Course 1 Trauma-Informed Training
The Warren Coalition, in partnership with Northwestern Prevention Collaborative, will offer area residents two opportunities to take a free, virtual Course 1 Trauma-Informed Training in February. This course is designed to provide information about identifying and responding to trauma with evidence-based resilience strategies. The concepts imparted are useful for teachers, managers, and anyone working in a customer-service or client-based industry. This six-hour, online course is broken into three sessions, all of which are required to receive the Trauma-Informed Certification. One set of classes will be offered Tuesday mornings, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, on February 9, 16, and 23. The second set will be offered Thursday evenings, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, on February 11, 18, and 25. Pre-registration is required; to do so, email Christa Shifflett at christa@warrencoalition.org.
Warren Coalition is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness to 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. Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.
Livestream - FR Cardinals
Front Royal Cardinals and Strasburg Express Gear Up for Epic Game
Prepare for an exciting baseball evening as the Front Royal Cardinals face off against the Strasburg Express on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Fans can expect an intense showdown packed with skillful plays and strategic maneuvers.
The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m., with the action starting early via a live stream provided by the Royal Examiner beginning at 6:45 p.m. This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to stay connected and experience the game live from anywhere.
The Cardinals, known for their sharp batting and swift fielding, are determined to secure a win on their home turf. The Strasburg Express, equally formidable, brings a mix of seasoned players and promising rookies who are sure to put up a strong fight.
This matchup promises not just thrilling gameplay but also an atmosphere buzzing with excitement. Fans at the ballpark can expect lively crowd participation, delicious concessions, and a community spirit embodying local baseball’s heart.
In recent games, the Cardinals have shown remarkable resilience and team coordination, while the Express have impressed with their powerful pitching and strategic base running. This game is more than just a contest; it’s a celebration of sportsmanship and the love of baseball.
Don’t miss out on the thrill and excitement. Tune in and support the Cardinals!
Obituaries
Pauline Jane Wharton (1940 – 2024)
Pauline Jane Wharton, 84, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away at Lavender Hills Assisted Living on Friday, June 21, 2024.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 11 AM at Prospect Hill Cemetery, with Sammy Campbell officiating.
Mrs. Wharton was born on March 29, 1940, in Browntown, Virginia, to the late Guy and Freida Smelser Compton. Three sisters, Mary Simons, Aileen Hamrick, and Dorothy Rudacille, also preceded her in death. She was a member of Rivermont Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Howard Wharton of Front Royal; son, Eugene Wharton (Sandy) of Stephens City, Virginia; twin brother, Paul Compton (Connie) of Front Royal; two brothers, Carl Compton of Front Royal and Lawrence Compton (Donna) of Smithfield, Tennessee and grandson, Reese Taylor of Stephens City.
In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601.
The family would like to thank Lavender Hills Assisted Living for loving and respectful care of Mrs. Wharton over the last 20 months.
Obituaries
Robert Joseph “Bob” Drinkwater (1934 – 2024)
Robert Joseph “Bob” Drinkwater, 89, of Front Royal, VA, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Robert Joseph “Bob” Drinkwater
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Front Royal, conducted by Rev. Tom Shepanzyk. A private burial will follow the service.
Born on August 31, 1934, in Warrenton, VA, Bob was preceded in death by his parents Edwin A. Drinkwater, Sr., and Veronica Quinn Drinkwater, and his brother Edwin A. “Peter” Drinkwater, Jr.
Bob embarked on a successful career after serving his country in the United States Marine Corps and Air Force Reserves. He managed air freight operations at the National Airport in Washington D.C. before returning to Front Royal to establish Roadrunner Maintenance Company, which he owned and operated for 45 years. A longtime pillar of the Front Royal community, Bob was a 55-year member of the Front Royal Elks Lodge.
Bob is survived by his wife, Julie Marguerite Drinkwater; his daughters are Teresa Drinkwater Embrey (Doug) and Ann Drinkwater, both of Front Royal.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Front Royal.
Local News
FBI Richmond Identifies Suspect in 1996 Shenandoah National Park Double Murder
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Richmond Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia announce a suspect has been identified in the murders of two women in the Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, in May 1996.
Laura “Lollie” Winans and Julianne “Julie” Williams were murdered at their campsite near the Skyland Resort on May 24, 1996. Family members called the National Park Service after the woman did not return home as planned. Their bodies were found on June 1, 1996, after an extensive search by rangers with the National Park Service.
In 2021, a new FBI Richmond investigative team was assigned to conduct a methodic review of the case. FBI special agents, intelligence analysts, and other FBI Richmond employees reassessed hundreds of leads and interviews. They spent countless hours identifying and prioritizing evidence from the crime scene to retest and submit the items to an accredited private lab.
Recently, the private lab successfully pulled DNA from several items of evidence and, with assistance from the Virginia State Police, the profile was submitted to the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). There was a positive match to Walter Leo Jackson Senior (born November 2, 1947). Jackson was a convicted serial rapist, originally from the Cleveland, Ohio area.
“Even though we had this DNA match, we took additional steps and compared evidence from Lollie and Julie’s murders directly to a buccal swab containing Jackson’s DNA. Those results confirmed we had the right man and finally could tell the victim’s families we know who is responsible for this heinous crime,” said Stanley M. Meador, the FBI Richmond special agent in charge.
“After 28 years, we are now able to say who committed the brutal murders of Lollie Winans and Julie Williams in Shenandoah National Park,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “I want again to extend my condolences to the Winans and Williams families and hope today’s announcement provides some small solace.”
Jackson, who went by the name “Leo,” died in prison in March 2018 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Jackson had a lengthy criminal history, including kidnapping, rape, and assaults. Our investigative team continued taking steps to learn more about Jackson’s activities through the years, which includes full coordination with our partners at the Cleveland Police Department and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Jackson, a residential painter by trade, was an avid hiker known to visit Shenandoah National Park. At the time of Lollie and Julie’s murders, we believe he was driving a 1984 Chestnut Brown AMC Eagle 30. Jackson later drove a 1979 model Ford Econoline 250 van. Jackson used temporary tags, altered license plates, and frequently changed vehicles.
The FBI will continue to work with law enforcement partners to determine if Jackson is responsible for other unsolved crimes. Anyone with information on Jackson should call 1-800-CALL FBI or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov.
Town Talk
Rotary Club of Warren County: Serving the Community with Dedication and Heart
The Rotary Club of Warren County has been a beacon of service and community spirit, tirelessly working to improve the lives of residents and inspire the next generation. In the Royal Examiner studio, Mike McCool recently sat down with Rotary Club members Michael Williams, president, and Glenn Wood, service chair, to discuss the club’s recent achievements and future plans.
A Year of Service
The past year has been incredibly busy for the Rotary Club of Warren County, with members contributing over a thousand service hours. Their efforts have spanned many activities, including cleaning up local trails like the Greenway walking trail and Kendrick Lane, sponsoring youth clubs, and supporting educational initiatives.
“We sponsor two early act clubs at Ressie Jeffries Elementary and E. Wilson Morrison Elementary,” Williams shared. “These clubs involve children from kindergarten through fifth grade in community service projects, teaching them the value of giving back from a young age.”
Youth Engagement and Education
One standout project involved creating a community garden at E. Wilson Morrison Elementary. With the help of a Title I grant, the club established six greenhouse pods where students planted vegetables and flowers. “The children did all the work,” Williams proudly noted. “They’ve grown carrots, onions, cabbage, and even gladiolas.”
In addition to the garden, the Rotary Club’s early act students also participated in a “Change Wars” fundraiser, collecting over $1,200 for Able Forces, an organization supporting local veterans’ families. “These are 400 kids at a Title I school where 90% of them live at or below the poverty level, but they saw a need and wanted to help,” Williams said.
International Impact
The club’s commitment to service extends beyond the local community. Since its inception, the Rotary Club of Warren County has sponsored Project Uerê, a school in a Brazilian favela. This ongoing support includes providing musical instruments, which led to the creation of an orchestra. “These are some of the poorest kids in Brazil, and they’re now part of an orchestra,” Williams explained. “It’s truly heartwarming.”
Collaborative Efforts
Collaboration is a cornerstone of the Rotary Club’s philosophy. The club recently partnered with the Town of Front Royal, ACES, the Tree Stewards, and the Beautification Committee to revamp the landscaping at the corner of John Marshall and Commerce Avenue. This project, funded by a district grant, has transformed the area into a welcoming entrance to the town.
Wood highlighted the importance of such collaborations, stating, “Rotary is not just about writing checks. It’s about getting your hands dirty and working together to meet the needs of our community.”
Future Projects
Looking ahead, the Rotary Club of Warren County has several exciting projects on the horizon. They plan to renovate the Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary School playground, adding new adaptive equipment for children with disabilities. “Playground equipment is expensive, but it’s crucial for children’s development,” Williams emphasized.
The club also supports local and international initiatives, from providing scholarships to raising awareness about polio eradication. Their annual Boots and Bourbon fundraiser, set for September, promises to be a major event, with proceeds supporting these and other projects.
Community Involvement
The Rotary Club’s impact is felt across the community, from local beautification efforts to supporting educational programs and providing international aid. Their dedication to service and collaboration is a testament to the power of community spirit.
As Williams and Wood concluded their interview, they encouraged residents to get involved and support the Rotary Club’s initiatives. Williams said. “It’s all about working together to improve our community.”
The Rotary Club of Warren County’s tireless efforts and commitment to service are a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together for the common good. Their work improves the lives of those in their community and inspires future generations to continue the legacy of service and compassion.
Livestream - FR Cardinals
Front Royal Cardinals Set for “Catholic Night” Showdown with New Market Rebels
The highly anticipated matchup between the Front Royal Cardinals and the New Market Rebels is set to take place tonight at Bing Crosby Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. This evening marks the first of two special “Catholic Nights” sponsored by the Front Royal Catholic community. The second event is slated for Friday, July 19th. These events are sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Christendom College, and the Lloyd Law Group.
The local Catholic community has extended an invitation to join them for a night of baseball fun. By presenting a copy of the event flyer, families can attend the game free of charge. This gesture aims to fill all 1,500 seats in the stadium, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere for the Cardinals.
Admission Details:
- Entire families can gain free admission by presenting a flyer, which can be printed at home.
- The goal is to fill all 1,500 seats at Bing Crosby Stadium, ensuring a lively and enthusiastic crowd.
- Click here for more details and download the flyer.
Event Highlights:
- Gates open early, allowing fans to secure the best seats and enjoy pre-game festivities.
- The first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m., but fans are encouraged to arrive early.
Can’t Attend? Watch Live!
For those unable to make it to the stadium, the Royal Examiner has arranged to live-stream the event. The live stream will begin at 6:45 p.m., allowing viewers to settle in and not miss any action.
This game is not just a regular season fixture but also a community event that brings together families and neighbors. The collaborative effort between the Knights of Columbus, Christendom College, and the Lloyd Law Group underscores the community spirit in Front Royal. The initiative to host these “Catholic Nights” reflects a commitment to fostering local unity through sports.
Looking Ahead
Mark your calendars for the next “Catholic Night” on July 19th, with the same generous offer for families. It’s another opportunity to enjoy a summer evening filled with baseball, community spirit, and free admission courtesy of the local Catholic organizations.
Join the Fun
Whether you’re cheering from the stands or watching from home, tonight’s game promises to be a thrilling experience. The Cardinals and Rebels are ready to deliver an exciting game, and with the community’s support, it will surely be a night to remember.
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