These owlets won’t be ‘leaving the nest’ anytime soon.

Patients 24-393/452 being raised together at BRWC. @BRWC 2024

This nestling great horned owlet was found on the ground back in early April.

The finders called for advice on how to assist the baby, and they were walked through the renesting process. They were directed to monitor the baby, including checking for fresh feces, noting attitude, and looking for parental activity.

Although alert at first, the finders noticed on their most recent check that baby was wet and looking sad. They were advised to bring the baby in for a checkup, and we are glad they did!

Patient 24-393 at intake. @BRWC 2024

Upon admission, it was clear the baby was not being cared for by parents. They were extremely thin, dehydrated, and lethargic.

After providing nutritional and fluid support, as well as heat, this little owlet perked up and began clacking, fluffing, and swaying—all appropriate defensive behaviors for this species!

Although babies being raised by their parents is always Plan A, we are glad to be available as a Plan B when reunitings do not work.

Great horned owlets being fed by puppet to avoid imprinting. @BRWC 2022

Since nestlings are highly susceptible to imprinting, we take extra precautions by wearing camouflaged suits and feeding with a species-appropriate puppet. Though these babies do not believe that the puppet is their parent, it distracts them from the hidden human.

It is also crucial for development and future survival in the wild that babies grow up with conspecifics (members of the same species).

If a baby is unable to identify themselves as a member of their own species, they will not be able to thrive and survive in the wild. Being raised with conspecifics helps to solidify this understanding of identity.

Patients 24-393/452 being raised together at BRWC. @BRWC 2024

Luckily, our friends at the Wildlife Center of Virginia and Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center each had a single owlet and were able to transfer them to us.

Did you know that most great horned owlets stay with their parents into early fall?

While most of our young birds are with us for just over a month or so, raptors (especially great horned owls) take MUCH longer to develop, mature, and become competent enough to be released back into the wild.

This is because great horned owl parents don’t necessarily teach their babies how to hunt—they simply feed them until their hunting skills become proficient enough to sustain them.

Patients 24-393/452/581 being raised together at BRWC. @BRWC 2024

In rehabilitation, we can simulate this by “hacking,” or soft-releasing our owls, where they are released out of a familiar enclosure where we continue providing food.

If they need it, they can return for sustenance while they practice out in the real world on their own. It takes time to practice the skills necessary to not only catch a live animal, but manipulate it well enough to be able to kill it too.

There are plenty of nestling and fledgling owls out this time of year. If you have any concerns about one that you see, please contact the Center before intervening so that we can help assess that animal!

In an exciting development for the Samuels Public Library community, patrons can now access ProQuest’s Fold3 and Newspapers.com databases. This enhancement, made possible by a generous $500,000 Mellon Grant awarded in March, significantly broadens the library’s digital offerings. As of June 1st, these resources are free to all library members.

New Digital Resources

Fold3 – Library Edition

Fold3 Library Edition is now accessible from any internet-connected device, offering a treasure trove of U.S. military records. This database includes stories, photos, and personal documents of American servicemen and women, providing a rich resource for history buffs, genealogists, and military researchers.

Newspapers.com – World Collection

The Newspapers.com – World Collection features full-page images with searchable text from millions of newspaper pages dating from the late 1600s to today. Users can explore extensive archives, including local, regional, and state newspapers from the United States and beyond. This vast collection is invaluable for those conducting historical research or tracing family histories.

How to Access

Patrons can easily access these databases through the library’s website, samuelslibrary.net. Users can dive into these extensive resources to uncover historical insights and personal stories at home or on the go.

About Samuels Public Library

Founded in 1799 and renamed Samuels Public Library in 1952, it is the second library in Virginia to receive a charter. The library has been a cornerstone for Front Royal and Warren County citizens for over two centuries. By December 2023, it had welcomed 1,079 new cardholders and hosted 264 in-person and virtual programs with 12,015 attendees. The library saw over 63,000 visitors throughout the fiscal year, with 200,234 checkouts recorded.

Samuels Public Library continues to evolve, enhancing its services to meet the needs of its patrons. The addition of Fold3 and Newspapers.com underscores its commitment to providing valuable resources for education and research.

For more information, visit www.samuelslibrary.net.

With only one party primary to select an opponent for Virginia U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, it appeared to be a light voting day progressing in Warren County on Primary day, Tuesday, June 18. When we arrived at the Warren County Government Center at about 1:10 p.m., there were no voters present, as indicated in the accompanying photos. Electoral staff on duty informed us that we had missed 17 voters counted through the seven-plus hours the Town Fork District election site had been open since 6 a.m.

At the Voter Registrar’s Office at the 15th Street Health & Human Services complex it wasn’t much busier with one prospective voter inquiring whether it was too late to early vote at that central location — it was, with early voting having ended Saturday, the 15th. We were also informed that in 45 calendar days set aside for early voting, which transposed into 32 actual facility open, voting days, 143 early votes had been cast.

Final numbers tallied shortly after the polls 7 p.m. closing didn’t indicate a late rush of interest here in who will challenge Virginia’s U.S. Senator Tim Kaine come November. Total ballots cast were cited at 1,346 of 31,318 registered voters in Warren County or 4.3%

Those Republican Primary unofficial totals were posted by 8 p.m., with the tally of voting minus “provisional ballots” cast that will not become officially counted or uncounted until the County Electoral Board’s canvass of the result is certified, likely by Friday. Provisional Ballots are are given to voters whose voter registration or qualifications to vote are in question, as a means to let their situation be reviewed by election officials, as opposed to an outright rejection to vote.

This is the Warren County Republican Primary count to challenge Tim Kaine in November as it stood at 8 p.m. Tuesday evening:

Hung Cao
Warren County – 69.17% – Votes 929
Statewide – 63.27% – Votes 124,492

Edward C. “Eddie” Garcia Jr.
Warren County – 7.52% – Votes 101
Statewide – 9.53% –  Votes 19,259

Jonathan W. Emord
Warren County – 8.56% – Votes 115
Statewide – 7.93% – Votes 16,043

C.L. “Chuck” Smith Jr.
Warren County – 7.59% – Votes 102
Statewide – 7.83% – Votes 16,569

Scott Thomas Parkinson
Warren County – 7.15% – Votes 96
Statewide – 9.58% – Votes 20,401

However, one would be wise not to consider this light primary turnout locally as an indicator of voter interest in the November 2024 national election. Voter interest in, if not total comfort with either side’s expected Executive Branch nominee echoing the 2020 Biden-Trump presidential race as a first 2024 debate looms, could see an overwhelming voter turnout from both sides of the political aisle as Executive and Congressional leadership for the nation is on the line.

Stay tuned, sports fans, things on the political “ballfield” locally and nationally are about to get very interesting. But that’s nothing new here, is it?

Are you struggling to keep your home cool during the summer? The Senior Cool Care Program may be able to assist. Sponsored by Dominion Energy and administered by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), this program provides single-room air conditioners or fans to income-eligible seniors who need help cooling their homes.

You may qualify if:

• You live in Seniors First’s coverage area of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, Warren, or Winchester
• Your income is at or below 150% of the poverty level
• You are age 60 or older

The program runs from May 1 through October 31, 2024. Remember that fans and air conditioners are issued on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts.

For more information, contact Seniors First’s Information and Referral Specialist at 540-635-7141 or email info@seniorsfirst.info. Stay safe and cool this summer!

Today, we rely heavily on smartphones, computers, and the internet to communicate. However, our connectivity can be disrupted when disasters strike and damage these systems. For over a century, Amateur Radio, also known as ham radio, has provided a vital service by enabling communication without needing cell phones or the internet.

Amateur Radio allows enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds to explore electronics and communication techniques. More importantly, it serves as a crucial public service during emergencies. In Warren County, a group of ham radio enthusiasts, Warren County EmComm, is dedicated to this cause. They volunteer their time to ensure they are ready to assist Warren County and Front Royal if a disaster occurs.

Greg Butler, the group’s spokesperson, highlights the vulnerabilities of modern communication systems. “The complexity of today’s communications systems provides many points for potential failure. Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and winter storms can all wreak havoc on public utility systems. Police, fire, and rescue services are not immune from catastrophic events. If an interruption of cellular telephone or Internet systems occurs, many people are left with no way to communicate,” he explains.

“Butler emphasizes the resilience of ham radio operators in such situations. “Ham radio operators can throw a wire into a tree for an antenna, connect a transmitter powered by a generator, battery, or solar panels, and communicate locally, regionally, and beyond. We can also use our radios to send email out of a disaster-stricken area with no Internet service. This is a huge asset to any community during disasters if the standard communication infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.”

This capability will be fully displayed during the national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise on June 22-23. Members of Warren County EmComm will demonstrate their skills by setting up temporary radio stations and operating without commercial power.

The public is invited to attend this free event and witness firsthand the group’s communication abilities. Starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Fantasyland Playground on Commerce Avenue in Front Royal, attendees can see and hear Warren County EmComm contact other ham radio operators nationwide. Look for the big green military truck to find their setup!

Join the Community

Field Day is not just a demonstration; it’s an opportunity for the community to engage with ham radio operators and learn about the importance of amateur radio in emergency situations. Visitors can ask questions, see the equipment in action, and even try operating a ham radio.

Warren County EmComm’s commitment to community service and disaster preparedness makes them invaluable to the region. Their participation in the Field Day exercise underscores the critical role of amateur radio in maintaining communication when conventional systems fail.

Supporting Ham Radio

Amateur Radio Field Day celebrates the ham radio community’s dedication and service. Field Day is a chance to see these skills in action and understand their importance, whether you’re interested in technology, emergency preparedness, or simply curious about ham radio.

Stay Connected

By supporting amateur radio, you help ensure that our community remains connected, even in the face of disasters.

The public is invited to this free event to see and hear Warren County EmComm as they contact other ham radio operators around the country, beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Fantasyland Playground on Commerce Avenue in Front Royal. Look for the big green military truck!

Monday afternoon, shortly before 4 p.m., with the local temperature in Front Royal and Warren County hovering at 92 degrees Fahrenheit – with a “Feels like 98” on my phone weather app – and more of the same forecast for the next six days, Warren County Fire & Rescue/Emergency Services issued a detailed Press Release warning about potential physical consequences for people and pets. The release from the desk of Assistant Fire Chief Gerry Maiatico outlined recommended safeguards and some available local facilities where people without access to air conditioning can seek temporary relief in air-conditioned public spaces.

High-risk groups for physical consequences of extended periods of high temperatures were identified as the elderly and very young, as well as pets, particularly those kept outside for extended periods of time in such weather. My above-referenced weather app projected high temperatures beginning today, Monday, June 17, 92; Tuesday, 92; Wednesday, 90; Thursday, 93; Friday, 95; Saturday, 96; and Sunday, 95, with increasing humidity and little rain forecast.

Below is the local Emergency Services release in its entirety:

The County of Warren and Office of Emergency Management continue to monitor the National Weather Service forecast of a prolonged period of hot temperatures expected this week, with increasing humidity throughout the week. The combination of heat and humidity could result in heat indices above 100 degrees Tuesday through Sunday afternoon, mainly across the lower elevations.

These high temperatures, with high humidity, could be dangerous for those spending too much time outdoors. At-risk populations include the elderly and the very young. Also, do not forget about your pets; they should have plenty of water and shade.

Cooling Center relief:

Due to the extreme heat, residents can visit the following temporary cooling center locations:

Samuels Public Library 330 East Criser Road, Front Royal VA 22630 (Hours Vary);

Warren County Community Center 538 Villa Avenue, Front Royal, VA 22630 (Hours Vary);

Warren County Public Safety Building Community Room (lobby area) 200 Skyline Vista Drive Front Royal, VA 22630 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.);

Warren County Senior Center (Adults over 60)  1217 Commonwealth Avenue, Front Royal, VA 22630 (9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Call Ahead);

Warren County Splash 200 East 8th Street, Front Royal, VA (Hours Vary – Weather Permitting).

Cooling Centers are a place where individuals can go for a temporary escape from the extreme temperatures, they are not shelters where there are cots and food available, but simply a place to rest in an air-conditioned room with access to water to help prevent heat related injuries or illness.

There is hot, and then there is hot! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. By following these simple safety tips, you can better protect yourself, your family, and your pets from the effects of high heat:

Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.

If air conditioning is unavailable, go to a cooling center.

Take cool showers or baths.

Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.

If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible.

Check on family members, older adults, and neighbors.

Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Consider pet safety. If they are outside, ensure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.

If you have an emergency, please dial 911.

Be aware of heat-related symptoms, which can lead to death.

(From a release by WC Fire & Rescue)