As referenced in our lead story on the Warren County Board of Supervisors meeting of Tuesday, May 21, the board faced three public hearings on rather routine matters, as well as approval of a seven-item Consent Agenda from which two items were pulled for additional discussion. All those items were eventually approved, only the Station 6 AC proposal drawing a lone negative vote. Below is a summary of the supervisors action agenda of May 21.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

33. Public Hearing – VDOT Secondary 6-Year Plan – Mike Berry, Public Works Director; Staff summary: VDOT and the Warren County Board of Supervisors, in accordance with Section 33.2-331 of the Code of Virginia, will conduct a public hearing to receive public comment on the proposed Secondary Six-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2030 and 2025 Construction Budget in Warren County. All projects in the Secondary Six-Year Plan eligible for federal funds will be included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which documents how Virginia will obligate federal transportation funds.

Following one public hearing speaker, Paul Hunt, inquiring about a specific road project he was told did not make this year’s plan, on a motion by Richard Jamieson, second Vicky Cook, approved unanimously.

Public Works Director Mike Berry at the podium presents staff summary on a number of items before the board. Below, citizen Paul Hunt didn’t get the answer he was looking for in query on a road he was told did not ‘make the cut’ on this year’s VDOT 6-year secondary roads list. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

7. Public Heariing – Shenandoah Shores Sanitary District Water Rate Increase – Alisa Scott, Finance Director, Mike Berry, Public Works Director; Staff summary: The Shenandoah Shores Property Owner’s Association has voted to approve a 7.5% increase on water rates for Shenandoah Shores residents for fiscal year 2024-2025 and 2.5% for each fiscal year to follow, if necessary, who are hooked up to the community well. It has been three years since the last increase and the cost of material and labor has gone up considerably. The approval of the water rate was voted on by the Shenandoah Shores appointed Board.

There were no speakers at public hearing. On a motion by John Stanmeyer, second Cook, approved unanimously.

1. Public Hearing – Lease Agreement with Front Royal Cardinals, Inc. for use of Bing Crosby Stadium – Dana Winner, Office Manager, Jane Meadows, Deputy County Administrator, Dan Lenz, Parks and Recreation Director; Staff summary: The Front Royal Cardinals, Inc. request to lease Bing Crosby Stadium. The Front Royal Cardinals, Inc. will use the complex for their 2024 baseball season. All leases with County-owned real property must first have a public hearing.

Again, no speakers at public hearing. On motion by Jamieson, second Cook, approved unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

PULLED from Consent Agenda for discussion – items L-1 & L-3:

1. MOU for Animal Impound Agreement between Humane Society of Warren County and County of Warren – Jane Meadows, Deputy County Administrator: Staff summary: Section 3.2-6546 of the Code of Virginia allows for the County to contract with a private group such as the Humane Society of Warren County, Inc. (the “Society”) to maintain or cause to maintain an animal shelter on behalf of the County for the confinement or disposition of animals. The County has contracted with the Society previously. The Animal Impound Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Society is for the shelter and control of stray, injured, or quarantined animals brought to the Society’s animal shelter from within the County and the Town of Front Royal, Virginia (the “Town”). Since the Sheriff is integrally involved in Animal Control, they are now a party to this Agreement. This Agreement is for a 3-year term, and if not otherwise terminated will then automatically renew from year to year.

COST & FINANCING:

During the Initial Term, beginning July 1, 2024, (FY24/25) the County shall pay the Society for the services rendered by the Society pursuant to this Agreement the Price of $412,000. Each year thereafter, the Price shall be increased by 2% or the CPI-U for the prior year, whichever is higher, not to exceed 3%. The Price shall be paid out in twelve equal monthly installments ($34,333). There are additional charges stated in the Agreement for various items, including veterinary changes and unusual animals.

On a motion by Cook, second by Jamieson, approved unanimously.

3. Fire Station 6 Air Conditioning System – James Bonzano, Fire Chief, Jane Meadows, Deputy County Administrator. Staff summary: The Department of Fire and Rescue Services recently explored the feasibility of upfitting the Shenandoah Farms Station Apparatus Bays with an Air Conditioning System. This upfit is needed to better protect the temperature-sensitive medications utilized for the treatment of advanced life support patients and to create better working conditions for the career and volunteer responders of the station.

In early 2022, the Department of Fire and Rescue Services and the County of Warren made the difficult decision to demolish the facilities living areas and southern apparatus bays due to unsafe conditions. This left the station with a standalone apparatus bay which houses an ambulance transport unit, an engine, brush truck and boat. This area is noted to be outfitted with heat via propane fuel but formerly lacked air conditioning due to being readily available to “open” the facility and circulate air via fans and natural air flow during the summer months.

At the request of Supervisor Cullers, staff has researched the viability of retrofitting the medic unit(s) with an onboard refrigeration unit vs. the installation of the Air Conditioning Unit at the Shenandoah Farms location. Below is the cost break down of such system: Onboard Air Conditioning Unit for Medic Units:

$2,852 per cooling unit plus shipping

$2,575 per installation

$5,427.00 total cost per unit.

On a motion by Cook, second Stanmeyer, approved by a 4-1 vote, Chairman Cheryl Cullers dissenting.

Item “L” the Consent Agenda as amended minus items 1 and 3, was approved unanimously. Those remaining items were:

L 2. Cooperative Agreement for the DWR Bentonville Boat Access on Shenandoah River known as Indian Hollow Access – Jane Meadows, Deputy County Administrator

L 4. Authorization to Advertise for Public Hearing – Little League Complex License Agreement with Front Royal Little League – Dana Winner, Office Manager, Jane Meadows, Deputy County Administrator , Dan Lenz, Parks and Recreation Director

L 5. Authorization to Advertise for Public Hearing – Warren County FY24-25 Budget – Alisa Scott, Finance Director

L 6. Authorization to Advertise – Increased Transfer Station Tipping Fee – Mike Berry, Public Works Director

L 7. Authorization to Advertize – Linden VFD Dissolution – Gerry Maiatico, Assistant Fire Chief

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Click here to watch the Warren County Board of Supervisors Meeting of May 21, 2024.

At its meeting of Tuesday, May 21, the Warren County Board of Supervisors faced three public hearings on rather routine matters — approval of the VDOT 6-year plan for secondary roads; a water rate increase in the Shenandoah Shores Sanitary District to cover increased costs; and the annual lease agreement between the County and the Front Royal Cardinals Valley League summer baseball team for use of Bing Crosby Stadium — as well as approval of a seven-item Consent Agenda from which two items were pulled for additional discussion. Those two items were the annual lease agreement between the County and the Humane Society of Warren County for use of the Humane Society’s Julia Wagner Animal Shelter for the State-mandated municipal animal control impoundment function, and a proposal to install an air-conditioning system in the Fire & Rescue Department’s Fire Station 6. All those items were eventually approved, only the Station 6 AC proposal drawing a lone negative vote of the evening.

However, preceding that business was first, a Closed Session convened at 5:30 p.m. to get legal advice on two matters, first the EDA “financial scandal” litigation with individual defendants and the Town of Front Royal, and then on “Funding of the School Board and School Governance Issues”. There were no announcements out of the closed session which appeared to end shortly before the open meeting’s 7 p.m. convening.

County Attorney Jason Ham visits Vice-Chairman ‘Jay’ Butler prior to start of Tuesday’s meeting, likely reviewing the motion prepared by legal staff adding an item to the meeting agenda. That item was a Resolution outlining the board’s support for the county’s public schools system. Below, other than County staff in back of the room there weren’t many citizens present to hear that resolution read into the record two hours later, or to hear Sarah Downs Public Comment urging full funding of the public schools budget shortly after the meeting’s start. Downs is the citizen seated furthest back in 6th row of public seating. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

But if the supervisors had no public comment on those behind-closed-doors discussions, one Public Comment on non-agenda items speaker did rise to comment on the public schools funding issues prominent in recent Fiscal Year-2025 budget work sessions and meetings. That speaker was Sarah Downs, who noted she was a 2017 graduate of Skyline High School who has previously addressed the board on local governance issues. And while Downs started on a positive note — “I was relieved to see the work you are doing to collaborate with our school system and increase transparency. I was also happy to see the commitment you have made to raise teacher and staff pay.” She also offered a cautionary warning on the board’s seeming reluctance to accept the full Public Schools Administration’s budget submission:

“I’m also here to discuss some of the concerns expressed here by citizens on May 7th. We can all agree tax increases are not always welcomed, but they are necessary. Our Sheriffs Department and Fire & Rescue must be fully funded, absolutely,” she noted of the board’s public statements in that regard before adding, “But to not fully fund or cut the funding of our Public Schools would be devastating,” Downs warned. She offered some financial statistics to make her point:

“Virginia schools on average receive $1,400 per student from the federal government, $6,200 per pupil from the state, and the rest must be made up from local funding, which results in on average a spending of roughly $10,000 to $11,000 per child. The state with the most spending on children in public schools is New York where they spend 200-percent more, at $30,000 dollars on average per child,” Downs observed, including two supporting LINKS in a full draft of her remarks we acquired:

<https://educationdata.org/public-education-spending-statistics#virginia> and <https://schoolquality.virginia.gov/divisions/warren-county-public-schools#desktopTabs-5>

“I make this point to say that our school system is working with a fraction of what other counties and states contribute to education. And yet our high schools overall have a 92% graduating rate according to the 2022 data,” Downs continued. She noted student discipline and safety issues she has previously addressed, but tied that to staffing issues created by a lack of funding to maintain experienced staffing at a variety of levels.

“Overall, we will not see improvements in our school system until we see increased funding. An Investment in our school system is an investment in this county’s future and to consider otherwise would be a disservice,” Downs concluded pointedly of not including public schools as a full-funding priority service to the community.

Graphic pages from a County Budget process PowerPoint presented during County Administrator Ed Daley’s staff report to the board.

Perhaps ironically, an “Additional New Business” Agenda item “M” was added near the meeting’s outset on a motion by Vice-Chairman “Jay” Butler. The item was titled “Resolution of Support From the Warren County Board of Supervisors for Warren County Public Schools, the Warren County School Board, Teachers, and Students of our Community”. It was read into the meeting record by Board Chairman Cheryl Cullers as the final action of the evening. But that was about two hours away as Downs finished her comments urging more financial support for the public school system from the supervisors. See the full board Resolution here.

Next following “Public Comments” it was on to the action agenda cited above, and some discussion of the monthly review of “Appropriations and Transfers” and departmental “Approval of Accounts”, as well as a review of the County’s budget process during staff reports. See related story.

Click here to watch the Warren County Board of Supervisors Meeting of May 21, 2024.

Kim Knorr, an experienced skydiver passionate about the skies, is celebrating a unique milestone at Skydive Front Royal. With a radiant smile and infectious enthusiasm, Kim is gearing up for her 666th jump, a number she humorously claims is her lucky charm.

“I’m trying to reach my thousandth jump to get my gold wings,” Kim explains. “Today is number 666, and I’m excited to dive into this jump under the beautiful blue sky.”

A Legacy in the Skies

Kim’s journey in skydiving started at a young age and quickly rose to prominence. “I began skydiving at 20 and was part of the first women’s U.S. parachute team for international competition in 1962,” she recalls. Her passion for the sport was sparked by a chance encounter at a drugstore where she overheard a conversation about skydiving. Intrigued, she asked to join, and the rest is history. “I made my first jump on January 13, 1959, and it was fantastic,” she says with a nostalgic smile.

Kim holds a Class 3-D Skydiving License, the highest level of certification in the sport. The skydiving D license, awarded by the United States Parachute Association (USPA), signifies a skydiver’s extensive skills and experience. To achieve this, Kim completed at least 500 jumps, including three hours of freefall time, and successfully passed the rigorous USPA D license exam.

The Joy of the Jump

As Kim ascends to 10,000 feet, she marvels at the breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys. “The mountains are magnificent up here,” she exclaims. The thrill of the freefall and the serene beauty of the landscape below make each jump an exhilarating experience. “It’s really fun, and at 10,000 feet, you’re not freezing cold like at higher altitudes,” she notes.

Upon landing, Kim’s excitement is palpable. “It was really fantastic, seeing the mountains and the valley,” she shares. The camaraderie and shared passion among skydivers at Skydive Pro Royal create a welcoming and supportive environment reminiscent of her early days in the sport. “This place reminds me of when I started – a small, friendly club without the rush and pressure of bigger operations,” Kim observes.

Tandem Jumps and Record-Breaking

Kim completed her 666th jump with tandem partners Alfredo Basile and Albert van Jaarsveld, adding to the thrill of the day. She managed to do three jumps, ending with 668 jumps on her record by the end of the day. Each jump brings her closer to her goal of 1,000 jumps to earn her gold wings.

Motivated by Family and Adventure

Kim’s dedication to skydiving is fueled by a desire to stay active and adventurous. “My children are grown, and my grandchildren are in their 20s. I didn’t want to sit at home and watch TV,” she explains. Instead, she channeled her energy into skydiving, setting her sights on completing a thousand jumps. “When I get old, I can write a book,” she laughs, “but for now, I want to keep jumping.”

Kim’s plans include achieving her gold wings and giving herself a special reward. “I want to jump over the pyramids in Egypt,” she reveals. Her adventurous spirit and determination are inspiring, as she shows no signs of slowing down. “I think I’ll still be jumping on my hundredth birthday,” she says with a twinkle in her eye.

Celebrating Milestones

For Kim, each jump is a celebration of life and adventure. As she continues to work towards her goal of a thousand jumps, she remains a beacon of inspiration for others.

Kim Knorr’s 666th jump at Skydive Front Royal is a personal achievement and a testament to her enduring passion for skydiving. Her journey is a reminder that age is just a number, and with the right mindset, the sky’s the limit.

Special thanks to Alfredo Basil from Skydive Front Royal for sharing the video footage from the jump.

Whether you’re looking to try skydiving yourself or give an incredible gift, get ready for the thrill of a lifetime with tandem skydiving! This unforgettable experience will have you safely attached to a highly experienced instructor with thousands of jumps and decades of expertise.

Skydive Front Royal and all our instructors are registered with the United States Parachute Association. To learn more, visit our website at www.skydivefrontroyal.com.

The Warren Heritage Society announced the appointment of Joe Petty as its new Executive Director.

Joe Petty brings experience and local knowledge to his new role. Raised in Warren County, he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from George Mason University and has over 15 years of experience in community development. His professional background includes serving as Vice President of Operations for the Crystal City Business Improvement District, where he worked on enhancing the area’s perception and fostering a sense of community. Petty has recently been involved with the Warren County Government in the Planning Department and Economic Development.

“I am excited for this new opportunity with an organization that provides an amazing asset for education and awareness of our community,” Petty said. “Being from Warren County, it is an honor to accept this new role, and I am looking forward to the new experience.”

Teresa Henry, President of the Board of Directors, expressed her enthusiasm for Petty’s appointment. “I am thrilled to welcome Joe Petty as our new Executive Director. With his deep roots in Warren County and extensive experience in community development, I am confident he will lead the Warren Heritage Society to new heights in preserving and celebrating our rich history.”

The Warren Heritage Society, established in 1971, is dedicated to preserving the history of Warren County and educating the public about its heritage. The society is located at 101 Chester Street, Front Royal, Virginia. For more information, visit warrenheritagesociety.org.

In an emailed letter dated Friday, May 17, Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority (EDA, FR-WC EDA) Secretary Hayden Ashworth announced his resignation, effective immediately. Ashworth cited the workload associated with his employment as the reason for his decision:

“Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation as Secretary of the Board for the Front Royal Warren County Economic Development Authority, effective today, May 17, 2024.

“Due to the demands of my current work schedule in Washington DC, I am no longer able to dedicate the time and effort necessary to fully support the EDA in its important mission. This decision has not been easy, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for the past year I have served alongside this dedicated board.

“I am truly proud of the work we have accomplished together in creating opportunities for Warren County residents and fostering future economic growth. I have the utmost confidence that the EDA will continue its success in attracting new businesses and investments to our community.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I wish the EDA continued success in its endeavors,” Ashworth wrote to his fellow board members, county officials, including County Director of Economic Development Joe Petty, whose last day in that position was also Friday, May 17.

Hayden Ashworth, far left at December 2023 EDA Asset Committee meeting. Also pictured around the table from Ashworth’s left are John Stanmeyer, Joe Petty, Rob MacDougall, and Jorie Martin. Royal Examiner File Photos Roger Bianchini

Ashworth was appointed to the EDA Board of Directors on March 7, 2023. His term was to expire February 28, 2025. We asked current EDA Board Acting Chairman Jd Walter about Ashworth’s loss. “The EDA Board of Directors has really appreciated Hayden’s time as a member, and are disappointed that he is unable to continue serving. Hayden has been a integral part of our Asset Committee, which has done the lion’s share of the work over the last year getting contracts on the remaining EDA properties. He also served as our Secretary and has been a great contributor and valued voice in our discussions. But we understand that work commitments are a priority, and we hope that at some point in the future, he may be able to return to the board,” Walter responded.

In recent months, citing conflicting time commitments to his seasonally based Mountain Home Bed & Breakfast business, then EDA Board Chairman Scott Jenkins did not apply for reappointment to the EDA board when his term ended February 29. Treasurer Jim Wolfe has also left the board recently and Jorie Martin has announced her intention to resign, though has put that resignation on hold temporarily.

Hayden Ashworth, center right of table, joins former chairman Scott Jenkins, left head of table, Treasurer Jim Wolfe, center left of table, and County Director of Economic Development Joe Petty, near left back to camera, in leaving the County’s EDA mix in recent months. And Jorie Martin, partially obscured to Wolfe’s left, may also be leaving soon. Board of Supervisors Chair Cheryl Cullers, observing upper center, may need a scorecard soon to keep up with the EDA roster substitutions.

Readers may recall that when then-EDA Board Chairman Jeff Browne and member Greg Harold applied for reinstatement at the end of their terms in March of 2023 after helping guide the EDA through the immediate aftermath of the “financial scandal” of 2014-2018 (both were appointed in 2019), that the board of supervisors rejected their reinstatement requests. See related story (published April 5, 2023): “Did not seeing eye to eye with supervisors on property sales priorities lead to replacement of two longest-tenured EDA board members?”

On Friday, May 17, 2024, Warren County High School held its Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2024. Despite a forecast for heavy rain, the ceremony experienced only a few sprinkles, making for a perfect evening to celebrate the graduates’ achievements.

The event began with a heartfelt welcome from Molly Sims, the Senior Class President. Molly reminisced about her childhood dream of becoming class president and shared her journey with the audience. “Today is a day I have dreaded for most of my life,” she admitted, recalling how she once asked her mother if she could stay in school forever after watching High School Musical 3. Molly’s speech was filled with humor and poignant memories, including a tribute to their late classmate, Josh Lillard.

Molly’s speech was followed by Principal Kenneth Knesh’s remarks. He expressed his pride in the Class of 2024, noting their resilience and unique character. “You’ve been challenging, there’s no doubt, but being your principal has been one of the biggest honors of my life,” he said. Principal Knesh shared fond memories of various students and encouraged the graduates to continue supporting each other and to remember their roots as Wildcats.

Superintendent Dr. Chris Ballinger presented the prestigious Carl and Emily Thompson Charitable Trust Scholarships. This year’s recipients were Madelyn Tennant, who will attend the University of Virginia to study pre-law, and Sophia McCurry, who will also attend UVA to study biology and pre-med. Both students were recognized for outstanding academic achievements, with cumulative GPAs of 4.41 and 4.32, respectively.

The ceremony continued with the presentation of the Hugh D. Hite Award, the most coveted honor for a senior. Hailey Oyler, the 2023 recipient, announced Sophia Kozhenevsky as this year’s winner. Sophia, known for her intelligence, humility, and leadership, plans to attend Virginia Tech University to major in Interior Design.

Next, Warren County Board of Supervisors Chair Cheryl Cullers presented the Warren County Educational Foundation Scholarship to Sophia McCurry, acknowledging her exceptional academic performance and her medical career plans.

Mary Bukva, a retired teacher and administrator, presented the Mary Francis Bukva “Ms. B” Award to Laney Schenher. Laney recognized for her leadership, academic excellence, and athletic achievements, plans to attend High Point University to become a behavioral analyst.

Jessica Kelly, a former U.S. Navy dental technician, recognized the seniors chosen to serve in the military. These graduates, wearing red, white, and blue cords, included Noah Stewart (Coast Guard), Blake Ramsey (Army National Guard), Hannah Bonner (Air Force), Nicholas Robison (Army), Collin Houston, Jonathan Pansara, Tara Shaver, and Drake Chapin (Navy). Kelly commended their bravery and commitment to serving the country.

Dr. G. Michelle Edwards then acknowledged the distinguished honor graduates with GPAs of 4.0 and above. The students were celebrated for their academic excellence and were adorned with gold and maroon cords. Tucker Brown, Assistant Principal, followed by recognizing honor graduates with GPAs between 3.5 and 3.99, who wore silver and maroon cords.

The ceremony proceeded with the presentation of diplomas, a moment each graduate had eagerly anticipated. As the graduates walked across the stage, they were greeted with applause and cheers from their families and friends.

Finally, Dr. Christopher Ballinger officially declared Warren County High School’s Class of 2024 graduates. “Wildcats, are you ready? Please stand. By the virtue and the authority vested in me, I confer upon you the title of Warren County High School graduate,” he announced. The graduates moved their tassels from right to left, symbolizing the completion of their high school journey.

The Warren County High School Commencement Ceremony was memorable, filled with laughter, tears, and a sense of accomplishment. The Class of 2024 leaves a legacy of resilience, kindness, and unity. Congratulations to all the graduates as they embark on their new adventures!

Go Wildcats!

Watch the Warren County High School Commencement Ceremony on this exclusive Royal Examiner.