Unveiling a New Exhibit
102 E Main St | Front Royal
VA 22630
At 11 a.m. on Friday, February 1, the Warren Heritage Society (WHS) will unveil a new exhibit in the Front Royal Town Hall to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African-Americans prior to and after the establishment of Warren County.
The exhibit will be officially opened by Letasha Thompson. “As the first African-American woman elected to the Front Royal Town Council,” Thompson said, “I have a special interest in this exhibit, as it features the achievements of African-American women.”
The unveiling coincides with the opening of African-American History Month. Warren Heritage Society Executive Director Connie Marshner hopes that this exhibit will help to make known the Society’s ongoing effort to gather and preserve the African-American history of Front Royal and Warren County.
“This history is in danger of being lost without the help of the local community,” Marshner said. “I hope that this event will alert the community to the need to collect memories and memorabilia before they disappear forever.”
For many years, the southwest corner of Front Royal was known as “Freetown” or “South Town”. Now included in the U. S. Department of Interior’s National Register of Historic Places, it was bounded by Prospect Street and Criser Road and included Laurel, Pine, and Osage Streets. Letasha Thompson grew up on Osage Street, and remembers some of the buildings.
As this area has experienced “development” over the years, however, many of the old buildings have disappeared. In its heyday, however, it was a vibrant community with homes, schools, at least one church, a hotel, stores, businesses, and entertainment. Businesses had the names of Cozy Ace Restaurant, Elks Grill, Harlem Café, Lilian Davenport’s Beauty Shop, Toddy’s Grocery, Elks Hall, Pride of Warren Lodge, Pete’s Barber Shop, Timber’s Pool Room, and the Free Will Benevolent Society.
Sadly, however, neither the National Register nor the Warren Heritage Society has any pictures of Freetown. Nor are any memorabilia of Freetown to be found anywhere. The Heritage Society is seeking to save the history of Freetown before it is gone, and is actively seeking the help of the community.
If anybody has pictures or memorabilia – or even memories – of the area, it’s likely that somebody with roots in Front Royal has them or knows about them! Please share with us what you have. If you have information or pictures, please contact Archivist Deborah Corey at 540-636-1446, extension 2. “We will copy your pictures and return them to you, if you wish,” said Corey.
Marshner went on to say: “If someone is willing to talk about his or her memories or experience in Freetown, we will be happy to arrange an oral history interview with that person, either at the Heritage Society or in some other mutually convenient location.” She noted that oral history is something the Heritage Society has not done before, but because the clock is ticking so fast, “It is something we certainly will do if it will capture some memories.” Marshner stated.
The Laura Virginia Hale Archives, a section of the Warren Heritage Society, has a wealth of material documenting the African American experience in our area. “Our collection spans the centuries, from slave rental forms to desegregation. We have extensive genealogy and research tools to help anyone find ancestors. The Archives also has a collection of fiction and nonfiction books written by local African Americans writers about their and their families’ experiences,” Corey explained.
The Warren Heritage Society, www.WarrenHeritageSociety.org, is located at 101 Chester Street in Front Royal. We are open to the public Monday thru Friday from 10:00 to 4:00, and as of April will also be open on Saturdays from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m.
State News
Governor Northam Announces Commonwealth’s Unemployment Rate falls to 2.8%
102 E Main St | Front Royal
VA 22630
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased 0.1 percentage point in August to 2.8 percent, which was unchanged from a year ago. In August, the labor force expanded for the fourteenth consecutive month by 14,204, or 0.3 percent to set a new record high of 4,404,492, as the number of unemployed decreased by 3,551. Household employment increased by 17,755 to set a new high of 4,281,899. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to be below the national rate, which was unchanged at 3.7 percent.
“The drop in Virginia’s unemployment rate is yet another sign that our economy remains strong and our efforts to create opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth are paying real dividends,” said Governor Northam. “While we welcome this news, we also know that we still have challenges to overcome in making sure that all Virginians have access to affordable health care, a world-class education, and the skills they need to get a good-paying job. My administration will stay focused on making the strategic investments that will help the families we serve and ensure that Virginia continues to be the best place to do business.”
Virginia has the lowest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate among the Southeast states. Virginia has the third best rate among the states east of the Mississippi. Virginia is ranked sixth in the nation for the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate along with Colorado and Utah.
“The strength of Virginia’s labor market is evident not only in the declining unemployment rate, but in increasing rates of labor force participation that show how some who had been on the sidelines have resumed looking for work,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “We’re proud of this statewide unemployment rate. But as some localities continue to struggle with a higher rate, the Governor remains focused on bringing new investment and jobs to all regions of the Commonwealth.”
Over-the-year employment growth in Virginia has been positive for 65 consecutive months. For August, Virginia’s over-the-year growth of 1.8 percent was greater than the national rate. Nationally, over-the-year growth was higher in August at 1.5 percent from 0.8 percent in July and 0.9 percent in June.
“Virginia’s thoughtful investments in workforce development are paying off in the form of sustained low unemployment rates and a growing labor force,” said Chief Workforce Development Advisor Megan Healy. “Thanks to Governor Northam’s leadership, more Virginians than in our Commonwealth’s history have either now secured or are seeking a job. We are encouraged by our progress, and will continue to deliver opportunities and results for job seekers and employers throughout Virginia in the months ahead.”
In August, the private sector recorded an over-the-year gain of 35,500 jobs, while employment in the public sector increased as well by 1,200 jobs. Compared to a year ago, on a seasonally adjusted basis, eight of the eleven major industry divisions experienced employment gains, while the other three experienced employment losses.
For a greater statistical breakdown visit the Virginia Employment Commission’s website at www.vec.virginia.gov.
Arrest Logs
POLICE: 7 Day WCSO Arrest Report 9/14/2019
102 E Main St | Front Royal
VA 22630
9/8/2019
Galloway, Shannon Nicole
Front Royal, VA
18.2-456 (6) – FAIL TO APPEAR-FEL/MISD/SUMMONS
McCray, Rebecca Ann
Front Royal, VA
18.2-456 – Contempt of Court
Accilien, Jason
Front Royal, VA
18.2-119cov – Trespass after having been forbidden to do so
9/9/2019
Lockhart, Drago Lee
Front Royal, VA
18.2-57cov – Assault and Battery
Gross, Sheryl Lynn
Front Royal, VA
18.2-456 – Contempt of Court
9/10/2019
Heflin, David Allen
Front Royal, VA
3.2-6503.1 – AGRICULTURAL ANIMAL-FAIL TO FEED (4 counts)
Perry Jr, Robert Lampton
Front Royal, VA
46.2-852mvl – Reckless driving; general rule
9/11/2019
Gathercoal, Joseph Roger
Toms Brook, VA
19.2-306 – Revocation Suspended Sentence/Violation of Probation (2 counts)
Roberts Jr, Bruce Raymond
Bentonville, VA
18.2-456 (6) – FAIL TO APPEAR-FEL/MISD/SUMMONS
Bosworth, Jimmy Lee
Front Royal, VA
18.2-57cov – Assault and Battery
9/12/2019
Fletcher, Dwayne Thomas
Strasburg, VA
18.2-250cov – Possession of controlled substances (2 counts)
9/13/2019
Hyon, Kristine Jungmi
Front Royal, VA
18.2-266c.o.v. – DWI: 1st Offense with Child; 18.2-371.1cov – Abuse and neglect of children
Belville, Sarah Rachelle
Front Royal, VA
18.2-57.2cov – Assault and battery against a family or household member
PEACOE, Robert Edward
Front Royal, VA
18.2-456 – Contempt of Court
Shumate, Teresa Lynn
Front Royal, VA
18.2-248cov – Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute a controlled substance or an imitation controlled substance prohibited; penalties
9/14/2019
Peacoe, Robert Edward
Front Royal, VA
40.1-103 – Endanger a Child While in One’s Custody
Shumate, Teresa Lynn
Front Royal, VA
18.2-250cov – Possession of controlled substances unlawful
Andrews, Cheyanne Deniece
Front Royal, VA
40.1-103 – Endanger a Child While in One’s Custody
Escalante, Heather Michelle
Front Royal, VA
18.2-172cov – Forging, uttering, etc. other writings (5 counts)
Cofflet, Stacy Gail
Bentonville, VA
18.2-266c.o.v. – Driving Under Influence; 18.2-268.3cov – Refusal of Blood/Breath Test
Local News
Warren County Sheriff’s Office responds to incident near Target
102 E Main St | Front Royal
VA 22630
Route 522 corridor area. Target is the large building in top of photo.
Warren County, VA- On September 19, 2019 at approximately 2:17 pm, Warren County Sheriff’s Office Communications received a call about a male subject, exhibiting signs of a mental health issue, in the grassy are between Target and the south bounds lanes of Rt. 522 north.
Warren County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on scene and observed a male subject, wearing only boxer shorts, walking around erratically while holding a sharp edged weapon against his torso.
Assisting deputies arrived and quickly established a perimeter, containing the male to the grassy area.
Crisis Negotiation Team members arrived on scene and established communications with the male. A short time later, the male subject dropped the weapon and was taken into custody without incident. After refusing EMS attention on scene, he was transported to Warren Memorial Hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Warren County Sheriff’s Office personnel were assisted by Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and Warren County Fire and Rescue.
Contact for this incident is Lieutenant Bockey at 540-635-4128 or via email at ltbockey@warrencountysheriff.org
Interesting Things You Need to Know
How farmers can adapt to changing trends in meat consumption
102 E Main St | Front Royal
VA 22630
North American consumers are increasingly diversifying their meat consumption. Beef used to be king, but people are now eating more chicken, pork and turkey than before. Here’s how small producers can take advantage of this trend.
Diversify production
Diversifying the types of meat your farm produces is likely to be advantageous. This is largely due to the increasing popularity of direct buying practices through venues like farmers’ markets, which provide small producers who can’t meet supermarket quotas with a lucrative alternative for selling their products.
Integrate side-businesses
It’s not always possible to rapidly modify your production practices. Fortunately, gradually introducing new animals to your farm opens up a number of interesting business opportunities. Consider setting up a petting zoo or opening your farm to visitors. These are easy to organize for those with small animal populations.
Raise specialty livestock
Raising specialty animals such as rabbits, elk and bison does more than diversify what your farm produces. It also increases public interest in your petting zoo and farm visits. Plus, these meats may prove to be highly lucrative to produce.
Consumers, in addition to diversifying their meat consumption, are increasingly valuing direct purchases and transparent production practices. This is a boon to small farmers, who are uniquely positioned to profit from this emerging trend.
Health
Get ready for cold and flu season
102 E Main St | Front Royal
VA 22630
With winter right around the corner, the number of respiratory infections lurking among us is on the rise. While there’s no miracle cure for the flu or common cold, here’s some advice to help you get through the season.
Preventing colds
While a wide assortment of preventive measures is routinely touted, the only way to truly protect yourself from the common cold is to wash your hands regularly and often.
Garlic, both fresh and in supplement form, can help reduce the incidence of colds and their duration.
As for vitamin C, while it doesn’t prevent colds, some studies indicate that it may slightly shorten them in people who take it on a regular basis.
Preventing flu
Flu prevention is a more serious issue. Of the millions of Americans infected last year, 80,000 vulnerable patients died.
While its effectiveness can vary from year to year, the influenza vaccine remains the single best way to protect yourself, and others, from contracting the flu.
Treating flu and colds
If you’ve gotten sick despite your best efforts, here are a few ways you can relieve your symptoms:
• Get lots of rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use throat sprays and lozenges
• Use nasal irrigation
• Take over-the-counter drugs (analgesics, decongestants, expectorants, etc.)
Over-the-counter cold and flu medications can provide relief but be careful: most contain a cocktail of ingredients and some may be inappropriate under certain circumstances. Consult your pharmacist to ensure you select a safe and effective product.
When to see a doctor
If your symptoms are severe or last longer than ten days, consult a healthcare professional. Keep in mind that antibiotics won’t help combat colds and flus and that antiviral drugs are only recommended for patients who present a high risk for complications. In most cases, getting lots of rest is what’s required to get better.
Did you know?
Contrary to popular belief, cold air isn’t to blame for cold and flu infections. People tend to spend more time inside during the cold months, which increases the risk of transmitting illnesses.
Did you know?
Using a humidifier can help relieve respiratory symptoms, but only if you scrupulously follow the manufacturer’s directions. Unless they’re cleaned thoroughly and regularly, humidifiers provide an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to grow, which means you could end up breathing in more pathogens.
Did you know?
While using your hands to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing helps limit the number of pathogens you spray into the air, it also means you’ll be contaminating everything you touch afterwards. Public health agencies recommend that you sneeze or cough directly into a paper tissue. If that’s not possible, use the crook of your elbow or your upper arm.
Local News
WCHS Cross Country Teams place 2nd in Central Quad Meet
102 E Main St | Front Royal
VA 22630
Warren County HS Cross Country teams place second in Central Quad Meet.
Both Warren County Girls and Boys Cross Country teams placed 2nd at the Central (Woodstock) quad meet on Wednesday, September 18th, 2019. Competing in the meet were WCHS, William Monroe, George Mason, and Central High Schools, which was held at the North Street Park in Woodstock, VA.
The top three WCHS runners in the Boys’ race from were DJ Staton, finishing 1st overall; Malachi Quinn, 5th overall; and Patrick Trautlein, 8th overall. Top runners from WCHS in the Girls’ race were Ryleigh Breeden, 2nd overall; Nicole Ranney, 4th overall; and Kiersten Tanner, 5th overall.
Both teams next compete on September 28, 2019 at the Uniontown Invitational (PA).
