Local News
Governor Northam announces Silent Falcon UAS Technologies to locate East Coast operations in Warren County, creating 249 new jobs
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Silent Falcon UAS Technologies, an unmanned aircraft systems service provider and original equipment manufacturer, will invest $6 million to locate its new East Coast headquarters for research, development, and manufacturing at the Front Royal-Warren County Airport in Warren County. Virginia successfully competed with Massachusetts and New Jersey for the project, which will create 249 new jobs.
“Silent Falcon UAS Technologies’ decision to establish its East Coast operations in Warren County and create a new workforce development partnership speaks volumes to Virginia’s leadership in the fast-growing unmanned systems industry,” said Governor Northam. “With one of the nation’s largest transportation networks, an unmatched talent pipeline, and competitive operating costs, the Commonwealth is an ideal location for the company to reach its expanding customer base. This project is a major win for the Northern Shenandoah Valley, and we are thrilled to welcome the company to Virginia.”
Silent Falcon UAS Technologies manufactures patent-pending, state-of-the-art unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) components and sensors for security, military, and commercial markets, including oil and gas and pipeline inspections, power utility inspections, large-scale agriculture, natural resource management, security/ISR, public safety, and mapping/surveying. Silent Falcon is the only solar electric UAS to provide long endurance and range, silent operations, and an open interface payload bay, accommodating a wide variety of payloads that are also quick and easy to change. Silent Falcon’s decision to locate in Virginia coincides with a significant expansion of the service portion of the company’s business, which focuses on data collection, specifically for runway inspections at airports.
“We’re proud to partner with companies like Silent Falcon UAS Technologies, which support industry growth and high quality job creation in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The unmanned systems sector is rapidly evolving, and Virginia’s top-ranked education system, combined with our research and development assets, will provide the company with a strong foundation for success. We thank Silent Falcon for creating 249 high-tech jobs in Warren County, and look forward to building a lasting partnership.”
Randolph-Macon Academy’s Unmanned Systems Lab (R-MA) will partner with Silent Falcon as part of its pre-professional pathway initiative through the R-MA drone program, which provides students with the tools and real-life experience to leverage the potential of unmanned technology in a range of career fields. This out-of-the-classroom learning opportunity allows students to experience first-hand how drones and drone-collected data can be applied to real-world community management, business, environmental, and economic challenges. R-MA will work with Silent Falcon to design new program curricula to prepare students for the next generation of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, while crafting data acquisition and data analysis solutions using artificial intelligence.
“We are excited to work with Silent Falcon UAS Technologies, a company committed to innovation, environmental sustainability, and workforce development,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “Whether launching UAS from our airport runways or using them for infrastructure assessment, further integrating UAS into Virginia’s multimodal transportation system will prepare us for a strong economic future.”
“We are excited to be opening our operations and manufacturing center in Front Royal,” said Grant Bishop, CEO of Silent Falcon UAS Technologies. “The Virginia Economic Development Partnership was just that, a partnership, and they couldn’t have been more persuasive in helping us choose Warren County for our new facility. We’d like to thank Governor Northam and the officials in Warren County for their leadership and support for making this possible. The small, business-friendly atmosphere and the availability of a great workforce were real selling points. In addition, we are particularly excited about collaborating with the Randolph-Macon Academy and its innovative UAS program under the leadership of General Wesley, which has been at the forefront of training future UAS pilots and specialists. We look forward to being of assistance to their efforts and to having their input into our future development.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Warren County, the Virginia Department of Aviation, and the Center for Innovative Technology to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $161,482 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Warren County with the project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit for new, full-time jobs created. Funding and services to support Silent Falcon UAS Technologies’ employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“We want to thank Silent Falcon UAS Technologies for its investment in Warren County. We look forward to a thriving partnership with this growing company at the forefront of this exciting new technology,” said Jeff Browne, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority. “This project was the result of successful collaboration with Warren County, the Airport Commission, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, among others. We’re excited to help bring this high-tech industry to our community.”
“We are really excited that Silent Falcon has chosen to build its future in Virginia,” said Bob Stolle, CEO at the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT). “They are pioneers in this young industry that will soon impact every aspect of our lives, and the Unmanned Systems Center at CIT is anxious to support them in that pursuit.”
“Randolph-Macon Academy’s goal was to create a nationally-recognized and accredited UAS flight training and drone applications program serving as a direct pipeline to industry career opportunities, as well as a pathway to emerging four-year university UAS programs,” said Brian Kelly, Director of Unmanned Flight Operations at the Randolph-Macon Academy. “Thanks to our early investment in this industry and the support of partners like Silent Falcon, R-MA is positioned to become the leading high school UAS program in the country. Silent Falcon’s investment in Front Royal will do great things for Warren County and the region as a center for cutting-edge innovation, and we are excited about the opportunities created by this strategic partnership.”
“I commend Silent Falcon UAS for choosing to make such a major economic investment in the Shenandoah Valley,” said Senator Mark Obenshain. “Silent Falcon UAS Technologies has worked in partnership with the Commonwealth and Warren County, and we welcome these new job opportunities for our citizens.”
“Thanks to Silent Falcon UAS Technologies, in partnership with Warren County and the Commonwealth, we have an innovative business providing more job opportunities for our citizens,” said Delegate Todd Gilbert. “Silent Falcon UAS Technologies is to be commended for its economic investment in the Shenandoah Valley.”
Local News
Marco Beach Breaks Track Record at Shenandoah Downs with a 1:51 4/5 Mile
Alexandra Goldin’s pacer Marco Beach not only wired the field in Sunday’s $8,000 feature at Shenandoah Downs, but he shattered the previous track record by two-fifths of a second when he crossed three lengths the best in 1:51 4/5. The track’s previous mark of 1:52 1/5 was authored by John’s Dream in 2016 — Shenandoah’s initial season — and was equaled earlier this meet by Aflame Hanover.
Marco Beach established a new track record at Shenandoah Downs when he crossed in 1:51 4/5 Sunday afternoon (Quenton Egan photo).
Eric Davis drove Goldin’s 8-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding and was one of four wins he had on the ten-race program. Marco Beach left from outside post five and maintained a 1½ length cushion on the front end through the first three-quarter panels, which were cut in:27 3/5, 56.0, and 1:23 4/5. Davis opened up by two at the top of the stretch and held off a rally by Cole Olsen’s Lyons Stealth, who finished second. Olsen’s Volley Ball Beach was third.
The victory was Marco Beach’s 26th lifetime score, pushing his career bankroll to $285,240. The pacer had previously won in 1:51 2 at Rosecroft in January and in 1:50 2/5, a lifetime best, at the Meadowlands last year.
Davis, who surged into third place in the driver standings behind Fern Paquet, Jr. and Corey Braden with a solid afternoon, also connected Sunday with Scott Woogen’s KJ Devil, P T Stables’s Make Some Waves and Spencer Goldin’s Lucky Streak, who won his third straight in Woodstock and fourth of the meet.
Week four competition in the U.S. Harness Drivers Club continued Saturday with a pair of races. Stacey McLenaghan, second in the overall trainer standings, maintained her lead in the Club standings with a win aboard her gelding pacer Etbauer, who prevailed for the second straight week. Reinsman Jack Mcneil took over second place in the Series with a win aboard Ben Mcneil’s I’ve Got Hootspa. Heading into action this Saturday, McLenaghan has 46 points, while McNeil is four back with 42. A series of checks will be presented to local non-profits this weekend because of the Series – where drivers donate their share of monies earned to charity.
Only two weekends remain in the Shenandoah Downs spring season. Action will continue on Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, with cards on both days at 1:05 PM. The Woodstock Oval will host Foiled Again’s 20th Birthday Party on Saturday. Join the celebration as harness racing’s richest horse turns 20 years old. Retired for six years now, the legendary son of Dragon Again bankrolled $7.6 million from a stellar career in which he won 109 races from 331 starts. Win number 104 came at Shenandoah Downs on September 29, 2018. Foiled Again will be on site, and fans can take their picture with the legend, sing Happy Birthday, and get a slice of birthday cake. Fans can also enjoy live music all afternoon with The Skillbillys. More details are at shenandoahdowns.com.
Local News
Phase II of Greening-Up Skyline High School’s Section of Greenway Complete
The Front Royal community can now enjoy 30 newly planted native trees along the greenway in front of Skyline High School. With spring in full bloom, it’s the perfect time for a walk or run while admiring the hard work of local volunteers.
Front Royal’s Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) recently completed Phase II of a multi-phase plan to enhance the Royal Shenandoah Greenway. This project focuses on “greening up” unused mowed spaces to create a more enjoyable recreational experience. Recognizing the high recreational use of the Eastham Park to Skyline High School to West Criser Road loop, ACES has worked tirelessly to convert open spaces into native canopies in front of Skyline High School.
Each year, ACES includes a student member who leads a project, and this year, Skyline High senior Christina Keresztesi oversaw the planting of 30 native trees, including Sycamores, Maples, and Redbuds. Christina managed the project from tree selection to volunteer recruitment and secured funding from the Front Royal Tree Stewards and the Beautification of Front Royal Committee. She organized everything precisely, ensuring the trees were planted under perfect weather conditions.
Christina Keresztesi, ACES’ student rep, works with staff from Casey Trees (out of Berryville) to carefully offload the new native trees.
Christina Keresztesi, ACES’ student rep, stands proud alongside some of her 30 new trees.
Christina, who will soon attend UVA, acknowledged how her ACES experience helped her get accepted into college: “Participating in community service projects and leading my own really helped me get accepted.”
These new trees offer much-needed shade for walkers and runners during the hotter months while making the greenway more beautiful for everyone. As volunteers planted the trees, passersby admired their work, offering congratulations and snapping photos.
Town Arborist and ACES Chair Jim Osborn demonstrates the importance of planting large native trees.
Dave Rushton, a local community volunteer, takes a moment to prep the hole, a critical part of the process to ensure that the new trees are set up for success.
The project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of the Front Royal Tree Stewards, the Beautification of Front Royal Committee, the Department of Public Works, and dedicated volunteers. ACES is proud to contribute to Front Royal’s commitment to its Tree City USA designation and to create safe outdoor opportunities for the community. To learn more about ACES, visit their website or attend a monthly meeting held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the back of Vibrissa.
These are big, heavy trees! Father and son work together to position a new tree in the ground properly.
30 new native trees take root along the Royal Shenandoah Greenway thanks to a lot of local volunteer sweat equity!
ACES member Justin Proctor gets some help removing wet, sticky clay from his boots.
Christina Keresztesi, ACES’ student rep, smiles alongside her colleagues after successfully completing her tree planting project.
Local News
Congratulations to Skyline High School Seniors – Class of 2024
Royal Examiner presents the Skyline High School Class of 2024. Congratulations to these wonderful seniors on their hard work and deserved accomplishments! We wish you the best in your next big endeavors. Photos courtesy of Victor O’Neill Studios and Tolliver Studios, LLC.
If your Skyline senior is not listed, please send in their Name and Senior Picture to news@royalexaminer.com.
Abraham Adams
Isaac Ali
Makenna Amos
Hannah Anderson
Kayla Anderson
Zayden Ankers
Kaitlyn Antonelli
Summerlin Arnold
Jayden Banks
Joshua Barnett
Elijah Bennett-George
Kaya Bieker
Carter Binnix
Jacob Blackburn
Cohen Blevins
Holly Blevins
Dakota Boggess
Jayla Bolstridge
Lance Booth
Jeffrey Bosley
Kaleigh Boyd
Mackenzie Brewer
Vycktoria Brigeman
Scout Broadbent
Kaipha Brown II
Gavin Burhans
Brandon Bustamante
Jimena Campos
Kirsten Cantrell
Kyle Carr
Amanda Carter
Anisha Carter
Austin Clark
Abreonia Clatterbuck
Wyatt Clatterbuck
Gavin Clem
Nathan Coffee
Stephen Collins Jr.
Jessica Colvin
Shyanne Cook
James Coppage
Ryan Covert
Courtney Cox
Michael Creasey
Ella Crisp
Megan Croft
Charly Cruz Gonzalec
Destiny Cunningham
Ryan Curl
Natalie Davis
Trinity Diamond
Shanna Dinges
Jaxen Doberer
Elijah Domino
Brenton Dove
Brady Duncan
Ignatius Elhinger
Natalie Elsea
Tayden Finch
Asher Fincham
Kierstyn Fincham
Scarlett Flores
Garret Foster
Zackery Franklin
Alexander Frenz
Savana Fritts
Alisha Frye
Victoria Frye
Nichol Fugett
Ryan Gale
Daniel George
Mia Gibson
Ayden Hamm
Timothy Heltzel
Alexandra Hemingway
Caiden Henry
Sam Hoffman
Anthony Hostetter
David Houghton
Keyshaun Jackson
Colby Jenkins
Jazmin Jimenez
Tanner Johnson
Hunter Jones
Kayla Jones
Christina Keresztesi
Dustin Kidwell
Joseph Laycock
Jadynn Leach
Samantha Lee
Tyler Lee
Ava Leger
Karlie Lily
Natalie Loy
Sydney Loy
Adalberto Lucero
Kaitlyn MacLeod
Angel Mandiak
Demitrias Manthos
Cordney Martin
Alexander Martinez Rivas
Emalee Mathews
Wyatt McCormick
Evan McCumbers
Haaron McKinney
Isabella Meadows
Madison Megeath
Karley Meyer
Kalinn Miller
Mia-Elizabeth Miller
Eduardo Mirasol
Garrett Mohr
Hernandez Joselin Morales
Cameron Morris
Cayden Morris
Waylon Mulligan
Audree Mullins
Nikalas Neale
Daryn Nguyen
Syre Norris
Brylee Painter
Logan Parsons
Ruth Pastore
Aysia Payton
Hunter Pearson
Laura Perkins
Tabitha Potter
Matthew Powell
Kheelei Priber
Brady Prince
John Ramey
Welmer Ramirez Guzman
Marisol Ramos
Taylor Reel
Tasia Rhodes
Shelby Riley
Layla Roberts
Christina Robinson
Ayla Ross
Mia Ross
Trinity Roy
Cailah Runyon
Kaden Rutledge
McKayla Sanchez-Thompson
Yovani Santiago Lemus
Vivian Schimitt
Jack Scott
Zoie See
Yusuf Shabanov
Noel Shayeb
Izabelle Shenk
Sadie Shotton
Gwenavere Shuck
Dalton Siers
Jacob Smith
Kaleb Smith
Lonnie Smith
Erick Solis Sosa
Madelyn Sperling
Emma Stelzl
Avery Stiles
Samuel Stockton
Sarah Stoltz
Ian Talbott
Annika Taylor
Trinity Taylor
Keevon Tharpe
Aaron Thomas
Caden Thorne
Robin Tibbs
Aiden Vaught
Isaiah Velez
Madison Vickers
Chayanne Villalobes Sanchez
Jayden Vina
Dorian Walker
Deaven Weatherholt
Bobby Webber
Julianna Williams
Drake Witt
Colby Wood
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Local News
Eastham Park Loop Enhanced with New Safety Measures for Pedestrians
As the athletic, recreational, and outdoor community expands in Front Royal, ensuring safe and accessible infrastructure remains a priority. Recognizing that the Eastham Park to Skyline High School to West Criser Road loop is a heavily trafficked recreational route, the Front Royal Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) sought ways to improve the loop’s safety.
The section of West Criser Road that completes this loop was identified as a critical area needing attention. With its narrow shoulder and reduced visibility along a curve, this stretch was particularly dangerous due to the high traffic speeds. The road is used recreationally and is a main pathway for students traveling to and from Skyline High and Middle Schools. Additionally, it’s a key part of a local 5K course hosted by Shenandoah Valley Runners.
Over the past two years, ACES collaborated with Front Royal’s Department of Public Works to improve this stretch of road. During a scheduled repaving project, the team widened the road to provide additional shoulder space and added a double-white line to highlight the new shoulder. Recognizing further improvements were needed, ACES partnered with the Rotary Club of Front Royal to fundraise for vertical delineators along the entire stretch. These vertical markers create a tangible barrier between the roadway and the pedestrian path, enhancing visibility and safety.
The response to the new delineators has been overwhelmingly positive. One longtime runner wrote, “I’ve always wanted to complete the Eastham Park Loop but would turn back at West Criser Road because of the high traffic and limited visibility. The new delineators encouraged me to run that stretch, and I completed the loop for the first time ever.”
With this recent success, ACES is now examining further pedestrian infrastructure improvements along West Criser Road between Route 340 and the back entrance of Skyline High School. The project was made possible through ongoing collaboration with the Department of Public Works, contributions from the Rotary Club of Front Royal, and generous support from over 15 community donors.
ACES remains dedicated to promoting safe and accessible outdoor activities in Front Royal. Visit their website to learn more about their efforts or attend a monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the back of Vibrissa.
Local News
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 4/28/2024
Front Royal Police Department’s arrest report for the past 7 days:
Local News
VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for May 6 – 10, 2024
The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.
*NEW* or *UPDATE* indicates a new or revised entry since last week’s report.
INTERSTATE 66
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for pavement marking installations, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday and Tuesday nights.
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 2, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
*NEW* Mile marker 8 to 7, westbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Mile marker 9 to 7, westbound – Overnight right lane closures at Shenandoah River bridge for utility work, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday night.
INTERSTATE 81
*UPDATE* Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for overhead sign repairs, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday night.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound –Overnight lane closures and traffic-lane shifts as needed, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through December 2024. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit: 55 miles an hour. Work is related to southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening, with estimated completion in late 2024.
PRIMARY ROADS
*NEW* Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Front Royal town limits and Route 647 (Dismal Hollow Road) for guardrail upgrades, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday (May 2) and Tuesday (May 7).
*NEW* Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Route 674 (Limeton Church Road) and Route 607 (Rocky Lane) for pipe replacement, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 7 – May 14.
SECONDARY ROADS
Route 658 (Rockland Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) and Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) for the construction of a bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway. Estimated completion December 2025.
Vegetation management may take place district-wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511 or at www.511Virginia.org.
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