The ayes had it in a 3-1 vote on a motion to approve the rezoning of 1321 Happy Creek Road from R-S Suburban Residential District to R-1 Residential District; the application from the owner, Rappahannock HC, LLC, was forwarded by the Front Royal Planning Commission to the Town Council with a recommendation for approval. The nay came from Commissioner Megan Marrazzo, balancing her desire to see intelligent growth with some of the concerns she hears from residents in that area. All of this transpired at a regular planning commission meeting on Wednesday, June 26, starting at 7 p.m. in the Warren County Government Center at 220 North Commerce Avenue. 

The town planning commission meets for a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 26, at 7 p.m. in the Warren County Government Center. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh.

Approximately forty-three acres in size and located approximately one thousand two hundred feet from the intersection of Leach Run Parkway with Happy Creek Road, the Marshall’s Glen project, formerly known as Ashton Green, sits on the south side of Happy Creek Road, and if it comes to fruition, it will be accessed chiefly by means of Oden Street, although there will be a “right-in and right-out” on Happy Creek Road as well. One of the owners of Marshall’s Glen, Chris Hornung, chief development officer of the Rappahannock Development Group, was present at the meeting and was accompanied by his attorney, Ty Lawson. Both gave presentations to the commission as well as follow-up responses after the public hearing in which several citizens voiced concerns about safety, logistics, and financial impact. 

Deputy Zoning Administrator John Ware is prepared for an evening of presenting applications.

The evening’s events were designed by the planning and zoning department to address every possible concern. Out of an agenda packet exceeding four hundred pages, which the commissioners were asked to read before attending the meeting, Deputy Zoning Administrator John Ware made a concise bullet point presentation that streamlined the contents of the packet. During that presentation, everyone watching learned the significance of rezoning from R-S to R-1. The latter allows the developer to build at higher density, creating as many as one hundred four single-family detached dwelling units, as opposed to the sixty-one he could build by right in an R-S zone. The higher R-1 figure is still by right, but it is a higher number by virtue of being in the higher-density R-1 zone. This type of development is in keeping with the 2013 iteration of Warren County’s comprehensive plan, and it is in keeping with the state of Virginia’s requirement that localities incorporate Urban Development Areas (UDA) into their comprehensive plans. 

Ty Lawson, the attorney serving Rappahannock HC, LLC, addresses the commission regarding an application for rezoning at 1321 Happy Creek Road.

Everyone who is even loosely following this development will ask: what is the impact on the school system? Within a two-mile radius of Marshall’s Glen are three schools, Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary, Warren County Middle School, and Warren County High School. None of them are currently exceeding their capacity. In the exigency that Rappahannock HC, LLC builds one hundred four single-family detached dwelling units at the 1321 Happy Creek Road location, those schools taken together will exceed capacity by seven students. This may mean the Warren County Public Schools must consider building a new elementary school. While there are no plans for that cemented yet, the owner has taken into consideration that potential need as he crafted his proffers. The total cost of building a new elementary school would be $29,874,000. The source for that figure is the Warren County Public Schools. To support the school system as they use the money to handle excess capacity, an effort which could be expressed in a new elementary school, Hornung and company are proffering $348,530. This comes in addition to the $320,840 they are proffering for other expenses like roadway improvements and the expenses they will incur from building in the subdivision a playground, a privacy fence, and an entry monument sign. Total contributions come to $859,370. 

Chris Hornung, Chief Development Officer of Rappahannock Development Group and an owner of the Marshall’s Glen project at 1321 Happy Creek Road addresses the commission regarding the rezoning application for that location.

In a fiscal impact analysis conducted by S. Patz & Associates, Inc., it was determined that one hundred forty dwelling units would result in an annual fiscal surplus of $407,620 for the Town of Front Royal. A VDOT study found that if certain roadway improvements are made, namely the widening of Happy Creek Road, the impact on traffic will be “minimal.” The owner has agreed to dedicate the necessary right-of-way to the Town at the time that the Town makes roadway improvements, assuming that none of the dwelling units are negatively affected. Also, the Town expects the owner to construct the necessary stormwater management facilities within the subdivision; the future homeowner’s association will be responsible for the maintenance of the retention ponds. The HOA will also be responsible for maintaining the percentage of open space that is preserved on the property. Water and septic capacity already exist at the site, and it will be the owner’s obligation to install it at his own cost and dedicate it to the Town. 

 With a density of 2.42 units per acre, the proposed Marshall’s Glen scheme compares to neighboring subdivisions as actually being less dense since the average between Oden Ridge and Happy Creek Knolls is a density of 2.77. Studies report no environmental hazards, and the wetland delineation report indicated no suspect wet areas. Coming after an application for a short-term rental on East Main Street, which was also presented by Ware and unanimously favored by the commission, the Marshall’s Glen rezoning was approved, and after commission member reports and a report from Planning Director Lauren Kopishke, the meeting was adjourned. 

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reminds motorists to prepare for busy travel days on the roads and stay safe as drivers head out for cookouts, fireworks, and summer activities.

To keep traffic moving during this time, VDOT will suspend many highway work zones and lift most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Wednesday, July 3, until noon on Friday, July 5.

While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. Check VDOT’s Travel Advisories for the latest travel alerts in your area and around the state.

Additionally, VDOT offers several resources to help plan travel ahead of time.

Travel Trends Map Estimates Peak Congestion

VDOT’s online, interactive travel trends map shows peak congestion periods anticipated on Virginia interstates during the Fourth of July holiday period. While it cannot precisely predict when congestion will occur this year, it can help motorists avoid travel when traffic has historically moved slowly.

Based on historical data:

• The days of highest travel on the interstates are likely to be on Wednesday and Sunday, with moderate to heavy congestion likely from noon through 7 p.m. on these days.
• I-95 northbound and southbound is expected to be heavily congested in Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia on Wednesday and Friday through Monday.
• I-77 northbound is likely to be congested between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. during the entire period in the Wytheville area.
• Routes to and from Virginia Beach will likely be congested between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the holiday period.

Plan Ahead with VDOT 511: Traffic Information at Your Fingertips

VDOT’s free mobile 511 app offers information about construction, traffic, incidents, congestion, access to traffic cameras, weather, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and more. Use 511’s “speak ahead” option for hands-free and eyes-free audible traffic alerts for incidents and construction along your route. Traffic information is also available at 511Virginia.org or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

Northern Virginia Express Lanes Schedule and Other Information

• Find directional schedules for the reversible I-95 and I-395 Express Lanes and information for the I-495 Express Lanes at expresslanes.com.

Hampton Roads HOV Schedule, Tunnels, and Other Information

• Travel to Virginia Beach — Peninsula traffic to Virginia Beach is encouraged to use the I-664 Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT) as an alternative to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). If traveling to Virginia Beach, take I-664 south to the MMMBT. Then, take the Portsmouth/Norfolk exit (exit 15A) to I-264 east to Virginia Beach.
• Travel to Outer Banks — Traffic to the North Carolina Outer Banks should use I-664 and the MMMBT as an alternative to the HRBT to save time. From I-664 south, take I-64 west (exit 15, Chesapeake/Virginia Beach) to exit 291B (Chesapeake Expressway (Route 168)/Great Bridge/Nags Head). Continue south on Route 168 to the Outer Banks.

Stay Safe

Here are some additional tips for safely navigating the roadways during the holiday period:

• If you plan to drink, have a designated driver.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911 as soon as it is safe.
• Always wear your seat belt — your best defense against impaired and distracted drivers.
• Put your phone down, and don’t drive distracted.
• Use caution as more pedestrians and cyclists are outdoors enjoying the holiday.
• Obey the “Move Over” law, requiring motorists to move over one lane, if possible, for all vehicles with flashing lights, flares, or warning signs stopped on the side of the road.

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

Forget dusty trails and lone cowboys. Ranching is soaring into the future with a new sheriff in town: the drone. These high-tech aerial assistants are revolutionizing how ranchers manage their land and livestock. Here’s how:

Livestock Monitoring

Imagine scanning vast pastures in minutes, spotting limping cows or stressed-out sheep. High-resolution cameras on drones let ranchers keep a watchful eye on animal health and well-being. Early detection of health issues means faster care, happier herds, and healthier profits. Drones can quickly survey large areas, identifying problems that might be missed during traditional patrols.

Land Management

Drones aren’t just fancy cameras. They’re data-gathering machines, mapping pastures, pinpointing overgrazing, and spotting soil erosion before it’s too late. This intel helps ranchers optimize grazing patterns, use land sustainably, and boost their bottom line. By providing detailed aerial views, drones offer insights that can lead to more informed decisions about land use and conservation practices.

Herd Management

Locating stray and lost cows quickly is a breeze with drones, saving ranchers hours of searching. Plus, drones can be used to herd cattle, which research shows is more efficient than dogs and puts less stress on the animals. The ability to guide herds remotely helps ranchers manage livestock more effectively and reduces labor costs.

Identifying Threats

Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can see predators like wolves or trespassers coming from a mile away. This early warning system lets ranchers better protect their livestock and assets. By detecting threats early, drones help prevent losses and ensure the herd’s safety.

As drone technology evolves, ranchers can expect even more innovations, from fence repair to water monitoring — all done from the comfort of the ground. The future of ranching is undoubtedly high-tech, promising increased efficiency, better animal welfare, and enhanced land stewardship.

While the news lead may be the county supervisors unanimous approval of a coming fiscal year budget, approval of that $97,350,000 budget, including a long discussed flat local funding of $28,650,000 for public schools, was not reached prior to a full late afternoon and early evening schedule.

The Warren County Board of Supervisors began its busy Tuesday, June 25, with the 4:30 p.m. presentation of the first of eventually a total of five, new emergency service ambulances on order — see linked Royal Examiner video and story. The one on display is immediately going into service with Linden, Company 4, the supervisors were told, with the second also in line for operational assignment going to Front Royal Company 3. The third, still awaiting receival, will go to North Warren Company 10. The final two remain on order until available.

Captain Austin Cucciardo chats with board Vice-Chair ‘Jay’ Butler and Chair Cheryl Cullers prior to official start of presentation of tech advancements in newly acquired emergency services ambulances. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini; EMS presentation Video Mark Williams

With that vote on its Fiscal Year-2025 Budget scheduled for later in its regular meeting beginning at 7 p.m. the supervisors may have gotten an example in the Fire & Rescue/Emergency Services new-vehicle presentation of saving money by spending it sooner rather than later on items the County will eventually need.

That presentation led by Captain Austin Cucciardo and Assistant Chief Gerry Maiatico, noted that the five ambulances ordered at a purchase price of ‘just under $300,000″ each are now on the market at a price of “over $400,000” each. Operationally, receipt of this first unit may have been a bit late for one emergency services staffer still utilizing the to-be-replaced equipment, who it was noted recently suffered several smashed fingers in manually attempting to load a patient by stretcher into the old vehicle. Captain Cucciardo demonstrated the mechanically operated stretcher lifting mechanism designed to avoid such transport-loading accidents.

Capt. Cucciardo explains automated stretcher lifts that could have a huge safety factor impact on emergency response operations as illustrated by recent staff injury on call in older ambulance.

From this presentation in the Warren County Government Center parking lot, it was into the  main meeting room for a 5 p.m. work session with a two-item agenda. Those items were a proposed training and shooting range for the Warren County Sheriff’s Office followed by discussion of the proposed fiscal year budget. However, the presentation and subsequent question-and-answer discussion with Sheriff Crystal Cline and Deputy Jay Roy on that first item took up the entire hour prior to the work session adjournment at 6 p.m.

Sheriff Cline introduces WCSO presentation on proposed training/firing range property acquisition proposal. Capt. Jay Roy, below, made that presentation, addressing a number of public safety considerations, existing area noise variables, natural berm backdrop protections in direction of firing, and positive logistical impacts on deputies in training remaining in county for emergency response availability

The board was on a tight schedule set to convene into Closed/Executive Session at 6 p.m. to discuss the various litigations with the town government and others surrounding the FR-WC Economic Development Authority “financial scandal” liabilities.

Then at 7 p.m. it was into the meeting with two scheduled public hearings related to proposed Tipping and Gate fee increases at the County solid waste station. All were approved, from $69 to $79 per ton on Commercial and Industrial waste; and a $40 fee on Municipal/Residential waste was imposed. It was noted during Public Works Director Mike Berry’s presentation that the last tipping fee hikes occurred in 2014. Also recommended for various increases were Gate Fees related to disposal of certain items including tires, paint, yard waste, and dead animals. Berry told the board those rates had not been adjusted since the spring of 2003. Those recommended increases were also approved without dissent.

Under “New Business” Public Works Director Berry updated the board and made recommendations on four projects in the Shenandoah Farms Sanitary District: Old Oak Lane 4, Youngs Drive, Lake Drive, Old Oak Lane 5 and Western Lane, the latter two recommended for cancellation at this time. Again, the public works director’s recommendations were approved without dissent

County Public Works Director Mike Berry had the podium for some time at Tuesday’s meeting, handling staff briefings on both public hearings on proposed fee increases at the County solid waste disposal site, as well as an update and recommendations on a number of Shenandoah Farms Sanitary District projects.

Also under “New Business” an 18-item Consent Agenda for generally “routine” business was tackled, including approval of the FY-2025 budget. Three items were pulled for discussion, including the FY-25 budget. In addition to the budget, pulled were an appointment to fill a vacancy on the County-overseen, still legally known as Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority (FR-WC EDA, EDA, WC EDA) or Industrial Development Authority of the Town of Front Royal and the County of Warren. That unanimously approved appointment was David McDermott for a term from June 25, 2024 thru February 28, 2025. Also approved unanimously was renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County and the above-referenced EDA for “Fiscal Agency services”.

Also at the meeting, a number of people rose at Public Comments on non-agenda items, to address the Sheriff’s Office training/shooting range proposal. Staff explained that proposal is early in the review period to a first public hearing before the County Planning Commission. Most of the eight speakers were nearby residential property owners, who said that while supporting law enforcement and required training parameters, wanted assurance that viable alternative sites would be considered that might not have the noise and water quality impacts they fear for their homes and community. For those attending the earlier work session, their concerns were not eased by an initially forecast 25 days of full shooting-training annually, particularly after one supervisor worried that the stated use scheduling seemed perhaps too light.

Budget Approporation Resolution for FY 2024-2025

After County Attorney Jason Ham adjusted the wording of the budget approval motion for legal clarity it was approved unanimously as presented on North River’s Richard Jamieson’s motion, seconded by Vice-Chairman Jay Butler.

From right, Chairman Cullers, Vice-Chairman Butler, and Supervisor Stanmeyer pondered what they were told on a number of fronts as the County Board pondered a new fiscal year’s across-the-board costs versus revenues and infrastructure needs.

As noted above, the total General Fund County Budget for FY-25 is $97,350,000, of which $28,650,000 from County General Revenues will go to Warren County Public Schools, as the local funding aspect of the public schools total $81,738,434 budget, including federal and state revenues. Below are the portions of the Resolution of Approval of the County’s FY-2025 Budget applying to Public Schools:

WHEREAS, the School Board budget totals $81,738,434 (the “School Board Budget”). The School Board Budget shall be funded by $28,650,000 from the County’s general revenues, $47,671,267 by such State, Federal, and miscellaneous revenues as shall be received from time to time for operation of the Public Schools, $4,109,667 shall be appropriated to the School Food Services Fund paid by State, Federal and miscellaneous revenues, and $1,307,500 shall be appropriated to Facilities, which is also funded by State, Federal and miscellaneous revenues; and …

WHEREAS, any additional or new funds received for the Public Schools’, where no revenue from the County’s General Fund is required to help fund any program, shall be deemed appropriated ipso facto for expenditure upon receipt of such funds …

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that appropriations to the School Board which total $81,738,434, of which $28,650,000 is from the County’s general revenues, are appropriated by and to the major classifications in accordance with Code of Virginia § § 22.1-94 and 22.1-115, and that such funds must be spent in accordance with such major classifications, unless otherwise authorized by the Board, as set forth herein:

Instruction $57,747,239

Administration, Attendance, and Health $3,502,542

Pupil Transportation $3,591,197

Operation and Maintenance $7,820,145

Facilities $1,307,500

School Food Services and Other Noninstructional Operations

$4,109,667

Debt and Fund Transfers $670,249

Technology $2,989,895

TOTAL SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET $81,738,434

In addition to the County meeting video when available, we will also LINK here to the entire Resolution of Approval of Warren County’s FY-24/25 Budget with departmental and agency detail, including the above public school totals within the context of the presented Resolution, to which the board voted 5-0 in favor of.

New Medic Unit Unveiled: A Boost for Community Safety

Get ready for an exciting evening of baseball! The Front Royal Cardinals are set to face off against the Winchester Royals on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Fans can look forward to a thrilling showdown filled with skillful plays and strategic maneuvers.

The game starts at 7:00 p.m., with a live stream provided by the Royal Examiner starting at 6:45 p.m. This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to stay connected and experience the game live from anywhere.

Don’t miss out on the thrill and excitement. Tune in and support the Cardinals!

Spoil your taste buds and enjoy energy with this easy-to-make, cool, and creamy drink!

Ingredients (Servings: 1)

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons matcha (green tea powder)
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 mint leaf (optional)

Directions

1. Whip the Cream: In a small bowl, use a whisk or handheld mixer to blend the sugar, cream, and matcha until it becomes a light and silky whipped cream. This should take a few minutes until it forms soft peaks.
2. Prepare the Drink: Pour the cold milk into a glass. Gently spoon the whipped matcha mixture over the milk, creating a beautiful layered effect.
3. Garnish: Garnish with a mint leaf for freshness and extra flair.

Enjoy your refreshing and energizing Dalgona-style iced matcha latte!