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Wednesday, August 27, 2008 *Striker to serve sentence at regional jail (3:40 p.m.) FRONT ROYAL — A former town police officer who pleaded guilty last week in Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to reckless handling of a firearm will serve his sentence at the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center in Frederick County. Bruce Conover, the superintendent of the regional jail, confirmed on Wednesday that James Douglas "J.D." Striker, 52, of 4437 Remount Road, will report to the facility on Sept. 4 to begin serving a 30-day sentence. Conover said Striker will be evaluated for eligibility for the facility's alternative programs, including work release. Earlier on Wednesday, Warren County Sheriff Daniel T. McEathron said he and his jail staff determined that since Striker was a former Front Royal police officer, it would be safer for Striker to be housed in another jurisdiction. McEathron said transferring such inmates to other facilities outside of the jurisdiction where they had worked is common practice. Striker retired on Oct. 31, 2006, after 25 years of service with the Front Royal Police Department.
One hospitalized after demolition derby WOODSTOCK — An Edinburg man is at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville preparing to undergo skin grafts later this week for burns he suffered during the demolition derby Monday at the Shenandoah County Fair. Brad Kibler, 25, suffered second-degree burns to his arms, neck, shoulders and back, his wife, Amanda, said Tuesday afternoon. He was airlifted from Shenandoah Memorial Hospital to U.Va. Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Altered filings confuse defense LEESBURG — When a court ordered changes to three of the election fraud indictments against former state Senate candidate Mark Tate, it was supposed to make the case simpler. But now that the defense has the changes in hand, it's even harder to tell just what Tate is alleged to have done wrong. Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Republicans push back against former governor Virginia Republicans started their push back against former Democratic Gov. Mark R. Warner hours before the U.S. Senate candidate even took the podium in Denver on Tuesday night. Rep. Eric Cantor, R-7th — part of Republican candidate Sen. John McCain's "Truth Squad" in Denver — told reporters on a conference call that Democratic candidate Sen. Barack Obama was wrong for Virginia. Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Ex-inmate says jail violated his civil rights WINCHESTER — A man in federal prison for providing unqualified bomb-sniffing dogs to the U.S. government claims regional jail officials violated his civil rights this spring. Russell J. Ebersole, of Hagerstown, Md., has filed suit in the U.S. District Court of Maryland seeking $6 million from the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center for alleged civil rights violations. Ebersole was incarcerated there from April 30 through June 4. Wednesday, August 27, 2008
WOODSTOCK — When the dust settled in the show ring Tuesday afternoon, it was Edinburg's Allison George who brought home the grand champion market steer prize at the Shenandoah County Fair. "I think it's really cool," she said of earning the title. Allison, 15, of Pine Crest Farm, won the competition with Grady, a 1,332-pound Maine Angus Cross. Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Planners decline to OK site plan STRASBURG — The Planning Commission on Tuesday night unanimously decided not to recommend that town staff approve a site plan for a controversial project adjacent to Cedar Creek. At Tuesday's meeting, commission Chairman Leon Smith said the panel has had several discussions about the Summit at Oxbow site plan. Town Planner Nora Amos said engineer Ronald Mislowski, who represents Madison Development Associates, would like the commission to recommend approval of the site plan contingent on the town's receipt of outstanding agency approvals and information. Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Many supervisors want liaison meetings to resume FRONT ROYAL — Despite the Town Council's decision against resuming liaison committee meetings with Warren County, many members of the Board of Supervisors hope the sessions can resume. The council voted 5-1 Monday to not resume the meetings. Some council members thought the meetings could lead to grandstanding and conflicts, and should instead be informal. Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Board to meet in closed session WOODSTOCK — The Shenandoah County School Board is meeting in closed session this afternoon to discuss personnel matters. School Board Vice Chairman Rick Koontz refused to say whether Strasburg High School Principal Karen C. Spillman's resignation was the topic of the closed session, which is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. "All I can say is it's a personnel closed session," he said Tuesday evening. Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Planning officials seek transit input WINCHESTER — Survey says? The Winchester-Frederick County Metropolitan Planning Organization is conducting a planning study to develop strategies to improve transit services in the two localities. The effort includes gathering input from residents and businesses in Winchester, Frederick County and Stephens City. Wednesday, August 27, 2008 City to hold forum on water main work WINCHESTER — City officials plan to hold a public meeting Thursday on the first phase of a water main replacement project. Staff will answer questions from residents and business owners about the Cork Street phase of the Northeast Infrastructure Project from 4 to 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Loudoun St., according to a press release. Attendees can review design plans, target schedules and temporary detour routes. Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Wray pleads guilty to DUI offense FRONT ROYAL — A former radio talk show host may finally have his legal problems behind him. William Randolph "Randy" Wray, 46, with a last known address of 606 Randolph Ave., Front Royal, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Warren County General District Court to driving under the influence on May 28, first offense. Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Barns fundraising approaching goal BERRYVILLE — A $1.5 million campaign to turn two barns in Rose Hill Park into an arts and community center recently entered the "home stretch." The restored barns that date to the early 20th century face the future town and county government building and house the Berryville-Clarke County Visitor Center. Supporters celebrated reaching the $1.3 million mark by updating the "Barney" campaign gauge at the entrance to the Park on Main Street, according to a press release. Tuesday, August 26, 2008 *Demolition derby driver injured in fire (11:55 a.m.) WOODSTOCK — A driver in Monday night's demolition derby at the Shenandoah County Fair was injured when his car caught fire, the show manager said. Describing the incident as a "freak accident," Mike Rutter, show manager for Nationwide Demolition Derby, said event organizers will try to find ways to prevent a recurrence. Tuesday, August 26, 2008 *Judge throws out Lake Holiday lawsuit (2:58 p.m.) WINCHESTER — Lake Holiday Country Club Inc. qualifies as a property owners association under Virginia law, Frederick County Circuit Court Judge John R. Prosser ruled Tuesday in dismissing a suit brought by a small group of lot owners within the gated lakefront community. Despite its staggered development, Lake Holiday has functioned as a single community since its inception in 1970, Prosser said. Tuesday, August 26, 2008
STRASBURG — Strasburg High School will start the academic year next week without a permanent principal. Karen C. Spillman, hired just last month, has tendered her resignation, Shenandoah County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Rowland said Monday afternoon. He said he received the resignation Monday morning, but it's not official until the School Board approves it. Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Volunteer firefighters will not be prosecuted STRASBURG — Two members of the Strasburg Volunteer Fire Department who were charged in relation to the alleged harassment of one of the company's junior members will not be prosecuted, Commonwealth's Attorney Albert T. Mitchell said Monday. Third-party warrants were issued for Jason Rush, 27, on Aug. 1, and Tyler Williams, 18, on July 31, based on criminal complaints made by Kimberly Brill, a member of Strasburg's Rescue Squad, and her then-17-year-old son, a junior volunteer at the fire company. Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Warner asks Virginia voters to give Obama a chance Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama hasn't yet "closed the deal" with Virginia voters — but neither has Republican candidate Sen. John McCain, according to former Democratic Gov. Mark R. Warner. "You've got a 44-year history running against you," Warner said, speaking on a conference call from Denver on Monday. The U.S. Senate candidate is scheduled to give the convention's keynote address tonight. Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Panel shifts stance on liaison meetings FRONT ROYAL — The Town Council voted 5-1 on Monday not to resume liaison meetings with the Warren County Board of Supervisors following an 18-month layoff. The vote was somewhat of a reversal from a consensus during an Aug. 18 work session to reconvene the liaison meetings. Councilman Carson C. Lauder Jr. made Monday's motion to resume the meetings. Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Officials touch on truck ban pitfalls WINCHESTER — Ban trucks from one road and drivers find a way around — often adding traffic to other streets — state and Frederick County officials warned Monday. During a meeting of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors' transportation committee, representatives of Warren County sought input on a potential restriction of tractor-trailers and trucks on Reliance Road (Va. 627). Tuesday, August 26, 2008
FRONT ROYAL — The first day of school in Warren County brought with it excitement and mild anxiety for kindergartners and parents at Ressie Jeffries Elementary School. Monday was also the first day of classes for Clarke County Public Schools. Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A tractor-trailer traveling north on Interstate 81, near the Va. 7 interchange, caught fire Monday afternoon. Dennis Grundman/Daily Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Break-in suspects taken into custody FRONT ROYAL — Authorities have arrested one adult and six juveniles believed to be responsible for a rash of vehicle break-ins. Jonathon Newman, 19, of 1502 Scranton Ave., Front Royal, was arrested on Wednesday along with three juveniles ages 15 to 17. The group entered about 29 vehicles and stole items such as jewelry, knives, flashlights, sunglasses, money, cameras, cell phones and compact discs, according to a news release issued by the Front Royal Police Department. The vehicles that were entered were parked in the area of North Royal Avenue, 17th Street, Scranton Avenue and Edgemont Avenue. Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Officials investigate copper larcenies WINCHESTER — The Winchester Police Department is investigating several larcenies of copper that occurred sometime between Aug. 8 and 10. Police report that a suspect or suspects removed the copper downspouts from two businesses on South Cameron Street. Three sections of downspout are 4 to 6 feet long, and one section is about 3 feet long. Also, 12 pieces of copper, each 20 feet long, were taken from a construction site near the Winchester Medical Center on Amherst Street. Tuesday, August 26, 2008 House fire blamed on electrical short FRONT ROYAL — A fire that destroyed a house near Linden on Sunday might have been caused by an electrical malfunction or short. The fire started on the rear deck of the house at 303 Grimes Golden Road in the Apple Mountain Lake subdivision. From there, it "spread up the wood siding into the roof system of the home," a press release from the Warren County Fire and Rescue Department reads. Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Free Clinic seeking more volunteers WOODSTOCK — The Shenandoah County Free Clinic is searching for more volunteers, and is hosting an information session for them on Sept. 6. Besides those in the health field, drivers, data entry workers, phone receptionists, eligibility screeners and other clerical volunteers are needed, according to a news release from the Free Clinic. Volunteers don't need prior experience as training is provided, the release says. Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Lord Fairfax to offer online rights course MIDDLETOWN — Lord Fairfax Community College will offer a course next month aimed at teaching students their rights pertaining to posting personal information online and free speech on social networking sites. The college will offer its "Campus Computing" seminar on Sept. 16 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Rose Loeb Student Center at its Fauquier campus in Warrenton. The seminar is free and open to the public. The course will be taught by C.L. Lindsay III, an attorney and founder of the Coalition for Student and Academic Rights. The seminar will focus on individuals' rights, potential liabilities, and how laws operate pertaining to such topics as online harassment, electronic stalking, copyright infringement and software piracy. Tuesday, August 26, 2008 Police arrest man charged with rape MIDDLETOWN — Police have apprehended a local man accused of raping a teenage girl in July. In a press release issued Monday, Middletown Police Chief R. Philip Breeden says police arrested Mark Preston Johnson, 21, of 7601 Main St., Middletown, who had been wanted for the charge of rape. Johnson was indicted on the rape charge by a Frederick County Circuit Court grand jury on Aug. 7. A warrant for Johnson's arrest was also issued that day. Johnson is accused of raping a 17-year-old Stephens City girl on July 26 at Cedar Creek Apartments. The girl was visiting a friend at the time of the alleged incident, the press release states. Tuesday, August 26, 2008
STRASBURG — For many in the stands at the Shenandoah County Fair Monday night, the Nationwide Demolition Derby was a family affair. "My husband's in it," said Summer Andes, 27, before the start of Monday's derby, which was open only to Shenandoah County entries. Her husband, John, has been competing in demolition derbies for four years, she said. Monday, August 25, 2008 *New Strasburg principal resigns post STRASBURG — Newly hired Strasburg High School Principal Karen C. Spillman has resigned a little more than a week before the first day of the school year. "I have a resignation in hand," Shenandoah County Public Schools Superintendent Keith Rowland said Monday afternoon. "We will be looking for someone to fill that position at least for a year." Monday, August 25, 2008
WINCHESTER — About a thousand people gathered in downtown Winchester on Saturday to get the blues — or at least listen to them. The ninth annual Blues House was a musical feast for the ears, touted as the largest blues festival in the northern Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia. Monday, August 25, 2008 Home near Linden destroyed by fire LINDEN — A fire destroyed a home near Linden on Sunday. The fire occurred at 303 Grimes Golden Road in the Apple Mountain Lake subdivision, and was called in at 5:05 p.m. on Sunday. The owners weren't in the house at the time, and no one was injured, said Warren County Fire and Rescue Chief Richard E. Mabie. Monday, August 25, 2008
WOODSTOCK — A cacophony of squeals reverberated around the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds on Saturday — squeals of excitement from children chasing piglets squealing in consternation at being chased around a ring. The greased pig contest was the opening act of the Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation "Family Fun Day". Monday, August 25, 2008
FRONT ROYAL — While a majority of Town Council members have no problem with a code of conduct sign being made by a fellow panel member, the council's approach to such matters may change. In an effort to help encourage better behavior at the gazebo area, the council directed Town Manager J. Michael Graham during a Monday work session to have the sign erected. Monday, August 25, 2008 Schools start safe-driving program WOODSTOCK — A wet road and a teen driver. Deborah Cooper, for good reason, is no fan of those circumstances. While she lived in Buckingham County, her 17-year-old son, who is now 23, crashed under those driving conditions on his prom night. His car went airborne, but he survived. Monday, August 25, 2008 Area roads to get lower speed limits Drivers will have to slow down on several roads in Shenandoah and Clarke counties in coming weeks. The Virginia Department of Transportation is lowering the speed limits along several routes in those counties, according to a news release from the agency. Drivers heading north into Woodstock on U.S. 11 will see the limit drop from 55 mph to 50 a half-mile south of Va. 605 (Hoover Road) to two-tenths of a mile north of it, the release says. Monday, August 25, 2008 Police investigate theft of generator WINCHESTER — Authorities are looking for clues to a July 10 burglary in Clarke County. A suspect or suspects broke into an outbuilding in the 300 block of Farm Lane in White Post. The victim reported that he discovered a hasp had been broken and, once inside, noticed that a Honda generator, an Echo pole saw and miscellaneous hand and electric tools had been taken. An Echo string trimmer and a toolbox with tools also were taken from a truck parked on the premises. Anyone with information regarding a suspect or suspect vehicle in this incident is asked to call Crime Solvers at 722-5200. The case number is 080004328. Callers may remain anonymous. Information leading to the arrest of a suspect may result in a reward of up to $1,000. Monday, August 25, 2008 Chris Fordney: Biker not phased by age, snake BREVARD, N.C. — This slice of western North Carolina is mountain-biking heaven, with the undulating Dupont State Forest on one side of town and the steeper, more challenging Pisgah National Forest on the other. One day I decided to take a shot at the Pisgah, parking at a fish hatchery and just beginning my ride when I saw another gray-haired mountain biker pulling into the lot. I climbed about 800 feet in two miles on a curvy, dirt forest road and had stopped to look at my map when the other biker pedaled up behind me. His name was Don, an Army retiree, and he had been living in the Brevard area for a few years after moving east from Boulder, Colo. He was headed a little higher to see how much damage a clear-cut had done to one of his favorite trails and invited me along. Monday, August 25, 2008 On the roads Interstate 81: Nighttime guardrail work. Paving with alternating lane closings Monday to Thursday from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. from mile markers 310 to 306 southbound in Frederick County. Ramp work at Exit 315 southbound also in Frederick County at Va. 7. Barriers will be located in this work zone. Interstate 66: Full operation of a new traffic signal beginning Monday at the westbound I-66 exit ramp at Va. 79. Also, lane and shoulder closings on bridges over the North Fork of the Shenandoah River for repairs at mile marker 7 eastbound and westbound Monday to Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Bridge repair east of U.S. 340-522. Westbound lane and shoulder closings Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastbound lane and shoulder closings Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday, August 24, 2008 *Fire destroys home near Linden A fire totally destroyed a home near Linden on Sunday. The fire occurred at 303 Grimes Golden Road in the Apple Mountain Lake Subdivision, and was called in at 5:05 p.m. Sunday. The owners weren't in the house at the time of the fire, and no one was injured, said Warren County Fire and Rescue Chief Richard E. Mabie. Saturday, August 23, 2008 Bank records to remain in evidence at fraud case LEESBURG — Former state Senate hopeful Mark Tate's bank records will remain in evidence at his election fraud trial next month, a Loudoun County Circuit Court judge ruled Friday. But the 2007 GOP primary candidate will be able to question his former opponent's opposition researcher on the witness stand. Saturday, August 23, 2008
With the rising cost of energy and fuel, area schools have felt the impact in nearly every aspect of their operations. While some school districts across the country are resorting to cutting the school week to four days, local schools are working to be as frugal as possible without making any extreme changes to their daily routines. This summer, Warren County Public Schools cut its workweek to four days to conserve, but Superintendent Pamela McInnis said there is no move to do so during the academic year. High utility costs, particularly at the county's two new high schools, surprised the administration last year, but conservation measures have been put in place this year, and that will work to keep costs down, McInnis said. Saturday, August 23, 2008 Sewer removal nears completion at Avtex Superfund site FRONT ROYAL — With one major project completed, another is under way at the Avtex Superfund site. Sewer removal is nearly complete, said John Torrence, site manager for FMC, the company in charge of the cleanup, with one major removal done. Now, the major focus is the closure of viscose basins 4, 5 and 6, which were basically landfills, he said. Saturday, August 23, 2008
FRONT ROYAL — Nine-year-old Damiyan Chavis of Chesterfield County beat his African drum as enthusiastically as any other child would on a warm summer day. Focusing on instructions from mentor Malcolm Brewster, Damiyan took a little break to talk about his experience this week at Camp Fantastic at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center, just south of Front Royal. |
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