On Sunday, January 17, 2021, at approximately 7:15 PM, an alleged road rage incident involving two passenger vehicles was reported eastbound on John Marshall Highway in the area of Ashland Court. Witnesses described hearing a single gunshot, and when inspecting the trunk of their car, observed what appeared to be a bullet hole. The suspect vehicle was described as black 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer with dark tinted windows, last seen travelling eastbound onto Interstate 66. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident.

Anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to contact WCSO Deputy John Gregory at (540) 635-4128.

Vehicle shown in photo is similar to suspect vehicle. Photo courtesy of Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

As of midday Friday, January 15, County Emergency Management Deputy Director Rick Farrall released the latest COVID-19 novel Coronavirus pandemic statistics for Warren County, the Lord Fairfax Health District of which we are a part, as well as state and national numbers. In the two weeks since our last published report of December 30, Warren County reported 312 new cases (to 1,633 from 1,321) and saw its deaths rise by 3 to 36. Seventy-one county citizens had been hospitalized with the virus over the nearly a year it has been reported on our shore.

As Phase 3 of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic continues post-holiday season the county has seen its cases nearly double over the past six weeks to that 1633 mark from 859 reported on November 30; with 10 reported fatalities attributed to the virus over that six-week period. As previously noted, through the first nine-plus months of the year Warren County had counted 12 deaths attributed to the pandemic, with that number tripling in just over three months.

Above, file photo of County Deputy Emergency Services Director Rick Farrall updating county officials on COVID-19 numbers and measures being enacted locally and statewide to counter those numbers. Below, Va. Health Department chart indicating daily case numbers, with LFHD numbers below chart. One can see that as December rolls through January, Phase 3 cases are spiking from the feared post-holiday surge within a surge. Royal Examiner File Photos by Roger Bianchini

Our six-jurisdiction Lord Fairfax Health District (LFHD) saw its case count climb to 12,733 from 9,877 reported December 30. LFHD’s cases have more than doubled over the six weeks since 859 cases were recorded on November 30.

Nationally, COVID-19 numbers continue to climb at an alarming rate with cases increasing by over 3.7 million since mid-December, to 22,965,957, with fatalities climbing to 383,351 from the 334,029 reported on December 30, an increase of nearly 50,000 deaths at 49,322. Over 63,000 U.S. deaths were reported in December, the most of any month since the pandemic arrived here early last year.

A check of the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website Monday afternoon, January 18, showed the U.S. death count climbing over 400,000 to 401,256, with an additional 1,151,802 cases (to 24,117,759).

With Monday’s global numbers reported by the CDC at 95.18 million cases and over 2.03 million dead, the U.S. continues to stand between 20% and 25% at about 24% of the world’s cases and 20% of its fatalities, as noted previously with 4% of the world’s population.

Below are the full county, health district, state and national numbers for the January 15 report, with December 30 and the final day of November for comparison; and below that updated mid-January local and state guideline information and LINKS:

Above, chart of cases in U.S., part of Canada and Central America; below, the little bug at the root of the pandemic. And now it’s decided to mutate as such viruses are prone to do.

3. COVID-19 Information (January 15, 2021):
   1. Lord Fairfax Health District:  As of today (per the VDH website), there are 12,733 confirmed COVID-19 cases (Clarke 491, Frederick 4,661, Page 1,289, Shenandoah 2,756, Warren 1,633 (71 are/were hospitalized, 36 deaths attributed to the County; deaths 2.20% total cases), Winchester 1,903); the current status of these patients is unknown (admitted to hospital, discharged to home isolation/quarantine, departed the District/County).
   2. Commonwealth:  4,730,680 total people tested (PCR only); 422,634 total cases [15.2% positive rate (PCR only)]; 19,741 total hospitalized; 5,656 total deaths (1.34%total cases).
   3. United States:  As of January 14, 2021 at 12:16 PM, there are 22,965,957 total cases and 383,351 total deaths (1.67%total cases) attributed to COVID-19.

2. COVID-19 Information (December 30, 2020, at 11:54 a.m.):
   1. Lord Fairfax Health District:  As of today (per the VDH website), there are 9,877 confirmed COVID-19 cases (Clarke 385, Frederick 3,703, Page 1,015, Shenandoah 2,186, Warren 1,321 (69 are/were hospitalized, 33 deaths attributed to the County; deaths 2.50% total cases), Winchester 1,637); the current status of these patients is unknown (admitted to hospital, discharged to home isolation/quarantine, departed the District/County).
   2. Commonwealth:  4,220,943 total people tested (PCR only); 344,345 total cases [12.7% positive rate (PCR only)]; 17,910 total hospitalized; 4,984 total deaths (1.45%total cases).
   3. United States:  As of December 29, 2020 at 2:25 PM, there are 19,232,843 total cases and 334,029 total deaths (1.74%total cases) attributed to COVID-19.

COVID-19 update as of November 30, 2020: 

5. Lord Fairfax Health District:  As of today (per the VDH website), there are 6,357 confirmed COVID-19 cases (Clarke 208, Frederick 2,228, Page 593, Shenandoah 1,403, Warren 859 (61 are/were hospitalized, 26 deaths attributed to the County; deaths 3.03% total cases), Winchester 1,066); the current status of these patients is unknown (admitted to hospital, discharged to home isolation/quarantine, departed the District/County).
6. Commonwealth:  3,326,327 total people tested (PCR only); 237,835 total cases [7.5% positive rate (PCR only)]; 14,619 total hospitalized; 4,062 total deaths (1.71%total cases).
7. United States:  As of November 29, 2020 at 1:32 PM, there are 13,142,997 total cases and 265,166 total deaths (2.02%total cases) attributed to COVID-19.

4. Current (Jan. 15, 2021) CDC Guidance Regarding When to Quarantine/Options to Reduce Quarantine
   1. New CDC guidance as of December 2, 2020.
   2. Recommend everyone familiarize themselves with the updated guidance.  See attached and website link below for details.
   3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html

2. Congregate Living Conference Call:
   1. There are currently one (1)COVID-19 outbreak at County congregate living facilities.
   2. Expect the NEXT Congregate Living (Long Term care facilities, RSW Jail, and WCPS) teleconference call to be Tuesday (15:00-15:30), January 26, 2021; invites and “Zoom” call-in instructions are posted, agenda to follow on the invitation.

3. Key Leader Conference Call:
   1. Expect the NEXT County/Town Key Leader teleconference call to be Thursday morning (10:30-12:00), January 28, 2021; invites and “Zoom” call-in instructions are posted, agenda to follow on the invitation.

4. Current Executive Orders and Local Directives (not all inclusive):
   1. EO-74: Number Seventy-Four (2020) Protecting Businesses From Increasing Cost of Unemployment Insurance; effective December 22, 2020.
      1. https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/executive-actions/EO-74-Protecting-Businesses-From-Increasing-Cost-of-Unemployment-Insurance.pdf
   2. EO-72: Number Seventy Two (2020) and Order of Public Health Emergency Nine Common Sense Surge Restrictions Certain Temporary Restrictions due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19); effective Monday, December 14, 2020 until January 31, 2021.
      1. https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/executive-actions/EO-72-and-Order-of-Public-Health-Emergency-Nine-Common-Sense-Surge-Restrictions-Certain-Temporary-Restrictions-Due-to-Novel-Coronavirus-(COVID-19).pdf
   3. EO-67 (Phase Three):  Sixth Amended Number Sixty-Seven (2020) and Order of Public Health Emergency Seven Phase Further Adjusting of Certain Temporary Restrictions Due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19); effective November 16, 2020
      1. https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/executive-actions/EO-67-FIFTH-AMENDED-and-Order-of-Public-Health-Emergency-Seven—Phase-Three-Further-Adjusting-of-Certain-Temporary-Restrictions-Due-to-Novel-Coronavirus-(COVID-19).pdf
      2. Changes include new guidance for public and private gatherings, etc.
   4. Designation of Critical and Essential Employees during an Emergency Memorandum, effective May 7, 2020 until further notice

5. CDC Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes:
   1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html?deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM26911

Front Royal Clerk of Town Council and Executive Assistant to the Town Manager Tina Pressley has informed us that her initial citing of Scott Lloyd as making the nomination of Lori Athey Cockrell as vice mayor on January 11 was incorrect. Rather, it was Councilman Gary Gillespie who made the nomination, which was as initially reported, seconded by Jacob Meza.

This reporter had inquired of the nomination, having found it additionally difficult to identify motion makers and seconds when viewing meetings by virtual, remote broadcast. Pressley noted it wasn’t much easier in the council meeting room.

Perhaps a suggestion to all our municipal officials that in the future the makers of motions and seconds identify themselves and/or be identified by name by the mayor prior to calling for votes on those motions.

Vice mayor appointment raises more partisan issues; mayor accuses EDA of ‘intentional’ delay of Afton Inn sale during January 11 meeting

On January 16, 2021, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution sponsored a commemoration of the Battle of Cowpens at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Winchester. This was a hybrid event conducted both on-site and virtually.

On-site wreath presentation from left to right: Jim Simmons, Eric Robinson, Chip Daniel, Jeff Thomas and Dave Cook. Photos courtesy of Anita Bonner.

The Battle of Cowpens became the turning point in the southern campaign during the Revolutionary War. Up to the fall of 1780, the British under General Charles Cornwallis had been running over the colonial militias with relative ease in the southern campaign. In October, General Nathanael Greene was given command of the Southern Department of the Continental forces. He had determined that he was not ready to meet Cornwallis head on at this time and made the decision to divide his Army. He gave General Daniel Morgan command of a wing that was sent west to raise morale and find supplies for the Army. Soon after, the British felt this Army was a threat to their flank and General Cornwallis ordered cavalry Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton to the west to find and destroy Morgan’s fighting force. Morgan went north to avoid being trapped between Tarleton and Cornwallis. When he reached the Broad River and found it was at flood level, he decided to stand and fight. Tarleton had pushed his troops hard to catch his foe. Morgan was aware of Tarleton’s mode of attack, knowing he would be aggressive with a headlong assault and developed tactics that are still taught at West Point today. His plan was to conduct a double envelopment of Tarleton’s forces. His Army included 600 Continental and State Soldiers and roughly 1300 militiamen aligned against a force of 1,150 British. He knew many of his militiamen were not experienced fighters.

The night of January 16th, he went among his men and spoke with them on a personal level, encouraging them to do their best. The battle order was “No burning, no flying: but face about and give battle to the enemy & acquit ourselves like men in defense of their baggage, their lives and the interest of the Country”. He deployed his Army in three main lines. The first was comprised of 150 sharpshooters and the second of militia men. He asked that they fire 2 rounds and then retreat to the left side of the formation. Tarleton roused his men at 2:00 a.m. on January 17th for a 12 mile march in difficult marching conditions. The British Army was exhausted after running out of food and having only four hours of sleep when asked to attack in damp, cold weather. When Tarleton saw the colonials retreating, he felt the field was his and encouraged his troops to charge ahead. Seeing the retreating Americans, the British charged aggressively into the third line of continentals and experienced militia who held their ground. Morgan’s Army went on the offensive. The Continentals in the center, mounted a bayonet charge. Tarleton’s force, faced with a terrible surprise, began to collapse; some men surrendering on the spot, while others turned and ran. The American cavalry came around from behind the American left to hit the British on their right flank and rear. The militia, having now reorganized, charged out from behind the hill to the British left flank.

Morgan’s Army took 712 prisoners and effected 110 casualties. Tarleton’s elite fighting unit was wiped out as a fighting force. Of note, fighting in the battle were several units from Virginia, including a company of Continentals, a detachment of Virginia State Troops and four militia companies. After the battle, Morgan sent the Virginia Militia home but used them as guards escorting the prisoners who were marched to Winchester prison camps. This victory is known as the turning point of the war in the South, which lead to the American victory at Yorktown in October of 1781.

The musket squad from left to right: Brett Osborn, Paul Christensen, Ken Bonner, Sean Carrigan, Pat Kelly, Dave Cook and Eric Robinson.

The commemoration ceremony was conducted at Mt. Hebron, with Chip Daniel conducting the on-site ceremony. This included a combined Color Guard from three SAR Chapters. Included were Virginia SAR 1st Vice President Jeff Thomas, Colonel James Wood II compatriots David Carpenter, Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Brett Osborn, Eric Robinson and Jim Simmons. Participating from the Fairfax Resolves Chapter were Ken Bonner and Dave Cook with Pat Kelly from the Thomas Jefferson Chapter. Marc Robinson of the Colonel James Wood II Chapter conducted the on line event which was attended by Virginia SAR President Bill Schwetke and representatives from Virginia, Ohio, Texas and West Virginia Societies with 14 SAR Chapters and three DAR Chapters.

Group photo from left to right: Brett Osborn, Eric Robinson, Jim Simmons, Chip Daniel, Dave Cook, Sean Carrigan, Ken Bonner, Jeff Thomas, Paul Christensen and Patt Kelly.

Is your new year’s resolution to buy a new home? If so, here’s how to make good on this promise.

Establish a budget and start saving
Determine how much money you require to buy a home. Research house prices in the area where you want to live and educate yourself about mortgages and what’s required to apply for one. Your bank or a reputable mortgage lender can assist you.

Once you’ve calculated how much money you need, establish a budget that allows you to reach this goal. To make ends meet, you may need to trim unnecessary spending. However, you can grow your finances further by keeping your money in a high-yield savings account or investing it wisely.

Boost your credit score and get pre-approved
A good credit score is a key to buying a home. It gives you more mortgage options and will lower your monthly interest rate. Here are a few ways to improve your score:

• Pay all your bills on time and don’t surpass your credit limit.

• Don’t transfer the balance of an older credit account to a new one; the longer an account is open and in use, the better your score.

• Use different types of credit (such as a credit card, car loan, and line of credit), since using only one type can result in a lower score.

Once your credit score is in good shape, you can get pre-approved for a mortgage through your bank. This will equip you with a letter indicating how much you can borrow. Mortgage pre-approval is a great asset when house shopping, as it shows sellers that you’re a qualified buyer.

Once your financial affairs are in order, you’re ready to become a homeowner. To find a house that meets your needs, make sure to hire a realtor.

January 18 to 26 is International Snowmobile Safety Week, an occasion during which snowmobilers are reminded about the importance of responsible riding. Here are seven tips for staying safe on the trails this winter.

1. Gear up. Always wear a helmet and dress for the weather.

2. Be prepared. Bring along a safety kit that includes flares, basic tools, and first-aid items.

3. Check your ride. Before heading out, make sure your snowmobile is tuned up and has enough gas and oil.

4. Remain on the trail. Most accidents occur when riders stray from marked trails and run into hazards.

5. Ride with a buddy. Don’t head out on your own, and tell another person where you plan to go before you leave.

6. Avoid frozen lakes and rivers. Only ride on ice if it’s at least 10 inches thick.

7. Never drive impaired. Operating a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both dangerous and illegal.

Lastly, consider taking a snowmobile safety course, especially if you’re a beginner. This will help you stay safe on your snowmobile and learn the local rules and regulations.