Can See the
Devil Down There.”

This series follows how seven farmers in the US who have adopted these farming and grazing techniques over four years and continue today.

You will have the opportunity to meet local farmers who have applied the methods here in
Virginia, as well as a local goat herder who utilizes her animals for brush and weed clearing.

You’ll have the chance to talk through the goals and questions for your property if you like.

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

Triad hosts Spring conference

marketing leverage program grant

Triad is hosting it’s Spring Conference on Tuesday, May 7th.

Triad is a joint effort between the Page County law enforcement community (fire/police/sheriff) to aid senior citizens and their
organizations in reducing crimes against them.

This conference is a time for seniors to share their concerns and questions.

The First Responders will have presentations and publications.

The conference will be held at Rileyville Baptist Church on US 340 from 9 am to 1:30 pm.

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

 

Safer internet day

Safer Internet Day is celebrated every February to raise awareness for safer and better internet, especially for children and young people.

Parents, caretakers, teachers, and policy makers are encouraged to join together on Tuesday, February 6th.

Talk about internet safety, speak up about cyberbullying and contact a policy maker to encourage them to make the internet safer.

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