Local News
Paving the Path: U.S. Army and Warren County unite under PaYS Program
June 7, 2023, ushered in a groundbreaking collaboration between the U.S. Army and Warren County, Virginia, under the auspices of the Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program. This unique alliance was brought to life during an earnest signing ceremony that marked the commitment to provide our brave veterans with a secure future in civilian life.
The PaYS program, a strategic collaboration between the U.S. Army and a diverse range of partners, including private industry, academia, and government bodies, assures soldiers and ROTC Cadets five job interviews and potential employment post-service. This fruitful partnership saw Lieutenant Colonel Felicia Brooks, commander of the Baltimore Marine Battalion, and Sheriff Mark Butler of Warren County Sheriff’s Office signing the memorandum of agreement.
An Exciting Road Ahead
Throughout the signing ceremony, the underlying theme was clear – a dedication to bridging the gap between military and civilian life for our veterans. Lieutenant Colonel Brooks expressed the program’s intentions to connect America with its Army, making it the service of choice for future soldiers while ensuring employment opportunities.
Brooks also emphasized the mutual benefits for the PaYS partners – access to a pool of professional veterans with exceptional work habits who adhere to the highest standards of conduct. This paves the way for organizations like the Warren County Sheriff’s Office to recruit from a pool of potential employees who bring the discipline and work ethics inherent in their military background.
A Track Record of Success
For two decades, the PaYS program has partnered with more than 1,000 partners, including giants like Amazon, General Motors, and Comcast. With Warren County Sheriff’s Department now on board, the reach of this innovative initiative extends even further.
Sheriff Mark Butler spoke of the invaluable leadership skills, camaraderie, integrity, courage, and honor that veterans bring to the table – values that align with his motto of “leave no veteran behind.” This program reaffirms these values, bridging the gap between military service and civilian life.
The signing of the memorandum of agreement and the presentation of a certificate of participation to Warren County by Lieutenant Colonel Brooks capped off the ceremony. The event is a testament to all parties’ commitment to recognizing, honoring, and aiding our veterans as they transition into civilian life.
Unlocking the Power of Education and Professional Development
Sergeant Timothy Stowes, an army recruiter from Winchester, has a personal connection to the transformative power of the Army. 13 years into his service, he uses his experience to encourage young individuals to enlist, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to education and personal growth.
Currently, the Army offers comprehensive tuition assistance and access to the Montgomery GI Bill, facilitating free college education for its members. Stones himself has used these opportunities to earn one degree and is currently pursuing another, all while developing his career within the Army. These educational opportunities enrich the lives of Army members and prepare them for successful transitions into the civilian workforce.
Warren County commits to supporting veterans with U.S. Army PaYS partnership
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
Local News
Humane Society of Warren County Receives $10,000 Grant from Petco Love
The Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC) is thrilled to announce a significant boost to their animal welfare efforts with a $10,000 grant investment from Petco Love, a national nonprofit committed to improving the lives of pets and people in communities nationwide. This funding is part of Petco Love’s recent distribution of over $15 million in grants to support local organizations dedicated to saving animal lives.
Established in 1999, Petco Love has contributed $375 million to lifesaving activities and helped find homes for over 6.75 million pets through partnerships with Petco and thousands of organizations nationwide. The grant to HSWC is aimed at supporting the shelter’s efforts to care for and protect pets in Front Royal and Warren County, where the organization has been a beacon of hope for homeless and neglected animals.
“Our local investments are an integral part of our mission to ensure that no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Petco Love President Susanne Kogut. “We are committed to supporting the tireless efforts of organizations like the Humane Society of Warren County that share our vision and demonstrate a profound impact on the health and welfare of animals.”
The Humane Society of Warren County has a commendable track record, achieving a 96% save rate in 2023 and maintaining its status as a no-kill shelter. The grant will aid in providing essential care and improving the facilities that house numerous pets annually, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment while awaiting adoption.
“We are profoundly grateful for Petco Love’s support, which enables us to enhance our care and extend our services to more animals in need,” stated Kayla Wines, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Warren County. “This funding helps us continue our work and reinforces our initiatives to educate the public on important issues like vaccinations and population control.”
For more information on the Humane Society of Warren County and how to support their cause, visit www.humanesocietywarrencounty.com. To learn more about Petco Love and their lifesaving efforts, visit petcolove.org.