IT’S A HOME RUN: The Fauquier, Kettle Run and Liberty baseball teams are previewed. Page 15, 18
March 13, 2019
Our 202nd year | Vol. 202, No. 11 | www.Fauquier.com | $1.50
Medicaid, MAT expand help for addicts By Karen Chaffraix Times Staff Writer
Deaths from drug overdoses have been on the rise since 2013; they numbered 19 in Fauquier County in 2018. Now, wider access to Medicaid and new regional clinics offering “medication-assisted treatment,” also known as MAT, are giving those battling addiction more options. MAT utilizes the anti-craving medication buprenorphine, known by the brand name “Suboxone,” combined with behavioral therapy and case management.
Locally, Dr. Ash Diwan provides a comprehensive MAT program with colleague Dr. Jorge Minera at Piedmont Family practice in Warrenton. Diwan is also partnering with Winchester Addiction Services’ John Lindsey to broaden MAT availability in the region, and is considering opening a clinic in Front Royal. Diwan accepts all insurance, including Medicaid, and said, “we work with” those who have no insurance. Diwan, board certified in both pain and addiction management, is acutely aware of the problems affecting those with chronic pain and opioid addic-
tion, and with the laws that restrict their treatment. Diwan said he strongly believes in the collaborative structure of the MAT program to treat and support the patient on multiple levels. “Addiction is a chronic disease; it needs regular follow-up and assessment,” he said. “Thirty-day programs have a 100 percent failure rate. You can’t just walk out cured on the 30th day.” Ongoing treatment, some for life, may be required, he said. “Physicians treating patients with a short run of buprenorphine and no therapy are putting patients at risk,” he added.
See MAT, Page 4
Local soybean farmers don’t blame tariffs for low prices By Leonard Shapiro Contributing Writer
Conventional wisdom says that the trade war and onerous tariffs over the last year between the U.S. and China have been the main factors in keeping the price of soybeans at distressingly low levels for American farmers. But in Fauquier County, several producers say that the tariffs are only a small piece of the problem. “The prices started wavering long before anyone was talking about tariffs,” said Sid Rodgers, owner of Moriah Farm in Warrenton, who farms about 1,500 acres in soybeans. “Prices were lower last year and last year was lower than the year before. The prices were low with Obama.” China buys more soybeans than any other country; purchasers crush the oilseed into meal, used in livestock feed, and cooking oil. China has been the largest purchaser of American soybeans in recent years, but last year reduced American soybean imports by 96 percent, looking instead to Brazil for soybeans. The soybean market essentially crashed when the tariff war began, according to Dr. John Newton, American Farm Bureau Federation chief economist.
See SOYBEANS, Page 6 INSIDE Business.............................................13 Classified............................................35 Communities......................................30 Faith...................................................28
TIMES STAFF PHOTO/ROBIN EARL Ron DesLauriers, husband of Deja Brew co-owner Eileen DesLauriers, speaks about what he’d like to see in Warrenton’s comprehensive plan.
Warrenton planners ask for input on comprehensive plan By Robin Earl
Times Staff Writer
Warrenton Town officials have rolled out a new website, www.warrentonplan.com, to inform residents about Plan Warrenton 2040, its comprehensive plan process. The plan will provide a foundation for all decision-making concerning land use planning and growth management. The last comprehensive plan for the town was completed in 2009.
Libraries.............................................32 Lifestyle..............................................23 Looking Back......................................21 Opinion...............................................10
This process has included an open house on March 2 at the WARF and an interactive workshop on March 5 at the PATH Foundation. At the March 5 event, town planners asked for input about how residents would like to see Warrenton develop over the next 20 years. The 50 residents in attendance marked their preferences by voting on what aspects of Warrenton are most important and what they’d like to see in their town in the future.
See PLAN, Page 8
Obituaries...........................................33 Puzzles...............................................12 Real Estate..........................................29 Sports.................................................15
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EDUCATION
Bennett
Compton
Crowell
Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | March 13, 2019
Graham
Hillin
Hoppe
Hull
Hume
Leach
Linthicum Maszatics
Mistretta
Monseur
Rathbone
Stright
Sutphin
Talomie
Wright
18 educators nominated for Teacher of the Year At its Feb. 25 meeting, the Fauquier County School Board honored 18 teachers who have been nominated to represent Fauquier County in the Washington Post Teacher of the Year competition. A selection panel will choose one of the 18 teachers to be the Fauquier County Teacher of the Year (to be announced later in March); that teacher will be entered into the Teacher of the Year competition. Katharine Bennett has taught first, third and fourth grades at Pierce Elementary and is now teaching second grade. She recently obtained her English as a Second Language endorsement so that she would be able to serve the ESL students in her classroom better. Bennett is a grant-winning educator who has shared presentations with her colleagues in the county, as well as in Richmond. Katie Compton began her career at Smith Elementary as a general education teacher and currently teaches second grade. A parent wrote that Compton is a tremendous educator whose enthusiasm for helping children created in their daughter a desire to read and explore many different subjects in-depth. She is the teacher representative for the PTO and the co-chair of the PBIS committee. Raymond Crowell teaches health and physical education at Marshall Middle School; he also is an activities director and FRESH coordinator and even steps into administrative duties. He co-directs and produces the school musical, organizes and runs the talent shows, and supervises Warrenton Youth Soccer Club rec ball. A colleague said that Crowell’s hard-hitting, open and honest approach to the sometimes-awkward subject material of middle school health and human sexuality helps his students understand the necessity of taking health and fitness seriously. Melina Graham teaches second grade at Coleman Elementary. A colleague wrote that she leads a morning prayer group for teachers and encourages them during their times of need. Another colleague wrote that Graham has overcome personal struggles and challenges and she brings her fighting spirit into the classroom and school and makes anyone who knows her rise to a
higher level. Bridget Hillin is a kindergarten teacher at Pearson Elementary School. A colleague wrote that she strives to connect and build strong relationships with her students from day one. Hillin sponsors the running club and volunteers at every annual PTO Bingo night, Halloween trunk or treat and cancer walks. She also organized Pearson’s first Dr. Seuss night. Annie Hoppe is a speech therapist at Greenville Elementary. A colleague wrote that she was able to diagnose the cause of one her student’s speech problems, and after a medical procedure, he is now on the road to speech recovery. She openly shares strategies ranging from speech and writing to phonics and behavior; she exudes professionalism and shares her wealth of knowledge. Hoppe’s advice is trusted by all. Jerry Hull is a fifth-grade teacher at Brumfield Elementary. Hull’s methods of teaching include a YouTube page with educational songs he wrote for science, math, and language arts; a science blog; the design of an apartment building to teach students electricity, and the creation of a kelp forest to teach habitats. Hull works with Altrusa to DJ dances for the community’s citizens with special needs and volunteering as an assistant den leader with the Cub Scouts. Linda Hume, seventh-grade English teacher at Warrenton Middle School, connected her students to students in Canada when they participated in the “Global Read Aloud.” Hume plays a major role with the Student Council Association’s activities such as the 2018 Shoe Collection for the needy and organizing holiday care packages for soldiers. Hume is proud of her students for participating in the Community Involvement Challenge, which allowed them to deliver 120 rolls of toilet paper to the Warrenton Family Shelter. Carolyn Leach, Ritchie Elementary’s “Teacher of the Year” nominee, is a 15-year master teacher; she teaches kindergarten. Ritchie’s principal wrote that Leach is a leader in the school, sponsoring the 24 Club and is the county math representative as well as the go-to person for math instruction. Leach is a national board-certified teacher. Jen Linthicum goes beyond her
math special education classroom at Taylor Middle School to help students and colleagues. She is a Virginia Tiered System of Supports representative, volleyball coach and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports coordinator. Last year, as Taylor was gearing up for its eighth-grade formal, Linthicum made it her mission to ensure every student who wanted to go to the dance was dressed for the occasion. Janell Maszatics is the instructional technology resource teacher at Thompson, and has provided the students with Ozobots, iPads, headphones, computers and more, through grants. An English as a Second Language teacher and colleague wrote that Maszatics is an active participant in the annual Hispanic Outreach Night, empowering parents with the knowledge of technology resources through her presentations. She introduced students to “The Night Zookeeper,” a creative writing program, and set up a visit with this author. Lisa Mistretta, Liberty High School special education resource specialist, treats each student and staff member as an individual and does her best to meet their needs. Under Mistretta’s leadership, the Special Ed Department at Liberty has flourished, with 100 percent of the seniors earning a standard diploma for the past three years. Liz Monseur is a veteran Fauquier High School history teacher who has inspired her students for more than 30 years. She has taught various levels of high school history, including special education, regular education and advanced placement. Monseur has coached academic teams to victory, including a state title. She enjoys providing field trips for her students — not only to typical historical places like Gettysburg but also to downtown Warrenton so her students can learn more history about the county in which they live.
CORRECTIONS The meal tax in Warrenton is 4 percent. An incorrect percentage was reported in the March 6 newspaper. The northbound closure of U.S. 29 for the leveling of the hills project near Vint Hill Road will begin July 8. An incorrect date was reported in a story published on March 6
Opioid / Heroin Epidemic Has your family been affected by the opioid/heroin epidemic? In whatever sadness, anger, frustration or shame you may be experiencing,
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
FODA (families overcoming drug addiction) is a support group made up of people who know. We are strictly a support. We push no agenda. We are not a treatment group, a therapy or a group pushing any spiritual or religious point of view. All our attendees have been personally affected by the epidemic in one way or another. We listen to each other’s stories and offer mutual support and shared experience. FODA meets at the Fauquier hospital (Sycamore room) on the first and third Thursday of each month. We meet at six thirty and end at eight. FODA is sponsored by
For more information: Caroline Folker at 540 316 9221 or Jo Tartt, Jr at 202 256 7343
Beth Rathbone has found a new love in Family and Consumer Science, which she teaches at Cedar Lee Middle School. Her assistant principal wrote that she guides her students through their competencies flawlessly; she accommodates high numbers of students because her class is so popular. Mary Stright, a 34-year veteran of teaching, brings challenges to her kindergarten students, along with affection, kindness, acceptance and a sense of responsibility. Bradley Elementary’s principal wrote that Stright has enriched the lives of individuals, building a better organization and creating a more just and caring world. Diane Sutphin, a 23-year veteran teacher, teaches first grade at Grace Miller Elementary. A parent whose son was easily distracted commented how Sutphin helped her to understand her son’s need for motion and what could help him at home. She collaborated with his homeroom teacher, and the young man became a strong, focused, reader. Sutphin was instrumental, along with her first-grade team, in changing classes for reading based on reading level long before it was the norm. She has worked for many years with tutoring programs for students with community volunteers. Aimee Talomie is described by Auburn Middle School’s principal as one of the school’s most dedicated and compassionate educators, continually going out of her way to ensure her students feel loved and supported. She brings passion to each aspect of her job as a special education teacher. Chad Wright is a history teacher at Kettle Run High School, the leader of the Model United Nations Club and the Interact Club. The Interact Club completed its revamping of the school courtyard, making it more attractive and functional and raised funds for both hurricane relief and Kettle Run students in need.
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Web/Copy Editor Amanda Heincer, 540-878-2418 aheincer@fauquier.com Community Editor Anita Sherman, 540-351-1635 asherman@fauquier.com Associate Editor John Toler, 540-351-0487 jtoler@fauquier.com Staff Writers Karen Chaffraix, kchaffraix@fauquier.com James Ivancic, 540-878-2414 jivancic@fauquier.com Sports Editor Peter Brewington, 540-351-1169 pbrewington@fauquier.com Sports Staff Writer Jeff Malmgren, 540-874-2250 jmalmgren@fauquier.com Chairman Emeritus George R. Thompson ADVERTISING Ad Manager Kathy Mills Godfrey 540-351-1162 kgodfrey@fauquier.com
Classified Sales Consulatant Jeanne Cobert, 540-878-2491 jcobert@fauquier.com To place Classified and Employment ads: Call 540351-1664 or fax 540-3498676, 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, 41 Culpeper St., Warrenton, VA 20186. Periodicals postage paid at Warrenton, Va. and at additional mailing offices
EDUCATION
Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | March 13, 2019
3
School board adopts budget; still working to find money for teacher salaries By James Ivancic and Karen Chaffraix Times Staff Writers
At a meeting of the Fauquier County School Board Monday night, members voted unanimously to adopt Superintendent David Jeck’s fiscal year 2020 budget, despite the expected shortfall of funds coming from both the state and the county. The county budget, not yet approved, added a $1 million-dollar boost to schools this year to raise teacher salaries. That sum, however, fell short of the schools’ request of $1,434,174 from the county. Jeck’s budget proposal of $149.6 million spiked this year due to the “emergency” of teacher loss attributed to comparatively low salaries for the region. Last year the Fauquier school system lost 12 percent of its teachers, 3 percent due to retirement, 9 percent due to salary issues, according to the school board. Additionally, the state budget, approved on Feb. 24, allocated $228,833 less than expected for FY2020, leading to a total schools budget shortfall of $1,663,007, according to Fauquier schools’ as-
sistant superintendent for business and planning, Prashant Shrestha. “I am thankful for what the board of supervisors has done for us,” said School Board member Brian Gorg (Center). “They are our partners in this. We are in a bind. This is an emergency request. We are going to have to make some very difficult decisions.” “If we have to cut expenditures, we will,” said school board member Duke Bland (Marshall). “I thank (Supervisor) Mary Leigh McDaniel for working so hard over the weekend. And thank you, Dr. Jeck, for looking under every stone for where we could save every penny.” “The state put us in a bad predicament,” added school board member Donna Grove (Cedar Run). “We thank the board of supervisors,” said chairman Suzanne Sloane (Scott).
Still looking for money for teacher salaries
Fauquier County government and the school board are still working to find additional money in their budgets to boost teacher salaries.
Each entity is looking through its budgets for $300,000 — $600,000 total — for that purpose. They plan to compare notes during a joint budget work session for the board of supervisors and school board at 4 p.m. on March 14. “We’re working on where to find [the $300,000] and tell you how at the next meeting,” said County Administrator Paul McCulla during a supervisors budget work session on March 7. He said the money could be taken from a planned expenditure, involve a transfer of funds or possibly involve money allocated by the state. Last week, Center District Supervisor Chris Granger asked the county administration to look into whether additional money could be found to boost teacher pay now, and determine what it would it cost to give a pay raise to other school staff later. The supervisors have a meeting on March 21 to pass a fiscal year 2020 budget, as well as a capital improvements budget and tax rates. Reach James Ivancic at jivancic@fauquier.com and Karen Chaffraix at kchaffraix@fauquier.com.
School Board, supervisors agree on middle school renovation plan By James Ivancic Times Staff Writer
Fauquier County supervisors support a conceptual plan — suggested by the school board — that calls for expanding Cedar Lee Middle School in Bealeton to accommodate an additional 200 students. The new middle schoolers would include those transferred from other schools, as well as students moving in to southern Fauquier. The next phase of the school
board’s tentative plan would address renovation and expansion of Warrenton Middle School. Improvements to Taylor Middle School and its conversion from instructional use to administrative use would then follow. Supervisors on Thursday agreed to the phased concept, but didn’t commit to spending money. The cost of expanding Cedar Lee has yet to be determined. The school board envisions adding 10 to 12 classrooms and an auxiliary gym, along with possibly upgrading
the kitchen and serving lines. There could also be upgrades to the school’s office suite. “No one has yet bought into the cost. If Cedar Lee comes in at $35 million, then there’ll have to be another discussion,” said County Administrator Paul McCulla. The same would be true for cost estimates to be drawn up for work on Warrenton and Taylor middle schools. “I want to make sure it’s a good number that’s in the ballpark,” said Supervisor Chairman Chris Butler, of Lee
District, regarding the construction estimate yet to come. “I don’t want to find that there was something missed.” There is a $30 million placeholder in the county’s capital improvement budget to fund a central middle school project. The supervisors are expected to approve a resolution of agreement endorsing the concept plan at their April monthly meeting. The school board will also vote on a resolution. Reach James Ivancic at jivancic@ fauquier.com.
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