STANLEY, Va. — A detached garage and several valuable items were destroyed in a fire on Saturday evening.

According to a media statement from Stanley Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) Lt. Ethan Knight, firefighters were dispatched to the blaze at approximately 5:53 p.m. on November 7.

Knight arrived three minutes later and found the garage engulfed in flames and beginning to collapse.

Engine 24 was the first fire engine to arrive, and crews deployed two hose lines to knock down most of the flames.

The SVFD responded with 18 firefighters and six pieces of apparatus.

The Luray Fire Department assisted with a tanker and three additional firefighters.

Crews brought the blaze under control in approximately 15 minutes but remained at the scene for another 75 minutes to conduct cleanup and overhaul operations.

The garage was a total loss, along with a restored Volkswagen Beetle, a new zero-turn mower, a riding mower and other items stored inside.

The Stanley Volunteer Rescue Squad, Page County Fire/EMS and the Page County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene.

How to Volunteer or Donate

Interested in volunteering with the Stanley Volunteer Fire Department?

Email recruitment@stanleyvolfiredept.com or stop by the station on Thursday nights to learn more. Junior members are also welcome.

Find the printable version of the SVFD membership application HERE.

Completed applications may be given to any member or dropped off in the black box in front of the station.

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

Page County has a roadside litter problem.

Pick any highway or main road, such as business 340 between Alma landing and the entrance to the town of Stanley, and you’ll see plenty of evidence.

It’s sad to see such a beautiful valley trashed in this manner.

But what’s just as perplexing is the county’s compulsive need to continually mow areas alongside the highways and roads, and on bluffs above streams and ditches.

Without picking up the trash first.

This results in the shredding of fast-food bags, boxes, Styrofoam, and plastic. LOTS of plastic — plastic cups, plastic lids, plastic bottles, plastic egg cartons, plastic jars, plastic bottles, plastic straws, plastic utensils, plastic construction materials.

All of this plastic is picked up by the wind in Page County and lands in waterways, which eventually leads to destruction of aquatic habitats.

Frankly, tall grass and uncut weeds would look more appealing than trash, trash that would not end up shredded and scattered all over the place and in waterways.

There is something residents can do.

Adopt a highway and gather a crew for trash pick-up twice a year along a designated stretch of road.

Picking up trash with a large group of friends and neighbors sounds like a strange way to form bonds, but it happens.

And if the county is going to obsess over mowing and not removing trash, it’s up to citizens to pick up the slack. And litter.

Information about adopting a section of a roadway can be found on the VDOT website: Adopt-a-Highway | Virginia Department of Transportation.

David Rossé
Luray, Va.

Shen-Valley Times welcomes original opinion letters.

All submissions must include the writer’s full name. Anonymous letters and those written under pseudonyms will not be considered.

For verification purposes, please include your mailing address, email address, and a daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

editor@shenvalleytimes.com

LURAY, Va. — A section of Page County that includes parts of Luray and nearby areas has received federal approval as an Opportunity Zone, a designation intended to attract private investment through tax incentives.

On Friday, Governor Abigail Spanberger announced that the U.S. Department of the Treasury approved all 153 areas recommended by her administration, including Census Tract 302 in Page County.

The Opportunity Zone program offers tax benefits to investors who put eligible capital gains into qualifying funds that invest in businesses and real estate within designated communities.

The program aims to encourage investment in areas that have experienced uneven economic growth.

Depending on program requirements and how long an investment is held, investors may qualify to delay or reduce certain capital gains taxes or avoid taxes on some investment gains, according to the announcement.

In June, Spanberger identified four priorities for selecting the zones: housing development, downtown improvements, sites ready for business investment and projects that build on regional resources.

Local governments ranked their eligible census tracts and submitted information about proposed development, zoning, community support and investor interest.

Virginia submitted its nominations in October.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership reviewed the proposals, with input from local governments, developers, housing organizations, regional groups and businesses.

The designations take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

To view a map of all of Virginia’s 153 Opportunity Zones, visit: Virginia’s Opportunity Zones

For additional information on Virginia’s Opportunity Zone process, visit: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/opportunity-zones-oz

LURAY, Va. — A local woman and her four grandchildren recently lost their home to fire, and community members are rallying to help them recover.

According to a media statement from the Luray Fire Department, the incident occurred Saturday, October 24.

Crews were dispatched around 10 p.m.

Engine 12 responded within two minutes, followed by two tankers.

Firefighters arrived to find flames coming from the front porch of a single-story home and beginning to spread inside.

LURAY FIRE DEPARTMENT VIDEO:

Crews used two hose lines to extinguish the fire in mere minutes.

Firefighters remained at the scene for about three hours to extinguish hot spots and check for remaining fire hazards.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire was noted as “unknown.”

By the next day, an official GoFundMe was created for the victims — Barbara Veney and her grandchildren.

GoFundMe text:

Barbara Veney has always been the one others could count on.

She has spent her life caring for family, opening her home to anyone who needed love, support, or a safe place to stay. Last night, everything changed when Barbara’s home caught fire and was destroyed.

Everyone had gone to bed shortly after 9 PM when Barbara got up to fix something to eat. When she opened the front door, she found the porch engulfed in flames, and the fire was spreading quickly toward the house.

By the grace of God, Barbara was able to get out safely with the four grandchildren she is raising full-time before they lost everything.

Barbara is now facing the heartbreaking reality of starting over after this devastating fire.

The funds raised will help with temporary housing, clothing, furniture, and everyday necessities for Barbara and the children as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Any support would mean so much to this family during such a painful and overwhelming time.

If donating is not possible, please consider sharing this fundraiser with others.

The family is deeply grateful for every act of kindness, every prayer, and every bit of support shown to Barbara Veney and the children in her care.

— Brittany Smithers

FIRE AFTERMATH VIDEO:

A Facebook post from Brittany Housden-Smithers read:

PLEASE HELP A LURAY FAMILY WHO LOST EVERYTHING IN A HOUSE FIRE

I’m reaching out to the Page Valley community today in hopes that we can come together to help someone who means the absolute world to me, my grandmother, Barbara Veney, a longtime resident of Luray, Virginia.

Late Saturday night, my grandmother’s home was destroyed by a devastating fire.

My grandmother has full custody of four of her grandchildren, whom she is raising on her own.

Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, but the children escaped just in time. Unfortunately, they lost absolutely everything. Nothing from the home could be salvaged.

My grandmother has been a widow for over 20 years, and instead of focusing solely on herself, she has dedicated her life to raising her grandchildren and caring for others.

Over the years, she has opened her doors to so many people who needed a place to call home. She’s the type of woman who would give someone her last dollar without thinking twice.

This wasn’t just a house. It was the home I grew up in. The place where we gathered for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners every year, celebrated birthdays, and made countless memories as a family. It was the one place we could always count on bringing everyone together.

To see it gone is absolutely heartbreaking.

Right now, my grandmother and the children are starting over with nothing.

They are in immediate need of clothing, shoes, food, and everyday necessities.

Our biggest priority is making sure they have what they need to get through the coming days and helping the children return to school.

I’m asking our community to please come together and help this family in any way possible.

No donation is too small, and every dollar will make a difference.

— Brittany Smithers

A few days later, Housden-Smithers posted a message of gratitude, and an update on behalf of the family.

AN UPDATE ON MY GRANDMOTHER & A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

First, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has donated, shared our GoFundMe, reached out, or offered a helping hand.

The love and support our family has received over the past couple of days has truly meant more than words can express.

We are beyond grateful.

I also wanted to share a little update with everyone.

Thankfully, my grandmother did have homeowner’s insurance.

However, we have learned that the amount of coverage she has is nowhere near enough to replace the manufactured home she lost in the fire.

My grandmother has had the same insurance policy in place since 1999, without any changes to her coverage.

She comes from a generation where things like this weren’t always explained or fully understood.

She’s also a widow who has spent so much of her life taking care of everyone else, and unfortunately, this is just something she never realized needed to be revisited.

At this point, we’re not looking to place blame or dwell on what could have been done differently.

Our only focus is helping my grandmother get another home so she can continue providing a safe and stable place for the four grandchildren she is raising.

While we’re incredibly thankful that she had some insurance coverage, the reality is that there is still a significant financial gap between what insurance will provide and what it will cost to replace her home.

So, we are continuing to ask for the community’s help.

I know times are hard for so many people right now, and I completely understand that not everyone is in a position to donate.

Every donation, every share, and every kind word brings us one step closer to getting my grandmother and these babies back into a home of their own.

For those who would prefer to help by purchasing everyday essentials, we’ve created an Amazon Gift Registry with items my grandmother and the children need as they begin rebuilding their lives.

The shipping address is already set up through the registry, so you can purchase an item and have it shipped directly to them. There’s no need to coordinate pickup or delivery.

CLOTHING SIZES NEEDED:

Jayden: Adult XL – shirts and pants

Maddie: Adult Medium – shirts and pants

Hallie: Girls 10/12 pants, 7/8 or Medium shirts

Mason: Adult Small – shirts and pants

Barbara (Grandmother): Adult Large

DONATION LINKS

GoFundMe – Help Grandma Barbara Rebuild Her Home

https://gofund.me/cddf790ee

Amazon Gift Registry – Help Grandma Barbara & Her Grandchildren Rebuild

https://www.amazon.com

For other ways to donate (cash, check, non-perishable food items, healthcare items), contact editor@shenvalleytimes.com to get in touch with the family.

PAGE COUNTY, Va. — Colder days are ahead, and local residents have until November 13 to apply for help with keeping their homes warm.

Virginia’s Energy Assistance (EAP) p…

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The Page County Board of Supervisors’ November 2, 2026 work session included the following agenda items and actions:

CALL TO ORDER

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

Read more

LURAY, Va. — A member of the Luray Police Department died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday morning as Virginia State Police attempted to execute search warrants at his town residence.

The d…

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This letter is a response to a letter to the editor published October 23, 2026 - “America’s Future Calls for Republican Leadership”

These are not good reasons to vote for Republicans. Just the opposite.

Neither Senator Mark Warner nor Congressional candidate Beth Macy is a Communist, a Marxist or a Socialist.

But if Communists bother you, aren’t you bothered by a President and his friends (like Ben Cline) who betray our allies (all democracies) and support a genuine Communist—Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine?

Not only that; Putin also aids our arch enemy, Iran.

So please ask why you want people like Mr. Trump and Mr. Cline to use billions of our taxpayer dollars to buy oil from the real Communist, Putin, and lift sanctions against him and his regime, while Russia kills Ukraine citizens and children and supports Iran.

All that transfers your money and power into Communist pockets.

Inflation did peak when President Biden and a bipartisan Congress helped Americans and small businesses get back on their feet after the COVID pandemic. But by Mr. Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, inflation had fallen to 3%. Now it’s HIGHER than when he took office.

Remember his boasting that on “day one” he’d cut inflation.

Yet now because of his tariffs, his war on Iran, and our soaring deficit caused by his tax breaks to billionaires, inflation is raging again.

Instead of working to get prices down “on day one,” Mr. Trump says he literally doesn’t care about affordability.

He’s just preoccupied with vanity projects at your expense and mine.

Like destroying the East Wing of the White House - the people’s house - for a gold-encased ballroom.

Like converting an affordable public golf course and picnic area into an exclusive club for millionaires.

Like trying to put his name on the John F. Kennedy Center and on our currency.

Like turning the Reflecting Pool into a pond of scum.

Like building a colossal arch that would dishonor Arlington National Cemetery and our war veterans – again at taxpayer expense.

We can agree that sensible efforts to fight fraud is a good thing.

But if you want to fight fraud, start with Mr. Trump’s corruption, lining his own pockets, plus enriching his family and cronies.

His son-in-law and friends doing business deals with Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

The billions he got for granting pardons and no-bid contracts and cryptocurrency sales that left small investors with empty pockets.

That is not America First, it’s Trump first.

And we’re all paying for it with higher prices for gas, groceries and housing; unaffordable health care; and endless war.

These are BAD reasons to tolerate politicians like Ben Cline who’ve supported all of this with their votes and their silence.

Vote instead for Beth Macy and Mark Warner, who will fight for US, not for themselves.

Chip Taggart
Luray, Va.

Election Day Voting Hours: 6:00 am 7:00 pm

Voting Precincts

District 1 - West Luray
Springfield Elementary School
158 Big Spring Lane
Rileyville, VA 22650

District 2 - East Luray
VFW Post 621
218 Veterans Lane
Luray, VA 22835

District 3 - Marksville
Stanley Fire House
190 East Main Street
Stanley, VA 22851

District 4 - Newport
Stanley Elementary School
306 Aylor Grubbs Avenue
Stanley, VA 22851

District 5 - Shenandoah
VFW Post 8613
1103 Varina Avenue
Shenandoah, VA 22849

Shen-Valley Times welcomes original opinion letters.

All submissions must include the writer’s full name. Anonymous letters and those written under pseudonyms will not be considered.

For verification purposes, please include your mailing address, email address, and a daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

editor@shenvalleytimes.com

LURAY, Va. — Page Valley Connect, a new transportation service in town, officially began service on Monday, providing essential transportation to local residents.

Fares are 50 cent…

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ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. — A New Market man died after his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck Thursday morning,

According to Virginia State Police (VSP), the incident occurr…

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PAGE COUNTY, Va. — Deputies are searching near U.S. 340 North and the Compton Hollow train trestle Sunday evening for a man wanted on charges in three counties.

The Page County Sheriff’s Of…

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Owning a dog and being irresponsible with the care of the animal, resulting in an “accidental,” unwanted pregnancy, is a HUGE problem, everywhere.

There are so many programs that assist owners with the cost of spay and neuter, so the cost shouldn’t be an excuse.

Unplanned pregnancy is preventable and there are no “accidents” — just irresponsible owners.

If someone decides to own a dog, they also need to be responsible in caring for the dog, to include spaying or neutering.

The shelters are full.

Many dogs die, nationwide, because humans can’t get their act together and stop the breeding cycle.

I love all dogs, but a pit of any kind is near and dear to my heart. I don’t own a whole pile of them, even though I’d like to, because I understand the financial impacts of owning a pet.

Simply put - humans need to do better, for ALL DOGS.

Crystal Biller
Shenandoah Valley, Va.

Shen-Valley Times welcomes original opinion letters.

All submissions must include the writer’s full name. Anonymous letters and those written under pseudonyms will not be considered.

editor@shenvalleytimes.com

For verification purposes, please include your mailing address, email address, and a daytime telephone number. Only names and towns are published.

Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

LURAY, Va. — A local vacation retreat is among 46 tourism programs receiving state grants to attract visitors during Virginia’s slower travel seasons.

Earlier this month, Governor Abigail Spanberger announced $205,300 in matching grants for tourism marketing programs across the state.

Local partners will contribute more than $273,130, bringing the total investment in marketing to more than $478,400.

The 46 programs will benefit 276 tourism partners statewide and support more than 130 full-time and 250 part-time jobs, according to the governor’s office.

Shadow Mountain Escape, owned by Ralph and Karen Riddle of Luray, was recently awarded a grant through the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program.

“Virginia’s tourism industry is driven by the small businesses, local attractions, and welcoming communities that make our home such an incredible place to visit,” Spanberger said. “I’m proud to help support these communities by making sure they have the resources to thrive even during slower months.”

The grant program helps small tourism businesses and organizations collaborate on marketing campaigns that encourage visitors to stay for multiple days and explore more of Virginia.

Each campaign brings together at least six Virginia partners.

Eligible partners include local governments, tourism organizations, chambers of commerce, museums, attractions, cultural events and other tourism-related businesses.

Funding will support efforts to attract visitors during the holiday, late winter and spring break seasons.

Shadow Mountain Escape is located on the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop, near restaurants, vineyards and distilleries, and sits on 15 wooded acres in Jewell Hollow, bordering Shenandoah National Park.

The property features cozy, timber-framed cabins with unique touches designed to make guests feel especially welcome.

Romantic stay packages are available for couples celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary, a vow renewal or even an elopement.

Virginia recorded $36.2 billion in visitor spending in 2025, supporting nearly 232,000 jobs and generating $10.6 billion in wages and salaries, according to the governor’s office.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation plans to offer additional marketing grants throughout 2027.

More information is available at vatc.org/grants.

A full list of current grant recipients may be viewed HERE.

For more information about Shadow Mountain Escape, visit their website HERE or follow them on Facebook HERE.

Have a news lead or story idea? Contact editor@shenvalleytimes.com.

LURAY, Va. — A vehicle caught fire Friday afternoon at the intersection of U.S. 211 West and Northcott Drive.

According to a Luray V…

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LURAY, Va. — A major loss at a Millboro fish hatchery will mean fewer trout for local anglers.

According to an October 23 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) m…

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LURAY, Va. — The Virginia Department of Forestry is encouraging residents to plant native trees and shrubs, offering seedlings through its annual online sale.

Native trees a…

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The Democrats are being taken over by the Socialists.

This country will be done if they take over.

This country was founded to be free, not run by socialists, Marxists, or communists.

We cannot afford to have open borders AGAIN!

Current administration is finding fraud all over the place, and that’s a good thing that’s finally getting cleaned up, but there’s much more to go!

Vote Republican down the ticket.

Vote for Ben Cline, and Bert Mizusawa!

Vote NO on all three amendments.

The unaffordability began under Biden, it’s going to take awhile to get it back down.

Inflation was 9% under him!

Vote RED.

Nancy Bailey
Luray, Va.

From the Page County, Virginia election info webpage:

2026 Election Information

November 3, 2026 - General Election

Early Voting

Please note that if you would like to vote in-person during the Early Voting period, you can cast your vote at the Voter Registration Office, 103 South Court St, Luray, VA 22835.

If assistance is needed please call 540-743-3986.

The ballot drop-off station will be open during the Early Voting period, in the Early Voting Office.

If assistance is needed call 540-743-3986.

Election Day Voting Hours: 6:00 am 7:00 pm

Voting Precincts

District 1 - West Luray
Springfield Elementary School
158 Big Spring Lane
Rileyville, VA 22650

District 2 - East Luray
VFW Post 621
218 Veterans Lane
Luray, VA 22835

District 3 - Marksville
Stanley Fire House
190 East Main Street
Stanley, VA 22851

District 4 - Newport
Stanley Elementary School
306 Aylor Grubbs Avenue
Stanley, VA 22851

District 5 - Shenandoah
VFW Post 8613
1103 Varina Avenue
Shenandoah, VA 22849

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Do you agree with this letter or see things differently?

Shen-Valley Times welcomes original opinion letters.

All submissions must include the writer’s full name. Anonymous letters and those written under pseudonyms will not be considered.

For verification purposes, please include your mailing address, email address, and a daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

editor@shenvalleytimes.com

CALL TO ORDER

Supervisors Jeremy Baldwin (District 1), Allen Louderback (District 2), Ryan Cubbage (District 3), Susan Kile (District 4), Jeff Vaughan (District 5) and Chairman Bucky Thomas (At-Large…

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ELKTON, Va. — More than 400 workers at the Molson Coors facility have voted to join Teamsters Local 29.

According to a Teamster’s media statement, the Coors workers, including those in packaging, warehouse, brewing, interplant distribution, utilities and maintenance, organized to seek higher wages, improved benefits and a voice in workplace decisions.

These workers remained determined and refused to let management’s union-busting tactics stand in the way of organizing.”

We are proud to welcome these new members and we are ready to support them as they prepare to negotiate a fair first contract.

— Jeff Padellaro
Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference

This vote is a proud moment for the workers at Molson Coors and the beginning of a positive new chapter.

The members voted for structure, clear standards, and a seat at the table. Our goal is to negotiate a comprehensive contract that delivers for these members and their families.

— Jeff Vaughan
Secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 29

The union accused Molson Coors of conducting an aggressive campaign to discourage workers from unionizing.

It alleged the company spread false information about status quo bargaining and deliberately conflated union dues with DRIVE contributions.

We are proud to have fought back against management’s efforts and successfully organize with the Teamsters.

We’re excited about the opportunity to negotiate better health coverage and establish a defined roadmap for professional growth.

— Cole Lam
Nine-year Molson Coors packaging bottle line technician and Local 29 member

The Elkton Coors location opened as a beer-packaging plant in 1987. The facility was later upgraded, and officially became a full-scale brewery in 2007.

LURAY, Va. — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Washington DC has issued a freeze watch* for portions of Virginia including the counties of Augusta, Rockingham,…

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