Local News
Unfair Government Harassment? – Local Grief with the Planning Department
Overlooking the Mendes farm
In an exclusive interview with Nelson Mendes, Royal Examiner reporters learned of a history of possible harassment from the County Planning Department targeting Mendes and his next steps to move forward with an appeal.
Nelson Mendes came to Thunderbird Farms to fulfill a dream of owning and operating a tree nursery. Seeking a quieter life from the Northern Virginia area, Mendes and his wife obtained land, cleared trees and started working. Two buildings, storage garages, were already on the property when it was purchased. A hoop house, a kind of temporary greenhouse, has been constructed to aid in the growing of young trees. The large garage has been on the property for four years, and the small garage has been there for three and a half years. In all that time, these structures where not cited for violations.
Then problems came out of nowhere.
The difficulties started when a neighbor complained about Mendes clearing trees from the lot. Mendes claims that this shouldn’t be a concern, as he has agricultural plans for the land. He is using it to grow trees after all.
Mendes didn’t believe he needed a land disturbance permit because his property was agriculturally zoned; however, when he realized he would need one and turned to the county the real trouble began. Mendes was denied his permit because he needed to go through a “thorough review process” which included an erosion and sediment control plan. This led to frustrations as Mendes was cited again and again for buildings which did not follow this erosion and sediment plan, most of which pre-existed Mendes’s ownership of the property.
When the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was sent to review Mendes’s property, they deemed the erosion and settlement plan unnecessary as the land was already safe against erosion. The head of the County Building Code Department, David Beahm, attempted to overrule the State ruling but was shut down by a DEQ supervisor. Mendes proceeded to move forward with working his farm; however, on January 16, 2019, Mendez received a letter of violation from the County Building Code Department on all his structures.
One of the issues was the dock, another structure previously built on the property. Mendes had added a small ramp for launching kayaks and canoes which raised issues. Mendes was reported to the Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC) for the violation concerning the ramp, but again, as with the DEQ, the supervisor at VRMC found no problems with the structure.
Mendes, under the advice given to him by the County Planning Department, filed for several agricultural exemption for the properties that were cited as violating the zoning ordinance. Per a Zoning Determination Letter sent to Mendes on May 1, 2019, the Zoning Administrator found that his Agricultural Exemption Applications, which would have exempted him from obtaining a “zoning permit” were not approved because they lacked residential building permits for the garages and the hoop house.
At this point Mendes began seriously questioning the motives of the County Department and its aggressive nature towards his pursuit of tree farming. Mendez contacted the previous owner, a lawyer, who began to investigate. Since purchasing the property, Warren County officials have referred Mendes’ property to third-party regulatory agencies (DEQ, MRC, FEMA) on three occasions. Two out of three of those occasions resulted in agencies finding that Mendes did not need to take any further action (i.e. DEQ and MRC) whereas FEMA merely required that Mendes install flood-vents on his structures. So why, Mendes wondered, why was he being targeted so harshly.
Mendez researched and determined that his properties were, to the his best understanding, not in violation of any codes established from the state level down to the local. The county website specifically stated that buildings in an agricultural zone and used for agricultural purposes did not require permitting he was told he required. WCC § 180-21 under section A of General Legislation, states “In addition to agricultural pursuits, any one of the following uses is permitted by right on each lot or each tract or combination tracts in the Agricultural District.” Due to the fact that the Mendes property is zoned Agricultural, this regulation, or lack thereof, would appear to apply. In addition, the previous owner had already been approved for one of the structures; a 500 square foot garage.
Seeking information by his right under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Mendes found that in the original letter of violation, his property was part of a county-wide flood plain observation. When he inquired how many properties were involved under this observation, he learned his property was the only one cited with a violation. In fact, Mendes has been the only property charged for violating WCC § 180-16(F)(1)(A) within a six-month period.
Mendes also believes that some questionable actions occurred with the County listing his ramp as a violation. Due to the ramp being so small and his property being at a steep incline, the only way to even know the ramp was there would be to swim upstream or trespass onto the property. Even from the aerial photographs, the ramp is not visible unless you know to look for it. Mendes maintains Fourth Amendment search concerns related to this matter.
Other questionable charges include the request for flood vents on the hoop house and the garages. The hoop house is made of steel mesh and the garages have large open doors in addition to being anchored in concrete, making all three structures flood proof. These charges baffled Mendes.
Mendes is now seeking action by appealing to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) on September 5. In accordance with the Right to Farm Act, he is fighting for his right to run his farm how he needs to run it under what his research has shown are within State guidelines.
When asked for comment, Mr. Joe Petty from the Planning Department stated that “From the Planning Department’s perspective, we’ve don’t nothing wrong. This is nothing personal against Mr. Mendes, we simply have a code to enforce and those standards apply to him as they would to anyone else.” Mr. Petty clarified the Planning Department’s side of the issue on several accounts. At the time that the initial letter of violation was sent to Mr. Mendes, his property was the only one being observed. However, since an August 1st meeting, over 50 such letters have been sent out to other properties in the flood plane. In addition to this, Mr. Petty clarified that much of the information gathered that brought violation charges on Mr. Mendes’ structures was obtained by use of the geographic information system (GIS) available to public viewing on warrengis.org. This would explain the Planning Department’s ability to cite structures such as the ramp without being on the property.
Mendes’s next step is a hearing that will contest the County’s requirements that Mendes build his structures to residential standards. He hopes this will lead to a change in the County’s aggressive approach towards him, as well as other businesses for building code enforcement.
Since the Royal Examiner interviewed Nelson Mendes, he has received additional FOIA information he requested from the County. His attorney, Tim Johnson, says it appears that upon a preliminary review it demonstrates that the Planning Department really did selectively target Mr. Mendes.
Even the other floodplain properties, including one other agricultural zoned property with non-permitted structures on it, went through a completely different process than Mr. Mendes: (1) received notices of zoning inspection; (2) had the property reviewed on-site by officials; (3) if any issues, THEN they received the notice of violation AND specific suggestions to be corrected.
Mr. Mendes was only ever cited with violations first, had officials come out to his property 3-4x with no clear guidance at each visit, then still be found in violation when he did do the one thing he was specifically told to do: install the flood vents.
If this case was really about ‘enforcing the code’, and the officials really had any concerns about the property, they had unlimited opportunities to meaningfully address those concerns and work with Mr. Mendes to resolve them to both his benefit as a well-intentioned property owner in Warren and to their benefit to ensure safety.
Whether or not Mendes’ appeal moves forward is yet to be seen, as more information has yet to be provided to the BZA. All will be made clear at the appeal meeting that will be held on September 5th.
Local News
Warren County Virginia Sheriff’s Office Rallies Support for Deputy Whose Home Was Severely Damaged by a Fire
In an urgent Facebook post on Monday, April 22, Sheriff Crystal Cline alerted the community to the plight of a deputy whose home was severely damaged by a fire that day.
“This morning, we were reminded of the unpredictable challenges that life can throw at us,” she wrote. “One of my deputies faced a heartbreaking tragedy when a fire severely damaged his home, resulting in the loss of everything he held dear, including his beloved pet.
“This deputy has lived his life on the frontlines—he served in the Army, then as a volunteer and professional firefighter, and now as a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office serving our community.
“Your support, whether through prayer, donations, or financial contributions, will help provide the immediate needs of shelter, clothing, and other essentials during this critical time. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (200 Skyline Vista Drive, Front Royal, VA) will be a drop-off location for any physical items or financial donations—ask for Jenn.
I appreciate your kindness, generosity, and support. We are more than a community; we are a FAMILY!”
Out of respect for the deputy, his identity was not revealed. Even so, the sheriff’s Facebook page has been inundated by people who want to help. Many types of donations are welcome, as the sheriff emphasized, and for those specifically wanting to make online financial contributions, a link is provided on the WCSO’s page. Michael Glavis of the WCSO has organized that site for raising funds, the “Sheriff Deputy House Fire Relief Fund.” Glavis considers the deputy a dear friend and work colleague. “He has given blood and sweat for others, and now I’m asking for everyone to give a little to help him and his family through the process of recovery,” Glavis said.
Local News
Illuminating Futures: Celebrating Achievements and Exploring Quantum Computing at ‘This is IT!’ Event
The “This Is IT!” club of Warren County, Virginia, marked another milestone as a hub for budding IT enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The club, which started in 2023, has quickly become a cornerstone for students interested in the ever-evolving world of information technology.
At the ‘This is IT!’ club gathering at the Samuels Public Library on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, students and community members came together to celebrate and learn. The club includes 9th to 12th-grade students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds and is aimed to ignite curiosity and reward academic excellence in information technology and quantum computing.
The ceremony kicked off with an introduction by Melissa Chapman, an instructor involved with the club. She set the stage for a night that was not only about recognition but also about expanding young minds. “Understanding the vocabulary of quantum computing is the first step towards mastery,” Chapman remarked, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge in this cutting-edge field.
The focal point of the evening was the guest lecture by Dr. Bruce Chesley, an aerospace engineer who adeptly connected the seemingly distant realms of space exploration and quantum computing. With palpable enthusiasm, Dr. Chesley described how quantum technologies could revolutionize our approach to exploring the cosmos. His talk made the complex topics accessible and entertaining, captivating the aspiring scientists in attendance.
Amidst the talks, the club took a moment to honor its bright young members through a scholarship awards ceremony. Scholarships were awarded to students who have shown exceptional prowess in STEM fields. These awards are a testament to the community’s support for its young learners and a major encouragement for them to pursue further education in technology. The winners were Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, and Uli Duke.
From left to right: Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, Uli Duke
The “This Is IT!” club continues to grow, driven by passion and enthusiasm for technology and innovation. Each meeting and event cements its role as a vital resource for Warren County’s youth, inspiring them to explore and excel in the field of information technology. As the club prepares for another exciting year, it remains a shining example of how community and education can come together to build a brighter future.
Local News
The Apple Blossom Coronation Legacy Continues for the Historical Event
For the first time in the history of the Shenandoah Apple Bossom Festival® three consecutive generations in a family will have served as Queen Shenandoah. Susan Ford Bales, Queen in 1975, and Tyne Vance Berlanga, Queen in 2001, will be accompanying Joy Elizabeth Berlanga as she assumes her role as Queen Shenandoah XCVII.
The Crowning Ceremony entertains from regal pomp and circumstance to joyful enthusiasm of Little Maids and Pages who are ever present to serve their Queen. The youthful court interchange historical and educational facts from the British Crown to learning about a United States President – to asking, “Who has the Crown?,” and with dancing. The Queen will be crowned at the memorable Coronation celebration under the direction of Elaine B. Aikens. The Ceremony to install the new sovereign is sponsored by Morgan Orthodontics, on Friday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m.at Handley High School. President Gerald Ford crowned Susan. Susan crowned Tyne, and Joy will be crowned by her mother and escorted by her grandmother.
Susan, Joy’s grandmother, is a Virginia native and now resides in Texas. She is the daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. Susan is the mother of two daughters, Tyne Berlanga and Heather Deavers, five grandchildren, Joy Elizabeth Berlanga, Cruz Vance Berlanga, Elizabeth Blanch Deavers, Jude Deavers, and Sullivan Bales, and three stepsons, Kevin, Matthew, and Andrew Bales.
Susan was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Holton Arms School and the University of Kansas, where she studied photojournalism. She is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. She is the author of two novels set in the Whie House, “Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery”, and its sequel, “Sharp Focus.”
Susan is the Ship’s Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which she officially christened on November 9, 2013. On April 8, 2016, in recognition of her service as the Ship’s Sponsor, she was named an Honorary Naval Aviator by the United States Navy, becoming only the 31st American to receive this distinction. And history was made with her selection – Susan is the first woman to be chosen as an Honorary Naval Aviator.
During her high school years, Susan lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her mother’s surgery for breast cancer in 1974. In 1984, she and her mother helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Susan subsequently served as national spokesperson for breast cancer awareness. Since the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Susan worked side by side with her mother on projects at the Center and was elected to the Center’s Board of Directors in 1992. She succeeded her mother as Chairman of the Board 2005-2010, and currently serves on the board of directors of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
In addition to her many charitable public service activities, Susan serves as Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy, Trustee, Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, and the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Children’s National Medical Center.
Tyne, mother of Joy, Queen-designate, resides in Frisco, TX with her husband Hector and two children, Joy and Cruz. She serves as a marketing manager for Western Son. With a passion for community involvement, Tyne sits on multiple school booster club boards for all her children’s activities.
On Tyne’s departure as Queen she reflected, “It was easy to be kind, gracious and humble Queen when surrounded by the people of Winchester. My five-day reign as Queen Shenandoah was an occasion that will have a special place in my heart. I have formed friendships and made memories that will hopefully stay with me for a long time to come. On Sunday morning I was doing an exit interview with one of the reporters and he asked me, “If l had a daughter would I let her be Queen?” My answer was immediately “Yes, if she’s lucky enough to be given this opportunity.” Now, Tyne eagerly anticipates returning to Winchester where Joy is set to embark on a remarkable journey, echoing Tyne’s own experiences from 23 years prior. It’s truly heartwarming to be able to share this moment with both her mother and daughter.
The Queen and her family will ride in the Hang 10 Firefighters’ Parade Friday evening at 5:30 and the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Queen-designate Joy and her family will be making appearances at Festival events during the weekend.
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.
Community Events
Valley Chorale Announces Upcoming Spring Concerts in Middletown and Front Royal
The Valley Chorale presents “Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope”, a spring concert exploring aspirations of love, home, spirituality and compassion that unite and uplift us all. With styles ranging from light classical and sacred to vocal jazz, spirituals and pop, The Valley Chorale strives to capture the hopes that unite us.
The Valley Chorale is known throughout the Shenandoah Valley for innovation and excellence, with piano, cello and percussion accompaniment, and their concerts are often a heart-warming experience for all. They welcome babies and tots, so no need to hire a babysitter.
Tickets can be purchased on their website TheValleyChorale.org — $15 for age 21+ (free under age 21) or at the door for $17.
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
Belle Grove Plantation (Bank Barn), 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
First Baptist Church, 14 W. 1st Street, Front Royal, VA (Community Reception to follow)
For further information, visit the website: TheValleyChorale.org: follow them on Facebook; email them at TheValleyChorale@gmail.com or call at 540-635-4842.
Courtesy Royal Examiner File Photo of The Valley Chorale during the Christmas season. Get ready for their spring concerts ‘Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope’ the first week of May.
(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)
Local News
Warren Coalition Announces 2024 Video Contest Winners
Just before spring break, the Warren Coalition presented first-place prizes to four students for their submissions in the annual Health Video Contest. Jerry Buhl and Kenny Buhl, brothers who are both students at Warren County Middle School, won in the categories of Eating Healthy and Getting Enough Sleep, respectively. Caleb Rodman, a local homeschool student, was honored for his submission about Drinking Enough Water. Landon Marut of Front Royal Christian Academy took the top prize in the Exercise category. Each of the students received $125 in Amazon gift cards.
Warren County Middle School principal Chris Johnson (left) and Warren Coalition Community Liaison Gabriel Lee (right) present the proud and exuberant Jerry (center left) and Kenny Buhl (center right) with their prizes. The brothers won for their videos about eating healthy and getting enough sleep, respectively.
The contest was open to all middle school students, ages 11-14, in Warren County. Students could elect to submit a video about getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, drinking water, or maintaining healthy eating habits. The contest was held as part of the Warren Coalition’s WAHOO (Working to Achieve Healthy Outcomes and Opportunities) program, which is funded by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. Their videos will be used as healthy living ads throughout Warren County in the late spring/early summer.
Warren Coalition Community Outreach Coordinator Celeste Brooks (on left) presents Caleb Rodman with a $125 Amazon gift card award for his video about drinking enough water.
Warren Coalition is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001. The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center. Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.
Warren Coalition Community Liaison Gabriel Lee (left) and Executive Director Christa Shifflett (right) present the “Exercise” category prize of $125 to Landon Marut.
Local News
Warren County Habitat for Humanity Receives Major Grant to Support Housing and Community Revitalization
Warren County Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a substantial $235,466 grant from the Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant. This funding will enhance their ongoing efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and provide affordable housing, with a focus on the Osage Street project.
The grant, named in honor of Susan Dewey’s 25 years of dedication at Virginia Housing, underscores a commitment to eliminating substandard housing and promoting vibrant, healthy communities. It is part of a larger $1 million initiative aimed at supporting the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of single-family homes across the state.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity is among five affiliates chosen for this generous grant. The funds are expected to aid in covering construction costs and reducing loan expenses, making homeownership more accessible to families striving for better living conditions.
Debra Siksay, President of the local Habitat chapter, expressed her gratitude, stating, “This grant from Virginia Housing is a monumental support for our Osage Street project and other endeavors. It allows us to push forward with our neighborhood improvement plans and make a lasting impact in the community.”
The organization’s mission, deeply rooted in the values of community and hope, is to ensure that every family in Warren County has a decent, safe place to call home. The Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant will play a crucial role in bringing that vision to life by empowering families and fostering community development.
Residents interested in learning more about the Habitat for Humanity projects or wishing to contribute can visit the Warren County Habitat website at www.warrencountyhabitat.org or contact their office at 540-551-3232.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity continues to work tirelessly towards a world where everyone has a decent place to live, supported by community efforts and generous funding such as the Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant.
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