Augusta Health creates web page dedicated to coronavirus information

The Virginia State Police is investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 8:30 p.m. in Shenandoah County. The crash occurred along Route 11 (Old Valley Pike) less than a mile south of Route 672 (Chapman Landing Road). According to officials, a 2019 Honda Civic was traveling south on Route 11 when it crossed a double solid yellow centerline and collided head-on with a northbound 2009 Honda Civic. The driver of the 2019 Honda, Mindee L. Cunningham, 46, of Edinburg, Va., died at the scene of the crash as a result of her injuries. The driver of the 2009 Honda, Christopher W. Jennings, 24, of Woodstock, Va., also died at the scene as a result of his injuries. Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts. The investigation remains ongoing.

Harrisonburg and Rockingham County residents and visitors are now able to text 911 when they have an emergency. According to a press release from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center (HRECC), the Text to 9-1-1 program allows individuals to text information about their emergency to 911. This option will support individuals who may be unable to call due to the emergency they are experiencing. The text works the same as a call to 911 does — a communicator at HRECC will receive the text and connect with the individual about their emergency within seconds. “We are always looking for ways that we can increase and improve upon the life-saving services we provide to our community,” HRECC Operations Team Manager Chad Siever said. “This Text to 9-1-1 program is vital to ensuring we have the most up-to-date technology and programs to support residents in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, and we are eager to continue to find ways to serve you.” Text to 9-1-1 should be used for emergencies only. If you have any questions about the Text to 9-1-1 program, you can email info@hrecc.org.

Spotswood Elementary School closed on Sept. 14 after three teachers notified the school they were experiencing COVID-19 experiences. Of those three Harrisonburg City Public School teachers, only one tested positive for COVID-19. Superintendent Dr. Michael Richards said those teachers did exactly what they were supposed to do; stay home from school and get tested. The local health department and HCPS have collaborated throughout this process to contact trace. Richards said a dedicated epidemiologist was assigned to the school’s case. COVID-19 cases have popped up in other Valley school divisions, but out of an abundance of caution, Richards said they decided to close. Spotswood will be reopening after seven days on Sept. 21, but not everyone will be returning to the classroom just yet. “We’ll have a couple of classes in quarantine, of course that means those phone calls have been made and what that means has been explained and so certain students and certain staff members will be away from the school for a 14 day quarantine,” Richards said. Richard said families and staff affected by this will be notified if this quarantine applies to them. Before Monday’s reopening, Richard said there will be thorough cleaning of the entire elementary school.