Local News
Town of Stephens City Lost Bid to Purchase Old Aylor Middle School Building & Property
Once sold and lost, where will Frederick County find 23 acres of strategically located land with existing sewer, water, and parking?
Frederick County had sought bids for the old Robert E. Aylor Middle School near Stephens City, where students were educated until its closure in 2021. The 107,000-square-foot building sits on a 23-acre property at 901 Aylor Road. It is being sold “as is, together with all improvements, appurtenances, and rights of way belonging thereto,” according to a request for proposals issued by the County on April 19, 2023. The pre-bid site visits were scheduled for 10:00 a.m. until noon on May 3 and May 10. Bids were to be made through June 2 at 2:00 p.m.
The Stephens City Town Council did not believe that a competitive bid could be provided, so no bid was submitted during the six-week time frame. No bids were received by Frederick County by the June 2 date because the RFP stated no sale would occur without a deed restriction, citing that there could be no residential uses of the land. It is not clear that this is a legal way to rezone the property to restrict residential use.
Frederick County extended the bid due date through June 16. Stephens City was not made aware of the June 16 due date extension granted because the County only informed those entities who showed an initial interest during the pre-bid process. By the time the town personnel became aware of the extension in July, a bid was quickly put together, approved by the Town Council at the first available meeting on August 8, and a $400,000 bid was hand-delivered to the County Office. Apparently, the town’s bid was dismissed. For property sales or exchanges between local governments, state law does not require that they bid as private owners would do.
A Winchester Star article, “Supervisors accept $300,000 bid for old Aylor property,” dated August 11, cites, “After a two-hour marathon of a public hearing Wednesday night, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors accepted Eukarya Christian Academy’s $300,000 bid for the former Robert E. Aylor Middle School. The lone bid for the 23-acre property came from RCS Investments, a company whose owners have publicly stated their intention to convey the property to the private, nondenominational Christian school currently located on Valley Pike near Stephens City.” The article made no mention of the Town of Stephens City bid, although County administrative officials were aware of the higher offer.
On August 9, the County Supervisors accepted the RCS $300,000 bid by a 6-1 vote, with those in support being Chairman Charles DeHaven, Judith McCann Slaughter (Stonewall), Josh Ludwig (Shawnee), Shawn Graber (Back Creek), Heather Lockridge (Gainesboro) and Blaine Dunn (Red Bud).
Supervisor Bob Wells (Opequon) served as the lone dissenter. He understands the property’s appraised value falls between $2.9 million to $3.5 million. Mr. Wells does not think the sale of this very valuable asset for a price well below appraised value is a sound business decision. He believes the old Aylor Middle School could be repurposed and made into office space for the future needs of the County. The residents of Stephens City could be solicited for ideas to identify collaborative community enrichment opportunities while remaining public property. Reuse of the property would avoid costly site work, land acquisition, utilities, and stormwater management efforts.
Since a purchase agreement for the Old Stephens City Elementary School between Frederick County and Stephens City was finalized in October 2012, one might think the County would reach out to the Town to see if they would be interested in purchasing the old Aylor School property. The Grantee of this historic Main Street school property was to use or permit the use solely for such public or community non-commercial purposes as are intended for the benefit of the health, safety, welfare, education, recreation, cultural enlightenment, literacy, or civic awareness of the community, or any other public purpose permitted by law.
Plans for the renovation of the old elementary school at 5516 Main Street include a Town Council meeting room, staff offices, police department offices, a town history museum, and a community center. Why not do the same again with the old Aylor School property?
At the Board of Supervisors public hearing on Wednesday, August 9, Stephens City Town Council members spoke on the possibilities for the Stephens City area to repurpose this strategic property. They wanted the County to hold onto the property for tax-payer public future use.
If the Town of Stephens City had been awarded the bid and purchased the property, the Town Council would seek to partner with departments within the Stephens City area to add much-needed space for public services. The Town would meet with pertinent stakeholders to explore opportunities for re-use based on community desires and concerns. Re-use could include, but not be limited to, parks and recreation, food pantry and homeless shelter offices, a satellite office for the Sheriff’s department, and state police.
The site could be utilized for various types of recreation or social service activities, such as a gymnasium to support full-day summer camp programs or a daycare center to support single and dual-working parents. The site includes spacious athletic fields for football, baseball, and outdoor basketball courts, greenspace, and abundant parking. The City of Winchester has these types of programs, while the South Frederick County area does not.
The Town would work with non-profits that require temporary space to provide essential services to offset government expenditures. The Boy Scout Troops and Cub Scout Packs could stage their Scouting for Food drop-off programs here, and the Marine Corps Toys for Tots programs might use this building as a drop-off location.
Stephens City Council Members are continuously grappling with community matters. Their engagement and commitment to communicate is clear. Especially for exploring development opportunities, the Council is firmly rooted in its goal of uplifting the South County area community.
The old Aylor Middle School acreage should not be designated surplus property and offered to a private entity. Frederick County should endeavor to retain this property for public service. Once sold and lost, where will the County find 23 acres of strategically located land with existing sewer, water, and parking? The Frederick County Board of Supervisors should be good stewards of property purchased with our tax dollars. The County could and should have held onto this valuable tax-payer asset for future multipurpose use.
Frederick County should set aside the sale and re-open the process after it rezones the property to remove the residential component.
Mark Gunderman is a Stephens City resident, Vice President of Autumn Glen HOA, and a member of the Newtown Heritage Festival Committee.
Chamber News
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates New Mental Health Facility in Front Royal
The Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of Blue Ridge Mental Healthcare, LLC, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event welcomed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Myers-Settle and her new practice to the community.
Mayor Lori Cockrell praised the initiative as a valuable addition to local healthcare services. “I’m very excited to be here today with Becky. She’s a long-time member of our community and brings a needed service to our community. Mental health is the issue, and there are not enough providers. I cannot stress that enough,” she said.
Rebecca Myers-Settle, a long-time resident of Warren County, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the community’s support. “This is an exciting day. It’s been a long time coming. It’s a huge dream of mine. I am so blessed to be able to be here today and make this come to fruition,” she shared.
Blue Ridge Mental Healthcare, located at 624 Virginia Avenue in a charming Victorian house, aims to provide patients with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The practice offers mental health services to individuals of all ages, addressing various needs from youth to the elderly.
Rebecca’s background is impressive, with a bachelor’s in nursing from Shenandoah University, a master’s in healthcare management and nursing education, and a post-master’s certificate as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Her extensive training equips her to address the community’s mental health needs effectively.
During a brief interview after the ceremony, Rebecca explained her motivation for opening the practice. “I wanted to open a mental health practice here because it is a certified need in Warren County and surrounding areas. Being able to offer this service opens access to care for individuals. I want it to be inviting, warm, and cozy,” she said.
The practice’s approach includes both direct and referral-based access to services. “We receive referrals from physicians, hospitals, and even through our website. It’s an open referral process because sometimes people need someone to listen to them, and that’s what I’m here for,” Rebecca noted.
Rebecca also highlighted her commitment to supporting local healthcare workers, law enforcement, and first responders. “I wanted to have a place for our healthcare workers, law enforcement, and first responders to come and have a person to listen to and understand,” she said.
The ribbon-cutting event began a new chapter for mental health services in Front Royal. As the community continues to face various challenges, the addition of Blue Ridge Mental Healthcare provides a crucial resource for those needing mental health support.
For more information about Blue Ridge Mental Healthcare, LLC, visit their website or welcoming office at 624 Virginia Avenue, Front Royal. Rebecca and her team are ready to help all community members on their mental health journeys.
Local News
Youth Contest Winners Showcase Revolutionary War Knowledge
On May 18, 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) held a special ceremony to honor the winners of their annual youth contests. These contests, designed to foster an appreciation for American history, saw enthusiastic student participation across the region.
The SAR sponsors a poster contest for fourth graders (or those in grades where the American Revolution is taught). This year, students created two-dimensional posters based on events from the Revolutionary War. Participants came from public and private schools, scouting programs, and other youth groups. The top three winners received monetary awards, and the first-place winner advanced to the Virginia State Contest.
Poster Contest Winners
First place in the poster contest was awarded to Audrey Turman Bayliss for her exceptional depiction of a Revolutionary War event. Audrey’s poster also earned her a fourth-place finish at the Virginia State Contest, showcasing her talent and dedication. Second place went to Phoebe Buck, third to Nick Bosacco, and fourth to Eve Tipton.
Brochure Contest Winners
For middle school students, the SAR conducts a brochure contest open to students in grades 6 through 9, including those in private, church-based, and home-school settings. The contest is also open to members of scouting and the Children of the American Revolution when their schools do not participate. Students create a tri-fold brochure based on one of the five foundational documents of the United States. These brochures are judged on content, creativity, and correctness.
Katie Tipton took first place in the brochure contest, impressing judges with her insightful and well-crafted brochure. Her work will now compete at the Virginia State Contest. Second place was awarded to Carley Bosacco and third place to Bethany Tipton. Like the poster contest, the top three winners received monetary awards.
Honoring Excellence and Encouraging Historical Appreciation
The ceremony underscored the importance of engaging young students in studying American history and recognizing their efforts and achievements. The Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the SAR is proud to support educational initiatives that promote an understanding of the nation’s foundational events and documents.
Brian Bayliss, Chair of the Chapter’s Youth Committee, highlighted the significance of these contests in his remarks. “These young historians have shown remarkable talent and dedication in their work. We are proud to support their educational journeys and encourage a deep appreciation for our nation’s history.”
Additional information about the contests and how to participate, please visit the National Society Sons of the American Revolution website or contact the Colonel James Wood II Chapter Youth Committee Chair, Brian Bayliss, at ruralvirginia@gmail.com.
Community Events
Confederate Memorial Day Service Held in Front Royal
Local News
Skyline Middle School Celebrates 8th Grade Achievements
Skyline Middle School held a special ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of its eighth-grade students, recognizing their academic achievements and exemplary character. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the student’s hard work, resilience, and dedication.
Assistant Principal and Eighth Grade Administrator Sherry Doane opened the ceremony with a warm welcome. “We are here to honor academic victories and examples of admirable character as described in the SOAR expectations of showing respect, owning your actions, acting out of kindness, and remembering that responsibility is the key to our success,” she said. Doane encouraged students to carry these values into their high school years, emphasizing the importance of engaging in school activities to create lasting memories.
The Most Improved Awards recognized students who showed significant progress throughout the year. Cody Davis and Amirah Porter received this honor for their hard work and determination.
The Pathways and Connections Special Education Teacher Pam Waters presented the Hawk Pride Award to Giovanni Solis-Sasa. This award recognized a student who showed remarkable personal growth at Skyline Middle School.
The ceremony concluded with recognizing students who achieved a 4.0 GPA and those with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.99. These students were celebrated for their academic excellence and dedication throughout middle school.
Principal Dr. Robert Johnson closed the ceremony by thanking parents for their support and encouraging students to continue their hard work and pursue their passions as they transition to high school.
Skyline Middle School’s eighth-grade celebration was a touching event, highlighting the achievements and potential of its students. The ceremony served as a reminder of the importance of education, community, and character as the students prepare for the next chapter in their academic journey.
Local News
Remembering the Gettysburg Address on Memorial Day
Local News
Virginia State Police Urge Safety and Sobriety on Roads as Summer Begins
As the summer season kicks off with the 2024 Memorial Day weekend and graduation festivities, the Virginia State Police emphasize the importance of safe, sober, and focused driving. With AAA Mid-Atlantic predicting a four percent increase in Memorial Day travel, Virginia’s highways are expected to be especially crowded. This heightened activity comes with increased risks, as evidenced by the nine fatal crashes reported on Memorial Day weekend in 2023.
“By May 23, 2024, Virginia has already lost 294 lives to traffic crashes this year,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police. “During this busy time, it’s crucial for drivers to slow down, buckle up, avoid distractions, and drive sober. We must also talk to our teenagers and young adult drivers about safe driving behaviors. While many are celebrating the end of the school year and the start of summer, too many Virginians are mourning the loss of loved ones. Let’s prioritize traffic safety to prevent further tragedies.”
Starting Friday, May 24, 2024, the Virginia State Police will join the national Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E) to reduce crashes, fatalities, and injuries related to impaired driving, speeding, and seatbelt violations. The Memorial Day statistical counting period will begin at 12:01 a.m. on May 24 and continue through midnight on May 27, 2024. Throughout the holiday weekend, all available state police troopers and supervisors will be on patrol to ensure safe and responsible traffic flow.
During the last Memorial Day weekend, Virginia State Troopers issued 771 seatbelt violation citations and 136 child restraint violations. They also cited 4,990 speeders and 1,924 reckless drivers and arrested 89 impaired drivers. Additionally, troopers made 169 felony arrests, assisted 1,447 disabled motorists, investigated 1,846 traffic crashes, and inspected 634 commercial vehicles.
The funds from summonses issued by the Virginia State Police go to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which supports public school construction, technology funding, and teacher retirement.
Drivers are also reminded of recent changes to Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which now requires motorists to either move over a lane or slow down for any vehicle on the roadside using emergency markers, flashing lights, or flares.
Colonel Settle’s message is clear: “This is a time for celebration and making memories, not mourning. By following traffic laws and practicing safe driving habits, we can all contribute to a safer holiday weekend and summer.”