LURAY, Va. — The Baltimore MD/Washington DC office of the National Weather Service has issued a public information statement and stats for the severe storm that blew through the area on Monday.

The June 26 report is as follows:

Start Date
6/22/2026

Start Time
3:47 PM EDT

Start Location
1.5 Miles E Intersections / Page County / VA

End Time
3:51 PM EDT

End Location
1 Mile SE Stony Man / Page County / VA

Peak Wind /E/
85 mph

Path Length /statute/
6.7 miles

Survey Summary:

A severe thunderstorm on the afternoon of Monday June 22nd produced a downburst of damaging wind that created a path of damage nearly seven miles long through central Page County Virginia, about 2 miles south of Luray.

Along that path that passed through the areas of Leaksville and Stony Man, there were many trees snapped and uprooted.

In addition, outbuilding, shed, siding and shingle damage was evident.

Peak winds of 85 mph were estimated around Mill Creek Road, Rodeo Drive, and Mt. Zion Road between E Branch Rd and Redman Store Road where there was substantial structural damage.

A home roof was partially lifted on Rodeo Drive.

There was also roof damage to two homes on Mt. Zion Drive, where about half of the windward side of each roof was lifted off. The same was true for chicken houses on the property where substantial portions of the tin roofs were lifted off and thrown downwind, or bent.

Large hay bales were rolled tens of yards. Damage was noted to be unidirectional with
storm movement, generally thrown to east.

Severe thunderstorms can produce wind gusts equal to EF0 and EF1 tornadoes.

The National Weather Service would like to thanks Page County Department of Emergency Management and the local broadcast meteorologists for their assistance with information and damage reports.

LURAY, Va. — A former Page County supervisor who pled guilty to crimes involving the exploitation of a child was sentenced on Tuesday.

After arguments from the prosecution and defense, along with an emotional statement from the defendant himself, the Honorable Clark A. Ritchie sentenced Isaac Smelser to 31 years in prison — with 25 of those years suspended.

On December 17, 2025, Isaac Smelser, then 43, appeared in Page County Circuit Court before Judge Ritchie.

According to a statement presented by the Attorney General’s office, Smelser began a relationship with a 15-year-old male in December of 2023 after meeting on an adult dating website.

During the online relationship, Smelser sent images and videos of himself performing acts of self-gratification. In return, the teen sent images of himself to Smelser. All incidents occurred in Page County.

The relationship was ultimately discovered by the teen’s parents when they bought him a new cel phone and graphic images were transferred.

Smelser first pledged to serve on the Page County Board of Supervisors in January of 2024. Less than 10 months later, county administrators issued the following statement:

On October 23, in a letter to Chairman Keith Weakley and County Administrator Amity Moler, District 4 Supervisor Isaac Smelser resigned from the Board of Supervisors, effective immediately.

Mr. Smelser cited that “due to personal circumstances, I can no longer serve the citizens of Page County”.

The Board does not have any comment regarding the matter. According to § 24.2-228 of the Code of Virginia, the Board has 45 days to appoint a qualified individual to the vacancy until a special election can be held to fill the unexpired term.

Another community member eventually filled the vacated BOS seat.

Authorities began investigating the case in June of 2024. According to online court records, Smelser was ultimately arrested on November 6, 2025.

He admitted to meeting the teen online, but stated that he didn’t remember the victim being under-age.

Smelser appeared in court alongside his attorney, André Hakes, and pled guilty to the following charges:

PRODUCE/MAKE CHILD P*RN 15+

COMPUTER ETC SOLIC <18Y FOR P*RN

CHILD P*RNOGRAPHY: POSSESSION

CHILD P*RNOGRAPHY: POSSESSION

A pre-sentencing evaluation was scheduled to determine penalty and rehabilitation recommendations.

On the afternoon of June 23, 2026, Smelser and his attorney again appeared in Page County Circuit Court to learn his fate.

In an otherwise empty courtroom, two rows were filled with friends and family members who came to show their support for Smelser.

The room, normally abuzz with whispered chatter before court proceedings, was pin-drop quiet.

Smelser, dressed in a dark blue business suit and red tie, sat motionless with his hands clasped, staring straight ahead.

The hearing, scheduled for 1:30 p.m., began just before 2 p.m.

The Honorable Clark A. Ritchie again presided over the case.

Smelser’s father, Ben, took the stand and solemnly made a statement on his son’s behalf.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys then presented their arguments.

The prosecution reviewed the charges and argued that the teenage victim had suffered substantial emotional distress and depression following the online encounters. The prosecutor also contended that Smelser’s background, training and involvement in the community held him to a “higher standard.”

The prosecution recommended a sentence of at least six years.

The defense argued that Smelser did not dispute the charges but believed he had been communicating with an adult while texting with the victim.

Defense counsel said it was later discovered that the teen had similar online encounters with other adults and was already in therapy when he “met” Smelser online.

Smelser’s attorney continued, saying that Smelser accepts responsibility for his actions, including failing to question whether the victim was younger than 18.

She added that Smelser is attracted to a slim, tall physical appearance and not to children specifically.

She noted Smelser’s good character, strong family ties, education, job history and service to the community.

The defense requested a sentence of no more than four years.

Smelser was then permitted to read a prepared statement.

“I accept full accountability. I am dearly sorry. I’ve had over 20 months to reflect on what I did. I’m sorry for any harm I caused the victim, his family, and to the community.

I will continue with therapy as long as necessary. I understand that my behavior has consequences and I will spend the rest of my life reflecting on this.

I humbly ask the court for mercy as I rebuild my life.”

At 2:25 p.m., Judge Ritchie announced there would be a short recess while he reviewed all documentation and made his decision.

Smelser took a deep breath and slowly exhaled as he wiped his eyes. Visibly shaking, he stared downward and did not make eye contact with anyone.

Once again, the room remained pin-drop quiet until Judge Ritchie returned at 3:15 p.m. and began to speak.

He acknowledged Smelser’s cooperation since the charges were filed. Because Smelser pleaded guilty from the outset, the victim did not have to testify. He also noted there had been no physical contact.

However, Ritchie said it is not unprecedented for a child to claim to be 18 online, and that alone does not absolve adults of culpability.

Smelser looked directly at Ritchie as the judge continued.

“You are an adult. And a very smart individual.

There was information readily available to determine that this child was under the age of 18. So I believe you were aware of it.

You are guilty of these charges and you know that.

I read all the letters and statements presented to me. You’re a human being with a lot of good qualities. Good son. Good friend.

But there’s another side of this coin.

You acted recklessly. How wildly irresponsible you were in these activities.

No stop signs. No second guessing. No validation or determination of appropriateness of conduct.

You took no steps to avoid interactions with underage individuals on these sites.

You didn’t meet up with this child, but that’s something that was being considered.

You were asking a child to create explicit images for you. The internet is forever. So that’s terrifying to think about.

This case isn’t just about you. I read the victim impact statement from the child’s mother. And I understand why the attorney general is asking for six years.

And that is more than fair.”

The silence in the courtroom was momentarily broken by a quiet, collective gasp.

Judge Ritchie continued:

“This court will do what it has to do to deter you and others from engaging in this kind of behavior with children.

This is your life. Six years is a lot. But I hope that is enough to never find yourself in this situation again.”

With that, Judge Ritchie handed down Smelser’s sentence.

PRODUCE/MAKE CHILD P*RN - Fifteen years, with nine years suspended. Actual time to be served, six years.

COMPUTER ETC SOLIC <18Y FOR P*RN - Ten years, with ten years suspended.

CHILD P*RNOGRAPHY: POSSESSION - Three years, with three years suspended.

CHILD P*RNOGRAPHY: POSSESSION - Three years, with three years suspended.

Smelser, hands clasped, body stiff, stared blankly ahead, as if in shock.

Deputies soon surrounded him as he was quietly led away from the courtroom.

Upon his release, Smelser will be on supervised probation for five years. During that time he is forbidden from unsupervised contact with minors. He will also be restricted from Internet usage.

Smelser had just turned 44 the day before his sentencing. He will be 50 years old when released from prison.

EDITOR’S NOTE: NO PART of this story may be used by other media outlets with or without attribution. For reprint permission, contact editor@shenvalleytimes.com

STANLEY, Va. — Virginia State Police (VSP) are investigating an officer-involved shooting that left a Page County woman dead on Tuesday.

According to a Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) news release, deputies responded to a request for a welfare check on the evening of June 23, 2026.

After arriving at a residence in the 400 block of Honeyville Road, officers encountered a 49-year-old woman who then barricaded herself inside the home.

According to the release, officers attempted to negotiate with her.

While law enforcement personnel maintained a safety perimeter, the woman, who was armed, exited the residence.

She proceeded to place a firearm to her head and fired.

Investigators believe the bullet only grazed her.

She then attempted to flee.

A taser was deployed, but was unsuccessful.

According to investigators, the woman proceeded to raise the firearm a second time, prompting two deputies to fire their weapons and strike her.

Officers provided medical aid, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

In accordance with department policy, the deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave.

The VSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation Culpeper Field Office is investigating the shooting.

According to the PCSO, no additional information will be released by their agency while the investigation is ongoing.

UPDATE: Honeyville Road remained closed until 8:24 a.m. on Wednesday.

LURAY, Va. — A child missing for several hours on Monday was found safe after a massive multiple-agency effort.

At approximately 1:17 p.m. on June 22, 2026, the Page County Emerge…

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KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. — A Page County man accused of offenses in multiple states was indicted this week on charges of forgery and uttering.

According to an April, 2026 crimina…

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LURAY, Va. — Three seats for the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) board are open for election in 2026. Results of the election will be announced at the company’s annual meeting in August.

Locally, four candidates are vying for the Central region (Page, Shenandoah, Warren) seat. Names and links to bios are included below.

Jerry Dofflemyer (incumbent)

David “Davy” Ferguson

Marvin Heinze

Wes Shifflett

Ballots will be mailed to SVEC members around June 22, while members with an email on file have the option to vote electronically.

According to the SVEC website:

Potential candidates for the board must be members of SVEC and bona fide residents of its service area.

The cooperative’s bylaws say that candidates may not, in any way, be employed by a competing enterprise or a business selling electric energy or supplies to the cooperative.

Read SVEC’s Director Job Description.

A qualifications committee reviews and confirms the standing of petition candidates and incumbents seeking reelection to the board.

The 2025-27 committee members are Tim Price, Christina (Chris) Sherman and James Wenger.

Election results will be announced during the SVEC annual meeting, to be held via telephone at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Online registration for the 2026 annual meeting will open on June 22, 2026.

STANLEY, Va. — A hay baler was destroyed in a fire Wednesday afternoon, according to the Stanley Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD).

At approximately 3:4…

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LURAY, Va. — The town’s longtime chief of police is scheduled to retire in approximately two weeks, according to a Facebook announcement.

The June 18, 20…

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LURAY, Va. — An illness affecting hikers has been reported on the Appalachian Trail.

According to a June 17, 2026 Shenandoah National Park social media announcement, the highly-contagious norovirus is the suspected cause.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website notes that norovirus illness symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever and body aches.

It is sometimes called the “stomach flu” or the “stomach bug.” However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis — an inflammation of the stomach or intestines.

Most people affected by the illness feel better within one to three days; but they can still spread the virus for a few days after recovery.

Shenandoah National Park officials released the following recommendations to help keep visitors safe on the trail and throughout the park:

Treat all water

Boil water for at least one minute to kill germs.

Do not share items

Avoid sharing food, water or personal items, as norovirus can spread on surfaces.

Dispose of waste properly

Bury waste at least eight inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources, campsites and trails. Wipe down privy handles, bear boxes and other surfaces before use.

Wash hands with soap

Scrub hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus.

Avoid other hikers

Keep away from others while sick and for two to three days after symptoms end. Tent alone when possible, and secure single rooms at hostels or hotels.

Seek medical treatment

Get medical help if you become severely dehydrated or if symptoms last for more than a few days.

For questions or to report illness, please email publichealthprogram@nps.gov.

The Page County Board of Supervisors’ June 15, 2026 regular meeting included the following agenda items and actions:

CALL TO ORDER

Supervisors Jeremy Baldwin (District 1), Allen Louderback (District 2…

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RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Abigail Spanberger, Senator Lashrecse Aird and Delegate Paul Krizek have announced an agreement to establish a regulated adult-use retail cannabis m…

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LURAY, Va. — The owners of a popular record store have announced plans to close up shop after more than ten years. However, the store will soon reopen with a brand new Har…

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Luray Meeting Minutes are only publicly posted after they are officially approved by town council. Minutes for meetings may not be available for 30+ days after each meeting date.

A port…

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STANLEY, Va. — Drivers in Stanley should expect traffic disruptions this week as repairs are made to the East Main Street railroad crossing.

Norfolk South…

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LURAY, Va. — The only Department of Motor Vehicles office in Page County is now permanently closed.

For years, the Luray DMV Select had been operating under …

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ELKTON, Va. — A juvenile died after a collision with a truck Thursday afternoon, according to Virginia State Police (VSP).

The crash occurred at approximately 2:25 p.m. June 5, 2026 at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and North Street.

Police said a truck was traveling south on North Street when it was unable to avoid a bicyclist who entered the intersection from Virginia Avenue.

The juvenile bicyclist was transported from the scene by emergency personnel but later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

VSP is investigating the incident.

Shenandoah National Park Media Release:

LURAY, Va. — To ensure the safety of millions of annual visitors, Shenandoah National Park will conduct a sustained high-visibility traffic safety campaign and periodic checkpoints beginning June 1, 2026, and continuing through Nov. 15, 2026.

The extended enforcement period has been established to effectively manage the safety concerns that occur during the park’s peak visitation seasons.

This initiative includes the high-traffic summer months and the busy fall foliage “Leaf Peeper” season in October and early November.

“Our goal is to create a safe environment for everyone using Skyline Drive,” said Eric Yount, acting chief ranger. “By starting this campaign in June and extending it through the end of November, we are covering the most high-risk periods for traffic incidents. We want visitors to enjoy the overlooks and trails, but we have a zero-tolerance policy for driving while impaired in national parks.”

Campaign overview:

• Duration: Periodic checkpoints will be conducted from June 1 through Nov. 15.

• Primary focus: U.S. park rangers will be looking for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, as well as checking for valid operator licenses and essential safety equipment.

• Neutral selection: In accordance with federal law, checkpoints will utilize a neutral, predetermined mathematical formula to select vehicles for screening, ensuring a fair and unbiased process for all motorists.

• Location: Operations will be strategically placed along the 105-mile Skyline Drive and at all primary entrance stations (Front Royal, Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap).

Consisting of nearly 197,000 acres, including 80,000 acres of congressionally designated wilderness, Shenandoah National Park encompasses portions of eight counties.

Each year, millions visit the area, which includes the Skyline Drive and 75 designated scenic overlooks.

The park also includes established campgrounds and 101 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail, on which visitors hike and often overnight camp.

Luray, Virginia is home to Shenandoah National Park headquarters.

LURAY, Va. — An officer alert notice reportedly sent by the Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) on Thursday was later deemed to be fal…

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STANLEY, Va. — The Stanley Volunteer Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire Wednesday night on Hawksbill Park Road at Jordan Hollow Road.

According to Fire Chief Jason F. Pettit, crews were dispatched at 9:11 p.m. on May 27, 2026.

Crews arrived to find a Ford SUV with heavy fire in the engine compartment, spreading into the passenger area.

The fire was contained to the vehicle and was brought under control by 9:30 p.m.

Units remained on scene until approximately 10:28 p.m. while the vehicle was towed.

All occupants had exited the vehicle before firefighters arrived, and no injuries were reported.

During this incident, the Stanley Volunteer Fire Department was assisted by the Stanley Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Page County Sheriff’s Office.

How to Volunteer or Donate

Interested in volunteering with the Stanley Volunteer Fire Department? Find the printable version of their membership application HERE. Junior members are also welcome.

General monetary donations to the SVFD are accepted online via the SVFD web site (click on “donate” at the top of the page). Checks may be mailed to 190 E Main St, Stanley, Va. 22851.

Have a story idea, media release or incident info? Email editor@shenvalleytimes.com

LURAY, Va. — Residential members of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) saw their monthly electric bills increase by an average of about $11 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours beginning May 1, 2026.

According to the SVEC, the charges are “pass-through costs from” its wholesale provider, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) — meaning members pay the same amount SVEC pays for energy generation and transmission.

The increase comes in addition to a previously announced adjustment to distribution costs, bringing the expected total increase to about $17 per month for the average residential member using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity.

The SVEC released additional information via this written statement:

At the ODEC level, the increase is from several factors, including weather and state policy changes. It is intended to stabilize power cost recovery going forward.

In January and February 2026, extreme winter weather and prolonged cold temperatures increased natural gas prices and caused significant power market volatility, driving wholesale power prices even higher, ODEC says.

When temperatures stay low for long stretches of time, heating systems run longer; heat pumps rely on backup electric heat, and ultimately more electricity is used.

Higher prices, coupled with increased electricity usage during periods of extreme winter weather, have resulted in the necessity for an increase to cover power costs, ODEC says.

This ODEC-level increase also incorporates projected compliance costs associated with Virginia’s anticipated reentry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a state policy that requires power generators to purchase carbon allowances.

These additional costs are required under state law and are passed through at cost, without markup.

ODEC only charges SVEC for the actual cost of producing or purchasing energy, with no profit for shareholders or other entities.

ODEC’s rates are also regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which requires ODEC to regularly review its rates to ensure they are recovering their costs — no more, and no less.

It’s the same process for SVEC and the application of distribution rates, which are approved by the State Corporation Commission.

The SVEC maintains more than 8,000 miles of electric lines and serves more than 104,000 meters across Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Highland, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren counties, as well as the city of Winchester.

The SVEC operates as a cooperative, referring to its customers as “members.”

According to the SVEC website:

The difference between SVEC and other power companies is our ownership. Each person who receives service from this not-for-profit electric utility is a member and owner.

Members have a voice in the leadership of the cooperative and in the direction that those leaders take.

Each member has one vote and all members have the opportunity to participate in the annual meeting. At the annual meeting, members elect directors and vote on any proposed bylaw changes.

All profits, or margins, are allocated back to the members based on patronage.

“Equity capital” is a member’s share of the profits, or margin.

Members receive a patronage refund of this equity capital over a period of time based on the policy of the cooperative.

The area’s previous electric service provider, Allegheny Power, sold its Virginia operations (serving approximately 102,000 customers) — to two utility cooperatives in 2010.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative assumed service to counties east of the Blue Ridge, while the SVEC took over service to counties west of the Blue Ridge.

SVEC’s annual business meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026. Members may attend via phone.

Additional information about the meeting may be accessed HERE.