1function GetPreview26(){document.write(`<div class="col-12"> 2<div class="cus-default-menu-bar py-2 ps-2" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted#dedede;"> 3<div class="text-uppercase fw-bold px-0 cus-130-label "> 4<span class="cus-default-menu "><a href="index26.htm" class="text-dark text-center">Local</a></span> 5</div> 6</div> 7<div class="row p-2" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted #dedede;"> 8 9<div class="col-lg-4 col-sm-12 col-md-4" style="border-right: 2px dotted #dedede;"> 10<div class="col-12 mt-2"> 11<a href="dwr-graduates-th-academy-class-of-conservation-police-officers-p18348-26.htm"> 12<div class="ratio-3-2 rounded"> 13<div class="img-content"> 14<img class="img-fluid lazy loaded my-4 rounded " src="/articles-2026-09-28-17-27-58-474.jpg" data-src="/articles-2026-09-28-17-27-58-474.jpg" alt="DWR graduates 15th Academy Class of Conservation Police Officers" data-was-processed="true"> </div> 15</div> 16</a> 17</div> 18<div class="col-12 col-8 mt-2"> 19<h3 class="col-12 h6 line-2 text-dark line-2 "> 20<a href="dwr-graduates-th-academy-class-of-conservation-police-officers-p18348-26.htm" class=" text-dark fs-5 fw-bold text-red-hover ">DWR graduates 15th Academy Class of Conservation Police Officers</a> 21</h3> 22<time class="col-12 fs-6 "><i class="fa fa-calendar me-2 " aria-hidden="true"></i>September 28, 2026, 10:30 AM</time> 23<div class="fs-6 line-5 mb-3 mt-1">On Sept 3, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Law Enforcement Division welcomed 10 recruits to the rank of Conservation Police Officers at the graduation of the 15th Conservation Police Officer Basic Academy Graduation. The DWR Law Enforcement Academy consists of 28 weeks of intensive training including firearm proficiency, crime scene investigations, tactical tracking, duty to intervene, critical incident stress management, impaired driving enforcement, operating watercraft, and driving multiple vehicles including four-wheel drive and all-terrain vehicles. The new CPOs will now head into 14 weeks of field training in their assigned areas with a designated Field Training Officer. This will enable them to get first-hand, front-line experiences that will set them up for success as they progress in their careers at DWR. <script type="text/javascript">AdGroup16();</script> New CPOs and their assigned areas: Elliott Adler – Fauquier County Rocco Boyd – Essex County Benjamin Buckreis – Caroline County Hunter Campbell – Page County Brennan Freking – Halifax County Hunter Lunsford – Chesterfield County Gregory Monroe – Henrico County Jonathan Orvis – Giles County Thomas Pearce – Roanoke County Amber Sutter – Charles City County Awards were presented at the ceremony to recognize the hard work and proficiency of the recruits. They are as follows: Colonel’s Award The Colonel’s Award is presented to the recruit with the highest test average in the recruit class. This includes all exams administered in the Academy and the final law enforcement certification exam administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). These exams included more than 1200 questions covering objectives set by DCJS, in the areas of professionalism, legal issues, communications, patrol, investigations, and defensive tactics/use of force. Other exams taken during the Basic Academy addressed the specialized functions that pertain specifically to the unique law enforcement duties of Conservation Police Officers. These include marine theft investigation, hunting incident investigation, and laws and regulations specifically pertaining to hunting, fishing, trapping, and boating. With an outstanding overall average test score of 94.5, the Colonel’s Award recipient was Officer Thomas Pearce. Board Award The Board of Wildlife Resources Award is presented to the recruit who displays exceptional overall performance during the entire course of training. The recipient was selected based on a combination of motivation, professionalism, leadership, dedication, and the ability to positively influence fellow recruits. This award also recognizes an individual who consistently demonstrated a willingness to support the Academy staff and contribute beyond the expectations of a recruit. Throughout the academy, this recruit distinguished himself through his commitment to excellence, his willingness to assist others, and his ability to serve as a positive example to his classmates. The recipient of the Board Award was Officer Thomas Pearce. Most Physically Fit Award The Most Physically Fit Award is given to the recruit with the best overall performance in the three areas tested by the Basic Training Academy. Recruits participated in a comprehensive physical training program for approximately one hour nearly every day during the 28-week academy. This program consisted of CrossFit-style workouts, swimming, running, and other functional fitness activities designed to prepare recruits for the physical demands of conservation law enforcement. The four performance areas tested were push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and a mile-and-a-half run. The recipient of the Most Physically Fit Award was Officer Thomas Pearce. Top Shot Award The Top Shot Award is presented to the recruit who achieves the highest overall qualification scores throughout the Academy firearms program. Recruits were required to demonstrate proficiency with their issued pistol and rifle during day and night courses in a variety of demanding situations over the course of a two-week training period where each recruit fired well over one thousand rounds. During the six scored qualifying courses, this recruit shot an average score of 98.4. The recipient of the Top Shot Award was Officer Brennan Freking. Outstanding Driver Award The Outstanding Driver Award is given to the recruit with the highest overall qualification scores on all driving courses. The selection is based solely on scores earned during the 48-hour block of driver training during the Academy. Due to the nature of the locations officers are required to access and patrol, four-wheel drive vehicles are among the primary focus during this training. Training for this type of vehicle goes beyond the customary training for sedan patrol vehicles utilized by other law enforcement agencies. Driving courses include asphalt precision courses, high-speed reaction courses, emergency vehicle operations course, off-road obstacle negotiation, all-terrain vehicle operation, gravel surface braking course, and three different trailer backing courses. This recruit earned a score of 98 on the evaluation of these courses. The recipient of the Outstanding Driver Award was Officer Brennan Freking. Top Boating Award The Top Boating Award is given to the recruit who displays exceptional overall performance during the two weeks of on-the-water boat operation training. This training consisted of operating a variety of patrol boats ranging from SAFE boats to tiller-steer Jon boats, while developing the skills necessary to safely and effectively operate vessels in the performance of their law enforcement duties. This award was voted on by the Boating Cadre who instructed, evaluated, and worked alongside the recruits throughout the training. This recipient demonstrated the best overall boating operation skills and most successfully applied these fundamentals in real world scenarios. The recipient of the Top Boating Award was Officer Brennan Freking. VCPA Motivating Member Award The Virginia Conservation Police Association (VCPA) has served CPOs, formerly known as Game Wardens, with the mission of serving people and wildlife since 1981. The VCPA Motivating Member Award recognizes the recruit who consistently demonstrated the ability to motivate, encourage, and support fellow members of the academy class. The recipient of this award consistently placed the needs of fellow recruits ahead of his own, providing encouragement, mentorship, and support throughout the demanding 28-week academy. Through his actions, he demonstrated the core values of the Virginia Conservation Police Association and distinguished himself as a compassionate, dependable, and committed teammate. His positive attitude and willingness to help others contributed to the success of those around him and made a lasting impact on the academy class. The recipient of the VCPA Motivating Member Award was Officer Thomas Pearce.</div> 24</div> 25</div> 26 27<div class="col-lg-4 col-sm-12 col-md-4" style="border-right: 2px dotted #dedede;"> 28<div class="col-12 mt-2"> 29<a href="september-national-preparedness-month-p18347-26.htm"> 30<div class="ratio-3-2 rounded"> 31<div class="img-content">
32<img class="img-fluid lazy loaded my-4 rounded " src="/articles-2026-09-28-17-27-11-450.jpg" data-src="/articles-2026-09-28-17-27-11-450.jpg" alt="September National Preparedness Month" data-was-processed="true"> </div> 33</div> 34</a> 35</div> 36<div class="col-12 col-8 mt-2"> 37<h3 class="col-12 h6 line-2 text-dark line-2 "> 38<a href="september-national-preparedness-month-p18347-26.htm" class=" text-dark fs-5 fw-bold text-red-hover ">September National Preparedness Month</a> 39</h3> 40<time class="col-12 fs-6 "><i class="fa fa-calendar me-2 " aria-hidden="true"></i>September 28, 2026, 10:30 AM</time> 41<div class="fs-6 line-5 mb-3 mt-1">It is important to plan ahead so you are ready before a disaster happens. September is National Preparedness Month, which is all about getting ready for emergencies. The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Departments want you to make a plan, put together an emergency kit or “go bag,” and use easy, low-cost ideas to get ready. “ Disasters can happen with little warning, but preparation gives individuals, families, and communities the ability to respond with confidence and recover more quickly,” said Darrin Rowe, emergency coordinator, with LENOWISCO Health District. “In a rural community, where distance, weather, and limited resources can sometimes make emergencies more challenging, planning ahead is especially important.” Talking with your family and friends about being prepared is the first step. Even though it can be hard to talk about disasters, planning ahead will help you and your community be ready. Here are some tips to get started: Choose a time when everyone feels comfortable talking about emergency plans. You can have more than one conversation, so everyone feels good about the plan. Share what you have done to get ready and ask others what works for them. “ We encourage every resident to make an emergency plan, build a supply kit, stay informed through trusted local alerts, and check in on neighbors who may need extra support,” said Delilah McFadden, EP&R Coordinator, Cumberland Plateau Health District. “Preparedness is a shared responsibility—by taking simple steps before an emergency occurs, we can help protect one another and strengthen the resilience of our entire community.” <script type="text/javascript">AdGroup16();</script> All year the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health District Emergency Preparedness and Response programs partner with each community to help keep you safe. We plan, work together, teach, and act quickly to handle any health emergency, like disease outbreaks or other dangers. Disasters can happen more often and be more serious, so talking about them now helps keep your community safe. For more information on how to get ready for different emergencies, visit www.ready.gov.</div> 42</div> 43</div> 44 45<div class="col-lg-4 col-sm-12 col-md-4" style="border-right: 2px dotted #dedede;"> 46<div class="col-12 mt-2"> 47<a href="vdot-plans-road-work-p18337-26.htm"> 48<div class="ratio-3-2 rounded"> 49<div class="img-content"> 50<img class="img-fluid lazy loaded my-4 rounded " src="/articles-2026-09-25-16-52-33-560.jpg" data-src="/articles-2026-09-25-16-52-33-560.jpg" alt="VDOT plans road work" data-was-processed="true"> </div> 51</div> 52</a> 53</div> 54<div class="col-12 col-8 mt-2"> 55<h3 class="col-12 h6 line-2 text-dark line-2 "> 56<a href="vdot-plans-road-work-p18337-26.htm" class=" text-dark fs-5 fw-bold text-red-hover ">VDOT plans road work</a> 57</h3> 58<time class="col-12 fs-6 "><i class="fa fa-calendar me-2 " aria-hidden="true"></i>September 28, 2026, 10:30 AM</time> 59<div class="fs-6 line-5 mb-3 mt-1"> In an effort to keep motorists informed, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) provides weekly information about highway construction and maintenance projects in southwestern Virginia. When traveling through highway work zones, use caution and be alert to changes in traffic patterns and slow-moving or stopped traffic. Interstate projects Interstate 81 – Exit 50 and mile marker 52 bridge rehabilitations (Smyth County) A project that includes bridge rehabilitation work on six bridges north and southbound at Exit 50 and mile marker 52 in Smyth County is underway. Be alert to construction crews in the area. Nighttime lane closures will be in place for the duration of the project. Also, be alert to flaggers and/or lane closures on Kiawana Road and Nick’s Creek Road. Pay attention to signs and message boards. (Completion: N
59ovember 2027) Interstate 81 – Exit 45 deceleration lane extension (Smyth County) A project to extend the deceleration lane at exit 45 northbound in the Marion area of Smyth County is underway. The project includes replacing the northbound I-81 bridge over Matson Drive. Be alert to periodic nighttime lane closures and shifted traffic over Matson Drive. (Completion: December 2027) Interstate 81 – Bridge rehabilitation at mile marker 68 (Wythe County) Due to a bridge rehabilitation project on I-81 north and southbound over Reed Creek at mile marker 68 in Wythe County, be alert to periodic extended lane closures and a width restriction of 14 feet. Pay attention to signs and message boards. (Completion: September 2027) Interstate 81/77 interchange (Wytheville) Due to improvements on I-81 and I-77 at the interchange at Wytheville, pay close attention to signs and message boards. Be alert to possible lane restrictions and traffic shifts. (Completion: Summer 2027) Interstate 77/Exit 41 area (Wytheville) Be alert to construction activities at the I-77 interchange at Exit 41, which includes improvements to the northbound lanes and northbound I-77 off-ramp, Nye Road, and Peppers Ferry Road. Be alert to traffic shifts. Pay close attention to construction vehicles, work zone signs, and workers in the area. (Late 2026) (UPDATE) Interstates 81 and 77 maintenance activities Be alert to the following lane closures due to interstate maintenance activities: Interstate 81 · Nighttime bridge repairs and pothole patching operations north and southbound between Exits 26 and 54 in Washington and Smyth counties. · Nighttime bridge deck repairs southbound near mile marker 52 in Smyth County. · Nighttime traffic engineering work southbound between mile markers 79 and 76 in Wythe County. · A super load will be traveling northbound from Bristol to the West Virginia state line the week of September 28. Interstate 77 · Nighttime tunnel washing north and southbound at Big Walker Mountain Tunnel and East River Mountain Tunnel this week. All wide loads over 12 feet must stop before entering the tunnel. · Nighttime bridge approach repairs north and southbound between mile markers 46 and 43 in Wythe County. · A super load will be traveling southbound from mile marker 46 to the North Carolina state line the week of September 28. · Nighttime bridge deck repairs northbound near Exit 64 in Bland County. · Nighttime bridge deck repairs northbound near mile marker 45 in Wythe County. <script type="text/javascript">AdGroup16();</script> Primary highways and high-traffic secondary roads Bland County Route 52 intersection improvements An intersection improvement project is underway on Route 52 in Bland County at Indian Village Trail and Grapefield Road. Be alert to workers in the area. Traffic pattern changes will take place throughout the duration of the project. (Completion: August 2028) Buchanan County Route 460/121 Poplar Creek Phase B Be alert to a new traffic pattern on Route 460 at Grundy due to the construction of Route 460/121 Poplar Creek Phase B. The switch is approximately 1.1 miles west of the Route 460/Route 83 (Riverside Drive/Edgewater Drive) intersection in Grundy. Motorists should be alert to flaggers in the area. (Completion: Late 2027) Dickenson County Route 83 roundabout at Route 637 Construction continues for a roundabout and a new park-and-ride lot at the intersection of Route 83 and Route 637 in Dickenson County. Be alert to lane shifts and closures. Pay attention to flaggers, signs, and message boards in the area. (Completion: October 2026) Russell County Route 19 safety improvements Safety improvements are underway on Route 19 northbound in the Rosedale area of Russell County. Lane closures are in place beginning 0.8 miles west of Route 80. Pay close attention to signs and message boards. (Completion: N
59ovember 2026) Scott County Route 23 road improvements Work is underway for road improvements on Route 23 between the east connection of Route 23 Business and the West Connection of Route 23 Business in the Gate City area of Scott County. Be alert to temporary lane closures. Pay attention to signs and message boards. (Completion: December 2026) Smyth County McMullin Bridge replacement on Browns Subdivision Road A bridge replacement project is underway on Browns Subdivision Road, west of the new roundabout in Smyth County. A lane closure will be in place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Be alert to flaggers in the area and pay attention to signs and message boards. (Completion: Fall 2027) Route 11 roundabout at Adwolfe Road A roundabout project located on Route 11 at Adwolfe Road in Smyth County is underway. Be alert to construction crews in the area. Temporary traffic signals are in place for traffic control. (Completion: July 2027) Tazewell County Second Street/Front Street Intersection Improvement – Richlands Work is underway on a realignment project on 2nd Street and Front Street in the town of Richlands, modifying the raised median/island at the intersection of 2nd Street and Front Street and adding a raised median along Front Street to allow right-turn movements from Kents Ridge Road. Pay attention to signs, message boards, and construction crews in the area. (Completion: November 2026) Route 19/460 and Route 610 intersection improvements – Claypool Hill An intersection improvement project is underway on Route 19/460, from Adair Drive to Route 610 in the Claypool Hill area of Tazewell County. (Completion: December 2026) Washington County Route 19 safety improvements Safety and traffic flow improvements are beginning on Route 19 in Washington County. Work includes the closure of Everett Hagy Road at Route 19 near Black Hollow Road and the construction of a cul-de-sac on Everett Hagy Road. Turn lane and median improvements are also included in the project. Motorists should be alert to lane shifts on Route 19 during this project. Use caution and slow down when traveling through the area. (Completion: June 2027) Thompson Drive/Stanley Street roundabout A roundabout project is underway at the intersection of Thompson Drive and Stanley Street in the Abingdon area of Washington County. Be alert to construction crews in the area. (Completion: September 2027) Wise County Alternate Route 58 bridge replacement over Norfolk Southern railroad Be alert to traffic pattern changes on Alternate Route 58 in Wise County due to replacement of the bridge over Norfolk Southern Railroad. Traffic traveling west toward Coeburn is using the eastbound lane. Traffic on Route 651 (Bull Hill Road) is not allowed to turn left on eastbound Alternate Route 58. Pay close attention to signs and message boards. (December 2028) Wythe County Monroe Street/Route 11 realignment A detour is in place due to a realignment along West Monroe Street and Route 11 in Wytheville. Motorists will use North 10th Street, West Main Street, and North 12th Street to detour. Pay attention to signs and message boards in the area. (Completion: December 2026) Progress Park Connector Construction of a new 2.3-mile connector road between Nye Road and E. Lee Trinkle Road is underway, providing a direct connection to Wytheville’s Progress Park industrial site. A 0.3-mile stretch of Lover's Lane is closed and will remain closed for the duration of the project. The closed section of Lover's Lane is located 1.6 miles from Nye Road and 0.5 miles from Pepper's Ferry Road. (Completion: November 2027) Route 671 (Crigger Road) bridge Route 671 (Crigger Road) bridge in Wythe County has been closed due to safety concerns following an inspection. Motorists will use Route 612 (Dry Road) and Route 749 (Cedar Springs Road) to detour approximately eight miles. (Completion: March 2027) Completed Route 654 (Cliff Mountain Way) bridge replacement A bridge replacement project on Route 654 (Cliff Mountain Way ) over Dry Creek in Scott County is complete. Route 19 northbound/ Route 460 eastbound – Pounding Mill Route 19 northbound/Route 460 eastbound bridge maintenance repairs in the Pounding Mill area of Tazewell County are complete</div> 60</div> 61</div> 62 63</div> 64</div>`);}
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