Local News
Samuels Public Library recognizes the creativity and inspiration of area students with Annual Holiday Writing Contest awards
Samuels Public Library is pleased to announce the winners of its 42nd annual Holiday Writing Contest. The annual Holiday Writing Contest draws hundreds of entries each year and offers youth, ages kindergarten – 12th grade an opportunity to express their creativity and share their writing about the holiday winter season through a poem or short story.
“This year, more than ever, children and youth in our community our looking for ways to express themselves,” said Michelle Ross, Library Director. “We are so pleased to continue this time-honored tradition and provide an outlet and a platform for the youngest voices in our community.”
The Library recognized 38 Writing Contest winners this year as well as seven additional art work winners.
“In spite of how students’ academic situations have recently changed, we still had a great number of entries. We were thrilled to receive 376 stories, poems, and drawings,” said Michal Ashby, Youth Services Supervisor. “For over forty years, Samuels Library has held the Holiday Writing Contest, and we were determined to press on, in spite of COVID-19 restrictions,” Ashby continued.
Each contest winner will receive a professionally published keepsake booklet, sponsored by The Northern Virginia Daily. First place winners also receive a gift certificate provided by the Royal Oak Bookshop.
In year’s past, Holiday Writing Contest participants and their families were invited to a reception at the Library to read their winning writings out loud. “The Holiday Writing Contest reception has always been the highlight of my year,” said Ashby. “Unfortunately, we are not able to have the reception this year, so we are starting some new traditions. Winners have been given the opportunity to submit videos of themselves reading their winning stories and poems, for viewing on the library’s social media platforms. Additionally, the library plans to make the book available in an e-book format, which can be checked out like a regular e-book. We are excited to see how the Holiday Writing Contest has evolved in new and exciting ways.”
Sadie Rosner, a seventh grader at Warren County Middle school received a second-place award for her story, “Neighborly Spirit.” The story begins, “To a passing car or pedestrian, Elm Street looked quite normal, especially during the holiday season. All the houses were decorated with vibrant Christmas lights, and the occasional Santa Claus cut-out; all the houses, but one.” Want to read more, check out Samuels Library Facebook page to hear more winning entries from the Holiday Writing Contest winners or visit samuelslibrary.net to check out the 2020 Holiday Writing Contest book.
2020 Samuels Library Holiday Writing Contest Winners:
Kindergarten
- Odin DiFelici, First Place, “Santa’s Chimney,” Mountain Laurel Montessori School
- Rylee Lewis, Second Place, “Santa’s Ride,” Mountain Laurel Montessori School
- Trey Hall, Third Place, “Collecting a Snowman,” Mountain Laurel Montessori School
First Grade
- Beatrice Hoffman, First Place, “Sparkle’s Christmas,” Wakefield Country Day School
- Joey Maciag, Second Place, “The Little Lost Reindeer,” Homeschool
- Camden Ferguson, Third Place, “The Portal,” Wakefield Country Day School
Second Grade
- Amanda Baldwin, First Place, “This Is the Story of Freddy’s Pack,” Homeschool
- Malia Judge, Second Place, “Butter the Penguin,” John XXIII Montessori Children’s Center
- Marilyn A. Cizler, Third Place, “Yikes the Snowplow,” Padre Pio Academy
Third Grade
- Addison Fairhurst, First Place, “The Arctic Fox Kit,” Wakefield Country Day School
- Sage Milenkevich, Second Place, “Underground Christmas Town,” Homeschool
- Paige Fletcher-Perez, Third Place, “The Magic Trip,” Front Royal Christian School
Fourth Grade
- Avery Hill, First Place, “The Christmas Season,” Wakefield Country Day School
- Thomas Baldwin, Second Place, “Sam the Sad Snowman,” Homeschool
- Marcella Nicky Jagow, Third Place, “The Christmas Present,” Mountain Laurel Montessori School
Fifth Grade
- Sienna Milenkevich, First Place, “Nana’s Christmas Ornaments,” Homeschool
- Lydia Hickson, Second Place, “An Elve’s Christmas,” John Paul the Great Montessori Academy
- Brendan Thomas Griffin, Third Place, “The Broken Ornament,” Wakefield Country Day School
Sixth Grade
- David Otyenoh, First Place, “Christmas in Maplewood,” Front Royal Christian School
- Allison Baldwin, Second Place, “The Christmas Party!” Homeschool
- Lotus Lowe, Third Place, “Chanukkah,” Wakefield Country Day School
Seventh Grade
- Victor Alonzo, First Place, “2021 Travels,” Wakefield Country Day School
- Sadie Rosner, Second Place, “Neighborly Spirit,” Warren County Middle School
- Shiloh Phelps, Third Place, “The Feel of the Wait,” Wakefield Country Day School
Eighth Grade
- Raven Milenkevich, First Place, “A Little Extra Magic,” Homeschool
- Jude Patterson, Second Place, “The Sl. E. D.” Warren County Middle School
- Lynne Blank, Third Place, “The Forest at Dawn,” Wakefield Country Day School
Ninth Grade
- Claire Mullins, First Place, “Found,” Wakefield Country Day School
- Sophia Korte, Second Place, “Season’s Greetings! Love, Depression,” Wakefield Country Day School
- Madisyn Clark, Third Place, “Christmas Eve,” Front Royal Christian School
Tenth Grade
- Ruthie McMahon, First Place, “Christmas?” Wakefield Country Day School
- Maeve Ciuba, Second Place, “A Long-Awaited Feast,” Wakefield Country Day School
- Sophia Esposito, Third Place, “Holiday Traditions,” Wakefield Country Day School
Eleventh Grade
- Taryn Henry, First Place, “Peppermint,” Front Royal Christian School
- Katherine Kelly, Second Place, “Traffic in Christmas Time,” Chelsea Academy
- Jenna Babick, Third Place, “The Tree,” Front Royal Christian School
Twelfth Grade
- Sky Herndon, First Place, “Make a Wish,” Front Royal Christian School
- Carolyn Bockrath, Second Place, “Why Rudolph’s Nose Is Red,” Mother of Divine Grace School
Artwork Featured in the 2020 Book:
- Audrey K. Veitenthal, Front Cover, Fifth Grade, Mountain Laurel Montessori School
- Ariel Jacob, Inside Front Cover, Tenth Grade, Homeschool
- Daniel Winter, Inside Cover Bottom, Fourth Grade, Mountain Laurel Montessori School
- Sydney Martin, Inside Cover Top, First Grade, Mountain Laurel Montessori School
- Lucas Lanterman, Inside Book, Seventh Grade, Skyline Middle School
- Ariya King, Inside Book, Kindergarten, Mountain Laurel Montessori School
- Sophie Brackens, Back Cover, Fourth Grade, Mountain Laurel Montessori School
About Samuels Public Library
Samuels Public Library brings people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. A 501(c)(3) organization, the library annually serves more than 200,000 community members, checks out nearly 400,000 books, electronic and digital services, and provides essential computer access, wireless service and public meeting spaces for the community. To learn more, visit www.samuelslibrary.net or by calling (540) 635-3153.
Local News
Eastham Park Loop Enhanced with New Safety Measures for Pedestrians
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.
Local News
VSP Investigating I-81 Dump Truck/Sheriff’s Vehicle Accident
The Virginia State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Shenandoah County. The crash occurred Friday, May 3, at 5:46 a.m. at the Route 646 overpass at the 292-mile maker of I-81.
A 2005 Kenworth dump truck was traveling north on I-81 when the driver accidentally engaged the dump bed, which raised it and caused it to collide with the bridge overpass. The collision caused the dump bed to detach from the truck, slide backward, and land on a northbound 2022 Ford Explorer, which was driven by a Frederick County Sheriff’s deputy.
The dump truck driver, Gaylon R. Miller, 71, of Toms Brook, Va., was not injured in the crash. He was wearing his seatbelt.
The sheriff’s deputy suffered minor injuries and was transported to Winchester Medical Center for treatment.
Miller was charged with reckless driving.
(From a Release by the Virginia State Police)
Local News
WCSB Approves New LFK Principal; Accepts Scholarships for Baseball, Softball Seniors
The Warren County School Board unanimously approved the appointment of a new principal who will take over at Leslie Fox Keyser (LFK) Elementary School starting this summer and accepted baseball and softball scholarships being offered by the Front Royal Cardinals for four seniors attending Warren County Public Schools (WCPS).
Board chair Kristen Pence, vice chair Antoinette Funk, and board members Andrea Lo, Thomas McFadden, Jr., and Melanie Salins, during their regular meeting on Wednesday, May 1, voted 5-0 to have Jennifer Cameron appointed as the LFK principal effective July 1.
“Ms. Cameron is an experienced educator and leader in Warren County,” said WCPS Superintendent Christopher Ballenger in recommending her appointment to the School Board.
Previously, Cameron has taught as a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher and has experience as a literacy coach who supported grade-level teachers in her school building, Ballenger said, adding that as an administrator, Cameron has served as the dean of students and as an assistant principal.
“During her years of service, Ms. Cameron was selected as the Rotary Teacher of the Year in 2008 and was the [WCPS] Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2015-2016,” he added.
As a leader, Ballenger also said that Cameron has been integral in transforming E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School and has served as the chair for the division’s Attendance Committee for the past two years.
“Ms. Cameron is a great fit for LFK, and I know that her skill set will continue to move LFK forward,” said the superintendent.
Following the board’s vote, Cameron told board members she was honored to accept the LFK principal position and said she’s excited to rejoin the Lil’ Cat family.
“Thank you for entrusting me with this opportunity to nurture young minds and to foster the continued excellence of LFK,” she said. “I look forward to working with you to continue the path to excellence at Warren County Public Schools. I’m truly humbled at this huge responsibility that you have entrusted to me, and I look forward to the coming school year and this new adventure that awaits me.”
In other action items, the School Board unanimously accepted four scholarships with gratitude from the Front Royal Cardinals and approved the donation of auditorium seating from E. Wilson Morrison (EWM) Elementary School.
Donna Settle, president of Front Royal Cardinals Baseball, a nonprofit organization that is part of the Valley Baseball League, said that as part of the group’s fundraising activities, the board will sponsor Little League for both girls and boys and will give back to the WCPS baseball and softball programs.
“This year, our board has voted to bring scholarships back to Warren County,” Settle told the board. “I know we’re a little late in the season, but we have enough money set aside for the scholarships for the 2024 student-athletes.”
There are four new $500 scholarship opportunities beginning with the Class of 2024 that are available for a Skyline baseball and softball senior who plans to continue their education and for a Warren County baseball and softball senior who plans to continue their education.
The School Board also voted 5-0 to permit two auditorium seats to be donated to Robert MacDougall, founding principal of Transform Development, a commercial landlord and developer based in the Shenandoah Valley.
Seating in the EWM auditorium, which is being renovated to provide an indoor facility for students and staff, has been removed and is set to go to auction. MacDougall offered a facility to store the auditorium seating until they could be auctioned.
With the School Board’s blessing, WCPS will now donate two seats to MacDougall, who will display them in the theater once its renovation is completed.
Regarding a request to have the Warren County Board of Supervisors (BOS) appropriate the fiscal year 2022 School Operating Fund Surplus, the School Board voted unanimously to table the item to a work session and FY2025 budget resolution.
Ballenger explained that the total fiscal year 2021-2022 school operating surplus is $973,098, and said it was being requested that the Warren County Board of Supervisors (BOS) appropriate $300,000 of the surplus to the School Transportation Fund that is held by the County and the remaining $673,098 to the School Capital Improvement Fund that is also held by the County.
The $300,000 designated for the Transportation Fund was originally included in the FY2025 Proposed School Operating Budget to purchase replacement buses and vehicle(s) but has since been removed contingent upon the funding appropriated to the Transportation Fund, he said.
Of the $673,098 requested for the County’s School Capital Improvement Fund, $40,000 was originally included in the FY2025 Proposed School Operating Budget to cover the repair/replacement of the chiller at Hilda J Barbour Elementary School and to upgrade the HVAC management systems at several schools. The remaining balance ($633,098) being requested for the Capital Improvement Fund would be requested at a future date for other capital priorities, such as the replacement of the tennis courts at the high schools.
As the budget process continues unfolding for both WCPS and the BOS, the School Board members agreed to work more on the item before taking action.
During the School Board’s community participation portion of its meeting, Leslie Mathews (above), a parent with two children attending Skyline Middle School, said that some of the School Board members are using the concerns expressed through emails by parents as “a crutch” for their own political motives. She called it a disgrace.
“I and we parents are only given three minutes a month [during School Board meetings] to get up here and express our concerns to you, or we’re told we can email you,” said Mathews. “But I no longer trust that method of emailing.”
Mathews, who last fall unsuccessfully challenged School Board incumbent Pence for the South River School Board seat, said “it’s such a disgrace for you as a public servant to go and encourage others to FOIA the concerns of parents who are not like-minded as yourself.
“So, therefore, our concerns are going public,” said Mathews, who didn’t name names. “If we want more positive in Warren County Public Schools, then we need to start at our leadership.”
Chamber News
Front Royal Welcomes CBM Team of Supreme Lending with Enthusiasm and Optimism
Front Royal, Virginia, celebrated a significant business merger that marks a promising future for local economic development. The CBM Team, a longstanding local business entity, has officially joined forces with Supreme Lending, expanding its reach and capacity to serve the community more effectively.
Nike Foster, Executive Director of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor Lori Cockrell welcomed the CBM Team to our community. The event underscored a vibrant community spirit and the potential for economic growth. Byron Biggs, Chairman of the Chamber, highlighted the merger as a symbol of positive evolution in the local business landscape. It is now poised to extend its influence beyond Virginia.
Mayor Cockrell shared personal anecdotes, reflecting on the profound local ties and the exceptional character of the individuals involved, particularly noting the entrepreneurial spirit of Cory Michael, a former student of hers and now a regional manager for Team CBM. Her words painted a picture of a community that values deep personal connections and collective growth.
The merger promises substantial benefits to Front Royal, bringing enhanced services and opportunities for home ownership that were previously out of reach for many residents. This union is a merger of two companies and a fusion of cultures and aspirations, aiming to enrich the local community while maintaining the cherished CBM brand identity.
Attendees left the event with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future, confident in the continued prosperity and communal strength of Front Royal.