Local News
It was a ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ in WC General District Court as Commonwealth Referees Atwood-WCSO Dog Seizure Cases
As temperatures outside climbed toward the mid-to-upper 90s, a request to have custody of an approximately 10-year-old, crippled female Dachshund called “Baby Girl” transferred from its caretaker Kristie Atwood to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office was resolved by “non-suit” agreed to by the Commonwealth, the defendant, and her counsel David Silek at a hearing on Wednesday afternoon, July 12.
It was explained to this reporter outside the courtroom following the non-suit that Atwood takes physically-impaired dogs that may be on the verge of being put down from various regional rescue operations and fosters them to offer them some remaining quality of life.
According to the Commonwealth’s petition for a hearing on the matter, the dog was seized on June 30 by WCSO Deputy A. Dawson in response to a neighbor’s complaint about a dog running loose that was established to belong to Kristie Atwood, who lived nearby. Atwood later explained to Royal Examiner that she has a “doggie door” for her fostered, as well as some family dogs to go in and out onto her 22-acre property. And that due to their generally poor condition, a number without the use of their rear legs, a typical old-age problem for Dachshunds she observed, they generally do not roam far or off her property. She said due to a lack of information from the sheriff’s office, she does not know if Baby Girl was taken on or off her property. The County does have a ‘dogs must be leashed’ to prevent them from running at large outside of fenced yards ordinance, it was noted during Wednesday’s hearing.
The result of the non-suit in the case of this one of 18 more dogs eventually seized into custody by the Sheriff’s Office from Atwood on July 5 will be that Baby Girl will be returned to its technical owner, the Charlottesville-based Rescue Group “K Kids Rescue.” The remaining dogs, it appears for now, will remain in the custody of the Humane Society of Warren County Julia Wagner Animal Shelter, which often operates near its shelter capacity without the sudden influx of 18 or 19 seized dogs from one household.
From the report of Deputy Dawson attached to the Commonwealth’s petition for Wednesday’s hearing, Atwood’s role in mentoring crippled and handicapped dogs was not known at the time they were seized. Rather, it seemed the deputy may have inferred abuse or neglect as the cause of the animal’s conditions.
“The dachshund dog was located and observed to have no use of hind limbs, underweight, and an open wound was observed on the rear paw. Upon further observation, the dog was noted to have numerous open wounds and sores. The dog was taken into custody for medical care,” the deputy wrote, noting that he was “advised the owner was Kristie Atwood,” adding, “Since the incident where this dog was taken for medical care, a search warrant has been obtained and executed where an additional 18 dogs were seized from the residence.”
Judge Mary Daniel observed in accepting the non-suit resolution on custody of Baby Girl on July 12 that her decision “has no effect on things not in front of the court today.” Those things were not before the court Wednesday, July 12, being possession and custody of the remaining 18 dogs taken from the Atwood home. Atwood expressed concern after the court was adjourned that three of the dogs taken that are partially paralyzed will be put down now that they have been removed from her fostering care designed to extend their lives beyond the point rescue operations or shelters would face for euthanizing dogs with little to no adoption possibilities and limited facility space. It may be noted, however, that the Wagner Shelter has become a “no-kill” shelter in recent years.
Royal Examiner file photo of Kristie Atwood and attorney David Silek during hearing on issues unrelated to Atwood’s recent dispute with the WCSO over the condition of 19 dogs in her custody, 14 from various regional rescue groups; two belonging to her son; and three to her. Atwood and her attorney Silek have asserted that she fosters dogs on the verge of being euthanized due to their poor physical condition and that she is not an abuser of her fostered dogs or her family’s own dogs. It must also be noted that the Feature Image of the ambulance outside the courthouse is also a file photo and was not taken this Wed. but rather was included for dramatic effect related to the ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ headline film reference.
Questioned about a next step, Atwood said she had not yet been informed about a hearing date on the other 18 dogs but that her attorney was trying to establish a date, possibly in the coming week, for her to begin to act to regain custody of the other dogs. She pointed out two of those dogs belong to her son, including one service dog; 11 are being fostered from K-Kids Rescue; two are hospice fosters from other rescue groups; and three are her own.
She also noted that her attorney had filed a counter suit against the Warren County Sheriff’s Office for violation of her 4th Amendment Constitutional protection against unlawful search and seizure in the July 5th taking of the 18 dogs in her home, five days after the seizure of Baby Girl.
Atwood said she was never contacted by the sheriff’s office about the circumstance of her possession of the 19 dogs and their conditions, including Baby Girls, prior to the July 5th seizure of the remaining 18. She also noted that she believed transport of the dogs that day by the sheriff’s office with temperatures, like this past Wednesday in the 90s, had been done against codes that require a certain amount of separation and that animals be in vehicles with some sort of circulated or cooled air when moved in excessively high temperatures.
Stay tuned as this “Dog Day Afternoon” drama continues to unfold — with a nod to the 1975 crime film featuring Al Pacino and John Cazale.
Chamber News
Service Title LLC: A New Chapter Begins with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Community leaders and local business owners gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Service Title LLC’s new location. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a significant milestone for Christy Heflin, Raymond Heflin, and their partner Kellea Shaney.
Nike Foster, Executive Director of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce, kicked off the event by expressing enthusiasm for the new venture. Chamber President Byron Biggs and Front Royal Mayor Lori Cockrell shared their support and admiration for the team.
“Thank you, everybody, for being here today. We’re so excited to help cut the ribbon on this new venture,” Foster said. Biggs added, “I’ve known Christy and Ray for a while, and they are wonderful with their clients and the community. We’re glad to have them in our community.”
Mayor Cockrell reminisced about the building’s history and her long-standing relationship with the Heflins. “I’ve known Christy and Raymond for a long time. They are great people and business people who do a lot for our community. Congratulations on this new venture.”
Christy Heflin expressed her gratitude to the crowd, saying, “We’re excited about this new space and look forward to many years to come.”
After the ceremony, publisher Mike McCool spoke with Christy, Raymond, and Kellea about the new Service Title LLC. “We are a full-service settlement agency, providing title insurance and handling all kinds of real estate settlements,” Christy explained. “Kellea works on the title binders and commitments, and Raymond and I work with clients at the settlement table.”
Raymond Heflin highlighted their extensive experience in the industry. “We’re also lenders with Alcova Mortgage and hold real estate licenses with Brenda Morris of Morris & Company Realty. This new venture is a different side of the business for us.”
Kellea Shaney, who has been with Service Title since it opened in 2009, expressed her excitement about the new chapter. “I’m excited to be continuing my job with Raymond and Christy. It’s great to serve people on this side of the business.”
Service Title LLC serves the state of Virginia and is working on obtaining a license for West Virginia. The company aims to provide a seamless and efficient real estate transaction experience for bankers, brokers, agents, or private individuals.
The community’s support for Service Title LLC’s new venture was evident, reflecting the company’s longstanding relationships and reputation for excellence. As the real estate market continues to evolve, Service Title LLC is well-positioned to offer comprehensive real estate services in the valley.
For more information about Service Title LLC, contact Kellea Shaney, Senior Title Insurance Underwriter and Settlement Processor, at kellea@servicetitlellc.com.
Local News
Warren County Board of Supervisors Advocates for Teacher Raises in Upcoming Budget
The Warren County Board of Supervisors (WCBOS) has strongly supported prioritizing teacher raises in the Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The Board is advocating for a budget that accommodates a 3% raise for teachers, including step increases and hiring an additional agriculture teacher at Skyline High School.
John Stanmeyer, Shenandoah District Supervisor, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “I think we have found some great solutions that allow the School Board to provide their employees what is needed while also addressing the funding challenges we have faced throughout the County.”
Chery Cullers, the Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairperson, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about resolving the budget challenges. “I’m excited to see these funding challenges come to a close with priorities on public safety and teacher salaries as we resolve this upcoming budget season,” Cullers remarked.
The WCBOS has requested that the School Board prioritize these labor-related increases over any non-labor expenditures. This collaborative effort between the WCBOS and the WCPS School Board aims to finalize a balanced budget that addresses the needs of teachers and enhances the quality of education in Warren County.
As the budget planning continues, both boards are committed to working together to ensure that the final budget supports the community’s educational priorities and financial well-being.
Stay tuned to the Royal Examiner and the Warren County government website for more updates on the budget discussions and decisions.
Crime/Court
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 5-13-2024
Front Royal Police Department arrest report for the past 7 days:
Community Events
Ressie Jeffries Elementary School’s ‘Senior Walk’ Honors Alumni Poised to Take Their Next Step in Life
Shortly after noon, Wednesday, May 15, Ressie Jeffries Elementary School held its annual Senior Walk. Expected were graduates from both Skyline and Warren County High Schools, along with some from surrounding counties, including Sherando. We got word from staff at Ressie that, “The entire school Pre-K to 5th grades have been feverishly working to decorate the school as one final hoorah before these seniors walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.”
Seniors pose outside and inside as they prepare for the Senior Walk through Ressie Jeffries hallways and into the gym. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini
At the conclusion of the parade in the gymnasium area, some seniors were anticipated to participate in a final relay race to mark an official “Goodbye” to their childhood memories. Also invited to participate this year were former staff that taught, possibly some of the participating seniors, at Ressie.
The Ressie Jaguar mascot preps the Class of 2024 sign bearers, left Hudson Simmons, right Eli Wood. And here they come down the hall with this year’s seniors robed and being cheered on by future seniors lining the hallway.
Following the event we got this update from Ressie staffer Jamie Marion: “This was by far the BIGGEST Senior Walk we’ve had that included at least 50 graduates, along with the most parents we’ve ever had. Additionally, we had past staff members on video chat attending virtually. The positive comments, tears of joy, happiness, sadness, the reminiscing and all the cheering was phenomenal,” Marion observed, adding, “All-in-all it was a WONDERFUL day to be a Jaguar.”
Once a Ressie Jaguar, always a Ressie Jaguar – Where’d they go, some were wondering. And it was into the gym for some final post walk activities, planned and unplanned.
The Senior Class of 2024 readies for a rumored relay race, and below the Jaguar seems to have picked its relay team from three high schools judging from the caps and gowns.
Chamber News
Front Royal’s Phoenix Project Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Survivors
The Phoenix Project celebrated its 10th anniversary in a significant community event, marking a decade of vital contributions to combat domestic and sexual violence in Front Royal and Warren County. The celebration was graced by Niki Foster, the executive director of the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Bryon Biggs, Chamber President, and Front Royal Town Councilman Glenn Wood, who all congratulated and supported the organization.
The Phoenix Project, known for its dedicated service in providing hope and help to those affected by domestic and sexual violence, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the milestone. This event highlighted the organization’s decade-long service and highlighted the ongoing challenges in addressing these critical community issues.
Speakers, including Councilman Wood and Bryon Biggs, reflected on the organization’s impact and the persistent need for such services during the event. Biggs remarked on the unfortunate reality that the problem of violence has not diminished as hoped, underscoring the importance of the Phoenix Project’s work in the community.
Tammy Sharp, the outgoing Executive Director, and Avery Harper, the incoming Executive Director, shared their experiences and the organization’s achievements over the past ten years. Under their leadership, the Phoenix Project has responded to over 10,000 calls, provided over 3,000 nights of shelter, and reached more than 13,000 people through community education and outreach.
The celebration also included the announcement of significant donations from local organizations, with the Moose Lodge contributing $25,000 and the Massanutten Association of Realtors donating $500. These contributions will support the ongoing efforts to aid survivors and combat domestic and sexual violence in the community.
As the Phoenix Project looks to the future, its leaders and community supporters remain committed to deepening their impact and providing essential services to those in need. With strong community backing and a dedicated team at the helm, the Phoenix Project is poised to face the next decade’s challenges with renewed vigor and commitment.
For more information about the Phoenix Project and how to support its mission, please visit their website or contact their office directly.
Local News
Dominion Ridge Academy Celebrates Class of 2024 Achievements
Dominion Ridge Academy is thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of its Class of 2024, a group of students who have excelled academically and grown into outstanding leaders within the school community. The academy honors their hard work and dedication as these graduates prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives.
The Class of 2024 has collectively received over $370,000 in scholarship offers, a testament to their academic excellence and potential. These seniors have been accepted into various prestigious colleges and universities nationwide, including Bridgewater College, Christopher Newport University, and the University of Wyoming. This diverse range of higher education choices highlights the breadth of their interests and abilities.
Additionally, Dominion Ridge Academy takes pride in acknowledging those graduates who have chosen to pursue trades. This decision underscores the importance of skilled trades in today’s economy and reflects the academy’s commitment to supporting diverse career paths.
The academy draws inspiration from Jeremiah 29:11, reminding its students that they are destined for a hopeful future filled with opportunities. As these young adults embark on their new beginnings, the school community comes together to wish them success and fulfillment in all their endeavors.
Dominion Ridge Academy, located in Front Royal, Virginia, has always been dedicated to nurturing its students’ spiritual, moral, and intellectual development. The school embraces a holistic approach to education, integrating neuroeducation and social-emotional learning to meet the individual needs of each student.
The achievements of the Class of 2024 exemplify the academy’s mission to foster a sense of competence, confidence, and belonging among its students, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
For more information about Dominion Ridge Academy and its programs, don’t hesitate to contact the school at 540-635-6799 or visit their website at [Dominion Ridge Academy](http://www.dominionridgeacademy.com). Join us in congratulating the graduates as they move forward with courage and hope into the future.
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