Jessica Wetzler

Elkton's Tills Recalls Sept. 11 Experience

ELKTON - No matter how much time has passed, the memories are difficult for Dean Tills. "You still run into situations where you get a little choked up at times, and it varies," he said. "It's never the same thing, but something always comes back, some memory."

Vietnam, World War II Veterans Recall Experiences Abroad

It's been 53 years since Larry Ritchie, 76, fought as a U.S. Army private during the Vietnam War. But the experiences he recalled while sitting in his living room were as fresh as the day he endured them. He remembered the lights and sounds of gunfire on a pitch-black night.

COVID-19 In Area Jails

How The Valley Became Home To Historic Places, Districts

To the naked eye, a structure made of limestone wouldn't garner any attention other than showing resemblance to James Madison University's original campus. But much like Linville's Mannheim house, limestone shows how locally sourced materials paid homage to the Rockingham County area, and how the German settlers who constructed the building contributed to the county's growth.

Inside A Disaster

Editor's Note: This narrative was written from the perspective of someone involved in the drill in the role of a civilian experiencing the disaster being simulated. HARRISONBURG - James Madison University's Bridgeforth Stadium is home to Saturday night football games and crowds of cheering fans.

Broadway Student Says Experiences Led To Black Lives Matter Event At Heritage Park

BROADWAY - Throughout TJ Williams' time living in Broadway, he experienced several events in town and at the high school that sparked something inside of him. The rising junior at Broadway High School said he saw the Confederate flag, experienced racism and heard stories from his friends about racism at other Rockingham County Public Schools.

In 1918, It Was The Spanish Flu That Closed Schools, Shuttered Churches And Claimed Lives

Julia Page Price was 25-years old when the Spanish influenza crept its way into Virginia. Her husband, C. Grattan Price, was recently elected president of the Virginia Local Agent's Association and the front pages of the Daily News-Record showed season tickets for the county fair costing just $1.10.

Fabric Stores Essential During Pandemic

Peggy Simmons turned her quilting setup into a face-mask making production weeks before elastic, thread and sewing needles were hard to come by. And with help from local fabric stores, Simmons has been able to donate more than 300 masks to people across the United States.

Couple At Bridgewater Retirement Community Separated By Pandemic

In the 45 years Mary and Jack Whitley have been married, the only time they were separated was when Mary had to travel for work. The couple were "joined at the hip," Mary said, from the moment a manager at the bowling alley they both worked at introduced the Bridgewater College and James Madison University graduates to each other.

Future Of Some Local Century Farms Uncertain

Editor's Note: This is the third in a three-part look at Century Farms in our area BRIDGEWATER - Framed pictures of vibrant green farmland hang on the walls of DJ Myers' office.

Senior Students Bid Final Farewell To Rockingham County Fair Show Ring

Grace Fravel knew when she stepped foot inside the show ring at the Rockingham County Fair on Monday there wouldn't be another chance to compete. Fravel, 18, of Broadway, reached her final year of competing in the market animal shows at the fair, having officially aged out of future competition along with her twin brother, Peyton Fravel.

Livestock Sale Brings Out Emotions

The atmosphere coming from a Friday at the Rockingham County Fair could be best summarized by the weather - somber. Inside the hoop barn, hundreds of 4-H and FFA students lined up to sell the animals they had been training for several months, some even longer than a year.

Series on Best Management Practices in Virginia

A five-part series focusing on how farmers and producers in Virginia utilize BMP's.

Women Underrepresented In Local Elected Positions

When Emily Estes decided to run for Dayton Town Council in November, she wasn't sure she would get elected. A town resident for 48 years, Estes didn't come from a political background, but had seen firsthand the "ups and downs" of the town, she said.

Valley Residents Join Richmond Gun-Rights Rally

Residents from across Rockingham County and Harrisonburg gathered together early Monday morning to voice their support for the Second Amendment and attend the Virginia Citizens Defense League's annual Lobby Day and Second Amendment Rally in Richmond. More than 60 people joined residents from New Market and Woodstock to hitch a ride to Richmond with the help of VCDL-sponsored charter buses from the Shenandoah Valley.

Runion Eager As General Assembly Session Begins

RICHMOND - Between the rallies, crammed elevator rides and overall first day scramble, a tucked away hallway on the fourth floor of the Pocahontas Building is quiet. Few staff members are walking up and down the halls, passing by the office of Del. Chris Runion, R-Bridgewater.