New Market's 2014 budget calls for no tax increase

NEW MARKET - Town officials plan to spend more to run the government the next fiscal year without a tax increase.

Suspected escapee accused in burglary, vehicle theft

Law enforcement officials say they believe a man arrested early Sunday morning in Wythe County is the same suspect wanted in a burglary and car theft hours earlier in Woodstock.

Painting under gray skies

Shaun Calver of Front Royal primes his fence outside his home at the corner of Blue Ridge Avenue and Prospect Street recently. Calver has been dodging the weather in hopes of finishing the fence with paint this week. The weather forecast includes a freeze warning for early Tuesday, but temperatures will be warming up into the 80s by Wednesday. Rain is expected Wednesday through Friday. Rich Cooley/Daily

Front Royal eyes Web for auctions

Front Royal may join a growing number of communities that use Internet auction sites to sell used equipment.

Police officer's gun fired accidentally on school bus

A Winchester police officer's gun fired accidentally into the floor of a school bus Monday morning after one of the juvenile passengers reached into the officer's holster, according to a police news release.

Excessive force cited as reason for officer's dismissal

Former Strasburg police officer Aaron H. Lewis lost his job over accusations that he used excessive force against a suspect in a drug case, falsification of records and violation of safety rules without a threat to life, according to documents in Shenandoah County Circuit Court.

Students release brook trout raised in the classroom

FORT VALLEY -- About 50 brook trout were released back into their natural habitat Friday morning, thanks to the devoted care of seventh grade students from Peter Muhlenburg Middle School.

Effect of county office move on Winchester unknown

Frederick County would leave Winchester with either a lot of taxable commercial space or an empty building if government offices move out of the city.

Couple's immigrant dreams dissolve in courtroom

Martha Elena Gomez Torres and Carlos Alberto Morales-Luis spent more than decade trying to build decent lives for themselves and their three children in the United States, but the efforts all but ended Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg.

Public meetings

The following public meetings are scheduled this week:

Child fights for her life against rare disease

Jordyn Hammonds has been somewhat of a mystery since before she was born.

Dedication of visitor contact station a community effort

At a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, representatives from Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park and various federal departments gathered to dedicate a new visitor contact station in Middletown.

Top of Virginia Chamber hosting business expo

Area businesses and the public are invited to the annual Regional Business Expo on May 23 at Shenandoah University.

Business ledger

Petneuter.org is a nonprofit facility offering low-cost spaying and neutering at,201 Centre Drive, Suite 110, Stephens City. Cats neutered for $39, spayed for $49. Dogs under 30 pounds and younger than 5 spayed or neutered for $69. $9 for rabies...

Livestock sales

Shenandoah Livestock May 4 FEEDER: Steers, 100-199 lbs., $240.00; 300-399 lbs., few, $148.00-164.00; 400-499 lbs., $135.00; 500-599 lbs., $128.00-139.00; 600-699 lbs., $105.00-132.00; 700-799 lbs., $107.00-125.00; 800-899 lbs., $113.00-114.00; 900-999 lbs., few, $101.00-103.00; 1000 + lbs., $98.00-102.00; fats, $105.00-122.50. Bulls, 100-199...

Authorities accuse Luray man in 7-Eleven robbery

A Luray man faces eight felony counts, including armed robbery and assault and battery against a law enforcement officer, stemming from two sets of crimes committed in Warren County in August 2011 and November 2012.

Shenandoah school bus driver resigns

The Shenandoah County school bus driver charged with reckless driving after a crash in Mauertown is resigning after 14 years with the school system.

Correction

An article published Friday should have stated that Stephens City Planner Brian Henshaw leaves the position to become town manager of Haymarket....

Shull resigns from Middletown council

Middletown Town Council seeks to fill a vacancy made with a member's departure less that a year after her election.

Shenandoah school superintendent announces retirement

WOODSTOCK - B. Keith Rowland, superintendent of Shenandoah County Public Schools for the past six years, announced his retirement during Thursday night's school board meeting.

Three college graduations set for Saturday

Area college students are headed across stages this weekend to get that very significant piece of paper.

Towns plan water, sewer rate hikes

Already facing higher taxes, residents of most Shenandoah County towns can expect to pay more for utilities.

Temporary stalls to be used at harness racing event

A lack of trackside horse stables is no hindrance to this Saturday's first-ever Wine and Trotter Festival at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds.

Frederick supervisors nix proposed pay raise

The Frederick County Board of Supervisors will not be getting a pay raise this year.

Henshaw to lead Haymarket as town manager

Another town official in the valley leaves for a new job -- this time to the east.