🌱 Shenandoah Valley Faces EMT Shortages + May 27 Fight Ends In Arrest

Hi all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Harrisonburg Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Partly sunny and warmer. High: 79 Low: 52.
• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 80 Low: 51.

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Here are the top three stories in Harrisonburg today:

1. The Shenandoah Valley is experiencing EMT shortages, resulting in fewer active crews and longer response times for emergency calls. The American Ambulance Association reports that a significant percentage of part-time EMT and paramedic positions were left unfilled in 2022. Both career and voluntary positions have been affected by the vacancies, with qualified volunteer applicants being particularly scarce. The shortage of EMTs is attributed to low pay compared to other health care positions and the increasing cost of living, which limits the availability of volunteers. (WHSV)
2. A man named Adam McCray was arrested in Harrisonburg on two charges of attempted malicious bodily injury following an altercation with two other individuals on May 27. The incident took place on Country Club Road, and all three individuals involved were acquainted with each other. No injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing, with the possibility of additional charges. The alleged altercation and subsequent arrest were confirmed by Michael Parks, the director of communications for the City of Harrisonburg. (WHSV)
3. The Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival is returning to Harrisonburg from Jun. 11-18. The festival will feature musicians from various locations, offering a diverse range of music, including works by Bach, Beethoven, jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, and compositions by young composers. The event will include performances by orchestras, choirs, and rising stars from the local community. The festival's artistic director, David Berry, expressed excitement about the new chapter and energy brought by this year's festival. The festival events will take place at Eastern Mennonite University, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door. (NBC 29)

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Today and tomorrow in Harrisonburg:

Wednesday, May 31

• Cold Chocolate At Clementine (7:00 PM)

Thursday, June 1

• Ambassadors Program At Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber Of Commerce (12:00 PM)
• Beginner Adult Ballet At Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Looking in the Harrisonburg area for a new home? Several residences hit the market, and they won't last long. The listings range from a $235,000 three-bedroom, two-bath home to a $699,900, 5,304-square-foot property. (Harrisonburg Patch)
• The Explore More Discovery Museum in downtown Harrisonburg is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a new mural on its secondary entrance. Local Creative Consultant Matt Leech and his team, along with community support, created a colorful and fun mural inspired by objects found inside the museum, making the building more appealing to kids and passersby. (WHSV)
• A new series called "True Crime in the Shenandoah Valley" will explore historical crime cases in the region, using rediscovered documents from the Rockingham County Courthouse. The goal is to generate interest in history and preservation while sharing lesser-known stories from the Valley's past. (WHSV)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all soon for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.