The Rotary Club of Front Royal elected its 2024-2025 president when retiring president Ken Evans handed over the gavel at a luncheon ceremony on Friday, June 21. She is Holly Rhodenhizer, a relative newcomer to the community, who joined the local 97-year-old club just five years ago, becoming a club board member a year later, in 2020. She has been a Front Royal resident for nine years, moving here from Fairfax and working mostly from home.

A dozen past presidents dating back at least a few decades lined up to welcome their new leader in an age-old ceremony that included a group swearing-in of Holly and her new board by past President Evans.

Retiring Rotary President Ken Evans ‘pins’ his successor during swearing-in ceremony. Below, Holly Rhodenhizer makes her maiden presidential speech before Front Royal Rotarians. – Courtesy Photos FR Rotary

“My goals for the year are to have a more engaged club, through growth and service, engage in social-service projects during meetings, as well as traditional service projects, and have a great time doing it!” she told the assembled group of Rotarians, adding, “I have a passion for people with disabilities as that has been my work for over 20 years. So, I hope we can find some opportunities to engage with that population locally.”

An admitted “fun lover” — her main hobby is hiking — she added, “So, I hope we can do a project or two for hikers and/or the state and national parks, and to incorporate fun into much of what we do.”

June 22-23 marks the 2024 ARRL Field Day! This amateur radio event is both an open house for ham radio and a chance for the amateur community to unite and practice operating under unique conditions. Our publisher, Mike McCool, sat down with Greg Butler, the leader of Warren County EmComm, to learn more about this annual event. Greg shared insights into the importance and operations of their amateur radio activities.

“Today is Amateur Radio Field Day,” Greg explained. “It’s an event that encompasses all of North America, including Canada and the U.S. It’s always held on the fourth full weekend in June. The idea behind Field Day is to set up your station in a more austere environment than the comfort of your home and demonstrate to the public how you can serve the community by being able to set up a station quickly and operate.”

As Greg and Mike chatted, the air was filled with excitement as radio enthusiasts aimed to contact other stations across the U.S. “The goal today is to see where we can reach with our humble setup,” Greg said. “We’ve already contacted California and Colorado. Earlier, we heard a station in Croatia, though we couldn’t connect with them. Our primary focus is to serve Warren County and Front Royal. If emergency communications are degraded or destroyed, we can use our radios to communicate across the county and even down to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management in Richmond.”

Greg Butler, who many consider the leader of this group, describes himself more as a choreographer. “I coordinate our efforts for the county,” he said. “I am the primary liaison to the fire department, to whom we report.”

The group is an official county communicator team. “Every member has to be licensed by the FCC with an amateur radio license and express an interest in public service. They complete a formal application with the county fire department and undergo a fingerprint-based background check. We also take a class in criminal justice to ensure we can operate within the emergency operations center and dispatch areas where sensitive information is displayed.”

To ensure readiness, the team conducts weekly tests. “Every Wednesday morning, we test the emergency operations center radios to ensure they’re working properly. In the afternoon, we test the radio station at the hospital. Our portable station can be deployed anywhere the county needs us. We have a permanent antenna at Warren County Middle School, which can be used as a shelter during severe weather, and another at the Front Royal Police Station. We can be operational in about ten minutes.”

As they walked through the event, Greg introduced some team members. “This is Tom Blicharz, whose call sign is KR4DO, and Sam Cheshire, KQ4RIV. Today is a contest, so they’re trying to contact other stations nationwide. Sam logs each contact as proof.”

The organization has about 15 or 16 active members and is always looking for new recruits. “Not everyone is retired like me,” Greg noted. “If something happens at 2 PM on a Tuesday, we can activate two or three people immediately. We can figure out shift coverage if an emergency extends overnight.”

Mike inquired about the relevance of amateur radio in today’s world of cell phones. Greg explained, “Everyone has a cell phone until the system goes down. The cellular system relies on many towers. Weather, extended power outages, or major events can take them down. Amateur radio operates on specific frequencies that don’t rely on that infrastructure, allowing us to communicate when other systems fail.”

Greg highlighted the versatility of amateur radio equipment. “The FCC gives us segments of the radio spectrum, allowing us to communicate locally, regionally, or even globally, depending on atmospheric conditions and our goals.”

For those interested in joining, Greg advised, “We have a Facebook page called Warren County EmComm. People can message us there or contact the fire department, who can connect them with me. We’re always looking for new members, though we want to ensure they’re genuinely interested. There are plenty of amateur radio activities outside of emergency communications.”

Mike thanked Greg for his dedication and the team’s hard work. “Your crew looks intense, concentrating on making good contacts. It’s great to see such commitment.”

As the day progressed, the sun matched the warmth of the community spirit, with amateur radio enthusiasts demonstrating their vital role in emergency preparedness and communication.

Warren County EmComm Prepares for Emergencies with Annual Field Day

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 8, eastbound and westbound – Right shoulder closures, including westbound exit 6 off-ramp for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday.

Mile marker 7 to 10, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through July 31.

*NEW* Mile marker 12 to 15, eastbound – Overnight alternating mobile lane closures for pavement marking operations, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday night.

INTERSTATE 81
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday.

Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound – Overnight lane closures and traffic-lane shifts as needed, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through December 2024. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit: 55 miles an hour. Work is related to southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening.

PRIMARY ROADS
Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) – Southbound right shoulder closures of on-ramp to westbound I-66 for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday.

SECONDARY ROADS
Route 638 (Howellsville Road) – Stop and proceed with traffic control 24/7 just south of Route 685 (Patty Tract Lane) intersection to replace the bridge over Venus Branch. Estimated completion: August 8.

Route 658 (Rockland Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) and Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) for the construction of a bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway. Estimated completion December 2025.

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 or www.511Virginia.org.

From noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, in the Gazebo-anchored Village Commons Park in Historic Downtown Front Royal, the Warren County community hosted its inaugural acknowledgement of the “Juneteenth” anniversary of implementation of the legal abolition of slavery in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas on June 19, 1865. We’ll let the website of the National Museum of African American History & Culture explain the impetus for Juneteenth:

The Gazebo was ground zero for special guest introductions and entertainment that punctuated the community’s first Juneteenth holiday celebration. Hopefully, we can collectively meet the challenge to “learn from the past for a better future.” Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

“On ‘Freedom’s Eve,’ or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States …

“But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as ‘Juneteenth,’ by the newly freed people in Texas …

“Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day. Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans,” the the National Museum of African American History & Culture observes.

Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900 held in ‘East Woods’ on E. 24th Street in Austin, Texas. And 124 years later in Front Royal, Va. on June 19, 2024, in the early to mid-afternoon the crowd retreated under the shade of trees as temperatures hit the low to mid-90s. Public Domain Photo Credit thru National Museum of African American History & Culture from the Austin History Center

We contacted people involved in the 2024 “Juneteenth” anniversary here on why it is an important date to memorialize. We were initially alerted to a post by Warren County Democratic Committee Chair Kris Nelson on the importance of this date to all our histories, regardless of our racial or ethnic heritage:

“It’s not enough to be passive observers, we must actively engage with the history, struggles, and ongoing fight for justice that this day represents for the Black community. We must educate ourselves, confront our privileges, and amplify the voices of those who have been marginalized. Juneteenth demands our unity and commitment to building a world where freedom and equality are not just ideals but realities for all,” Nelson wrote.

‘Your voice, your vote’ is important whether you are a member of the Kris Nelson-led local political committee, its local counterpart which we did not see present, or of neither as a political independent. Below, the written voices of several Kilby women, including Betty Kilby Baldwin, back to camera, chatting with Woodstock visitor Peggy Pye, were available for interested readers.

We reached out to local event co-organizer Gene Kilby for a perspective on bringing this holiday into the local consciousness of all county citizens. “Slavery was one the darkest times in the U.S. for African-Americans. Our ancestors suffered extreme brutality for over 250 years. Suetta Freeman and myself as co-chairs on the Revitalization Committee for the Warren/Page NAACP realized that most counties around Warren County and Front Royal were having a celebration of this glorious occasion. We wanted our community also to be aware of the significance of this great moment in history. We formed an Event Committee and we met once a week for about two months to bring our 1st annual Juneteenth celebration to fruition. Education and communication brings about understanding. Together our community can be better,” Kilby asserted with an eye on a 2025 Juneteenth celebration number two here.

Co-organizer Suetta Freeman, left at microphone, got Juneteenth 2024 in Front Royal rolling with a series of introductions, including of MC Rev. Olric Wilkins, below blue shirt, who introduced Rev. Alfred Woods to lead the Opening Prayer.

For an additional photographic look at acknowledged guests, speakers, and live entertainment at the inaugural Juneteenth 2024 in Front Royal, Virginia, continue to scroll down.

Above, Stephanie Banks was recognized as tribute was paid to her dad, former Town Councilman and Mayor George Banks. Below, Ashley Taylor was introduced to speak to the history of Juneteenth.

Centenarian-plus 1 Pearl Jordan, left, was helped to the podium to begin acknowledments of local NAACP members who have contributed much to their community over sometimes difficult years.

Centarian-minus 2, Lillian Sloane continued those NAACP acknowledgments, as did …

Betty Roberts, and …

Charles Barbour.

Front Royal Mayor Lori Cockrell made Juneteenth an officially acknowledged community event.

The entertainment was kicked off by The Spiritual Harmonizers of Northern Virginia.

The Mount Vernon Baptist Church booth

The Women’s Resource Center

And I was assured ‘all were welcome’ – even your humble reporter with his camera.

And later in the day around 5 p.m. as the shade from the sun extended toward the gazebo stage area, Bobby G & The Heavies brought Northern Virginia’s top Rhythm & Blues act to the stage, and beyond as Bobby G began some R&B ‘preaching’ to the crowd, eventually drawing some of his band mates down for some guitar interaction.

Give the sax player some.

And we can’t wait to celebrate the end of slavery again, next Juneteenth!

At Hidden Springs Senior Living, our publisher, Mike McCool, had the pleasure of sitting with Ron Parsons, a 93-year-old veteran with a lifetime of stories to share. Born on October 7, 1930, Ron has lived through some of the most pivotal moments in modern history.

Early Life and Military Service

Ron enlisted in the Marines in October 1948, right after graduating high school. He was among the early Marines sent to Korea, where he experienced the harsh cold of the Korean winters. “It was something like 20 degrees below zero at night,” Ron recalled, emphasizing the toughness required to endure such conditions.

Trained as a field radio operator, Ron mastered Morse code, advancing to a high-speed operator capable of handling 35 words per minute. His duties extended beyond radio operations; he often carried heavy equipment and weapons, adapting to the challenging terrains and situations.

Post-Korea Life

After Korea, Ron’s last duty post was at Quantico, Virginia. His three-year enlistment was initially extended by a year due to the Korean War. He finished his service in late August 1952 and transitioned to civilian life. In 1955, he married his first wife, whom he met at Quantico. They enjoyed a long engagement while Ron pursued further education.

A Varied Career

Ron’s career was as diverse as it was impressive. He started as a Marine, then an art student, followed by a stint as a state police trooper. Ultimately, he became a practicing lawyer, a profession he retired from at age 65. “I left that at age 65, and my wife and I retired,” Ron said, reflecting on the transition.

Sadly, Ron’s retirement came sooner than planned due to his wife’s illness. Diagnosed with a terminal disease, she wished to live fully despite her condition. They bought a 40-foot sailboat, embarking on adventures along the intercoastal waterway. “We didn’t pull into marinas very often. We slept on the boat and cooked on the boat,” Ron shared, illustrating their adventurous spirit.

Finding Love Again

After his first wife passed away, Ron reconnected with an old friend, Miriam. They had known each other since the 1950s, and their shared history led to a new chapter in Ron’s life. “I proposed to her, and she accepted, surprisingly,” Ron said with a smile. They have been married for nearly 25 years.

Life at Hidden Springs

Today, Ron and Miriam live in Hidden Springs, where the community loves them well. Miriam, a talented pianist, entertains residents by playing the electronic piano before dinner each evening. “Everybody knows Miriam now, and they love to hear her play,” Ron said proudly.

Reflecting on his age, Ron admits that living to 94 is not something he expected. “When you’re younger, you think 94 is so far in the future,” he mused. Despite the challenges of aging, Ron is grateful for the life he’s led and the experiences he’s had.

Final Thoughts

Ron Parsons’ life story is about resilience, love, and adventure. From his service in Korea to his varied careers and his dedication to family, Ron exemplifies a life well-lived. As he said, “I’m lucky to be in the shape that I’m in,” and it’s clear that his spirit and stories will continue to inspire those around him.

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.