Local News
ATF K-9 Training Facility move – a BAD, DESTRUCTIVE & EXPENSIVE idea
Judiciary Committee Chair Robert Goodlatte promises a hearing start in short order after a slightly late arrival – the ATF handlers and dogs, including Sara pictured left and Able, the dark blur at right bottom, were on time. Photos/Roger Bianchini
A reduced U.S. House Judiciary Committee comprised of Chairman Robert Goodlatte, 10th District Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and a committee attorney heard from one witness at a Monday morning, July 16 field hearing at the Warren County Government Center. That witness addressing a proposal to move the Alcohol-Tobacco-Firearms (ATF) Canine Training Center from Front Royal-Warren County to the Redstone Arsenal site near Huntsville, Alabama was Deputy ATF Director Thomas Brandon.
Brandon’s assessment based on experience with the Front Royal-Warren County ATF training site since its inception here in 2012 and a study of the proposed new site was – well, this story’s headline says it all.
In addition to the $40-million price tag in federal tax revenue placed on the move to Alabama, an environmental assessment study commissioned by the ATF of the proposed new site found circumstances that will have a negative impact on ATF dogs training, rendering them essentially unable to perform crucial portions of their assigned tasks. Those tasks include helping solve and prevent weapons and explosives-based attacks, not only in the U.S., but with international allies of the United States.
“It is truly a world-renowned program, a program that has been very productive and successful throughout the years,” Goodlatte observed, adding, “The training facility in Front Royal provides the clean air and quiet location the dogs need in order to learn how to do their job, but there has been a proposal to move the facility to a place that could adversely impact the canines’ ability to detect explosives and keep the public safe.”
ATF-trained dogs’ roles in solving and preventing explosives and firearms-related attacks were cited during Deputy Director Brandon’s testimony. They included helping local authorities solve the Austin, Texas serial bombing case; work on the Santa Fe, Texas school shooting; and on the preventative end Brandon noted that ATF dogs are now an annual presence at the Boston Marathon and all Super Bowls.
Six-year-old Able looks somewhat distressed after ATF handler/Special Agent Randall Dockens told him what the hearing was about.
The primary negative training impact Brandon cited are consequences of two nearby explosive and weapons research facilities, the Redstone Arsenal now apparently a federal Superfund site, and the active Corkern Range.
As for Redstone, both Goodlatte and Brandon referenced the findings of a 2016 Senate Appropriations Committee-financed feasibility study ATF was directed to conduct.
“The study found that building a comparable canine training and kennel facility at Redstone would cost millions of taxpayer dollars, require intensive talent recruitment for the new facility, and result in the loss of key National Canine Division personnel due to the move. Altogether, the study concluded that the move would substantially disrupt continuity of operations and mission readiness,” Goodlatte read in prepared statement to open the hearing. Brandon elaborated that cost estimates for the move included about $37 million for the move and new construction, and another $3-million in recruitment and training expenses.
Hot on the heels of that report ATF commissioned an independent environmental evaluation of the proposed Alabama site by AECOM Technical Services. ATF Deputy Director Brandon explained that ATF wanted a finding that could not be accused of internal manipulation or influence by the agency.
“My agents love being out here; heck, I love being out here,” Brandon said at one point in his testimony, drawing appreciative laughter from Town and County officials present for the hearing.
Two-year-old Sara and handler Michael Hodnett join Able and Dockens in pouting about the proposed move to an Alabama site where the ambient explosives smell could negate ATF training methods enabling their K-9s to detect miniscule amounts of explosive and firearms residue materials.
Brandon elaborated that he was not only referencing the quiet, rural setting at the ATF facility on a portion of 150 acres sublet from the longer-standing local Customs-Border Patrol Canine Training Facility in Harmony Hollow, but also the positive working relationship with the Front Royal and Warren County business community that financial and training arrangements have been established with over the years.
Those relationships and mutual trust and benefit are not things that are established over night, but over years, Brandon testified.
The second study of the proposed move from Virginia to Alabama, the independent environmental assessment, focused on three categories: surface soil assessment; noise evaluation; and air dispersion modeling. And with both the past and present explosives development and research facilities presence in the Huntsville area, the conclusions weren’t positive about the impact on training ATF dogs to detect explosives.
“The canines will become unreliable … You can’t train a bomb-sniffing dog at a place where everything smells like a bomb,” Brandon and Goodlatte concurred of a short version of the study’s conclusion.
From left, Barbara Comstock, Robert Goodlatte and Judiciary Committee attorney mingle after the hearing’s adjournment.
Specifically, Brandon elaborated that the levels of explosive contaminants in the soil “present obstacles that are likely insurmountable to the initial imprinting of the canines to detect explosives and accelerants.” He explained the importance of “initial imprinting” as “absolutely essential” to ATF’s well-established and internationally-recognized training regimes.
Brandon said the concern was that young dogs beginning their training would associate the pervasive amount of explosive contaminants remaining in the environment with the “target odors” they are being trained to detect in order to save lives or solve crimes in order to prevent further loss of life.
“This isn’t a game, this is real life. We have situations where we are catching killers from the bombings in Austin to the case I just mentioned …It would set us back,” Brandon said of the proposed move.
The previously-mentioned case Brandon referenced was a 2017 case in New Jersey. He used it to illustrate ATF-trained dogs’ ability to detect exceptionally small traces of those “target odors” involved in firearms cases, often some time after they occur. Called by New Jersey State Police to a traffic stop, ATF dogs were able to find two well-concealed guns.
“Our dog got on the trunk of the car; and within that trunk were two firearms that would never have been detected because of such a low level (of target odors) … And those guns turned out to be murder weapons,” Brandon said. Those weapons were taken off the streets because of the initial target odor imprinting that ATF dogs receive at the Harmony Hollow training facility.
The noise issues comes from blasting at the active Corkern Range “that has a clear potential to affect dogs at the proposed kennel site, especially if the dogs are outside at the time of the blasting activity.” It was noted that ATF dogs are outdoors for approximately six of their eight-hour training shifts.
“So, why are we even talking about this?” was the post-meeting, parking lot assessment of one journalist and a spectator from one local business, AirServe, who observed the hearing.
Apparently because some politicians in Alabama would like the peripheral economic benefit such a facility would bring to their community – estimated at over $300,000 annually by the local Chamber of Commerce – not to mention the prestige of such a vital national security agency’s presence there.
Chairman Goodlatte, in whose Sixth Virginia Congressional District Front Royal, Warren County and the ATF Canine Training Facility in Harmony Hollow all lie, predicted charges of district protectionism in his effort to keep the facility here.
However, based on the ATF assessment of the impacts of the proposed move versus the success of their facility’s six-year training experience in Front Royal-Warren County, it would appear the district “nepotism” and attempt to hijack a federal agency that is perfectly comfortable where it is, lies a bit further southwest.
And we doubt Huntsville has the proud war dog-training heritage that Front Royal has dating back to World War II as is commemorated annually at the town’s Memorial Day ceremonies that include a salute to the dogs of war.
Cheer up, Sara, they’ll never move us after this info comes to light – Able tries to console a still-distressed ATF Canine Training Center pal.
Chamber News
Melodies on Main: Community Cheers as Money Pit Recording Studio Opens Doors
The Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Bob Wilson and the Money Pit Recording Studio to the community in an April 24, 2024, ribbon-cutting ceremony. This marked a significant milestone in the local music scene with the grand opening of the Money Pit Recording Studio. The event was a festive gathering of community members, music enthusiasts, and industry professionals to support Bob Wilson, the studio’s founder. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a celebration of new beginnings and a nod to the vibrant potential the studio brings to the area.
Bob, a seasoned musician and producer, shared his journey from playing bass and fiddle in various bands to setting up his recording studio. The studio, aptly named ‘Money Pit’ as a playful nod to the financial whirlwinds often associated with musical pursuits, promises to be a haven for local talent and musicians from various genres. Bob’s story is one of passion fueled by decades of experience in the music industry, leading him to establish his own space where creativity meets technology finally.
During the ceremony, attendees were treated to a tour of the facility. Bob detailed a nine-month labor of love focused on creating a comfortable, high-quality recording environment. The studio boasts a blend of analog and digital technologies, adhering to Bob’s vision of offering a distinctive and efficient recording experience.
Money Pit Recording Studio is set up to cater to diverse musical styles and artists. Bob expressed his openness to working with all genres, from country to hip-hop, ensuring that every artist’s vision could be realized in his studio. His approach is hands-on, preferring the tactile feel of knobs and sliders to create the perfect sound over navigating through software menus.
The studio’s name, while humorous, underscores Bob’s commitment to providing exceptional quality without the pressure of the ticking clock that often plagues recording sessions. This philosophy will likely resonate with artists seeking a space that values perfection in their craft.
As the community left the opening event, the excitement was palpable, with many expressing eagerness to see how the Money Pit Recording Studio would evolve into a cornerstone of local music production. Bob’s journey from musician to studio owner is a powerful reminder of the music industry’s enduring spirit of creativity and dedication.
Local News
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: American Toad
Please remember to check your lawn before you mow!
Patient 24-683 recovering at BRWC. @BRWC 2024
This beautiful American toad was hit by a lawnmower on Saturday and suffered injuries to the right wrist and right hind leg.
Patient 24-683 at intake.
Unfortunately, due to the level of trauma, the right hind leg required amputation at the level of the knee, which was performed once the patient was stabilized.
This patient is still eligible for release once recovered and will do just fine in the wild, even with one less leg to hop on!
This time of year we see species of all kinds come into care with injuries inflicted by mowers and weedwhackers. Luckily, injuries like this are preventable in many cases.
Patient 24-683 recovering at BRWC. @BRWC 2024
Some people will sweep their lawn with a broom to flush out any animals that may be hiding (also a great way to find and protect a bunny nest). You can also enlist a child, partner, or friend to keep you company while you mow by walking a few feet ahead and checking for wildlife as they go!
Or, if you are looking for an alternative to a turf grass lawn, consider replacing some or all of it with native plants! Traditional lawns provide little functional space for wildlife, use excessive water, and often introduce fertilizers and pesticides that damage our environment.
Reducing the need to mow and creating beautiful and healthy habitat for native wildlife is a win-win!
Native pollinator garden at BRWC. @BRWC 2022-2023
Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.
Local News
Warren County Virginia Sheriff’s Office Rallies Support for Deputy Whose Home Was Severely Damaged by a Fire
In an urgent Facebook post on Monday, April 22, Sheriff Crystal Cline alerted the community to the plight of a deputy whose home was severely damaged by a fire that day.
“This morning, we were reminded of the unpredictable challenges that life can throw at us,” she wrote. “One of my deputies faced a heartbreaking tragedy when a fire severely damaged his home, resulting in the loss of everything he held dear, including his beloved pet.
“This deputy has lived his life on the frontlines—he served in the Army, then as a volunteer and professional firefighter, and now as a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office serving our community.
“Your support, whether through prayer, donations, or financial contributions, will help provide the immediate needs of shelter, clothing, and other essentials during this critical time. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (200 Skyline Vista Drive, Front Royal, VA) will be a drop-off location for any physical items or financial donations—ask for Jenn.
I appreciate your kindness, generosity, and support. We are more than a community; we are a FAMILY!”
Out of respect for the deputy, his identity was not revealed. Even so, the sheriff’s Facebook page has been inundated by people who want to help. Many types of donations are welcome, as the sheriff emphasized, and for those specifically wanting to make online financial contributions, a link is provided on the WCSO’s page. Michael Glavis of the WCSO has organized that site for raising funds, the “Sheriff Deputy House Fire Relief Fund.” Glavis considers the deputy a dear friend and work colleague. “He has given blood and sweat for others, and now I’m asking for everyone to give a little to help him and his family through the process of recovery,” Glavis said.
Local News
Illuminating Futures: Celebrating Achievements and Exploring Quantum Computing at ‘This is IT!’ Event
The “This Is IT!” club of Warren County, Virginia, marked another milestone as a hub for budding IT enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The club, which started in 2023, has quickly become a cornerstone for students interested in the ever-evolving world of information technology.
At the ‘This is IT!’ club gathering at the Samuels Public Library on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, students and community members came together to celebrate and learn. The club includes 9th to 12th-grade students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds and is aimed to ignite curiosity and reward academic excellence in information technology and quantum computing.
The ceremony kicked off with an introduction by Melissa Chapman, an instructor involved with the club. She set the stage for a night that was not only about recognition but also about expanding young minds. “Understanding the vocabulary of quantum computing is the first step towards mastery,” Chapman remarked, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge in this cutting-edge field.
The focal point of the evening was the guest lecture by Dr. Bruce Chesley, an aerospace engineer who adeptly connected the seemingly distant realms of space exploration and quantum computing. With palpable enthusiasm, Dr. Chesley described how quantum technologies could revolutionize our approach to exploring the cosmos. His talk made the complex topics accessible and entertaining, captivating the aspiring scientists in attendance.
Amidst the talks, the club took a moment to honor its bright young members through a scholarship awards ceremony. Scholarships were awarded to students who have shown exceptional prowess in STEM fields. These awards are a testament to the community’s support for its young learners and a major encouragement for them to pursue further education in technology. The winners were Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, and Uli Duke.
From left to right: Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, Uli Duke
The “This Is IT!” club continues to grow, driven by passion and enthusiasm for technology and innovation. Each meeting and event cements its role as a vital resource for Warren County’s youth, inspiring them to explore and excel in the field of information technology. As the club prepares for another exciting year, it remains a shining example of how community and education can come together to build a brighter future.
Local News
The Apple Blossom Coronation Legacy Continues for the Historical Event
For the first time in the history of the Shenandoah Apple Bossom Festival® three consecutive generations in a family will have served as Queen Shenandoah. Susan Ford Bales, Queen in 1975, and Tyne Vance Berlanga, Queen in 2001, will be accompanying Joy Elizabeth Berlanga as she assumes her role as Queen Shenandoah XCVII.
The Crowning Ceremony entertains from regal pomp and circumstance to joyful enthusiasm of Little Maids and Pages who are ever present to serve their Queen. The youthful court interchange historical and educational facts from the British Crown to learning about a United States President – to asking, “Who has the Crown?,” and with dancing. The Queen will be crowned at the memorable Coronation celebration under the direction of Elaine B. Aikens. The Ceremony to install the new sovereign is sponsored by Morgan Orthodontics, on Friday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m.at Handley High School. President Gerald Ford crowned Susan. Susan crowned Tyne, and Joy will be crowned by her mother and escorted by her grandmother.
Susan, Joy’s grandmother, is a Virginia native and now resides in Texas. She is the daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. Susan is the mother of two daughters, Tyne Berlanga and Heather Deavers, five grandchildren, Joy Elizabeth Berlanga, Cruz Vance Berlanga, Elizabeth Blanch Deavers, Jude Deavers, and Sullivan Bales, and three stepsons, Kevin, Matthew, and Andrew Bales.
Susan was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Holton Arms School and the University of Kansas, where she studied photojournalism. She is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. She is the author of two novels set in the Whie House, “Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery”, and its sequel, “Sharp Focus.”
Susan is the Ship’s Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which she officially christened on November 9, 2013. On April 8, 2016, in recognition of her service as the Ship’s Sponsor, she was named an Honorary Naval Aviator by the United States Navy, becoming only the 31st American to receive this distinction. And history was made with her selection – Susan is the first woman to be chosen as an Honorary Naval Aviator.
During her high school years, Susan lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her mother’s surgery for breast cancer in 1974. In 1984, she and her mother helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Susan subsequently served as national spokesperson for breast cancer awareness. Since the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Susan worked side by side with her mother on projects at the Center and was elected to the Center’s Board of Directors in 1992. She succeeded her mother as Chairman of the Board 2005-2010, and currently serves on the board of directors of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
In addition to her many charitable public service activities, Susan serves as Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy, Trustee, Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, and the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Children’s National Medical Center.
Tyne, mother of Joy, Queen-designate, resides in Frisco, TX with her husband Hector and two children, Joy and Cruz. She serves as a marketing manager for Western Son. With a passion for community involvement, Tyne sits on multiple school booster club boards for all her children’s activities.
On Tyne’s departure as Queen she reflected, “It was easy to be kind, gracious and humble Queen when surrounded by the people of Winchester. My five-day reign as Queen Shenandoah was an occasion that will have a special place in my heart. I have formed friendships and made memories that will hopefully stay with me for a long time to come. On Sunday morning I was doing an exit interview with one of the reporters and he asked me, “If l had a daughter would I let her be Queen?” My answer was immediately “Yes, if she’s lucky enough to be given this opportunity.” Now, Tyne eagerly anticipates returning to Winchester where Joy is set to embark on a remarkable journey, echoing Tyne’s own experiences from 23 years prior. It’s truly heartwarming to be able to share this moment with both her mother and daughter.
The Queen and her family will ride in the Hang 10 Firefighters’ Parade Friday evening at 5:30 and the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Queen-designate Joy and her family will be making appearances at Festival events during the weekend.
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.
Community Events
Valley Chorale Announces Upcoming Spring Concerts in Middletown and Front Royal
The Valley Chorale presents “Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope”, a spring concert exploring aspirations of love, home, spirituality and compassion that unite and uplift us all. With styles ranging from light classical and sacred to vocal jazz, spirituals and pop, The Valley Chorale strives to capture the hopes that unite us.
The Valley Chorale is known throughout the Shenandoah Valley for innovation and excellence, with piano, cello and percussion accompaniment, and their concerts are often a heart-warming experience for all. They welcome babies and tots, so no need to hire a babysitter.
Tickets can be purchased on their website TheValleyChorale.org — $15 for age 21+ (free under age 21) or at the door for $17.
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
Belle Grove Plantation (Bank Barn), 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
First Baptist Church, 14 W. 1st Street, Front Royal, VA (Community Reception to follow)
For further information, visit the website: TheValleyChorale.org: follow them on Facebook; email them at TheValleyChorale@gmail.com or call at 540-635-4842.
Courtesy Royal Examiner File Photo of The Valley Chorale during the Christmas season. Get ready for their spring concerts ‘Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope’ the first week of May.
(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)
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