2018 – The Year in Review

2018 – On the down side it was a year of unanticipated financial revelations of municipal overpayments and shrinking surpluses; very public civil and/or criminal litigation and finger-pointing; pending criminal investigations of public officials; the resignation of the EDA’s embattled executive director; threats of violence against public schools; calls from alumni for the resignation of the Christendom College president following accusations of administrative cover ups or inaction regarding years of alleged student sexual misconduct and criminal behavior; a promised legal fight and retreat over County plans to remove golf as a use at its municipal golf course gifted for that specific use; and critical public scrutiny of Valley Health’s plans for a new hospital with reduced medical services financed with what some call an unprecedented sweetheart financial deal through the town-county Economic Development Authority.

On a more positive note there was a second chance for downtown Front Royal’s oldest standing commercial landmark the Afton Inn; realization of phase one of the Blue Ridge Heritage Project’s memorial to county families displaced for the creation of Shenandoah National Park; a local youth football team with a season to remember; moderate steps toward enforcement of a new Town property maintenance code; not to mention construction of the first commercial structure – albeit on a trimmed-back scale and with some run ins with the town government over drainage issues – at the Royal Phoenix Business Park portion of the former Avtex Superfund site.

In other news, the Front Royal Police Department bid a sad farewell in March to Boone, the beloved K-9, who died a few days past his 12th birthday, following a short illness.  Boone’s handler, Sergeant Bryan Courtney, said the loss of his K-9 partner was difficult, but he was heartened by the outpouring of support from the community.

Warren County  Sheriff Daniel McEathron announced he would not seek a fifth term in the 2019 election.  McEathron, 56, was first elected in 2003 and took office in January 2004.  His announcement cleared the path for candidates Mark Butler, Michael “Mickey” Licklider and Jason Poe, all of whom announced in 2018.

Sergeant Bryan Courtney and his beloved K-9, Boone, who died in March at the age of 12, following a short illness. / File photo

2018 was certainly filled with a many noteworthy news topics; 2019 promises to be just as interesting.

Follow the below links to these stories to review Royal Examiner’s coverage as a reminder of the year past:

• EDA may owe Town of Front Royal nearly 300K
• Resolution commends Town staff for uncovering overpayments to EDA
• Town’s surplus situation not as rosy as some on council may have thought
• Defamation aspect of Sayre civil suit against EDA executive director to proceed
• Delay sought by prosecution in McDonald case – Graham ID’ed as witness
• Front Royal mayor under investigation – expresses shock, seeks answers
• EDA Director McDonald submits resignation by email prior to Thursday meeting
• Evacuation, searches as social media threats target Warren County Public Schools
• School safety and student support of Florida victims in Warren County
• One angry Christendom alumni calls for President O’Donnell’s resignation
• County drops golf club litigation – but is it a permanent reversal?
• Demonstrators protest Valley Health plan to eliminate local maternity ward
• Salins again challenges EDA on Valley Health bond fee payment
• EDA makes stunning announcement on Afton Inn – exterior will be saved!
• Blue Ridge Heritage Project cuts ribbon on chimney memorial
• Front Royal 11-U Wildcats tabbed for NFL Hall of Fame tournament
• Front Royal’s 11-under Wildcats eliminated from Hall of Fame tournament
• Council moves toward middle ground on property maintenance standards
• Town draws ‘line in the mud’ with ITFederal on stormwater drainage costs
• Boone’s legacy: Public memorializing K-9 with contributions to FRPD program
• Sheriff McEathron announces retirement
• Mark Butler kicks off campaign for Warren County Sheriff
• 31-year department veteran Licklider announces run for sheriff
• Jason Poe to seek election as Sheriff of Warren County