Allegro launches ‘Summer on the Green’ concert series. Page 21
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April 11, 2018
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Vol. 201, No. 15
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Fauquier Republicans head to the polls Saturday By James Ivancic Times Staff Writer
Fauquier Republicans will answer their party’s call to come to Fauquier High School on Saturday to elect a new chairman and fill committee spots. Sometime after 4 p.m. it should be known whether Harry Burroughs or Greg Schumacher will succeed Fauquier County Republican Chairwoman Kay Hayes, who is not seeking another term.
Committee will pick new chair, 94 voting members Hayes has endorsed Burroughs, the current vice chairman for precinct organization. Both Burroughs and Schumacher say they see a need for greater unity in the party and respect for other points of view. Burroughs points to his record as a precinct organizer, which involves organizing and staffing community events, staffing the polls on Election Day, designing sample ballots to dis-
tribute on Election Day and procuring campaign yard signs. Schumacher says little has been done to grow the party. He points to a decline in committee membership, a lack of transparency in decision-making and intolerance for other points of view. Two years ago, the party narrowly re-elected Hayes as chairman over Peter Popovich. Factions within the party have
Tough talk on tariffs worries Fauquier farmers
been at odds for several years over the handling of a 2014 election for chairman and more recently over claims that committee leadership has not been following rules and bylaws.
See REPUBLICANS, page 8
Warrenton Town Council candidates’ forum set for April 18. Page 13
Times Staff Writer
and Leonard Shapiro Contributing Writer
INSIDE Business.............................................19 Calendar.............................................40 Classified............................................43 Communities......................................38
Pages 8-9
Pages 23-25
By James Ivancic
The ongoing and escalating titfor-tat trade dispute between the U.S. and China has left Fauquier farmers and their counterparts elsewhere in the lurch as planting season gets underway. On April 4, China announced a planned 25-percent increase in the tariff on imported soybeans. Cars and chemicals also were targeted. This followed the Trump administration’s targeting of Chinese electronics the day before, which came after China proposed increased tariffs on 128 American products, including pork and wine. Then, President Trump followed up by threatening tariffs on another $100 billion worth of goods from China. A country’s tariffs make imported products costlier for consumers. There’s still an opportunity for both countries to negotiate, but meanwhile, American producers are living with uncertainty. “Any time you put restrictions on trade, the other party is certain to reciprocate,” said John Scheid, president of the Fauquier Farm Bureau. “It’s not good. The Republicans used to be for free trade. Any time there are restrictions, you lose.” Glenn Dye, chairman of the board of the Virginia Soybean Association, farms 1,000 acres in three counties, including 325 acres near Midland in
Chairman Q and A
Candidates weigh in on Fauquier growth, primaries vs. conventions, strategies to unify the party
‘We are concerned’ TIMES STAFF PHOTO/LELAND SCHWARTZ Fauquier farmer Sid Rodgers, of Moriah Farm, stands in front of the John Deere 4730 tractor he uses to spray corn and soybean crops, which will be planted soon. Fauquier, with soybeans and corn the main crops. He said he and many fellow farmers, most past Trump supFarming................................................6 LFCC..................................................12 Libraries.............................................22 Opinion...............................................14 Obituaries...........................................26
porters, are paying close attention.
See FARMERS, page 16 Public Safety.........................................3 Puzzles...............................................30 Real Estate..........................................37 Religion..............................................28 Sports.................................................31
The Fauquier boys soccer team has grabbed the early district lead. Page 31
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NEWS
Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | April 11, 2018
Change of attitude led to Latitudes
Latitudes Fair Trade Store
Wearing layers of woven colors from her bright jacket to her scarf, Lee Owsley stepped to the front of the classroom at Lord Fairfax Community College on a recent Tuesday evening. She was there to share her story in front of a group of women aspiring to be business owners. Part of the Be the Change Foundation workshop series, the attendees get a chance to hear and learn from others who have walked the path they hope to walk. Lee Owsley is the owner of Latitudes Fair Trade Store on Main Street in Warrenton. Her story weaves many threads that run from the hardworking women’s hands in faraway lands to the homes and hearts of folks here. Despite the physical distance,
104 Main St., Warrenton 540-349-2333 latitudesfairtrade.com To learn more about Be the Change Foundation, visit bethechangefoundation.us
FAUQUIER FOCUS the connection is immediately made when you purchase a pair of earrings, a bracelet or necklace or small figurine from Lee’s eclectic offerings at Latitudes. Your purchase is not only bringing a smile to your face but to artisans in places like Guatemala, Honduras and Nigeria. Lee shared with the group that her Classified Sales Consultants Jeanne Cobert, 540-878-2491 jcobert@fauquier.com Evelyn Cobert, 540-878-2492 ecobert@fauquier.com
ISSN 1050-7655, USPS 188280 Published every Wednesday by Piedmont Media LLC How to reach us
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ADDRESS: 39 Culpeper Street Warrenton, Virginia 20186 Staff Writers PHONE: 540-347-4222 James Ivancic, 540-878-2414 FAX: 540-349-8676 HOURS: 8 a.m. 5 p.m. weekdays, jivancic@fauquier.com 24-hour answering service Jonathan Hunley, jhunley@fauquier.com Publisher Catherine M. Nelson, Leland Schwartz, 540-351-0488 540-347-4222 lschwartz@fauquier.com cnelson@fauquier.com NEWSROOM Editor in Chief Christopher Six, 540-212-6331 csix@fauquier.com News Editor Jill Palermo, 540-351-0431 jpalermo@fauquier.com Web/Copy Editor Amanda Heincer, 540-878-2418 aheincer@fauquier.com
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Chairman Emeritus George R. Thompson To place Classified and Employment ads: Call 540-351-1664 or fax 540-349-8676, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday — Friday or email fauquierclassifieds@fauquier.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 540-347-4222 Help with your subscription? Call 540-878-2413 or email CirculationFT@fauquier.com Missed your paper? Call 540-347-4222, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays Subscription: $69.68 per year within the United States. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Fauquier Times, 39 Culpeper St., Warrenton, VA 20186. Periodicals postage paid at Warrenton, Va. and at additional mailing offices
From Pre-K to Master’s
personal journey began with a trip to Guatemala in 2009 that she garnered as the result of an educational grant. An artisan herself, Lee loves sewing, weaving, quilting, making baskets and other forms of art. While in Guatemala she took a weaving class taught by a group of Mayan women who had formed their own cooperative. Lee was impressed and inspired. As she held up the lavender-colored woven scarf that she produced from that class, she got a bit teary as she recalled the moment on the flight back that she knew what she wanted to do with her life. She wanted to market their products. It was the perfect way for her to help them help themselves. It was a calling of sorts for sure. One that she prayed about and made the decision to pursue. She was already helping a missionary friend of hers sell paper beads made by women in Uganda so might as well add a few more products. Lee started selling online and doing the craft fair circuit all the while gathering information about fair trade products. She worked for a while at Ten Thousand Villages to learn more about the retail end. One thing was happening for sure. When people saw the products, they loved them and they bought them. Serendipity was a factor as well when a space opened at 104 Main St. in Warrenton in 2010. Lee was already familiar with the crowds that filled the town during the holidays. So, she took a leap of faith and calculated risk to open her first brick-and-mortar store. That Christmas, her store was packed and she sold out of most of her items. Lee was humbled and grateful that the word of her store spread. A
Lee Owsley teacher at the time, Lee made the decision to eventually retire from that and dedicate herself solely to her business venture. By 2014, her husband Terry took the reins at their second store in Fredericksburg and a third, run by one of her daughters, has opened in Staunton. Lee’s passion, energy and positive outlook clearly impressed the group of women who marveled at her drive and dedication, discipline and determination to take her vision into reality. Her journey isn’t over as Lee travels regularly to visit artisans around the world connecting small communities with the international fair-trade network. It’s exciting, it’s challenging but it’s a risk that has yielded tenfold rewards for not only her and her family but everyone who shares her vision. If you haven’t stepped off Main Street to walk through the doors at Latitudes you’re missing a magical, colorful retail store that is worth the experience. You also have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of somewhere faraway. That’s a special connection. — Compiled by Anita Sherman
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Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | April 11, 2018
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New law puts focus on suicide prevention efforts By Scott Malone
Capital News Service
RICHMOND — As suicides have risen in Virginia — including a 29-percent increase among children in 2016 — Gov. Ralph Northam has signed legislation calling on state officials to report how they are addressing the problem. House Bill 569, introduced by Del. Wendy Gooditis, D-Clarke, requires the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to report annually its progress and activities on suicide prevention. The report will go to the governor and General Assembly. The bill is of special significance to Gooditis, who was elected in November to represent the 10th House District, which includes parts of Clarke, Frederick and Loudoun counties. During the first two weeks of her candidacy, Gooditis lost her brother to alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder. “He had a number of suicide attempts. It was part of the reason I was running in the first place. I found him dead two weeks after I announced my candidacy,” Gooditis said. “At that point, I don’t think anyone would’ve penalized me for quitting. But I had met so many who needed help, I couldn’t quit. I had to run and try to get the seat to try to speak for people who need someone to speak for them.” Northam signed Gooditis’ bill last month — about the time that the state’s Office of the Chief Medical Ex-
aminer released its latest annual report on causes of death in Virginia. Compiled by Kathrin Hobron, a forensic epidemiologist, the study provides statistical details on deaths that occurred in 2016, including homicides, suicides, accidents and other causes. The report states that it “reveals several trends of which the citizens and leaders of Virginia should be aware.” Those trends include a spike in suicide rates for children (defined as 17 and younger) in Virginia. In 2016, the rate was the highest it has been in at least 18 years. In 1999, the report said, 23 children in Virginia committed suicide — a rate of 1.3 suicides per 100,000 population. In 2015, 35 children committed suicide in the state. In 2016, the number jumped to 45 child suicides — or 2.4 suicides per 100,000 children. “Child suicides are very similar to adult suicides as they occur more frequently in males (roughly 62 percent) and whites (roughly 78 percent). White males have the highest rate of child suicide,” the report stated. Twenty-two — almost half — of the 45 child suicides in Virginia in 2016 involved firearms, usually handguns. That was the most common method of child suicide, followed by asphyxiation. Under Virginia law, it is a misdemeanor to “recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any child under the age of fourteen.” Even
so, some children manage to obtain a gun and commit suicide each year. Gooditis said in an interview that she was familiar with the medical examiner’s report. It further demonstrates that something must be done, she said. “It’s just horrific. We have to intervene and teach [children] ways of handling their emotions so those emotions don’t take over,” Gooditis said. The number of suicides of Virginians of all ages also has increased in recent years. In 2016, it reached 1,156 — up from 1,097 the previous year. By comparison, there were 884 suicides statewide in 2006. In 2017, the General Assembly passed a bill requiring the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to issue a one-time
report about its suicides prevention measures. HB 569 builds on that legislation by having the agency report on its efforts every year. In its report last year, the department updated the governor and the General Assembly on projects such as the Lock and Talk Virginia Campaign, which aims to reduce suicides by restricting individuals’ access to firearms and poisons when they are in a mental health crisis. The agency also discussed its efforts to educate the public on how to recognize and respond to suicidal warning signs. Under the bill Northam signed into law March 19, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services must issue such a report by Dec. 1 every year.
Warrenton man arrested after standoff with police
A Warrenton man was arrested Thursday after a brief standoff with police in the Leeds Square neighborhood. Both Warrenton police and Fauquier County sheriff’s deputies responded at about 7:46 p.m. April 5 to a lower-level unit in the 100 block of Leeds Court West in response to a report of “a man with a gun,” Police Chief Louis Battle said in a press release. The caller reported that Roxie Edward Clater, 61, of Warrenton, had brandished a loaded firearm, threatened suicide, then fired two rounds . . . inside the residence and refused to come outside, according to a police press release Police set up a perimeter, told other residents to stay inside and established communication with the man. Clater eventually came outside, was subdued by officers and eventually taken into custody. He was found to be “extremely intoxicated,” police said. Clater was charged with discharging a firearm in an occupied dwelling, brandishing a firearm and reckless handling of a firearm. Clater was being held without bond, the press release said.
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