Local News
Front Royal Unites walk slated for Wednesday, traffic woes likely
Local activist group Front Royal Unites has scheduled a walk on Wednesday, Oct. 14, along the sidewalks of the south Shenandoah River bridge near the intersection of U.S. Routes 340 and 55.
According to a Facebook post for the group, the “George Floyd Birthday” celebration will be a memorial to the Minneapolis, MN black man who died May 25 after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by a white police officer. The encounter was captured by bystanders and quickly went viral, inciting large protests in Minneapolis and a number of other American cities.
Delays can be expected from 340/Country Club Drive (at Walmart entrance) southbound across the bridge over the South Fork of the Shenandoah River at Strasburg Road, leading into the Town of Front Royal. Royal Examiner photo.
Those participating in the walk are asked to meet at 5:15 PM at the Greater Joy Baptist Church parking lot, 45 E. Strasburg Road. Participants will form a line and begin the walk at 5:30. The Facebook post states that “This will be a peaceful family event that includes a celebration of life and a walk across” the south Shenandoah River bridge.
Placards with Floyd’s face will be carried by the walkers; organizers wrote in the post that “we’ll have an eight-minute and 46-second moment of silence with all the placards being held high.”
Royal Examiner reached out to the administrators of the Front Royal Unites Facebook page, who provided an email address and asked that any questions about the event be submitted to them. However, no one responded to those questions, nor was a press release regarding the event provided.
According to local police, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) owns the bridge and considered the group’s request to shut down the structure—during the evening rush hour—before ultimately declining to issue a permit. A VDOT spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
Though VDOT refused to shut down the bridge, the Warren County Sheriff’s Department (WCSO), which has jurisdiction of the structure, plans to have the two outer lanes of the bridge shut down for safety, allowing rush-hour traffic to continue.
WCSO spokesman Maj. Jeff Driskill said in an interview that event organizers had been instructed to have walk participants use the pedestrian sidewalk, for the safety of walkers and motorists. Anyone who walks in the roadway could be subject to citation.
Sheriff Mark Butler stated Tuesday morning that both WCSO deputies and Front Royal Police Department officers would be “working hand-in-hand jointly to ensure the safety and constitutional First Amendment right to free speech” for those participating.
Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairman Walt Mabe stated in a telephone interview Tuesday, “Free speech is a First Amendment right. When it becomes their right, it is our responsibility”, referring to the local government’s duty to provide public safety at gatherings such as the Floyd Birthday celebration.
Mabe further stated that it is important to him to hear the viewpoints of everyone, but also to provide safety to the citizens of the community.
While citizens can rest assured there will be a police presence to ensure the safety of all, it does not come cheap. Additional officers are placed into service, which means overtime costs. Additionally, there are untold hours of planning and preparation by administrative employees, who are exempt from overtime pay.
Royal Examiner reached out to both the WCSO and the FRPD regarding the costs associated with the three Front Royal Unites events organized by Samuel Porter, who is also a write-in Front Royal mayoral candidate in the November election.
WCSO Major Driskill wrote in an email, “The Sheriff’s Office alone has accrued $15,631.52 in overtime costs for the first two FRU events in June 2020. This consisted of $11,178.38 for the event on June 5, 2020, and $4,453.14 for the June 20, 2020, event. These costs do not include pre-planning hours, nor exempt staff hours which was considerable. These costs also do not include manpower costs of supporting agencies such as the Virginia State Police, Front Royal Police Department, Warren County Fire & Rescue Services, and Town and County Public Works. The projected cost for the upcoming October 14, 2020, Front Royal Unites protest on George Floyd’s birthday is currently at $10,707.78.”
FRPD spokesperson Captain Crystal Cline stated in an email Tuesday that costs for the June 5, 2020, event, strictly for overtime, were $4709.59, for 122 hours. The June 20 event cost $3972.06 for 100.5 hours of overtime. Cline wrote, “We will not have any information on what tomorrow’s event will be until after the event, we cannot speculate.”
It is not known how many participants will show up for Wednesday’s event; a June 5 event at Bing Crosby Stadium in Front Royal drew over 1,000 participants. A second event, a June 20 walk that began at the former Warren County High School that was closed in 1958 as part of a “massive resistance” effort against integration, produced a large number of peaceful protestors as well.
A media release issued by FRU late Tuesday afternoon announced an Oct. 18 panel discussion at Bing Crosby Station. Local historians and activists will tackle the question “Does Front Royal’s Confederate statue represent our Southern heritage or our dark history of oppression?”
The release states speakers include James M. Gillispie, Dean of the School of Humanities & Social Sciences at Lord Fairfax Community College; Samuel Porter, President of Front Royal Unites (FRU); and Gene Bétit, historian and author of Collective Amnesia: American Apartheid — African Americans’ 400 Years in North America, 1619-2019.
The event is an extension of FRU’s campaign to urge Warren County supervisors to remove and relocate the town’s Confederate monument. Over 2,500 petition signatures have been gathered by group members.
Warren County BOS Chairman Walt Mabe stated in an interview Tuesday morning that he would attend the Sunday event, which will begin at 4:00 PM at Bing Crosby’s Pavilion 1. FRU organizers plan to live stream the panel event as well.
“It is important to hear all sides…to hear what everyone has to say regarding this issue, Mabe said.
After being overwhelmed by concerned citizens at previous meetings, the Warren County BOS in August put the issue of the statue’s removal up for referendum, stating an intent to host a public forum for debate. So far, no event has been announced.
At the October 6 BOS meeting, FRU member Laura Lee Cascada urged the supervisors to attend, stating, “Today we need to take action and not wait around for the majority to come around on issues of justice. If we did that, women would not have the right to vote; slaves would still be enslaved.”
The statue is a generic depiction of a Confederate soldier with a plaque bearing the names of 600 locals who fought for the Confederacy. The monument was erected at the Warren County Courthouse in 1911.
On Nov. 3, Warren County voters will be asked to weigh in on the fate of the statue. The ballot question will read: “Should the confederate monument located on the Warren County Courthouse lawn be relocated?”
The referendum is non-binding, which means that the Board would not have to abide by the vote’s outcome.
A press release Tuesday evening from the WCSO stated that there will potentially be traffic delays from approximately 5:00 PM –7:00 PM.
Major Jeff Driskill wrote that delays can be expected from 340/Country Club Drive (at Walmart entrance) southbound across the bridge over the South Fork of the Shenandoah River at Strasburg Road, leading into the Town of Front Royal.
Driskill stated, “Motorists are asked to exhibit caution in the area of the bridge due to pedestrians crossing at crosswalks as part of an event. Law enforcement will be assisting in traffic control there. Alternate routes of travel are encouraged during this time period.”
Local News
Virginia patriots remembered in historic grave marking ceremony
The echoes of the past reverberated through the hallowed ground of McIlhaney Family Cemetery as descendants and societies dedicated to the memory of the Revolutionary War united in a poignant ceremony. The Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), along with other participating SAR chapters and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) societies, marked the graves of Rev War patriots James McIlhaney and William H. Parker.
James McIlhaney, a Loudoun County native born in 1749, served valiantly during the Revolutionary War. His commission as Lieutenant in the 10th Virginia Regiment came in March 1776, with a subsequent promotion to Captain. McIlhaney demonstrated his courage in the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown before resigning from service in June 1778.
William H. Parker, born in Westmoreland County in 1752, etched his name in the annals of history as a midshipman on the Virginia State Ship (VSS) Tartar, later advancing to the rank of Lieutenant and taking command of the vessel. Parker’s bravery was evident during the Battle of Osborne’s Landing when he defied surrender, swimming ashore to join the Virginia militia. He would later play an integral role in the Battle of Green Spring and the Siege of Yorktown.
Ken Bonner, President of the Sgt Maj John Champe SAR Chapter, led the ceremony, which included six SAR chapters, three DAR chapters, two Children of the American Revolution (CAR) societies, and direct descendants of the patriots.
During the event, attendees were graced by the Virginia State Color Guard, commanded by Barry Schwoerer. The pledge of allegiance, led by Rand Pixa, President of the George Washington SAR Chapter, was a resounding testament to the ongoing commitment of Americans to their historic roots.
The graves of the two patriots were vigilantly guarded by sentries Gary Dunaway and John Lynch, both from the Williamsburg SAR chapter, who later unveiled the grave markers during the dedication ceremony. Numerous wreaths were presented by participants, symbolic of the respect and reverence held for these revolutionary heroes.
Musket squad l. to r. Sean Carrigan, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Kelly Ford, Paul Christensen, Brett Osborn, Mark Sink. Photo courtesy of Dale Corey.
A heartfelt tribute came in the form of a three-round musket salute delivered by the combined Virginia SAR firelock squad. This salute was followed by the stirring notes of a bagpipe played by MacPhearson Strassberg from the Rev John Marks Society CAR, underlining the solemnity of the occasion.
Those present to pay their respects included a host of participants from various SAR and DAR chapters, offering a visual representation of unity and shared purpose in the ceremony. The SAR participants, as well as the musket squad, gathered for a group photograph, capturing this significant moment for posterity.
Photo courtesy of Chip Daniels.
The ceremony served as a timeless tribute to McIlhaney and Parker, embodying the enduring respect and appreciation for the patriots who shaped America’s early days of freedom. This event reinforced the importance of such commemorations in reminding current and future generations of the sacrifices made in pursuit of liberty and independence.
Local News
An emotional and educational Dogs of War service kicks off Memorial Day weekend in Front Royal
Saturday, May 27, was no ordinary day in Front Royal. As the sun shone brightly on a beautiful late spring afternoon, the melodic sounds of Jim Lundt’s bagpipe ushered in a crowd of about 60 spectators and participants to the Humane Society of Warren County’s (HSWC) Julia Wagner Animal Shelter for the second annual Dogs of War and Law Enforcement K-9 team Memorial Day weekend event.
The Dogs of War Garden of Remembrance, a tranquil space nestled within the shelter grounds, was the hub of this heartwarming celebration. At its center stands a statue of a German Shepherd – a poignant representation of war dogs and law enforcement canines’ loyal service throughout history. Accompanied by a heartfelt dedication note, this statue embodies the community’s profound gratitude toward these unsung heroes.
Prior to the start of Saturday’s event, FRPD K-9 Marley shoved Dogs of War Memorial Garden German Shepherd statue ‘Ben’ into the ‘back row’ shadows as she prepared for her role in the day’s ceremony. Below, HSWC Executive Director Meghan Bowers kicks off the second annual Memorial Day weekend ceremony at the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter grounds. – Royal Examiner Still Photos Roger Bianchini, Video Mike McCool
Meghan Bowers, HSWC Executive Director, kick-started the event by introducing the man behind the memorial garden’s creation – Malcolm Barr Sr. As a lifelong animal advocate and former HSWC Board President, Barr’s passion led to the inception of the War Dog and Law Enforcement K-9 Memorial Garden. His efforts have not only shaped this Memorial Day weekend celebration but also ensured a year-round tribute to these canine heroes.
Bowers emphasized the appropriateness of Front Royal as the event’s location, noting the deep historical connection it shares with war dogs. It was here in Front Royal at the Remount Training Center that the first U.S. dogs trained for combat in World War II were prepared, a fact that Barr highlighted, adding significance to the ceremony.
The event was graced by the participation of various local authorities and services. A Color Guard was provided by the Front Royal Police Department, with FRPD Officer Olivia Meadows in attendance with her K-9 partner Marley. Representatives from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Front Royal Fire Department also lent their support.
The Flag Detail, including FRPD Officer Olivia Meadows and her not-quite-2-year-old K-9 Marley, present the colors.
In his address, Barr gratefully acknowledged the HSWC for dedicating a section of the animal shelter property to the memorial garden, which was inaugurated on this date last year.
Keynote speaker Steve Herman, chief national correspondent for Voice Of America and Barr’s former colleague at the Associated Press offered a detailed account of the history of dogs in warfare dating from the 7th century B.C. through World War II into modern times. Upon learning about this memorial service, Herman eagerly expressed interest in participating in the event.
Voice of America chief national correspondent Steve Herman gives the keynote address, tracing the history of dog use in warfare in a variety of ways from the 7th century B.C. into WW II and modern times. As Herman noted, while dogs don’t know why they are in a war zone, they know to protect and serve their human companions with a selfless devotion characteristic of their species.
During his address, he acknowledged his friend Barr Sr.’s efforts dating to the Vietnam era in having an overgrown war dog cemetery Barr had come across while on a reporting assignment on the Pacific Island of Guam, a major battlefield of the Second World War, rehabilitated. That site later became recognized as a national War Dog Cemetery.
Following Herman’s keynote address, Barr introduced Front Royal Councilman Skip Rogers, himself a former military dog handler, to lead the local law enforcement and K-9 contingent in the solemn act of laying a wreath at the Wagner Shelter Memorial Garden site.
Able Forces veterans assistance group principal and Front Royal Town Councilman ‘Skip’ Rogers, once himself a military dog handler, leads the memorial wreath-laying ceremony.
The Valley Chorale, renowned for its exceptional talent, provided a melodic backdrop to the event. They performed both the opening and closing songs at the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter, adding a unique warmth to the proceedings.
This year’s celebration served as a poignant tribute to the enduring partnership between man and his canine companions in both wartime and on the domestic law enforcement front. It paid a well-deserved homage to the invaluable service dogs who have, and continue to, serve valiantly in times of peace and conflict.
Members of the Valley Chorale opened and closed the Dogs of War Memorial Day weekend event with stirring renditions of ‘The National Anthem’ and ‘America the Beautiful’. Below, post-closing rendition of ‘America the Beautiful’ event organizer Malcolm Barr Sr. wraps up the event with a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all participants and attendees, as ‘Ben’ gets back in the ‘front row’.
Watch the Royal Examiner’s exclusive video of the Dogs of War and Service Memorial Day event.
Local News
VDOT: Warren County Traffic alert for May 29 – June 2, 2023
The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.
*NEW* or *UPDATE* indicates a new or revised entry since last week’s report.
INTERSTATE 66
Mile marker 0 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Overnight mobile lane closures for vegetation management, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through the night of June 8.
*NEW* Mile marker 5 to 13, eastbound and westbound – Right shoulder closures, including along Exits 6 and 13 off-ramps for sign work, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
INTERSTATE 81
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound – Overnight mobile lane closures for vegetation management, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Tuesday night.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound – Overnight single lane closures for equipment moving and bridge removal work, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through the night of July 7.
PRIMARY ROADS
*NEW* Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) – Shoulder closures near Route 638 (Fiery Run Road/Freezeland Road) intersection for sign work, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
*NEW* Route 79 (Apple Mountain Road) – Shoulder closures between Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) and I-66 on-ramp for sign work, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SECONDARY ROADS
No lane closures were reported.
Vegetation management may take place district-wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at www.511Virginia.org.
Local News
County overseen FR-WC EDA reviews committee reports, finances, and development of MOU with County at May meeting
The Front Royal-Warren County EDA held its monthly meeting on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 8:30 AM. All seven Board members, legal counsel, and the County Director of Economic Development were present; Board Members Rob MacDougall and Hayden Ashworth participated remotely.
The regular meeting began with committee reports. Board Chairman Scott Jenkins mentioned the next Open-Door Business Session on June 1, which will focus on Workforce, and provided updates on recent meetings. The Board also provided updates on the Avtex Conservancy Property progress.
Treasurer Jim Wolfe and County Director of Economic Development Joe Petty provided an update on the EDA financial statements. Mr. Wolfe also gave an update on the Small Business Loan Committee and proposed the next steps for the committee.
Board Chairman Jenkins and Mr. Petty gave updates on the draft EDA & County MOU (Memorandum Of Understanding) and support agreements that should be ready by June.
WC Director of Economic Development Joe Petty, speaking, and FR-WC EDA Chairman Scott Jenkins in Royal Examiner File Photo
The Board concluded the meeting with a closed session to discuss potential disposition of real property to business prospects and legal consultation on active litigation. No new business followed the closed session.
The next regular monthly EDA Board meeting will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023, at 8:30 AM, at the Warren County Government Center.
Local News
Laurel Ridge drones program comes first in international award category
Laurel Ridge Community College’s drones program has been named a first-place winner in the Workforce Development category of the XCELLENCE Awards by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI). Laurel Ridge was selected from a pool of accomplished applicants for their work in uncrewed systems technology. Winners were publicly congratulated during the XCELLENCE awards ceremony during AUVSI XPONENTIAL on May 9 in Denver, Colo. This year’s 50th-anniversary event was co-hosted by Messe Düsseldorf North America.
“This year, XPONENTIAL is all about designing a shared plan for the future of autonomy,” said Keely Griffith, Vice President of Strategic Programs at AUVSI. “There’s no better place to announce the 2023 XCELLENCE award finalists. Together, they are redefining what’s possible with uncrewed and robotic technology.”
The “Laurels Take Flight” initiative, under the leadership of Professor Melissa Stange, brought this new and exciting career field to life beyond Laurel Ridge through webinars, camps, classes, workshops, and trainings for community members, from kindergarteners to those in the workforce. The college began offering new drone courses last fall. These classes include a mix of face-to-face and online instruction, as well as plenty of time flying a variety of enterprise-level drones.
In January, two career studies certificates were approved by regional accreditors, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Flight Operator certificate teaches students the fundamentals of sUAS operations. It aligns with the aeronautical knowledge required for FAA-approved commercial operations as a remote pilot and prepares students to sit for the FAA part 107 exam.
The more advanced small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Flight Technician certificate provides both theory and hands-on experience with mission planning, ground control, emergency procedures, drone programming, and training on using geospatial data for analysis, presentation and decision making.
The AUVSI XCELLENCE Awards honor innovators with a demonstrated commitment to advancing autonomy, leading, and promoting safe adoption of uncrewed systems and developing programs that use these technologies to save lives and improve the human condition.
“It’s really an honor to receive an international award in workforce development for our uncrewed aircraft systems program, and it’s a testament to the work that program lead Dr. Stange has done to advance awareness of uncrewed systems and advanced air mobility as a career in our region,” said Dr. Craig Santicola, dean of Laurel Ridge’s School of Professional Programs. “While our Laurels Take Flight initiative is still new, we have held quite a few events and courses and have more planned for the coming year. Thanks to a GoVirginia grant, we will also be able to grow UAS training into Fauquier and Rappahannock counties by offering drone academies to the counties’ high school students this fall.
“As the industry for uncrewed systems and advanced air mobility grows, it’s imperative that our region meet industry demand through a trained workforce that can operate these systems safely in the national airspace system. Our program focuses on safety and providing students time flying a variety of enterprise-level drones, but we also do a lot of community outreach to provide education on the new and rapidly expanding career opportunities that UAS can provide. Winning this award affirms that we are on the right track with our innovative programs, and we can’t wait to unveil our other new certificate programs in the coming months.”
Learn more about Laurel Ridge’s drones program at laurelridge.edu/drones. For more information about AUVSI, visit AUVSI.org. For more information about the AUVSI XCELLENCE Awards and XPONENTIAL 2023, visit xponential.org.
Local News
Melissa Ichiuji Gallery Grand Opening – Studio Gallery unveils vibrant creativity in downtown Front Royal
American artist Melissa Ichiuji is thrilled to announce the opening of her anticipated Studio Gallery located in the heart of the lovely Shenandoah Valley on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, from 11:00 to 6:00 pm. The studio is located at 223 E. Main Street in Front Royal, and gallery hours will be each Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Melissa Ichiuji
To mark its opening, Melissa Ichiuji Studio Gallery will exhibit a collection of work that reflects the essence of Ichiuji’s artistic experience. The exhibition will include pieces crafted from a variety of mediums, including both sculptures and paintings, to showcase Ichiuji’s range of talents.
Melissa Ichiuji’s works are bold and provocative, many times delving into themes of ecstasy, metamorphosis, and transcendence and sometimes incorporating hints of surrealism and sexual puns.
She is fearless in her creativity and draws inspiration from a rich array of materials, including welded steel, ceramics, textiles, and found objects, all of which allow her to express meaning through form, color, and texture.
The gallery serves as a dynamic setting for Ichiuji to display her works, allowing viewers to engage with her talent in a space that is as captivating as the art itself. The gallery will also function as an innovative hub for other creatives to share their passions and talents through exhibits, concerts, lectures, and classes, an addition that will aim to foster a thriving community of creators.
Melissa Ichiuji Studio Gallery invites the public to experience the artwork firsthand every Friday and Saturday, from 11 AM to 6 PM, and via private viewings by appointment, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.
For more information, visit Melissa Ichiuji Studio Gallery’s website at www.melissaichiuji.com
To schedule an appointment, contact melissa@melissaichiuji.com or call 540-252-4570
About The Artist
Melissa Ichiuji is an American artist based in Virginia. Her artistic vision is characterized by its bold and original voice, resulting in pieces that encapsulate confidence and playful vibrance. Ichiuji’s captivating talent has earned her international acclaim, with exhibitions featured in museums and galleries in Paris, Brussels, Munich, Berlin, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Her pieces have been featured in renowned publications such as Art in America, Modern Luxury, Art Investor, NYART, Textiel Plus, The Washington Post, and 100 Artists of Washington, D.C.
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