Wildfire in mountains northwest of Staunton

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Sunday morning dark smoke rose into the sky northwest of our house in the mountains as a wildfire raged in the George Washington National Forest. The fire, located west of Harrisonburg in Rockingham County, had consumed 70 acres early Sunday morning.

WHSV TV-3 has coverage:

Local dispatchers said a staff member who tried to locate the fire site estimated it was around a mile beyond a meandering jeep trail called Union Springs Road. Observation of the smoke plume in relation to geographic landmarks could place the fire roughly three to seven miles northwest of Rawley Springs, but such reckoning is quite imprecise.

Rain is in the forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.

Shops at Dayton Farmers Market 2015 holiday hours

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Saturday at the Shops at Dayton Farmers Market southwest of Harrisonburg for Customer Appreciation Day was full of giveaways and crowded with buyers at the eclectic variety of shops featuring everything from baked goods and candy to floral and art, Virginia-made foods, pretzels, and more. They are now in their holiday 2015 hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9am until 6pm, through December 31. They will also be open Monday, Dec. 21.  Closing at 3.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

If you’re lucky when you stop by, you’ll see an Old Order Mennonite horse and buggy hitched at the hitching post. It’s unique in the Shenandoah Valley.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
November 7, 2015

6th District supporters rally around Congressman Goodlatte at outdoor Augusta County event

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Hearing the issues now being tackled by Congress reminded of a gathering of supporters from Augusta, Rockingham, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Harrisonburg held for Congressman Bob Goodlatte earlier this month in Weyers Cave. While there, the congressman was able to address the crowd of about 60 donors and supporters and expand on the wide array of discussions and issues that are occurring in Congress. With the animosity that is prevalent these days in politics, it was good to hear the update.

Snow causes delays, closings in central Shenandoah Valley

Monday night’s snow has led to public school delays and closings today.

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Harrisonburg City public schools are closed Tuesday due to inclement winter weather Monday night that left snow over some areas and ice over others. Augusta County, Staunton City, and Waynesboro City public schools are on a two-hour delay along with many other school systems in the area, according to WHSV TV-3. Check for updates on closings and weather.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 8, 2014

Dayton Farmers Market begins holidays hours

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The holiday shopping season is here at Dayton Farmers Market located in the Mennonite community of Dayton, Virginia, northwest of Staunton. This group of shops has been a go-to mecca for years in the quest to find unique gifts anytime but at Christmas everything comes alive. Usually open only three days a week, they are now on holiday hours and open Tuesday through Saturday, 9-6, until Christmas (closed on Thanksgiving Day). Some days you may see an Old Order Mennonite horse and buggy tied to the hitching post. Sit at one of the tables near the entrance and people-watch while sipping a coffee or eating a barbecue from Hank’s.

Valley Republicans are needed to up the vote margin

By Lynn R. Mitchell

One longtime Valley Republican said the region could become pivotal in a close Warner-Gillespie race. “This will be a close election and the Valley may be important,” said Kurt Michael, the former chairman of the Augusta County Republican Committee. “If Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta voters want to see Gillespie in there, they have to turn out.”

Michael recalls the 2005 state attorney general’s race between Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat Creigh Deeds. “The turnout in the Valley put him (McDonnell) over,” Michael said.

Michael said divisions within the Republican Party locally may be contributing to a less effective ground game for Gillespie. “I’m not seeing the yard signs, the door knocking and I’m not seeing the literature dropped,” he said. “It’s a reflection of the party. We’re in a civil war now between the tea party and the mainstream party. They are so busy infighting they are not getting people elected.”

Political reporter Bob Stuart with the News-Virginian talked with political leaders in the central Shenandoah Valley about Tuesday’s election that has Republican Ed Gillespie and Democrat Mark Warner running for the U.S. Senate seat (see Senate race has meant for scant Valley visits). Turnout turnout turnout is the key.

It’s Bo Time … Harrisonburg Bojangles now open

By Lynn R. Mitchell

We drove out Port Republican Road through Harrisonburg Saturday and passed the new Bojangles Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits restaurant that is now open. From the looks of the cars wrapped around the building and the filled parking lot, it appears this will be a very popular spot just across from the new Rockingham Memorial Hospital east of the city.

Bojangles coming to Harrisonburg … could Staunton be next? – UPDATE: Now open

By Lynn R. Mitchell

This is for my husband who was hoping Staunton would lure a Bojangles Famous Chicken and Biscuits restaurant. It looks like Harrisonburg beat them to it with the new franchise going in on Port Republic Road near the new Rockingham Memorial Hospital east of town. Maybe Bojangles will next try for a Staunton location somewhere along I-81 and catch interstate travelers as well as locals. Read all the details at WHSV TV-3.

UPDATE September 20, 2014: Bojangles in Harrisonburg is now OPEN. Click here for more info about location and more.