Author: Staff

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Staunton District has released its scheduled highway work zones for the week of August 4–8, 2025. The work spans multiple counties, including Warren, Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, and Page, and includes both major highways and secondary roads. Motorists are reminded to use caution in all work zones, especially during mowing,…

RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Glenn Youngkin announced on July 28 that the Virginia Veterans Network (VVN), an online platform built by veterans for veterans, has surpassed 30,000 registered users across the Commonwealth. The VVN platform serves as a centralized, user-friendly hub that connects veterans, transitioning service members, and their families with hundreds of trusted nonprofit…

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A Texas man pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges stemming from a 2023 alien kidnapping and ransom scheme that ended in a deadly shootout in a Charlottesville neighborhood. Jordan Perez, 21, of Lockhart, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to kidnap and one count of transporting an alien resulting in…

FRONT ROYAL, Va. — The Youth Services Department at Samuels Public Library has announced a full schedule of children’s and teen programs for August 2025, including story times, science experiments, music sessions, crafts, outdoor activities, and teen events. Events begin Saturday, Aug. 2, with “Mr. Mike’s Great Big Balloon Show” at 2 p.m. This marks…

WOODSTOCK, Va. — Seven Bends State Park has launched a new kayak rental program, providing visitors without personal watercraft a way to explore the North Fork of the Shenandoah River by paddling themselves. Vehicles can rent a single 9‑foot kayak for $25, which includes a paddle, adult and youth life jacket and a whistle. Rentals…

WINCHESTER, Va. — Shenandoah Community Health is recognizing National Health Center Week (NHCW) 2025, which runs August 3–9, to highlight the vital role Community Health Centers (CHCs) play in improving public health and expanding access to care for underserved populations. NHCW is an initiative of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and this…

Motorists in Warren, Page, Shenandoah, Frederick, and Clarke counties should be aware of several highway work zones and traffic restrictions scheduled for the coming week. All scheduled work is subject to change due to weather conditions and material supplies. Warren County Interstate 66 Mile markers 0-15 eastbound: Right shoulder closures for repairs, 7:30 a.m. to…

RICHMOND, Va. — Five Northern Virginia school divisions are under fire after the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) found that their gender identity policies violate Title IX protections meant to ensure equal rights for students, particularly girls, in federally funded education programs. Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington County, Prince William County,…

Andora Smith conspired to traffic drugs from Kentucky into Southwest Virginia Edited by Dan McDermott ABINGDON, Va. — A former Virginia schoolteacher who played a central role in trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl into Southwest Virginia has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison. Andora Lee Smith, 62, of Whitesburg,…

FRONT ROYAL, Va. — After more than 10 years of dedicated service as a volunteer and Visitor Coordinator, Melanie Gregory is stepping into a new role as a Director on the Board of the Warren Heritage Society. Gregory, whose final day as Visitor Coordinator was July 10, has long been a central figure in the…