After hearing slightly over two hours of prosecution and defense arguments in support of their conflicting sentencing recommendations – 22 years by the prosecution, 6 years by the defense – Western District of Virginia federal Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon went down the middle, sentencing former Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Jennifer McDonald to 14 years in prison for her role in the circa-2014 to 2018 EDA “financial scandal”. However, following a defense request that McDonald be allowed not to report to prison prior to June 18, and a request by lead prosecutor Sean Welsh that the court be reasonable in not extending imposition of the defendant’s imprisonment for too long a period, Judge Dillon granted the request that McDonald remain free on her existing bond conditions and self-report to prison authorities “not earlier than June 24th”. It was not clear whether a recent unanticipated hospital visit by McDonald this past weekend impacted that request. It was also confirmed by attorneys post hearing recess that per federal guidelines defendants are generally required to serve 85% of non-mandatory sentences, though how that standard is applied can vary from facility to facility. If our calculation is correct, full implementation could cut 2.1 years off the 47-year-old McDonald’s 14-year sentence.

An estimated $26 million was moved to unapproved or believed falsely presented uses during McDonald’s leadership of the Town-County EDA. Trial testimony indicated that as much as $6.5 million of that went directly to McDonald’s personal use. On November 1, 2023 a federal court jury of six men and six women found McDonald guilty on all 34 criminal counts she was charged with, including bank fraud (10 counts), wire fraud (7 counts), money laundering (16), and aggravated identity theft (1 count). Judge Dillon later overturned four of those convictions citing inadequate evidence by statute.

Jennifer McDonald has about a month before she must again dress in incarceration garb. Below is the Harrisonburg federal courthouse where she was sentenced to 14 years on Wednesday, May 29. Royal Examiner File Photos

The first phase of what was initially said to be a three-part sentencing hearing was held on April 9, with part 2 initially forecast to be held within a week, leading to a sentencing date then being set after the court had time to review submitted arguments. But with a month-and-a-half delay to Phase 2, it appeared the court had sufficient time to review applicable case law in anticipation of those Phase 2 arguments leading to her sentencing decision coming at the conclusion of those Wednesday, May 29th arguments.

As previously reported, after inheriting the case from two state prosecutors offices, Warren County (recusal due to staff work familiarity with some defendants) and Rockingham County (complexity, time involvement), on August 25, 2021, a 10th Western District of Virginia Federal Grand Jury handed down 34 federal criminal indictments against McDonald on the charges cited above. McDonald was initially arrested and charged criminally at the state level in mid-2019.

Also during Wednesday’s hearing, McDonald was hit with a series of financial penalties. Those included $5.2 million forfeiture of assets which the prosecution sought, what appeared to be $3,000 in court costs, as well as a “Restitution” amount cited at $2.7 million.

While a statement of financial impacts on the EDA was cited as submitted, and quite an amount of time was spent on arguments about the financial and governmental impacts of McDonald’s crimes related to the illicit movement of EDA assets, only one person rose to the court’s call for impact statements from “victims” of her crimes. That person, perhaps ironically, was ITFederal principal Truc “Curt” Tran. Tran and his company have been cited as the largest single beneficiary of illicitly moved “financial scandal” EDA assets at $12 million alleged to have been moved to it under “false pretenses” for development of 30 acres of the former Avtex property. Those false pretenses appeared to be claimed access to about $40 million in federal government contracts, evidence later indicated Tran’s company only had a right to bid on, and none of which he apparently won.

“Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer, what have you done,” Tran began from the courtroom podium, looking directly at McDonald to his left at the defense table with her federal court-appointed attorneys Andrea Harris and Abigail Thibeault. One of McDonald’s convictions was of “Aggravated Identity Theft” for allegedly using Tran’s name as an interested party in one of the later-discovered-to-be fraudulent real estate transactions. Tran did cite that transaction of the time – “I still don’t know where the Buck Mountain property is,” he told the court, pointedly looking at McDonald.

However, twice Judge Dillon had to caution Tran to return to impacts of that real estate transaction in which his name was used without his knowledge when he strayed to blaming his lost government contracts to enable the Avtex site development on McDonald. After the second caution, Tran ended his impact statement. Tran was found liable for over $12 million to the EDA in one civil liability case heard in Warren County Circuit Court. His finding of liability is on appeal, along with several other high-dollar EDA civil case defendants.

During hospital week, Fauquier Health recently recognized 27 outstanding employees as Mercy Award nominees. The Mercy Award, the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive, is named in memory of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman. Mercy believed that a group of people working together toward a common vision could accomplish great things.

Steve Wojcik, Fauquier Health Board of Trustees Chair, Patricia Jeffries, and Rebecca Segal, Fauquier Health CEO

The nominations for the Mercy Award are submitted by staff at Fauquier Health and recognize exceptional commitment to patients, fellow employees, and the community. This year’s Mercy Award winner is Patricia Jeffries, BSN, RN, Director of Case Management.

“The Mercy Award commends individuals who consistently go beyond the call of duty in serving our patients and our community,” said Rebecca Segal, Fauquier Health CEO. “Patty has been with Fauquier Health for more than 30 years and is known throughout our organization as a great team member and a champion for patient safety. Her leadership and dedication to both Fauquier Health and our community is outstanding. Patty demonstrates a level of commitment and caring that transcends the everyday. She inspires others with compassion, dedication, and honesty. I feel honored to know Patty.”

Several nominations were submitted for Patty, highlighting her care for others and her selflessness in volunteering for community and employee events, even at night and on weekends. “Patty is the one who notices all the little things,” stated one nomination. “She is the one who remembers anniversaries, birthdays, and celebrations. She even works with the kitchen staff to make special birthdays for patients. She cares passionately about the well-being and resilience of staff and patients alike.” Another nomination read, “Patty is a fixture at every health fair and community event. She has a true servant’s heart. Patty makes sure everyone feels valued and heard.”

The Mercy Award is a testament to the incredible contributions of individuals like Patty Jeffries, who embody the spirit of service and dedication that Scott Mercy envisioned. Her tireless efforts and compassionate nature make her an invaluable asset to Fauquier Health and its community.

About Fauquier Health

Fauquier Health is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to the residents of Warrenton, Virginia, and the surrounding areas. As part of the Lifepoint Health network, Fauquier Health strives to enhance the overall health and well-being of the community through exceptional patient care, community involvement, and a dedication to excellence.

For more information, visit the Fauquier Health website.

About Lifepoint Health

Lifepoint Health is a leading healthcare organization dedicated to making communities healthier. With a network of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and healthcare providers, Lifepoint Health delivers quality care and fosters a culture of service and collaboration.

For more information, visit the Lifepoint Health website.

We asked local co-sponsors Jim Justice (Chester Street Tavern) and “Skip” Rogers (Able Forces Foundation) for a perspective on their initial Salute to Service Memorial Day weekend event. It was a musically-anchored event in the Gazebo Village Commons Park area downtown, with a “hard opening” at 1 p.m. that gave Rogers time to return from his participation in the wreath laying at Malcolm Barr Sr.’s noon-launched Dog of War Garden ceremony at the Humane Society of Warren County Julia Wagner Animal Shelter.

“Our Inaugural Memorial Day ‘Salute To Service’ was an incredible day filled with remembrance of fallen heroes, community support, incredible music and food, and tremendous memories of being together with friends and family,” Rogers replied, adding a heartfelt, “God Bless all who participated and supported this wonderful community event for Front Royal. We look forward to next year”.

As do we, Skip, as do we.

Lay Minister Michael Williams gives his second benediction of the day during the 1 p.m. hard opening of Salute to Service, having done the same at the Dogs of War Memorial service at noon, as co-sponsor ‘Skip’ Rogers listens to right. Below, Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Sam Tate jams with friends Sunny Lane and the Dirty Hippies.

Co-sponsor Jim Justice of The Chester Street Tavern, which served as a musical staging and jamming area across from the park, asked that we acknowledge the full complement of sponsoring agencies, businesses, musicians, exhibitors, vendors, and individuals that made the above-described “community event” possible. We replied that if he had gone to the trouble to list them all, we would do our best to oblige. So, here they are:

“Our veteran support foundations: Skip and Kathy Rogers of Able Forces Foundation, and Chris Jacobson and team of Farmer Veteran Coalition.

“Our primary sponsors, including musicians: Sam Tate, The Hobo Mariners, Sunny Lane and the Dirty Hippies, Sally Mae Foster; and Gysea Soul; along with Moose Lodge, 4Js Farm and Brewery, Thru w/Therapy, Quecon Inc., Passage Creek Rising, Buckhead Farm, The Giving Tree, National Media Services.

Sam Tate did some solo performing Friday evening in co-sponsor Jim Justice’s Chester St. Tavern. Below, Tate with co-sponsors Rogers and Justice. ‘I hope tomorrow is as great as tonight,’ Tate told his audience at the end of his stellar Friday evening indoor presentation of his award-winning material.

“Exhibitors: the American Legion, Sons of the Revolutionary War, Honor Flight Top of Virginia, Virginia Department of Veteran Services; and our two veteran food vendors; brothers Rick Gardner (Carolina Dreamin) and Tim Gardner (Firestorm Pizza)

“To the contributing volunteers of Chester Street Tavern, including Deb Moyer, Suzanne Obetz, Hank Gorecki, and Shaireese Fletcher.

“Other local sponsors included: the Virginia Beer Museum, Malcolm Barr, Glenn Wood, Key Move Properties, and Farm Bureau Virginia, Royal Examiner, The River 95.3.

“And lest we forget the town staff, including Lizi Lewis, Scott Curry, and our local law enforcement officers,” Justice almost concluded. – Uh oh, do we really want to include this last one?!? – Well, he’ll probably write something bad about us if we edit him out, so why not? “And lastly, to our media master Roger Bianchini,” Justice finished with a nod our way.

Hey, just doing my job in alerting this community to what appeared to be, and was, an outstanding addition to Front Royal and Warren County’s Memorial Day weekend celebration, with a nod to our associate Malcolm Barr Sr. and his related story’s acknowledged co-conspirators Marine Lt. Col. Rob MacDougall, Able Forces “Skip” Rogers, among others in this community.

And a few more musical shots from the “Salute to Service” inaugural offering in memory of, not only our nation and community’s fallen soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but also those who survived and mourn those lost. Bless them all.

‘Captain Rich’ and Michelle of the Hobo Mariners helped keep the entertainment rolling as a Veterans Bikers club rolled in early in the afternoon.

And to make their point, Sunny Lane and the Dirty Hippies’ on their own, did an outstanding version of the Mama & Papas hippie-era song, ‘California Dreaming’ on such (a dirty hippies) winter’s night.’

I asked our contributing writer Malcolm Barr Sr., a lifelong journalist and retired U.S. government public affairs officer, with a lifelong affection for animals, particularly dogs, that he has helped rescue and cared for most of his 91 years and counting, for a perspective on what he has indicated this year will be his last organizationally overseeing of the Dogs of War Garden Memorial Day weekend ceremony at the Humane Society of Warren County’s Julia Wagner Animal Shelter. Below is his response, reflecting on quite the local Memorial Day weekend personal history.

Following in the text and beyond is a pictorial account of the Saturday noon, May 25, Dogs of War Garden ceremony beginning with the bagpipe call of Jim Lundt flanked by Malcolm Barr Sr. and Kayla Wines to the left, as the R-MA Color Guard prepares, along with guests. Royal Examiner Still Photos Roger Bianchini, video by Mark Williams.

It might also be noted that when Barr and his late wife Carol retired to Front Royal in 2002, their son Malcolm Jr. attended and graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy, ultimately serving in Iraq with the U.S. Air Force – Glad you made it home, Malcolm Junior.

And God bless my friend, and our contributing writer, for his love of animals, especially dogs and dogs of service, and of those dogs of service and their handlers. And bless ALL veterans who have made war’s ultimate sacrifice when it was called upon to be given. And God Bless those lost-to-conflict veterans’ families and friends left behind to mourn their sacrifice.

Valley Chorale members open the ceremony with the Anthem and later added a stirring version of ‘Shenandoah’ among their offerings.

A Memorial Day weekend reflection by Malcolm Barr Sr.

More than a decade ago, the streets of Front Royal were silent on Memorial Day weekend. No ceremony, no salute to the fallen of all wars since the civil war, no bands playing, just a federal holiday weekend with folks taking advantage of store sales. For whatever reason, tributes to the fallen in Front Royal and Warren County had, in fact, fallen by the wayside.

Raised as a child in war-torn England through the years of World War II (1939-45), and serving in the Royal Air Force (UK) in a post-war “clean up” capacity (1951-54), I became deeply aware of the lives lost in that war, and subsequent wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, attending the traditional November 11 “Armistice Day” ceremonies in England, Canada and the United States.

My life as a journalist evolved from sports writing in England, to general assignment reporting in Canada, to military writing in America where I proudly covered from my post in Hawaii – home of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the 25th Infantry Division, headquarters Pacific Air Forces, and the Fleet Marine Force Pacific – the activities of these forces during the decade of the 1960s when the Vietnam War heated up. I have before me now a program from the 189th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel where I was honored to be a guest of the Marines, specifically Lt. Gen. Victor H. Krulak, who on that memorable evening pronounced me an “honorary Marine”, a title I’ve proudly carried with me through the last 60 years, many of them as a proud (associate) member of the U.S, Marine Corps Combat Correspondents’ Association.

Reporting for The Associated Press in the Pacific in 1966 I found myself assigned to a B-52 bomber flight over Cambodia from the distant Pacific island of Guam. I was bumped from the flight at the last minute, and found myself stranded several thousand miles from home base. What to do? I stopped by the 14th Naval District headquarters where a young public information officer volunteered to show me the island’s World War II dog cemetery. It involved a heated trek into the jungle, fighting our way with machetes in 90-plus degree heat through to a peaceful, though overgrown, glade where we uncovered the headstones of three of some 22 graves containing the remains of war dogs killed while on duty in the Pacific theater.

Keynote speaker, retired U.S. Marine dog handler and current R-MA staffer Christine George gave an emotional recounting of the human/K9 war-front-and-beyond bond.

As a lifetime lover of dogs, and active in dog rescue for many of those years, I wrote an article about the cemetery and its apparent abandonment that ran world-wide and caught the attention of the then Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. Subsequently, the cemetery was handed off to the U.S. Marine Corps that ultimately cleared the land and built a handsome memorial honoring the dogs and their contribution to the war effort. Reportedly, the cemetery and the memorial have become a popular tourist mecca, attracting thousands of visitors each year and many war dog memorials have cropped up both in the U.S. and in Europe, specifically in England, France, Belgium and Holland.

As a former president of the Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC), I approached the Front Royal Animal Shelter with a proposal to develop a memorial garden honoring the war dogs and their compatriots, the K-9s involved in local law enforcement, particularly since the first war dogs of World War II were sent into battle directly from their training facility in Front Royal. We opened the garden three years ago, honoring the dogs and their handlers on each Memorial Day weekend, including this past weekend where I officiated for the last time as my 92nd birthday approaches.

U.S. Marine Corps reservist Lt. Col. Robert MacDougall has taken over from me the regular Memorial Day ceremony, promising along with Able Forces Director “Skip” Rogers, to maintain the twin ceremonies honoring both the military men and women who lost their lives in fighting for their country, and the dogs that helped these brave men and women on the battlefield that also were killed in the line of duty. Both of these colleagues of mine were instrumental this year in organizing and sponsoring several Memorial Day weekend activities, which filled the entire weekend, at the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter (Dogs of War salute), the downtown Gazebo park (Salute to Service) and County Courthouse grounds.

Able Forces Veterans Assistance principal ‘Skip Rogers, also a retired military dog handler, lays the wreath in the War Dog Memorial Garden at the Humane Society of Warren County’s Wagner Animal Shelter.

For me, this was a bitter-sweet weekend in which I gave way to age, stepping back from active participation in the future, and thanking those who have helped put Memorial Day back on the map in Warren County. Those include the aforementioned two service veterans; the late Victor “Tory” Failmezger, a U.S. Navy veteran and local author of World War II books; the Town of Front Royal that sponsored the original Gazebo-area ceremonies prior to COVID; Randolph-Macon Academy; Fussell Florist; lay minister Michael Williams for his invocation; bagpiper Jim Lundt; and more lately the Valley Chorale; the current Wagner Animal Shelter staff and its executive director, Kayla Wines.

Thank you, everyone, and God Bless America and those who sacrifice all to preserve the ideals upon which it was built.

The R-MA Color Guard at attention as the Valley Chorale adds their voices to the ceremony once again. Hey, good job guys – Rob MacDougall and Christine George congratulate R-MA cadets on a Color Guard job well done.

A trip inside the Wagner Shelter for post-event catered snacks revealed these three patriotic residents waiting for the right ‘forever home’ visitor to find them.

And Malcolm was at both the Salute to Service event later Saturday co-sponsored by ‘Skip’ Rogers Able Forces; and as pictured here with Sheriff Crystal Cline and event host Rob MacDougall, at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Courthouse grounds Monday at noon as well. Courtesy Photo Jen Avery

Delegate Delores Oates, representing Virginia’s 31st district, had a unique opportunity this past weekend. As a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) member, she flew over her district from the Front Royal-Warren County Airport. Captain Samantha Stahl of the Winchester Composite Squadron piloted the flight, which included aerial views of local landmarks, including Delegate Oates’ residence.

Delegate Delores Oates and Capt. Samantha Stahl gives a thumbs up before boarding the Civil Air Patrol aircraft for an orientation flight over Virginia’s 31st district.

This was Delegate Oates’ first experience flying in a small aircraft. She expressed her excitement, stating, “I was able to enjoy the beauty of our community this morning from the air thanks to Captain Samantha Stahl and the Winchester Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol. We took off at the Front Royal-Warren County Airport and cruised over the 31st District! I must admit I asked about flying lessons! Stay tuned!”

Every member of the Virginia General Assembly is also a member of the Civil Air Patrol. The Commonwealth of Virginia supports CAP’s emergency services, cadet programs, and aerospace education missions. The Virginia Wing, comprising over 2,000 members, performs volunteer efforts valued at approximately $9 million annually. The Wing operates out of 21 locations across the state.

The cadet program focuses on leadership growth and career exploration for youth aged 12 to 21. Civil Air Patrol’s aerospace education mission supports educators and outreach events like Girls in Aviation Day and STEM activities in schools. The Wing’s twelve aircraft facilitate orientation flights for cadets, some of whom go on to obtain their private pilot licenses. Members train to provide emergency response by air and ground, supporting the state during emergencies.

About Virginia Wing

Civil Air Patrol’s Virginia Wing includes 21 squadrons throughout the Commonwealth and has approximately 2,250 members, twelve light aircraft, six small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), and 28 multi-mission vehicles. These resources support federal, state, local governments, emergency responders, and law enforcement agencies. Missions include search and rescue, homeland security, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and counter-drug efforts. For more information, visit Virginia Wing.

About Civil Air Patrol

Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force in 1948, the Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization focused on youth development, aerospace education, and promoting general aviation. CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Dedicated to serving communities, saving lives, and shaping futures, CAP continues to make significant contributions to American society.

For more information, visit CAP News or Go Civil Air Patrol. Follow Civil Air Patrol on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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.