1. Home
  2. Latest News

Latest News

Final round of leaf collection season begins Jan. 20th

Jan 16, 2014

The City of Winchester Public Works division will be completing the 2013-2014 leaf collection season the week of Monday, January 20th.  Collection during this last round is expected to go quickly, therefore, signs listing estimated arrival dates will not be posted for any area. 
Residents and businesses are asked to pile the leaves they want the City to collect by the curb by January 20th and follow the below guidelines:
Please rake/blow leaves into the gutter pan on the street or at a minimum to your property line.

Mayor Minor's 2013 Annual Report

Jan 15, 2014

January is one of my favorite times of the year as Mayor of this wonderful city.  Not only are we beginning another exciting year with many new goals, projects and ideas, but we also have the opportunity to reflect on what we’ve accomplished over the past twelve months.  It hasn’t always been easy, but I know that 2013 was a year we should all be proud of as we embark on a new journey together in 2014.

Winchester Police Department Receives Reaccreditation

Jan 09, 2014

The Winchester Police Department is pleased to announce that reaccreditation status has been granted to the department by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission.  From November 12, 2013 to November 14, 2013 the police department underwent an on-site assessment and was found to be in compliance with all applicable program standards.  During the rigorous review the WPD demonstrated to the assessors that it continues to comply with nearly 200 specific professional standards that cover all aspects of police service.

SVEC working to correct power outage in city

Jan 09, 2014

The Shenandoah Valley Electric Co-op (SVEC) is working to correct a power outage affecting 900 customers on the north and south sides of Cedar Creek Grade between Valley Avenue and the city limits.  Residents with life support equipment requiring electricity should call 9-1-1 immediately.

Frozen bodies of water can create dangerous conditions

Jan 08, 2014

The Winchester Fire & Rescue Department urges the community to avoid playing, skating, or driving over any frozen body of water.  This includes lakes, ponds, creeks, ditches, and water retention areas.
The onset of prolonged below-freezing temperatures can cause lakes, ponds, creeks, ditches and water retention areas to freeze over and form a thin sheet of ice across the surface.  Since water seldom freezes uniformly the icy conditions pose an extreme danger to anyone attempting to stand or walk on the ice.

Take safety precautions with upcoming cold weather

Jan 06, 2014

Extremely cold weather and high winds, similar to what hit the north east this past week, is expected to affect the Winchester area later today through Wednesday.  Temperatures are expected to reach single digits with wind chills well below zero. 
This type of weather can be life threatening and the City of Winchester encourages its residents and visitors to get informed, be prepared and stay warm.  Below are a few safety tips to follow and some information of which to be aware when dealing with extreme cold conditions:

K-9 officer injured in the line of duty

Jan 06, 2014

UPDATE (January 6, 2014 at 3:15 pm): The Winchester Police Department has just been informed that K-9 Officer Kota's surgery this morning went well.  He is expected to be released tomorrow from the veterinary clinic.
The Winchester Police Department has received a tremendous outpouring of support from communities near and far after K-9 Officer Kota was injured in the line of duty.  We would like to thank everyone who has sent and posted messages in support of Kota and our department.  We have received a number of inquiries about where donations for Kota’s treatment may be sent. 

Eleven Arrested for DUI over Holidays

Jan 06, 2014

The Winchester Police Department’s efforts to curb drunken driving during the holiday season seemed to have paid off.  Officers arrested 11 people for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol between December 1, 2013 and January 1, 2014.  That’s down from 30 that were charged with DUI during the same time last year.  The department had 10 saturation patrols between December 20, 2013 and January 1, 2014 as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign.  During these checkpoints the following charges were made:
3 arrested for DUI
2 charged with speeding

Winter Storm Update

Dec 08, 2013

The City of Winchester is currently operating under Snow Plan B:

Plan B: Plowing

When it becomes necessary to plow snow:

  1. Snow Plan B will be placed into effect and
  2. The Public Works Department and City contractors will plow roadways when necessary in accordance to the route schedule

During Snow Plan B & C:

World Explorer Obstacle Course

May 28, 2013

On June 22, 2013, area children can jump, dash, weave, crawl, balance, and slip slide around the world in Winchester Parks & Recreation’s 2nd annual World Explorer Obstacle Course.