Local News
Warren Coalition accepting nominations for Larry M. Funk Memorial Award
Nominations are now open for the Larry M. Funk Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to Children. This award, newly established by the Warren Coalition, recognizes an individual whose dedication and service to the children of Warren County have made a positive impact on them.
The award is open to anyone who serves children in any way, though if it is their profession, the nominator will need to explain the way in which they go above and beyond their normal job requirements. Nominators are asked to explain the contributions made to the children and youth of Warren County, cite some specific examples, and list five outstanding qualities of the nominee.
Nominations can be made online at https://bit.ly/LarryFunkAward. (Note that the link is case-sensitive.) A panel will review the nomination packages, and the selected recipient will be presented with a plaque, and $500 cash at the Warren Coalition’s Annual Membership Luncheon on July 28th at 11:30 am at the Community Center at 538 Villa Ave. in Front Royal.
Larry M. Funk was a member of the Warren Coalition for more than 20 years, serving in a number of positions, including Vice President and President during that time. The Warren County Sheriff’s Department employed Larry for over 28 years, and 27 of those were as the D.A.R.E. instructor and Community Policing representative. He received many awards and recognitions from community organizations such as Kiwanis, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Warren County Sheriff Department, Warren County Board of Supervisors, and American Legion Post 53, just to name a few.
His many activities included presentations at events and the distribution of educational materials for the youth of Warren County. This included many bike rodeos, Warren County Fair booths, Warren Memorial Hospital annual health fair, drug awareness displays, car shows, and car seat safety checks. He coordinated and organized the annual D.A.R.E. day, which was the culmination of a year of planning for the fifth graders of Warren County Public Schools as part of the D.A.R.E education during the school year.
Larry was an elder at his church, served as assistant Sunday school superintendent, and as a youth Sunday school teacher. He would practice his presentations for hours until he got it just the way he wanted to present it. He took great pride in working with the children of the community. Students and former adult students would frequently greet him with hugs whenever they would see him. Larry’s impact was great and long-lasting.
Larry was married for 38 years; the proud father of two sons; and grandfather of five grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and especially teaching them.
“Larry would have been very humbled to know about the incredible recognition that the Warren Coalition is bestowing in his memory,” his wife Linda said.
Warren Coalition is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness in the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001. The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center. Its mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug-free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.
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.
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.
These photos indicate what a close call this deputy appears to have had. – Photos by Virginia State Police who authorize their publication.
(From a Release by the Virginia State Police)
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