Chamber welcomes Shenandoah Shores Management Group to Front Royal
County Notices: Parks & Recs office moving; Splash pad closing for season
Obenshain releases statement on the 2022 model policies on the privacy, dignity, and respect for all students and parents
Warren County students escape serious injury in 1-81 crash, bus driver charged
Early voting begins Friday, new same-day registration begins October 18
Additional Public School Budget requests approved as part of Supervisors Consent Agenda
County Planning Commission recommends data center zoning ordinance amendment to allow data centers by right in industrial and light industrial zones
After hour delay to achieve a quorum, council quickly approves three CUP requests, two for Short-Term Rentals, before convening to work session
Broadband service expansion timeline, costs presented to supervisors prior to Closed Session, including discussion of ‘abolition’ of a sanitary district and non-annexation agreement with Town
Town to spend nearly $33,000 on new compensation study
Town Talk: A conversation with Police Chief Kahle Magalis, Capt Crystal Cline, Guardian Score
Town Talk: A conversation with Lt. Robbie Seal and Sgt Terry Fritts – Warren County Sheriff’s Office
Town Talk: A conversation with Fern Vazquez, Christy McMillin-Goodwin, and Rick Hewett – CHEO Community Garden
Town Talk: A conversation with Tony Carter, Archivist – Warren Heritage Society
Town Talk: A conversation with Michelle Ross, Michal Ashby and Erin Rooney – Samuels Public Library – September Activities
Hometown Faces: Meet Scott Reid
Hometown Faces: Meet Suzanne Silek
Hometown Faces: Meet John Marlow
Hometown Faces: Meet Harry Bowen – soon to be 100
WATCH: Faces of Our Valley – Selah Theatre Project, Glory Bea!
Meet the Candidates: A conversation with Wayne Sealock, candidate for Front Royal Town Council
Front Royal Town Council Candidates Forum held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Local Republican James Bergida enters race for Virginia Senate District 1
Meet the Candidates: Delores R. Oates, Virginia House of Delegates, District 31
Meet the Candidates: Merritt Hale, US Congress, 6th District
Samuels Public Library Adult Programming events for October
Constitution Day attracts scores of families, scholars, veterans and Revolutionary War reenactors
Ho! Ho! Ho! – Time again for Front Royal Light Fight
This week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of September 22nd
SAR presents Girl Scouts with Flag Retirement Certificates
Smithfield, VA man arrested for soliciting underage victims in Front Royal
Six arrests in forged gaming ticket scam announced by FRPD
Skeletal remains found in suspicious circumstance identified as Shannon Lee Fox
Ressie Jeffries Elementary School placed in lockdown
Front Royal Police respond to brandishing incident at Royal Plaza
Smithfield, VA man arrested for soliciting underage victims in Front Royal
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 9/12/2022
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 8/29/2022
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 8/22/2022
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 8/15/2022
Legal Notice: Hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection
EDA: Request for Qualifications for the provision of debt collection legal services
EDA: Invitation to bid; roof replacement
Special Commissioners Sale Saturday, October 5, 2019: Two adjoining tracts 42 & 41 acres
Front Royal Town Council accepting resumes for vacant council seat
UPDATE: Paving continues on North Royal Avenue
Town Notice: Road closure – North Commerce Avenue, 6th Street to Royal Avenue; paving continues
Town Notice: Road closure – North Royal Avenue and 6th Street
Town Notice: Paving on North Royal starts July 18
Poe joins EDA civil defendants in motions to nullify civil liability verdicts; Tran counsel granted additional time to file their motion to overturn jury verdict
FR-WC EDA finalizes $5.7-million sale of Baugh Drive warehouse to Shahi Foods
Warren County EDA tackles multi-faceted August meeting Action Agenda
EDA Board Chairman Jeff Browne reacts to July civil litigation results ordering total of over $13.35 million paid to the County Economic Development Authority
Jury awards WC EDA $11.9 million-plus in civil compensatory claims against ITFederal and Truc ‘Curt’ Tran
EDA Board Chairman Jeff Browne reacts to July civil litigation results ordering total of over $13.35 million paid to the County Economic Development Authority
Jury awards WC EDA $11.9 million-plus in civil compensatory claims against ITFederal and Truc ‘Curt’ Tran
EDA civil liability defendant ‘Curt’ Tran on witness stand for over 4-1/2 hours as trial heads into final day
EDA vs. Tran/ITFederal civil liability and counterclaim trial heads into third day with defense poised to call final series of witnesses
First day of $11-million EDA vs. ‘Curt’ Tran civil liability trial concludes
Chamber welcomes Shenandoah Shores Management Group to Front Royal
Chamber welcomes Kells Belles to Front Royal
Chamber welcomes Garcia & Gavino to Front Royal
Local Senior Center reopens with new location and new name
Quality Title moves to a new home in Front Royal
Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – September 21, 2022
Rep. Price and Senator Warner applaud passage of the Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act
Warner & Kaine secure nearly $135 million for Virginia in Senate FY2023 budget bills
Warner & Kaine celebrate Inflation Reduction Act becoming law
Warner & Kaine announce more than $2.1 million in funding to address COVID-19 in rural Virginia communities
Beagles rescued from Virginia dog-breeding facility get star treatment in D.C.
Kaine says Mountain Valley Pipeline provision in Manchin bill ‘could open the door to serious abuse and even corruption’
Manchin permitting reform bill includes approval of Mountain Valley Pipeline
U.S. House passes bill reforming Electoral Count Act to stop Jan. 6 repeat
U.S. Senate report says government failed to count deaths of incarcerated people properly
Repeated fake threats to Roanoke schools and more Va. headlines
Virginia-Founded unmanned aircraft systems provider to establish operations in Manassas
State Superintendent: 2022-2023 ratings show accreditation standards unreliable measure of school performance; Governor responds
Governor Youngkin’s K-12 digital mapping program supports best in class technology to protect Virginia schools
Miyares and Beamer lead effort to help protect 340,500 middle school students in Virginia this year.
Playoff Game 2 : Front Royal Cardinals vs Woodstock River Bandits – July 27
Rescheduled: Front Royal Cardinals vs Strasburg Express – Monday, July 25
Front Royal Cardinals vs Purceville Cannons – Thursday, July 21
Front Royal Cardinals vs New Market Rebels – Sunday, July 24
CANCELED: Valley Baseball League: All Star Game at the “Bing” – Sunday, July 17th
WCHS vs William Monroe – Friday, September 23, 2022 – Varsity Football
WCHS vs William Monroe – Girls Volleyball – September 20, 2022
WCHS vs Handley – Girls Volleyball – September 19, 2022
WCHS vs Harrisonburg – Girls Volleyball – September 15, 2022
WCHS JV vs Fauquier County – September 14, 2022
Skyline High School Graduation – Saturday, May 28, 2022
Skyline High School Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony
Baccalaureate service for graduating seniors
Skyline vs Independence High School, February 12, 2021 at 6 PM in the third round of the Region 3B Basketball Tournament
Skyline vs James Monroe High School, February 9, 2021 at 6 PM in the second round of the Region 3B Basketball Tournament
Warren County Middle School vs Skyline Middle School – Girls Basketball, October 4, 2021
Warren County Middle School vs Frederick County Middle School – Girls Basketball, September 27, 2021
Warren County Middle School vs Daniel Morgan Middle School – Girls Basketball, September 23, 2021
Warren County Middle School vs Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School – Girls Basketball, September 20th, 2021
Warren County Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 8th Grade
Warren County Middle School vs Skyline Middle School – Girls Basketball, October 4, 2021
Skyline Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 8th Grade
Skyline Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 7th Grade
Skyline Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 6th Grade
Skyline Middle School vs Daniel Morgan, June 3rd – Girls Volleyball
Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Event
WATCH: E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Parade
WATCH: Ressie Jeffries Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Parade
WATCH: Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Parade
Question: In 2020 I lost my job and went into bankruptcy. But now I am back on track and I would like to buy a house. Is it even possible to get a mortgage?
House selling: should you ever disclose the details of a competing offer?
Good news for buyers as home prices cool
Should you buy an existing home or build new?
OPEN HOUSE: 159 High Point Court, Front Royal – This Saturday, April 2nd
House for sale: 159 High Point Court, Front Royal
House for sale: 104 Foam Flower, Lake Frederick
Property for sale: 425 N Royal Ave, Front Royal – Watch the tour!
House for sale: 361 Walnut Drive, Front Royal – Watch the tour!
Start your day with a smile
Start your day with a smile
Start your day with a smile
Start your day with a smile
Start your day with a smile
Remembering the comic strip loved by millions
Apple orchards make fun outings
A beginner’s guide to wild turkey hunting
The first day of autumn is September 22
The infamous chorizo tweet and what it teaches
To Censor or not to Censor, that is a Difficult Question
The Cracked Acorn: Am I Crazy?
The Cracked Acorn: The Bible
The Cracked Acorn: The Un-Truth
The Cracked Acorn: Time Wings
Should I Choose Passion or Duty?
Why we should be ‘Babyish’ in Love
The School of Life: How to Stop Playing Games in Love
The School of Life: How You Can Be Too Clever
Looking Back: A Mothers Revenge – Hannah Duston
Ben Franklin and his miraculous lightning rod
The Year Without A Summer : “Eighteen Hundred & Froze To Death”
America’s veterans remembered and honored for their service across the years
How much do you know about Veterans Day?
5 meaningful ways to celebrate Veterans Day
5 ways to celebrate Veterans Day
The 11hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – Veterans Day 2020
FRWRC kicks off Annual Appeal with the Women’s Faire & Share this Thursday
Real Estate and Community News (August/September 2022) with Jen Avery, REALTOR
Real Estate and Community News (July/August 2022) with Jen Avery, REALTOR
Donations to aid Kentucky still accepted at Aders Insurance Agency
Rugged Terrain Crossfit takes home the trophy at the Waggin’ for Dragons 2022 race
The Rotary Club of the Northern Shenandoah Valley hosting blood drive
Help replenish the blood supply after holiday weekend
Community Blood Drive to be held this Wednesday, March 3rd
Santa Claus is coming to Town, Warren County!
A “COVID Christmas” message from Santa
Warren Heritage Society announces the publication of their newest book, “Coming Together”
Send bracelets to quarantined residents of Commonwealth Assisted Living in Front Royal through WeAreSPACE.org
Warren’s Heritage: Native American History-Part 10
Warren’s Heritage: Native American History-Part 9
Warren’s Heritage: Native American History-Part 8
Breakfast with Barry Lee – Dishing out ample servings of positivity, humor, and community spirit.
4 strategies for retaining your employees
Odd jobs: How the mud man makes baseballs fly right
Cloud computing: the environmental impact of the virtual world
How buying local can help your business
Before Amazon, Sears disrupted retail
4 strategies for retaining your employees
Tips for negotiating a salary proposal
Demand for truckers is on the rise
Immigrants: transfer your skills to boost your career
How to know if you’re buying local food
Local producers: Barriers to buying local
Apple and salt pork pie satisfies the sweet tooth
How to safely handle and cook poultry
3 questions to help you learn more about barn cats
Agriculture: What does it mean to “make the rounds”?
What’s community-supported agriculture (CSA)?
How to safely handle and cook poultry
September is Cholesterol Education Month: Time to check up on LDLs and HDLs
Meat diet draws fire; proponents defend
Astronauts lose bone in space
4 tips for a successful manicure
Overview of the main types of diabetes
Gourds make fun holiday projects
How ceiling fans can save you money every season
Sick building syndrome: symptoms and prevention
4 ways to store your kitchen knives
Alcohol consumption as a senior: 3 risk factors
10 ways for seniors to keep busy
5 ideas for a dream retirement vacation
4 symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
Create your own book in 5 steps
Do you know Louis Braille?
5 tips for camping in your backyard
3 ways to have fun with soap bubbles
How to choose a birdcage
Things to know before adopting a shelter pet
Shedding in dogs: what you need to know
Preventive care: How to keep cats and dogs healthy
5 tips for driving with your pet this summer
Virginians would accept no less than $265 each in airline compensation for flight cancellations, survey reveals.
5 ideas for a dream retirement vacation
How to prepare for a solo trip
5 good reasons to book your cruise early
How to inspect your vehicle’s oil in 7 easy steps
5 car noises you should never ignore
Today’s economy dictates a new way of driving
One flaw made Tesla’s autos easy to steal
10 activities to enjoy the fall colors
The first day of autumn is September 22
5 car noises you should never ignore
Demand for truckers is on the rise
The Frederick County Fire and Rescue Department Station 11 – Stephens City Volunteer Fire and Rescue (SCVFR) provides fire protection and emergency response services to the greater Stephens City community. The Fire Department’s mission is to prevent the loss of life and property by responding to fire, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, rescue calls and hazardous material incidents. SCVFR currently maintains about three acres of land which include a 13,000-square foot building. The building has 10,000 square feet dedicated specifically for fire and rescue services, including storage, living quarters and training/meeting space. A community hall makes up the remaining 3,000 square feet of the building.
Stephens City Volunteer Fire & Rescue seven bay facility on 5346 Mulberry Street. Courtesy SCVFR.
In accordance with GIS Division of Information Technologies, County of Frederick, VA, SCVFR First Due response area is fifty-two square miles with a population of 29,500. The response area borders extend to the Winchester city line to the north, Route 522 to the east, Vaucluse Springs to the south and just past Cedar Creek Grade to the west with approximately 237 road miles within.
“The future for SCVFR is optimistic,” said Fire Chief Timothy Vaught. “We continue to have overwhelming support from our local stakeholders including town and county governments, citizens, and businesses in which we serve. Planning continues for upgrading our current property, equipment and fleet as firefighting technology progresses.”
In the early days, the original fire alarms were people. These individuals would hustle around the town, ringing bells to warn the community of imminent danger and alerting folks to come equipped with buckets to respond to the fire. Very often, by the time bucket brigade volunteers were organized to fight the fire, there was nothing but glowing embers to greet them when they arrived at the scene.
According to the late town historian Mildred Lee Grove, whenever a Stephens City fire was first observed, someone in a position of authority had to phone Winchester and request one of the city Fire companies act. The responding fire company needed to ascertain, in advance, if there was adequate funding available to cover their services. Prior to 1941, the town had no water system and cisterns were the primary source of water. Often Stephens Run had to be dammed up during town fires so firefighters could pump water into their hoses.
During the 1930s, there were several devastating fires in Stephens City. According to the late Robert E. Aylor, two great fires prompted the town to consider establishing a fire department. The first fire was at M.J. Grove Limestone Company in the Mudville District in 1936 and the second was a major commercial fire at Willie Boyd “Pud” Steele’s magazine and newspaper store at 5317 Main Street in 1938. Aylor was the Stephens City school principal at the time and would become the fire company’s first president.
Town leaders believed these major fires were an initiative to establish a local fire company rather than rely on fire companies from Winchester. In April 1939, Robert E. Aylor and ten others organized the Independent Hose Company. In August 1939, the new fire company requested financial assistance from the town council. Mayor Lomax Parker called a bond issue election for providing a water system to improve firefighting efficiency. On November 4, 1939, during a special meeting, the council voted (4 yes, 1 no, 1 absent) to build the first town water system with a cost not to exceed $9,000.
Until this time, Frederick County did not have any fire protection other than fire companies from the town of Winchester. The Independent Hose Company was chartered in 1941 as Frederick County’s first volunteer fire company. Julian Steele was the first chief and Robert E. Aylor was the president. The firefighters were H.R. “Boots” Mills, Maurice Lemley, Joseph Clevenger, John Gossard, Marshall Venable and Dave Brumback.
Fire prevention education and awareness being presented by SCVFR staff to students from a local church preschool in August of 2012. Courtesy SCVFR.
A Lady’s Auxiliary was also formed to assist the firefighters with fund-raisers to build a fire hall. Many of the fund-raising functions were held at Stephen City High School and were attended by large crowds. The first fire engine was a 1933 Dodge 6-cylinder which the members purchased for $1,000 from the South End Hose Company in Winchester. The truck was housed in the school basement on Main Street until members built the original one bay door section of today’s fire hall on Mulberry Street in 1941. A portion of the money was raised by selling individual concrete blocks for eleven cents each. In November 1947, the company’s name was changed to Stephens City Fire Company, Inc. The fire company then bought a new 1947 International which was garaged in the fire hall.
Fire department becomes central focus of community.
The 1950s gave birth to an upsurge of civic and social organizations, all of which vied for volunteers. Stephens City fire department was able to dominate the volunteer activities for decades because no other organization could match the adventure that was found in a firefight or the thrill of saving human life and property.
In 1957, a community hall was added to the back end of the original building. The original firehall on Mulberry Street was a simple structure. Around 1963, a second door was added to the original building to allow for two fire trucks and later saw its size triple by 1976 when two additional bays were built on the north side. During this time, the Ladies Auxiliary sponsored many fundraisers to include lawn parties, bingo, beauty pageants, apple butter sales, fire hall dances, chicken dinners and carnival parades. In the 1960s and 70s the Auxiliary donated $2,500 to $4000 annually to payoff fire hall equipment debt.
In 1983, Stephens City became a first responder company. The fire company became known as Stephens City Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company in 1991 when it was certified as a basic life support facility and transport agency. SCVFR achieved certification as an advanced life support company in 1994.
1994 brought more changes as Stephens City broke ground for an 8,000 square-foot addition to the north side of the fire hall. The additional space provided for three bays, bunk rooms for men and women, a recreation room, meeting and classrooms, a lounge with kitchenette and storage rooms. The building dedication took place on February 25, 1995.
In the fall of 2016, due to overcrowding issues, the company converted a 2,220-square-foot residential building built in 1921 on an adjacent property into additional administrative offices. It houses the Fire Chief, Fire Marshall, and operational offices (Fire, EMS and Safety), meeting rooms and archives.
In 2017, SCVFR expanded its apparatus storage with the addition of a 4,250-square-foot ancillary building to the rear of Fire Station 11. Two of the four bays are drive through. The building stores a technical rescue squad, reserve fire engine, brush truck, utility truck, three rescue boats, grounds maintenance equipment, hazmat support trailer and other support items related to emergency response.
SCVFR Technical Rescue Team returning from a multi-day deployment for Hurricane Dorian response efforts in September of 2019. Courtesy SCVFR.
Transition of firefighting equipment through the decades.
78-year-old Tom Merritt began volunteering for the SCVFR when he was sixteen. He received lifetime membership in 1991 and has served the department as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, treasurer, vice president and president. Tom provided an overview on the history and evolution of the fire equipment used through the decades.
In 1939, the fire department purchased a 1933 Dodge one and a half-ton chassis with water pump mid-mounted on the equipment. It was converted from a soda pressure unit to a front mounted 250 Gallons per Minute (GPM) pump.
In 1947, a new KB7 International with a 500 GPM front mounted pump and a 500 Gallon Water Tank (GWT) was purchased.
Next came an American LaFrance unit built on a 1963 cab over 850 Ford with a 750 GWT and 750 GPM mid mounted pump.
In 1974, came a new American LaFrance Pioneer II with a 1,000 GPM pumper and a 750 GWT. Equipment included cross lay hoses to support the rapid deployment of a hose line to attack a fire. A jump seat provided five firefighters to ride inside the cab for more safety.
In 1982, came a new 99 Pierce Arrow 2,000 GPM and 750 GWT adding a larger pumping capability.
In 1990, a new Pierce Lance Custom Built 2,000 GPM, 1000 GWT, Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) 50-gallon Class B foam, 10-person cab to allow more firefighters to ride in safety.
1996, a used tandem rear axle canopy cab-forward ‘88 Emergency One (E-One) “Hurricane” 100-foot rear mount ladder quint featuring 1,500 GPM, 250 GWT with cross lay hoses. First ladder truck allowed a platform for firefighters to work from a distance for safety.
In 2001, Tower 11 becomes a 1986 Pierce Arrow 105-foot Steel Ladder Bucket with 2,000 GPM, 300 GWT, 6-person cab. Tower 11 has an interesting history as it originally was ordered for Dulles Airport in Virginia and was painted lime green and white. Stephens City had some significant revisions made to the truck, including the addition of a 4-door cab, upgraded pump and roll up compartment doors.
Tower 11 operating at a garden apartment fire in October of 2008. Courtesy SCVFR.
In 2004, came a new Pierce Contender Mini Pumper 750 GPM and 270 GWT with CAFS 30-gallon Class A foam, 2-person cab. Truck used for brush and wood fires.
In 2006, a used 2002 Pierce Dash 1250 GPM and 750 GWT rescue engine including “Jaws of Life” hydraulic-extrication tools used for highway accidents and to supplement the technical rescue team.
In 2017, a new Engine 11 Pierce Arrow Velocity Custom Pumper, 2,000 GPM and 1,000 GWT, 6-person cab was purchased to replace aging apparatus. Many of its new features, like the guard walls on top of the truck and the automatic ladder system, were engineered to help the firefighter stay safe. Truck came equipped with full harnesses and airbags.
When SCVFR was a small rural town fire department, training consisted of a sit down with the Fire Chief and listening to the “old tried and true” methods of firefighting. That is the way we do it here syndrome. However, as the role of the volunteer firefighting responsibilities expanded, so did the necessity for classroom training to perform a multitude of important tasks.
According to SCVFR President Lenny Peters, the Federal Government established the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in the early 1990s. That brought the Feds, State agencies and local government emergency services all under the same system and method to managing incidents. All Fire Rescue personal are required to have NIMS 100, 200, 700 and 800 program courses, while Fire Chief’s Officers must also receive NIMS 300 and 400 which offer training in command, personnel and logistics.
FEMA introduced the Incident Command System (ICS) about the same time. ICS brought fire rescue incident command under one umbrella on how incidents are managed. “Volunteers are encouraged to take incident command and leadership classes available online, locally and at Emmetsburg Maryland at the National Fire Academy,” Peters said.
Walter Saunders joined the Annandale (VA) VFD in 1951 when he was seventeen. Saunders was employed by Fairfax County Fire Services (1957-58) and District of Columbia Fire Dept. (1959-80). Saunders was an active volunteer at SCVFR holding positions as firefighter, treasurer, photographer and historian from 1995 through 2011. Saunders’s 20 binder historical record of Stephens City firefighting (1939-2011) was essential in the writing of this article. Courtesy Walter Saunders family.
Chief Vaught describes current volunteer opportunities as emergency medical services, search and rescue, traffic incident management and maintenance of equipment, uniforms, and vehicles. “Those interested in emergency response should know that SCVFR offers fire and EMS services and technical rescue services such as water rescue and rope rescue,” Vaught said. Vaught believes there is a place for volunteers not interested in fighting fires or providing medical care. “These include grant writing, public relations, clerical office work and strategic planning. For those pursuing a paying position within fire and rescue, volunteering is a wonderful way to gather experience and education to increase employment opportunities,” Vaught added.
Chief Vaught said volunteerism continues to be on the decline nationwide. “While some funding is received from local governments for our operational expenditures, a substantial portion of our operating capital is derived from fundraising and station events. Additionally, the administration of the organization and upkeep of the station and grounds are all conducted by volunteers. As experienced members depart through attrition, the remaining members must shoulder additional responsibilities to ensure the continuation of service. It can take many years for an entry-level member to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to advance to management levels within the organization. This applies to both the business department and emergency response aspect. Without volunteers to evolve into these roles, the organization becomes diminished,” Vaught concluded.
Today the SCVFR currently staffed by fifty volunteers (fire-fighters, medical services and administrative support) and twelve career personnel who provide support 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Current financial support for the fire company is derived from several sources to include state, county and town funding, EMS Revenue Recovery, local donations, social hall rentals and two annual letter solicitation fundraisers. Fundraising efforts supplement the overall budget.
SCVFR continues to provide outreach to the community, offering fire prevention awareness education material and equipment displays to day care, elementary and middle schools, and church groups. The ever-popular Santa Tours makes special appearances to first due subdivisions during a two-week period in December. SCVFR participates in the annual Newtown Heritage Festival, Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, Middletown Fourth of July, and Front Royal Fireman’s Carnival parades.
Another extraordinary registered nurse recognized at Fauquier Health
WCHS National Honor Society spring service project
Nike Foster Cales of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce, along with Board of Supervisor Walt Mabe and friends, welcomed Dederick Brooks and his Shenandoah Shores Management Group to the Front Royal community.
SSMG is a Veteran Owned, Small Business that brings the convenience factor of a full-service concierge to travelers wanting to visit the DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV), Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, and the Blue Ridge Mountains while servicing the community.
Learn more about them here: ssmanagementgroup.biz
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices will be relocating its office and staff to the Warren County Community Center, located at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, VA 22630. This move will be effective Monday, September 26, 2022.
Reservations for County owned picnic shelters, and facility use will now be received at the Community Center. Private user groups currently meeting at the Youth Center will remain at that facility.
The Warren County Splash Pad is closing for the season Sunday, September 25, 2022, at 6:00 pm.
The Warren County Parks and Recreation Department looks forward to reopening the Splash Pad in the spring of 2023.
Please contact the Warren County Parks and Recreation Department at 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, VA 22630, or call 540-635-1021 for more information.
HARRISONBURG – Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Rockingham) released the following statement in response to the just-released 2022 Draft Model Policies on the Privacy Dignity and Respect for All Student and Parents from the Virginia Department of Education:
“I applaud the 2022 Draft Policy released today by Governor Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Education. This policy was crafted in compliance with the 2020 law signed by then-Governor Northam and patroned by Delegate Marcus Simon and Senator Jennifer Boysko.
Last year, when then-Governor Northam released his administration’s draft model policy, it flatly ignored the rights of students and parents. It went so far as to prohibit school staff from notifying a parent or guardian if a student requested affirmation of his or her gender identity. It even suggested that there was an obligation for school officials to report parents to the Department of Social Services if they suspected them to be insufficiently supportive of their child’s gender identity. The Northam model policy was so extreme and out of touch with communities across Virginia that it was adopted by only approximately 10% of the school divisions in Virginia. This notwithstanding the statutory mandate that it be adopted by every school division. The 2020 legislation requiring the adoption of this policy was just a bad idea, and it accomplished little beyond making Virginia schools an even bigger cultural battleground than they already were.
Parents must be involved in their children’s education. Period. A child’s development is acutely susceptible to influence, and it is the responsibility of parents to play a central role in shaping and molding that development.
To the extent that the law requires adopting a model policy by school divisions across Virginia, I support this new draft model policy that fully complies with the Code of Virginia. And I strongly suspect that the 90% of school divisions across Virginia unwilling to adopt the old policy will find themselves much more comfortable with it.
I hope parents, teachers, administrators, and school board members across Virginia will work together to adopt policies that respect parents’ rights and ensure our children are treated fairly and equitably in a safe environment.”
The 2022 Draft Model Policy can be viewed by clicking here.
Senator Obenshain represents the twenty-sixth district in the Senate of Virginia. The district includes the city of Harrisonburg and the counties of Warren, Shenandoah, Page Rappahannock, and Rockingham (part). He is running to represent the new second district of the Senate of Virginia which includes the city of Harrisonburg and the counties of Rockingham, Augusta (part), Page, Bath, and Highland.
Youngkin administration overhauls Virginia transgender student policies
A group of Warren County students escaped serious injury after being involved in a school bus crash that occurred Wednesday evening, Sept. 21, on Interstate 81 in Rockingham County.
Virginia State Police spokesman Sergeant Brent Coffey said his agency is investigating the crash that occurred at 9:54 p.m. along Interstate 81 at the 261-mile-marker.
Coffey stated in a media release that a school bus being driven by Jennifer L. Lowe, 48, of Markham, Va. rear-ended a highway truck that was set up in a northbound lane work zone. The truck was in the right lane and bearing a flashing message board directing drivers to the left lane. Workers were setting out coned for the lane closure when the bus struck the truck.
Two 15-year-old female passengers on the school bus suffered minor injuries in the crash and were transported to Sentara RMH Medical Center for treatment.
There were 17 students on the school bus at the time of the crash.
The driver of the work truck, a 21-year-old male of Salem, Va., suffered minor injuries in the crash and was treated on the scene.
Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the incident.
Lowe was charged with reckless driving and the crash remains under investigation.
Election Day is quickly approaching, and the Virginia Department of Election is making voter registration and participation as easy as possible.
Early voting in Virginia begins Friday, September 23. Registered Warren County voters can cast their ballots at the registrar’s office at 465 W 15th Street, Suite 800, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Additionally, the office will be open for early voting on two Saturdays, October 29 and November 5, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
For those who need to register to vote, it can be done online, by mail, or in person. The deadline for regular registration is Monday, October 17. For the first time, the Commonwealth will have same-day registration from Tuesday, October 18, through Election Day, November 8.
Warren County Registrar Carol Tobin stated in an email, “Same-day registration is available in person after the last day to register and when the books close to voting for that election and ends on the last day of early voting. It is available again on Election Day. Any person who is qualified to register to vote shall be entitled to register in person up to and including the day of the election at the office of the general registrar in the locality in which such person resides or at the Polling Place for the precinct in which such person resides.”
Ballot drop boxes will be available for the same dates, times, and location listed above for in-person, early voting. Ballot drop boxes will also be available on Election Day.
To register online: Visit elections.virginia.gov and click on Registration. You will need a state-issued driver’s license or Virginia ID and your social security number. Register by Monday, October 17.
To register via mail: Visit elections.virginia.gov/registration and click on Voter Forms to download and print an application. Mail your completed form to your local registrar’s office. It must be postmarked by October 17.
To register in person: Visit your local registrar’s office. While regular registration ends October 17, you can sign up at an early voting site through November 5, at your registrar’s office through November 7, or at your polling place on November 8. A valid form of ID is required, such as a Virginia driver’s license, U.S. Military ID, or a U.S. passport.
In the U.S. House, Virginia District 6, incumbent Ben Cline (R) is being challenged by Democrat Jennifer Lewis.
Candidates for the Town Council special election to fill the vacant seat of Scott Lloyd include Gene Kilby and Wayne Sealock.
Candidates Josh Ingram, Zack Jackson, Amber Poe, and Bruce Rappaport are running for the three open seats on Town Council in the November election. Lori Cockrell is the lone candidate for Mayor.
Yes, Virginia — it is time again for Front Royal Light Fight. What is Light Fight, you ask?
Front Royal Light Fight is a friendly Christmas light competition promoting fellowship, fun, and community. Organized by Lori Oaks, a local real estate agent whose mission is to bring value to the communities she serves. Monetary prizes will be awarded to four winners!
Look at the Light Fight website for information about last year’s contest, and peruse the photo gallery to give you some ideas about the competition.
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