March 23, 2023

Auto shop changes lives one car at a time

BY LAURA BOAGGIO

For The Page News And Courier

FRONT ROYAL — The Auto Care Clinic is a good place to get a vehicle repaired. It’s also a place that has changed 39 lives and counting.

Bill and Sandy Long, owners of the Auto Care Clinic in Front Royal and Warren County, have been running a nonprofit and ministry called Cars Changing Lives since 2020. The couple repairs donated cars and gives them away to ualifying re

cipients in the community.

Since 2018, they have given away 39 cars. They gave away five so far this year. But as the program grows, the couple is looking toward the community for assistance.

In 2018, Bill Long decided he wanted to give a car away for Easter, and the couple started Cars Changing Lives as a contest.

They opened it up for people in the community to nominate folks that were in need of transportation. After advertising the contest,

Sandy Long said they received more than nomi nations.

The Longs gathered three community members to form a committee to review appli cations and choose the best candidate.

After interviewing four candidates, one of the com mittee members told the Longs that he had good news and bad news. The good news? All four people were deserving candidates.

“And I said ‘Well then what’s the bad news?’ And they said, ‘You need to give

away four cars,’” Sandy Long said.

The Longs had two cars in the chute ready to donate, but they didn’t know where to get the other two.

The Longs and their review committee went out to din ner to discuss what they were going to do, when two of the committee members got up to call their spouses. When they came back, they said they wanted to donate their own extra cars for the contest.

“We did it again in 2019. And that year, we gave away three cars,” Sandy Long said.

Similarly, more than people were nominated that year, and the Longs only had one car to give away. But they found two more.

The Longs turned their contest into a nonprofit offi cially in February of 2020.

The couple works with several churches in Warren County as well as organizations like the Phoenix Project, United Way, Salvation Army and St. uke Commu nity Clinic.

Rich Cooley/Daily

The Warren Coalition wants to use this home at 200 N. Royal Ave. as a home for men recovering from addiction.

Front Royal planners back recovery house proposal

BY ALEX BRIDGES

For The Page News And Courier

The Warren Coalition cleared a hurdle this week toward opening its first addic tion recovery house in Front Royal.

The town lanning Com mission voted at its meeting on Wednesday in favor of forwarding to the Town Council a recommen dation to approve the Warren Coalition’s re uest for a special use permit to allow a lodging house at 200 N. oyal Ave. Chairman Darryl Merchant, ice Chair Dan iel Wells and commissioners Connie Marshner, Michael Williams and lenn Wood voted in favor of the motion.

Commissioners recom mended that the council in clude as permit conditions a limit of 1 residents in the lodging house and a re uire ment that the property pro vide eight parking spaces.

The commissioners heard from several people, includ ing recovering addicts, who spoke in support of the Warren Coalition and its proposal. But three neighbors spoke against the proposal out of concern that a recovery center could worsen an existing problem with drugs on their streets.

Shenandoah Memorial named Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for 2nd year

From PNC Staff Reports

WOODSTOCK — For the second time in as many years, alley ealth Shenandoah Memorial ospital is among the Top 1 Critical Access ospitals in the country, based on data compiled by The Chartis Center for ural ealth. Shenandoah Memorial ospital is one of ust two hospitals in irginia to receive this award in 2 2 , and the only irginia hospital to re ceive it two years in a row.

“We were honored to be recognized as a Top 1 Critical Access ospital last year,” said N. Travis Clark, vice president of operations. “Now to have back-to-back recognition validates how hard our SM team has been working to not only provide excellent patient care, but to sustain our efforts during what can only be described as a very challenging time.”

n the wake of CO D 1 , health care service delivery is experiencing

change, Clark explained. “We continue to battle against supply chain issues, work-force shortages and increased wages and expenses, and we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions. But we remain committed to our mission and our values,” he said, adding that critical elements such as safety, ual ity, efficiencies, and compassion con tinue to be hard wired into daily operations.

According to the irginia State Of fice of ural ealth, there are 1, Critical Access ospitals across the country. n determining its Top 1 list, The Chartis Center uses publicly available data to assess and benchmark rural hospital performance based on 36 rural-relevant indicators. The pillars of these indicators include uality, outcomes, patient satisfaction and costs. The facilities with the 100 highest scores earned a spot on this year’s list.

While alley ealth recently made

some service changes, including clos ing several fitness centers and stream lining surgical services across the system, SM continues to invest in new technology and expand access to key services. n 2 22, the hospital com pleted a ma or renovation and expan sion of its Outpatient Rehabilitation Services space to enhance coordinated care, and patient safety and comfort.

Late in 2022, the hospital purchased a second CT scanner and was the first in irginia to ac uire the ad vanced capabilities of the new GE Revolution Ascent machine. ts longer ta ble, larger opening, and significantly faster scan times makes the scanner more comfortable and safer, re uir ing less exposure to radiation. A ceiling mounted camera uses real time artificial intelligence to map each pa tient’s physical characteristics for pinpoint positioning and excellent image

Carl B. Corney, 67, Luray Connie Lee Cubbage, 79, Stanley Christopher Douglas Dovel, 43, Luray Betty Lou Davis, 89, Luray

Elkton businesses collaborate on smokin’ new project

By LAURA BOAGGIO For The Page

Thirsty’s Burgers in Elkton is introducing a new item to its menu next week — a homemade salmon patty topped with melted Havarti, avocado and caramelized onions. While the burger will leave customers with a full stomach, the final ingredient might provide some calmness — a slather of CBD butter to top it all off.

The Pure Burger is a partnership between Thirsty’s Burgers and Pure Shenandoah, a hemps product business also in Elkton.

Rey Gotay, owner of Thirsty’s Burgers, said he can slap the CBD butter on other burgers too, if customers want.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in marijuana that does not contain THC and does not cause a “high,” according to the CDC.

Instead, CBD is commonly used to alleviate health issues, both physical and mental.

The Pure Burger will contain 15 mg of CBD per burger, according to Abner Johnson, chief opera-

tions officer for ure Shenandoah. Using infused butter is a consistent way to dose the burgers, he said.

Since 15 mg is a small dose, people might not feel much after eating the burger,

Johnson said. But it will provide a calming effect and benefit multiple parts of the body.

CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which all animals and humans have, Johnson

Having fun at The Rec Center

said. CBD binds to receptors throughout the endocannabinoid system.

“You have these receptors all throughout your body, in your brain, in your immune system, your digestive system and your nervous system,” Johnson said.

CBD has helped his customers with sleep, anxiety, and pain and inflammation, ohnson said.

“Those are the top three,” he said.

Pure Shenandoah is also collaborating with Brothers Craft Brewing to make a CBD-infused carbonated water, which will also be available at Thirsty’s, Gotay said.

“We’re both just entrepreneurs in Elkton,” Johnson said, looking at Gotay on the couch across from him at Pure Shenandoah. “I think what brought us together is our common goal to develop this area, make it more

of a tourist attraction, boost the economy and just help develop it.”

Helping to renovate the Elkton Theater was one of the first projects that brought Johnson and Gotay together.

Gotay said their partnership started as friends but feels more like family now.

“They could call me right now and say, ‘Hey, I need you at 6:30 in the morning tomorrow, can you help us?’ Sure,” Gotay said. The benefit of collaborating with other local businesses? Growth, Gotay said. It can be beneficial to collaborate with another business that has different knowledge or accessibility, he added.

“When you collaborate you make your dream, or that goal, or that thing come true,” Gotay said. Contact Laura Boaggio at 574-6278 or lboaggio@dnronline. com

Card Showers

Betty Hoak will be celebrating her birthday on Tuesday, April 4. Please send birthday greetings to her at:

Skyview Springs

Nursing Home

Betty Lou Hoak North Wing Luray, VA 22835

“Thinking of you” greetings can be sent to veterans residing at local nursing homes. The list includes:

• At Skyview Springs (formerly MontVue), 30 MontVue Dr., Luray, Va. 22835 are: Howard Be-

ahm, Army; and Roger Stead, Marines. • At Hawksbill Assisted Living, 122 N. Hawksbill St., Luray are: David Honeycutt, Army; Garland Meadows, Navy; and Donna Rogers, Army.

Birthday, anniversary and get-well card showers are published free of charge in the Page News and Courier. Submissions should be sent to: PN&C, P.O. Box 707, Luray, Va. 22835, or e-mail community@ pagenewspaper.com.

From The Chamber

Kids at The Rec Center enjoyed a game that involves bullfrogs, detectives and team work during their Tuesday mentorship program, with activities conducted from 4:30-6:30p.m. For more information or to volunteer, contact the center at 540-660-0501.

Bridgewater Photo Speed Enforcement In School Zone Warnings Begin

By KELLEN STEPLER

For The Page News And Courier

BRIDGEWATER—

Photo speed enforcement warnings in Bridgewater have begun Bridgewater officials announced that equipment for its photographic speed enforcement has been installed in front of Turner Ashby High School and John Wayland Elementary School.

On Monday, the town began a 30-day period where drivers who are speeding in the zone will receive a warning. After the 30-day warning period, drivers who speed 11 mph or over the posted speed limit could receive a civil penalty of $100.

It’s only active when the school zone lights are flashing, which is from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., and 2:45 to 4 p.m.

Virginia code recently allows photo speed monitoring devices in school crossing

Reunions

The town of Bridgewater has begun a 30day period where drivers who are speeding in this school crossing zone, on Va. 42 near Turner Ashby High School and John Wayland Elementary School, will receive a warning.

zones. The Timberville Town Council chose to do so near Plains Elementary School in February.

Bridgewater adopted its photo speed enforcement in school zones ordinance in October.

Blue Line Solutions partnered with the town of Bridgewater to install the equipment.

Data collected from the system will be sent

to the Bridgewater Police Department, and following the warning period, an officer will confirm speeds, tags and vehicles prior to mailing tickets

Blue Line Solutions uses laser imaging technology, as opposed to radar, to identify vehicles and calculate their speeds.

Town officials have said that the objective

by the SVFD Auxiliary at 6p.m. Cost is $18; checks should be made payable to the Class of 1963. Classmates planning to

of the photo speed zone enforcement is not to boost the town’s revenue, but rather improve pedestrian safety on Va. 42, in front of the town’s schools.

Town documents state that Blue Line Solutions conducted a speed study in the area on Sept. 20, 21, 22, 23 and 2 , which identified more than 1,000 cars going at least 10 mph while the school zone lights were flashing.

About 50 drivers were speeding by more than 20 mph over the limit, according to the study.

‘The town is also undergoing new pedestrian crosswalk signals at Oakwood Drive, Mount Crawford Avenue, Dinkel Avenue and College Street in the coming weeks, and a new crosswalk and signals at Turner Ashby this summer.

Contact Kellen Stepler at 574-6279 or kstepler@dnronline.com

| Follow Kellen on Twitter at @KellenStepler

attend are asked to RSVP by April 3. To attend, contact Roger Hilliard at 540-7782204 or Margie Frye at 540-246-8529.

Tuesday, March 28, from 11:30a.m. – 1 p.m., is Women in Business – Building Business Relationships. Join us on Tuesday, March 28, from 11:30 a.m – 1 p.m. at The Valley Cork, 55 East Main St., Luray, for our Women in Business Lunch. We’ll be featuring Nick Koger, Community Outreach Manager for the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund, who will be speaking on entrepreneurial support, funding, programs, and potential mentors for your business. The Shenandoah Community Capital Fund mission is to help people create options for themselves through access to capital and support by convening relationships among the Shenandoah Valley cosystem. earn first hand what it means to develop a business, complete a business program, and launch a product. Lunch will cost $15 for Chamber Members and $20 for Poten-

tial Members. If you wish to attend, please RSVP to events@luraypage.com or 540-7433915, by Friday, March 24. Featured Businesses Mountain View Sheds & Storage, 2039 US Highway, Luray, is a local certified Old ickory Storage Buildings dealer. They offer a variety of storage building options, and can help you customize it to fit exactly what you need. Visit them at https://oldhickorybuildings.com/locations/luray-virginia/ or ginahikes@gmail.com. Page County TRIAD, Luray, is a local nonprofit organization that works with the local senior population in Page County. This group of individuals is focused on improving the quality of life for seniors health and safety. You can learn more at https://www. facebook.com/PageCountyTriad, grants@ pagesheriff.com, or (540) 743-6571.

Contributed Photo

Laura Boaggio / DN-R

Rey Gotay, left, owner of Thirsty’s Burgers in Elkton, posing next to Abner Johnson, chief operations officer at Pure Shenandoah in Elkton, on Wednesday.

Kellen Stepler / Daily News-Record

Clarke School Board hears from public on Russell District seat hopefuls

By MICKEY POWELL For

The Page

News And Courier

BERRYVILLE — Clarke County residents on Monday night voiced support for three of the five contenders for a vacant seat on the School Board.

Leigh Carley, Todd Carlisle, Jaime Clark, Casey Kennedy and Patrick Wilbourne recently applied to be chosen by the board to fill the Russell District seat for the remainder of the year.

Andrew MacDonald represented the district on the board until February. He resigned upon being hired as an assistant state attorney general to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

Carley, who lives on Old Charles Town Road, works in mental health counseling. She believes her profes-

sional experience will help the board help students overcome negative effects of being isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to her application.

Two people spoke on her behalf.

“We still don’t fully understand” effects that the pandemic had on people’s mental health, said Tony Reynolds of Berryville.

Carley’s experience in counseling makes her “well fit ... to meet the needs of students and faculty members,” county resident Clyde Croswell said.

She would be “the most logical choice” to fill the vacancy,” Reynolds said.

Carlisle lives on Triple J Road and has a background in construction and information technology. He believes his experience can benefit the

board in improving school facilities and implementing new technology in learning and teaching, he wrote in his application.

“Parents and students always want improvements to education,” but many don’t fully understand all of the components involved in making the right decisions, Carlisle said. He promised to equally consider all points of view in decision-making if he’s selected.

Three people voiced support for him.

“He wants to help our kids,” said Abel Ramos of Berryville, who has known Carlisle for many years.

With his diverse background, “he understands the nuts and bolts of how to make things work,” said Nela Niemann, who runs a performing arts studio in Berryville.

“He knows what’s going on,” said county resident Debbie Hardesty, and “he has passion for the kids.”

Kennedy, of Stringtown Road, works in construction and infrastructure services. In his application, he asserted he has strengths in budgeting and making complex decisions.

Chris Shipe of Berryville addressed the board on behalf of Kennedy, who’s in California on business. He said Kennedy would strive to ensure students acquire the “life skills” they need to become productive adults.

Nobody spoke on behalf of either Clarke or Wilbourne.

Clark, who lives on Custer Court, works in the county revenue commissioner’s and treasurer’s offices. Her application indicated she believes her

experience working in

group settings, such as with de-escalating conflict, will be helpful to the board.

Wilbourne, a pastor and former educator in the Clarke County Public Schools, lives on Allen Road. He wants to be an advocate for students and parents as well as teachers, his application showed.

All five applicants have children and/or grandchildren in the school division.

They’ve already been privately interviewed by the School Board, which plans to appoint one of them to succeed MacDonald during a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

The Russell District seat, like the board’s four others, will be up for grabs in the Nov. 7 election. Whoever is elected to the seats will begin their four-

year terms in January. Immediately before Monday night’s hearing, Jonathan Turkel, the board’s Millwood District representative, told The Winchester Star he does not plan to seek re-election.

“It’s time to let some new energy in,” said Turkel, adding he wants more time to pursue personal interests, too.

Vice Chairwoman Katie Kerr-Hobert, who represents the Berryville District, said she intends to run again.

Chairwoman Monica Singh-Smith, who represents the Buckmarsh District, and board member Chip Schutte, who represents the White Post District, said they’re undecided. Contact Mickey Powell at mpowell@ winchesterstar.com

From Page A1

Since a community member needs to nominate the recipient, the Longs look to case managers and members of these organizations to pick the right person.

Most of the cars are donated from the community, Sandy Long said. She said the auto shop will take any car donated within a 20 mile radius to Front Royal — whether it’s running or not.

The couple repairs the vehicles at the shop but they’re looking to partner with the community as their nonprofi t grows.

Since the Longs are operating the program themselves, they are looking for some volunteers. Sandy Long said they could use people to help with administrative work such as emailing, fundraising and grant writing. She said they

From Page A1

Prior to making the motion, Williams said he views the proposal differently since the commission received reassurances from the coalition about the checks and balances it would put in place to run the facility. Williams said he felt the project would serve as a positive step toward dealing with mental health and drug abuse in the community.

“You know, sometimes it comes down if not in my backyard, whose?” Williams said. Warren Coalition Executive Director Christa Shifflett spoke on the organization’s intentions for the property. The agency seeks to open a facility for up to nine adult male residents. The agency will not accept registered sex offenders, she noted. A peer recovery specialist would live in the building as the on-site house manager. The agency will not provide food but residents can use the full kitchen in the building.

The organization

Shop House Hospital

From Page A1

are also looking for partners like auto mechanic schools or detailing shops to help

repair cars. And of course, they could always use car donations.

After being nominated for Cars Changing Lives, a candidate must write an im-

pact statement so the Longs can choose the right person and have that information for potential grants.

“Some of the words written on those impact statements are truly from their heart, and it will just bring me to tears,” Sandy Long said.

One year, a mother received a car and her 16-year-old son told the Longs that he was now able to sign up for sports and after-school programs.

“They had never had a car in their entire life,” Sandy Long said.

Not only do they get thank-you’s from the recipients but also friends of the recipient. The Longs said they’ve received many kind words from folks in the community who were giving rides to car recipients.

Bill Long said he and his wife generally try to give back to the community in any way

they can.

“We just want to be good corporate stewards, and we don’t plan on stopping. It’s dreadful sometimes, but it’s very rewarding,” Bill Long said.

Sandy Long said an auto repair shop based out of North Dakota, which has given away around 350 cars, inspired the couple to put their dream into reality.

“So we’re only on 39. But you’ve got to start somewhere,” she said.

Bill Long said he and his wife were on the way to an award banquet in Woodstock when they noticed the car in front of them had a sticker on the back that read “Cars Changing Lives.”

“In front of us was a car we’d given away a couple years ago,” he said. “It just stayed in the community and it’s benefi ting some body here local in our community.”

plans to accept only active participants in outpatient or inpatient treatment programs through referrals, Shifflett said.

“We will encourage them to continue that (treatment) once they’re in the house,” Shifflett said.

Each resident will be assigned a peer-support specialist who regularly works with that person. The agency plans to hold meetings for residents and offer a curriculum for treatment and help them find obs or go to school.

Shifflett said they ex pect residents who follow the rules to stay at the house for six to nine months. Each resident must have a savings account so they can, if required, meet obligations such as payment of court fines and child support. Residents also must be employed.

Residents must submit to regular drug screenings, and a positive test results in immediate dismissal from the house.

“They are welcome

to come back once they’ve gone back to treatment, they feel like they’ve found their feet, but we’re not gonna let anyone else be sick; if someone else relapses ... they have to go,” Shiffl ett said.

At the public hearing, several people who are recovering addicts spoke in support of the Warren Coalition and its plan, saying they would have benefi tted from such a facility had one existed in Front Royal.

Woodstock resident James Funkhouser works as a peer-recovery specialist for the Warren Coalition. Funkhouser told the commission that when he went into treatment and recovery, he stayed in a house like the one the organization proposes. But the house was located in Richmond three hours away because no such facility existed in or near Shenandoah County, he said.

“I needed the stability that this type of recovery house provides,

and I had to go hours and hours away to do that,” Funkhouser said. As a peer-recovery specialist, Funkhouser said he’s referred approximately 40 people into treatment or recovery houses like the one proposed, all of which operate hours away.

Christine Mahoney, who has a Front Royal address, said she’s having to stay in an Oxford recovery house in Winchester because no such facility exists in the town. Mahoney said she, too, had to stay in a recovery house hours away from her children as she received treatment for addiction. Mahoney said she’s been an active user of drugs for 20 years in Warren County.

“Had I known there was places like this out there, I might’ve got cleaner a lot sooner,” Mahoney said. “But there’s nothing like that around here, so I was very unaware that was even an option.”

Mahoney said she participated in several classes offered by the Warren Coalition as

part of her recovery.

“The help that they’ve given me in saving my life is insurmountable, like, I can’t even begin to describe — from helping me to work on myself to helping me with my kids to helping me get a job to helping me get to meetings, you know anything, just somebody to talk to,” Mahoney said. “It’s a great nonprofi t organi zation, and defi nitely think that, you know, this is something that we need in this area ‘cause the way I see it, would you rather have those active drug users that (are) being mentioned or would you rather have people that are in recovery and want better living in your community.”

But neighbors of the house spoke against the proposal and said the area near the property, particularly Virginia Avenue, has a persistent problem with drugs.

Virginia Avenue resident Phil Caslavka lives near the property and said his block of

the street has drug-related problems. In addition to fi nding cello phane wrappers and broken beer bottles in his yard, Caslavka said he’s seen drug deals take place via recordings from his security cameras.

Steve Bieker lives next door to the North Royal Avenue house with his wife and echoed Caslavka’s concerns. Bieker said he installed a 6-foot fence to block his children from seeing drug deals. Bieker said he’s found needles in his yard. The Biekers also experienced some problems several years ago when the North Royal Avenue building housed individuals being treated for mental illnesses. Bieker also lauded the recovering addicts who spoke for going into recovery but voiced concern about residents who may relapse. He noted that the building is in a drug-free school zone.

Contact Alex Bridges at abridges@ nvdaily.com

an ever-evolving science and how we deliver services has to adapt to both internal and

external forces,” Clark said. “I’m extremely proud of the work our team does every day to rise to those chal-

lenges and continue to provide our community with exceptional, compassionate, reliable care.”

Contributed Photo

Sandy Long (center), owner of Auto Care Clinic and Cars Changing Lives, posing with Sky Sherrill, the 2018 recipient of Cars Changing Lives, and her family.

clarity. The new CT is also equipped to perform cardiac calcium

a sophisticated test that scans the coronary arteries to help diagnose narrowing and blockages.

The hospital’s original CT scanner is used exclusively now for Emergency Department patients.

“Health care is

The Page County Renaissance and our future

By TAYLOR ALGER Page News And Courier

In today’s world, where things are quickly changing and technology is rapidly advancing, it is hard to know where the future of “kids today” will land. There have been many recent conversations around the youth and the impact that access to laptops, ipads, cell phones, and social media will have. Today, with more than just the television as a distraction, it is easy to question whether today’s children will ever be able to appreciate the great outdoors and the many offerings that it can bring.

With all of this, there are values and skills that are easy to think of as lost on today’s children. However, as we take a step back and begin to have conversations with the upcoming generations of Page County, we will find that there are many kids still learning, still growing, and still gaining skills and understandings that have been cherished in this community for

BY ALEX BRIDGES

For The Page News And Courier

Warren County Public Schools plans to cut 17 of the temporary, grant-funded employees hired during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Superintendent

Christopher Ballenger reported to the School Board on Wednesday that the division intends to reduce the number of support staff paid out of funds received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020. The School Board did not need to take ac-

generations. Gavin Irvin, a local middle schooler, uti-

lizes his free time to appreciate the seemingly simple things

to bring value to his life, as well as to those around him. He utilizes the resources that are so readily available to him here in this county to learn new talents and to explore our local world, leading him to be viewed as somewhat of a modern “Renaissance Man”.

Aside from being an avid animal lover, Irvin enjoys leisurely activities such as golfing and fishing. Over spring break, Irvin spent a few days in Cripple Creek, catching several trout in which he was able to bring back home with him for supper. Back in Luray this past weekend, he loaded up both he and his mother’s golf clubs and went out to spend several hours at the driving range. After a full day, he came home to clean the trout, make up a seasoning blend, and cook it to perfection for his family.

“I take the animal’s life to make it into delicious food. That’s pretty self sufficient, so I can survive on a show like Alone,” said Irvin. “Some people just don’t

get it. Being outside in nature and appreciating what we have right here is special.”

Irvin has also attended cooking classes and has enjoyed utilizing these skills to cook meals to make trades with his peers and to feed the youth attending after school programs at The Rec. “Learning to cook new things is fun. I like cooking because I can make things the way I like, so I get to eat it. My favorite thing to learn to cook in culinary class was potstickers,” shared Irvin. He now knows how to make potstickers completely from scratch, even making the dough himself.

rvin finds great oy in building his skillset and expanding upon his hobby options. Gavin also enjoys metal smelting, hunting, and mushroom foraging. In his moments to relax, he takes solace in playing baseball or sitting around the fire pit with his cats, Gurl, Boi, and Shenandoah, also known as Doah. Irvin takes time to

Warren County Schools to cut 17 temp positions

tion on the reduction because the positions were temporary and grantfunded, Ballenger explained.

The division used the federal money to hire 51 temporary staff members who worked as behavioral coaches, classroom support staff or assistants. The temporary positions were set to end after two years, Ballenger said. The division extended some of those jobs for a year by using savings from positions left unfilled and moving funds in the budget, Ballenger said.

But now the division needs to reduce the

From PNC Staff Reports

Laurel Ridge Community College has been named as a finalist in the Workforce Development category of the XCELLENCE Awards by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicles Systems International. The college was selected from a pool of accomplished applicants as one of several finalists. Winners will be announced at XPONENTIAL 2023 on May 8-11 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO.

Laurel Ridge launched new drones courses offering hands on flying and on line instruction in fall 2022. Two career studies certificates one for small, unmanned aircraft systems operator, the other for s AS flight technician are avail able at the college. Each of these certificates can be put toward the completion of an associate of applied scienced degree in technical studies.

The drone program has been accepted into the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative by the Federal Aviation Administration. As part of the initiative, Laurel Ridge will help lead regional discussions on workforce needs, and students will get additional training tools, resources, internship opportunities and even job

number of positions by 17, Ballenger said. The division can fund the remaining 34 positions with CARES Act funds, he said.

Elimination of the positions does not fall under the division’s reduction-in-force policy because they were temporary jobs and were funded with one-time grant money, Ballenger explained.

“So there was nothing beyond us being able to support those beside those ... grant monies,” Ballenger said.

Administrators look at an employee’s hiring dates and years of

service in determining whether or not to keep that staff member. Administrators also consider if an employee is participating in the Grow Your Own program through which the staff member works on his or her continuing education through a local college such as James Madison University or Laurel Ridge Community College with the goal to work as a teacher with the school division for a set number of years, Ballenger said. Some of the temporary employees have already gone through the program, Ballenger

added. Participation in the program could bump those employees to the top and they may stay on, Ballenger said.

Administrators based an employee’s hiring date on when that person filled out the paper work at the Department of Human Resources, not on when the School Board approved the hiring as recommended by the superintendent, Ballenger said.

The superintendent added that he told principals to consider the temporary workers first when trying to fill va cancies.

“They’ve been with us

Community college named finalist in drones program

placements.

Program lead Professor Melissa Stange has taken drones technology beyond Laurel Ridge Community College. She participates in the Improving Pathways into the Geospatial and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician Workforce project, which is supported by a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grant and administered by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium. The community has also been invited to campus to learn more about drones and to even have the opportu-

nity to fly them.

“This year, XPONENTIAL is all about designing a shared plan for the future of autonomy,” said Keely Griffith, ice resident of Strategic Programs at AUVSI. “There’s no better place to announce the 2023 XCELLENCE award finalists. To gether, they are redefin ing what’s possible with uncrewed and robotic technology.”

AUVSI’s XCELLENCE Awards honor innovators with a demonstrated commitment to advancing autonomy, leading and promoting safe adoption of

uncrewed systems and developing programs that use these technologies to save lives and improve the human condition.

“With this being such a new field, most peo ple haven’t thought of

appreciate the simple things and to encourage his friends, his family, and his community to do the same Having youth that can understand and harness the beauty and benefits of nature and all of the teachings, hobbies, and life lessons that can come along with it is a true value and blessing to a community with deep roots, such as Page County. Spreading this message and these values to generations to come can teach us how truly the best things in life come from what is naturally around us and worth taking the moment to enjoy.

There’s a lesson that we can all learn from kids such as Gavin Irvin and the ease and innocence that comes with his youthfulness. It is important, not only as children, but also as adults to find what you love and like Gavin, give yourself the time and permission to explore and enjoy them just because you’ll never be able to put a price on the joy that comes from living out your passions.

for two years,” Ballenger recalled explaining to principals. “Give them an opportunity to apply and fill a vacant instruc tional position or maybe a position that they could work at within our division full time.”

Principals have talked with the employees in the CARES positions, Ballenger said. Chairwoman Dr. Kristen Pence and board members Antoinette Funk, Andrea Lo and Melanie Salins attended the work session. Vice Chairman Ralph Rinaldi did not attend. Contact Alex Bridges at abridges@nvdaily.com

operating and servicing drones in terms of a career, but what we’re seeing is that there are a variety of industries that have the potential for commercial use of drones,” said Dr. Craig Santicola, dean of Lau-

rel Ridge’s School of Professional Programs. “These include disaster response, police, fire, MS, fire and rescue, agriculture, farming, ranching, wildlife, power line inspections and more.”

Gavin Irvin utilizes his free time to appreciate the seemingly simple things to bring value to his life, as well as to those around him.

Applications Open For 75th Camp Woods And Wildlife

From PNC Staff Reports

CHARLOTTESVILLE – Applications are now open for the 75th annual Camp Woods and Wildlife to be held June 19-23 at the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center near Appomattox. This activity-packed camp is hosted by the Virginia Department of Forestry with support and cooperation from natural resource agencies, organizations and businesses.

Classes take place in the 19,808-acre Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, located in the Piedmont of Virginia in Appomattox and Buckingham counties. The popular and immersive camp features hands-on, outdoor educational opportunities covering wildlife habitat, tree identification, and forest ecology, management and health. Additional exploratory classes, presentations, recreational activities, and the camper favorite “Lumberjack Field Day,” round out the program.

Applicants must be Virginia residents 13–16 years old, in good academic standing, with an interest in natural resources, and cannot have attended this camp before. Interested students should visit the Camp Woods and Wildlife page on the VDOF website to learn more and apply. A non-relative adult, familiar with the student’s interests, must complete the nominator section and submit the application to VDOF by April 15.

“Camp Woods and Wildlife is a unique field based learning experience that introduces students to natural resource careers in the perfect setting, Virginia’s largest state forest,” said VDOF Conservation Education Coordinator and Camp Coordinator Ellen Powell. “Students get hands-on opportunities in all things forestry, wildlife and more, guided by natural resource professionals.”

“As a teenager, I enjoyed being outdoors hunting and fishing, and had an idea that I wanted to work in forestry or wildlife management,” said VDOF Eastern Shore Area Forester Robbie Lewis. “Attending forestry camp back in 1987 allowed me to see how forest stands and wildlife populations are managed. This experience convinced me forestry was the career path to take.

I especially remember the friendly and approachable VDOF staff that taught the classes. Eventually, I got to work with some of those very people when I joined the agency years later.

Last year, things came around full circle as my son attended Camp Woods and Wildlife while I was there as a counselor and instructor.”

Financial sponsorship is generously provided by a host of natural resource partners. As a result, every camper selected to attend receives a $300 scholarship and pays only $95 to attend the week-long residential camp.

Local Vet Participates In National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

From PNC Staff Reports

Jeff Grieves, 59, an Army veteran from Henrico, Virginia, will participate in the 37th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, March 25 – 31 in Snowmass, Colorado.

Jeff will take part in alpine skiing, sled hockey, and several other adaptive sports activities alongside nearly 350 fellow disabled Veterans, supported by approximately 600 volunteers and 200 coaches.

For more than three decades, the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic has helped disabled veterans overcome obstacles and challenge their perceived limitations. World-class instructors and recreation therapists work with veterans to help them experience the full potential of adaptive sports and recreation therapy for improving health and

Proposal to acquire water/sewer system draws grievances

By KELLEN STEPLER

For The Page News And Courier

Massanutten ratepayers aired their grievances with the Massanutten Public Service Corporation during two testy town hall meetings Wednesday and Thursday, as Rockingham County continues its effort to acquire the water and wastewater system on the mountain. Representatives from the Massanutten Public Service Corporation held the meetings Wednesday at Massanetta Springs and Thursday at Massanutten, in an effort to explain their side of the proposed condemnation.

Rockingham County sent the company a 2 . million bona fide offer to purchase the system in February, which the company declined. The company has said repeatedly that the company is not for sale and that they are long-term owners and investors into the system.

Because the Massanutten Public Service Corporation is an unwilling seller, the county can expect to file a condemnation petition in the circuit court. Doing so would require action from the Massanutten Water and Sewer Authority, which is made up of the members of the county board of supervisors.

Both the Massanutten Property Owners Association and Great Eastern Resort Corporation — the owners and operators of Massanutten Resort — support the proposed acquisition.

The Claims

Massanutten Public Service Corporation President Dana Hill said Wednesday the water and sewer system on the mountain is “complex.” Addressing water quality concerns, Hill said “the water quality from our system consistently meets or exceeds every standard set by [the Environmental Protection Agency].”

the system in its current state after deducting depreciation

He said, to the company’s knowledge, no financial modeling or projections from the county have been provided, nor does it have a capital improvements plan or a residential rate plan.

But County Administrator Stephen King — who attended both meetings — has said in a previous interview with the Daily News-Record that the county has done internal projections and that they’re working papers.

King said that if acquired, the county has the economy and scale to operate the system. The county’s practice is to apply the same monthly usage rates to all customers, and it anticipates doing the same for the Massanutten Water and Sewer Authority service area.

Conner noted in previous cases, a jury rules a higher purchase price than what the government offers. If the county were to begin litigation but pull out at any time, Massanutten water and sewer users would have to pay the company’s costs and expenses of litigation.

County Attorney Tom Miller has said for some cases the company cites, the company’s appraiser was farther off on the high side of the court’s value than the government’s appraiser was low.

Thursday’s Meeting

Thursday’s meeting was to a gallery of mostly Massanutten residents. Prevailing themes from residents included the high rates — some mentioned their rates on the mountain are three to four times higher than surrounding localities — as well as water quality, meter reading issues, service and communication from the company.

Others said they welcomed the county stepping in and trying to take over the system.

Responding to claims that the mailers sent were misinformation, Conner said: “We don’t view this as a misinformation campaign ... secondly, the cost of the mailers and other communications with customers and taxpayers of Rockingham County will not be paid by ratepayers.”

Wednesday’s Meeting

Some at the Massanetta Springs meeting challenged the company’s statements with their own experiences dealing with the company. One woman mentioned that she owns properties in the county and on the mountain, and while she doesn’t often use water in her Massanutten home, that bill is still higher than the one from her residence in the county

Others questioned issues with bills, leaks, rate increases, meter readings, and MPSC’s responsiveness to concerns.

Massanutten resident Andrew Barnes took issue with the mailers the company sent out county-wide and even in the city. He noted that only the people in the area of the Massanutten Water and Sewer Authority would pay for the acquisition, costs and maintenance to run the system.

“This meeting is designed for two reasons,” Barnes said. “The first is to scare you because those are the easiest tactics, and the second is to drive a wedge between the people who need your support on the mountain, and you, the Rockingham County residents.”

Massanutten Property Owners Association administrator Bradford Dyjak asked why the company didn’t hold town hall meetings before rate hearings with the State Corporation Commission or when the county established the Massanutten Water and Sewer Authority in 2020.

well-being.

The five day Winter Sports Clinic offers participants adaptive sports therapy opportunities, including Alpine and Nordic skiing, sled hockey, scuba diving, snowmobiling, and rock climbing, in addition to workshops and other activities.

A hosted the first clinic in 1987 with 90 disabled veterans.

The Winter Sports Clinic is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and DAV (Disabled American Veterans), with financial assistance from corporate sponsors and individual donors.

For more information, go to www.wintersportsclinic.org, and follow @Sports4Vets and @DAVHQ on Twitter, Sports4Vets and DAV on Facebook, @ sports4vets and @ davhq on Instagram, and #wintersportclinic across all platforms, or visit https://linktr.ee/ davsocial.

In 2022, company records indicate they’ve received 77 complaints for service and water quality issues — representing about 3.5% of the customer base — and that “every one of those was responded to and resolved,” Hill said.

Some Massanutten residents didn’t buy that statement. One man at Thursday’s meeting said he’s had communication issues with the company, as he was building a new home on the mountain and called numerous times to get his family’s service connected.

Hill acknowledged while there’s been issues in the past, he gave his promise to do better in the future and offered to give his phone number so ratepayers could call him directly with questions.

“We’ve consistently invested in the system despite a lot of recent claims, and we’ve invested $7.3 million over the last seven year period,” Hill said Wednesday. “And this year, we have a planned investment of $1.3 million.”

Seth Whitney, vice president of the company’s north region, gave a breakdown of each dollar paid for the cost of water and wastewater service.

According to company’s legal counsel Joe Conner, the county gave the Massanutten Public Service Corporation a low-ball offer He said the county’s independent appraiser determined it would cost $161 million to replace the system today new, or $80 million to replace

Massanutten resident Kim Cameron said that other public utilities pay for debt service and plant upgrades by utilizing availability fees, public grants and low interest loans, with only minimal rate increases. She said that in 2017, Broadway and the county underwent facility upgrades, and those ratepayers only saw a $2.57-$3 raise in their bills.

“Well, the same year, Massanutten put $2 million into the wastewater plant,” she said. “Ours went up $25. That’s really all you need to know. That’s all we need to know. This is a no-brainer.”

Others took aim at the literature and mailers the company sent county-wide, while it’s been stated by county officials that if the system is acquired, only the people in the area of the Massanutten Water and Sewer Authority would pay for its costs.

In response to questions raised by the Massanutten Property Owners Association, Conner said the company won’t negotiate an offer with the county because that’s not the company’s business model — they’re long-term owners and operators, he said. The company believes the county’s offer doesn’t reflect the cost to operate the system.

He also said, contrary to the county’s claims, the meetings and mailers were not designed to scare or fear-monger. Others slammed what they believed to be a lack of transparency from the company.

“While we welcome the chance to have dialogue, too little too late,” Dyjak said.

County’s Response

King said in a statement that a “hardship” was being placed on Massanutten water and sewer customers. He explained that the Massanutten Public Service Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Corix, which is wholly owned by the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation with head offices located in ancouver and Northbrook, Ill.

The statement further notes that a typical monthly fee for a family living on the Massanutten Mountain is approximately four times higher than municipal customers in the region.

It acknowledges that what the company does is permitted and approved by the State Corporation Commission, and privately owned and operated systems should be part of the approach to serve select areas at reasonable rates.

“BCI needs to ask the simple question included in their ‘Ethics Decision Tree’, ‘Does this feel right?’ The answer to that question is clearly no,” the statement said.

“BCI should direct Corix to sell this asset to the community at a reasonable price and direct those proceeds to an investment,” it continued, “that does not rely upon revenues from excessive fees charged to customers for a fundamental, necessary service.”

‘No brainer’

Photos by Daniel Lin / DN-R

Massanutten resident Matthew Alexander voices his concerns regarding mailers sent to county taxpayers by the Massanutten Public Services Corporation.

Attending forestry camp back in 1987 allowed me to see how forest stands and wildlife populations are managed. This experience convinced me forestry was the career path to take.

n Robbie Lewis, VDOF Eastern Shore area forester

A6 Thursday, March 23, 2023

Judge denies McDonald’s request to move criminal trial

BY ALEX BRIDGES

For The Page News And Courier

A federal judge has denied Jennifer R. McDonald’s request to move her trial on charges related to the alleged Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority embezzlement scandal.

But U.S. Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon has ordered the court to exclude residents of Front Royal and Warren County from the jury pool for McDonald’s six-week criminal trial scheduled to begin May 15. Dillon ruled against McDonald’s motion for change of venue for the jury selection and trial. Dillon made her decision known in a memorandum opinion filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. Dillon heard arguments for and against the defense motion at a March 8 hearing.

A 34-count federal indictment charges McDonald with wire and bank fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft. The indictment handed up by a grand jury on Aug. 25, 2021, charges McDonald with committing the crimes from 2014-2018 while she worked as the EDA’s

executive director. McDonald resigned in December 2018 under pressure from the EDA board of directors as authorities investigated the authority’s finances.

McDonald remains free on bond while awaiting trial.

McDonald was charged in the Harrisonburg Division of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. McDonald’s attorneys sought to have the jury selection and trial moved to the Charlottesville Division, still in the Western District, citing the media coverage of the federal case and related civil cases as well as negative community sentiment about the defendant.

The defense argues the negative publicity and media coverage would make it almost impossible to find unbiased jurors for the jury from the Harrisonburg Division, which covers the Northern and Central Shenandoah Valley. Federal prosecutors argue that the court can eliminate potentially biased jurors through the part of the selection process called voir dire in which attorneys and the judge ask questions of those people called from the pool to determine if they

can remain unbiased during the trial.

The U.S. government alleges that during the last four years of her tenure, McDonald defrauded the EDA out of millions of dollars to benefit herself and others, Dillon notes in her opinion.

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Warren County charged McDonald with offenses related to the investigation. Those charges were dismissed prior to the federal indictment. Allegations surrounding McDonald also generated civil litigation at the county level.

The U.S. District Court set the trial in the Harrisonburg Division — the closest federal courthouse to the place the government alleges that the crimes occurred, Dillon notes. The Harrisonburg Division stretches along the western border of Virginia from Frederick County to Bath County, encompassing nine counties, including Warren County, and four cities.

“Press coverage of this matter has been primarily from the Royal Examiner and the Northern Virginia Daily,” the opinion states. “Both papers are local to the Strasburg/Front Royal

Area.

“The majority of the press coverage is from 2019, two years before the indictment in this case, although the media covered this case and related civil lawsuits into 2021,” the opinion states. “Defendant herself initiated the press coverage in 2018 when she reached out to a local reporter with an allegedly false story about winning money at a casino.”

Dillon states that the federal rules of criminal procedure require that the court set the place of trial within the district with due regard for the convenience of the defendant, any victim and the witnesses, and the prompt administration of justice. The rule for the Western District requires that indictments be filed in the division in which the crime charged has allegedly occurred.

“A court ‘must transfer the proceedings’ if the court ‘is satisfied that so great a prejudice against the defendant exists in the transferring district that the defendant cannot obtain a fair and impartial trial there,’” Dillon states. “With respect to pretrial publicity, the court first must determine ‘whether the publicity is so in -

Impending Kroger-Albertson merger could affect prices, ParentsTogether Action says

From PNC Staff Reports

The two largest grocery chains in the United States, Kroger and Albertsons, announced their plans to merge in October 2022.

different cities, and in some local markets, more than 90%.

Past supermarket mergers in concentrated markets have resulted in price hikes for consumers, making the most important of basic necessities — food — less affordable for most families.

Parents should know that there are already important legal steps being taken on the federal and state levels to investigate and possibly prevent the merger. The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights held a special hearing questioning the Kroger and Albertsons CEOs for potential antitrust violations, and the Federal Trade Commission has already issued two requests for information from Kroger on

its $24.6 billion deal to acquire Albertsons. Kroger had initially planned for the merger to start in early 2024, but federal regulators have the power to block the merger by enforcing antitrust laws.

herently prejudicial that trial proceedings must be presumed to be tainted.’”

“Defendant argues that the allegations, lawsuits, and political repercussions related to her tenure as the Executive Director of the Warren County Economic Development Authority, where defendant is alleged to have defrauded the EDA out of millions of dollars, will make it difficult to select a jury from the Harrisonburg Division that is free of bias,” Dillon states. “This was all amply covered by the regional press, and it involves a claimed $21 million loss to the EDA, the suicide of a former Warren County Sheriff, and local government finances.

“The court agrees with the government that (the) defendant has not shown that voir dire is insufficient to protect her rights,” Dillon states.

The judge opines that the media coverage of McDonald’s case was “more factual than inflammatory.”

Dillon goes on to note that the media coverage appears localized to Front Royal, Strasburg and Warren County.

“When the jury pool consists of many communities, courts account for that and rely

on voir dire to exclude jurors who may have been unduly influenced by media coverage,” Dillon states.

The federal procedure rule factors — convenience of the defendant, witnesses and any victim and prompt administration of justice — do not support a transfer, Dillon states. Many witnesses must travel from the Front Royal area, which takes about an hour. Travel from Front Royal to Charlottesville takes about one hour and 40 minutes, Dillon states.

“The government expects to have as many as seventy witnesses, and this extra driving time represents a significant hardship over the course of a six-week trial,” Dillon states.

“Furthermore, the court can reduce the amount of time spent on voir dire, thus promoting the prompt administration of justice, by excluding residents of Warren County and the Town of Front Royal from the jury pool.”

Courts can exclude jurors from certain localities in the same division in the interest of empaneling an impartial and unbiased jury, Dillon notes

Contact Alex Bridges at abridges@ nvdaily.com

ConnieLeeCubbage

ConnieLeeCubbage,79,of Stanley,passedawayon Monday,March13,2023. HewasbornonOct.13,

1943,inStanley,VA. Arrangementsprovidedby TheBradleyFuneralHome.

CarlB.Corney

On top of the FTC investigation, in February 2023 a group of grocery consumers in California filed a federal antitrust lawsuit to block the merger. The suit argues that the merger will result in higher prices, lost jobs, and reduced competition. Attorney generals in several states are also showing heightened concern about the merger — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has already embarked upon a listening tour of potentially impacted communities to investigate the possibility of increased

food insecurity. Food and grocery prices have already skyrocketed as CEOs use inflation’ to ustify price hikes, while earning record profits and maximizing shareholder payouts. Experts predict that the Kroger-Albertsons merger would lead to further price increases, in addition to undermining competition, eliminating jobs, all while increasing payouts for wealthy shareholders.

ParentsTogether is issuing this warning to alert families of this harmful merger. Over 13,000 parents signed a petition demanding that the Federal Trade Commission complete a thorough investigation and ultimately block the merger to prevent a grocery monopoly and protect the wellbeing of economically strapped families.

Smith House Galleries exhibit highlights Ukraine

By From PNC Staff Reports

Arts Council of the Valley will open a new Smith House Galleries exhibition April 7. “Her

Wounded Soul: A Visual Story of Ukrainian and Immigrant Culture, and Her Devastating Tragedy” features works by Viktoriya Samoylov and Natalia Verko.

The public is invited to an opening reception, sponsored by Riner Rentals, during First Fridays of the Valley, 5 to 7p.m. A moving exhibition, “Her Wounded Soul” portrays the social and rural culture that encompasses much of Ukraine, through a visual journey winding from the late 1980s to the present day. The reception will feature Ukrainian foods, with Ariana Yavny performing accordion tunes.

The exhibition runs through April 28, with in-person visits Monday-Friday, 11a.m. to

4 p.m., and Second Saturday (April 8, 10 a.m. to 2p.m. — another chance to visit with the artists). The exhibition will also be available online through valleyarts. org/current-exhibition.

Smith House Galleries, located at 311 South Main St., is supported in part by ACV’s 2023 Cultivating the Arts Platinum Sponsors: James McHone Jewelry, Kathy Moran Wealth Group, Matchbox Realty and Riner Rentals. Ukrainian-born American Viktoriya

Samoylov lives in the Shenandoah Valley. She generally creates figurative work with acrylics in impressionist-inspired strokes.

Eternally fascinated by the reflections of sun and shadow, her pieces gravitate towards nostalgic and thoughtful moods. Natalia Verkoisa Harrisonburg-born art-

ChristopherDouglasDovel

ChristopherDouglasDovel, 43,ofLuray,passedaway onMonday,March13, 2023.Hewasbornon December20,1979,in Harrisonburgandwasason ofDouglasEugeneDovelof BridgewaterandDonnaKay HensleyofElkton.

OnOctober31,2022,he marriedHeatherDawn

ThomasDovel,who survives.Survivingin additiontohisparentsand hiswifearetwodaughters, AmberDovelof Shenandoah,andJadyn DovelofLuray;threesons, JonathanDovel,SethDavis andKyleDavis,allof Luray;abrother,Anthony ScottDovelofGrottoes;two nephews,CollinDoveland TonyDovel,bothof Grottoes;andhis stepmother,SharonFreeze ofElkton. Visitationwillbeheldfrom 6-8p.m.onTuesday,March 21,atthe BradleyFuneral home.

Memorialcontributionsmay bemadetothe familyto helpwithexpenses.

ist whose parents immigrated in 1989 from Ukraine which was still part of the Soviet Union. She pulls inspiration for her drawings and mixed media works from her upbringing and current world events. Verko’s pieces generally focus on the simultaneously harsh and gentle human experience.

BettyLouDavis

BettyLouDavis,89,of Luray,passedawayon Saturday,March18,2023,at WinchesterMedicalCenter.

ShewasbornonNovember 6,1933,inStanleyandwas adaughterofthelateHenry F.GoodandMinnie CatherineKnightHilliard. Bettywasamemberofthe LurayPentecostalChurch. OnApril17,1954,she marriedLeoDavis,who survives.Survivingin additiontoherhusbandare ason,RonaldDavisof

Luray;twodaughters,Pat DavisofStanley,andDonna ParlettofLuray;abrother, JamesHilliardsofStanley; twograndchildren,Carrie ReelandAngelaSchutt;and fourgreat-grandchildren, Levi,Colton,Chaseand Jacob.Shewasprecededin deathbyadaughter,Laura LeeDavis;fivebrothers, ChesterHilliards,Bobby LeeGood,HaroldGood, JohnHilliardsandVincent Hilliards;foursisters, BonnieLouWood,Margie Price,PeggyCrouchand AlmaGood;andone granddaughter,Pamela Shifflett.

Afuneralservicewillbe conductedat11a.m.on Wednesday,March22,at theLurayPentecostal ChurchbytheRev.Daniel D.Herring,withvisitation onehourpriortotheservice, from10-11a.m.Burialwill beintheSt.LukeCemetery atAlma,Stanley.

VA Acelebrationoflifewillbe heldatalaterdateperCarl's request. 1248 E. Main St. • Luray, VA 22835 ENROLLED AGENTS (EAs) ARE AMERICA’S TAX EXPERTS Memorial Service for Jan D. Garber April 8, 2023, 11 am at Luray Church of the Brethren in Luray. A meal and fellowship will follow the memorial service.

This mega-deal would be the largest grocery merger in history and immediately raises serious questions of potential violations of federal antitrust laws. Kroger and Albertsons together would control a significant share of the American grocery market, concentrating more than $200 billion worth of annual grocery sales and nearly 5,000 stores into the hands of one corporation. If their proposed merger succeeds, their newly formed company, along with corporate giant Walmart, would control more than 70% of the market in 167

ENCOURAGEMENT

On the days that we are feeling especially happy perhaps we could challenge ourselves to share a smile with someone who needs one. Joyfulness is contagious! Paul writes in his letter to the Romans (1:11-12), “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gi to strengthen you, that it, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Share your joy with others at your house of worship this week.

Roof Blows Off Old Stanley Church

STANLEY — Stanley crews responded to a roof collapse on Sunday. Stanley Fire Chief Terry Pettit said that at 12:31 p.m. Sunday, firefighters were dispatched to the former Seventh Day Adventist Church, located at 720 W. Main St. in Stanley, for a roof collapse.

Pettit said that when firefighters arrived, a large portion of the tin roof had blown off the church and was lying on West Main Street and in the intersection of Park Road.

The church was built in the late 1880s, was not occupied and was only used occasionally, Pettit said. Potomac Conference Corp. owns the church, he said.

A Page County building inspector was called to the scene, and after checking the structure, ruled it to be safe, Pettit said. A contractor secured the remaining portion of the roof and covered what had blown off. Pettit said that while winds were not real strong, a nearby resident reported they felt a strong burst at the time the roof was blown off. There were no injuries.

Crews were on scene for about an hour.

Bethlehem Christian Church, Stanley, GRIT (Godliness, Responsibility, Integrity and Truth) Conference March 18, doors open at 9 a.m., event starts at 10 a.m., speakers include Evangelist Dr. Byron Foxx, Pastor Andy Seastrom and Pastor Matt Caton, lunch will be provided, free men’s event. Blue Ridge Pentecostal Church, Stanley, Wednesday and Saturday services 7 p.m. and Sunday worship 10 a.m.; homecoming-reunion service 7 p.m. April 1, featuring music by David Cave and Joyful Noise, everyone is welcome.

Compton Old Country Church of Jesus Christ, services at 7 p.m. Friday and at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. For more information, contact Pastor Frazier at 540-244-9267.

Ida Grove Gospel Chapel, 135 Ida Hollow Rd., Luray, Sunday services at 11 a.m., as well as a drive-in service, where attendees can listen to the service from their vehicle on 106.3 FM. For more information, contact Pastor Pete Campbell at 540-743-3045.

Leake’s Chapel Church of the Brethren, Sunday worship 11 a.m. For more information, contact Pastor Keith Higgs at 540-271-2978 or the church office at 540-778-4151.

Luray Church of the Brethren, Sunday services 9:45 a.m. For more information, contact the church at 743-5563 or email LurayBrethren@gmail. com.

Luray United Methodist Church, contemporary service 8:30 a.m. with traditional Sunday worship at 11 a.m.; Lenten Recital Series, noon March 16, free event featuring musicians from the church, everyone is welcome; traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal 5-7 p.m. March 17, free-will offering to benefit mission projects (call 540-743-6540).

New Direction Community Church, 52 Cave St., Luray, Sunday worship 10 a.m. For more information, contact 540-843-2558 or 540-253-5296 (Belvoir Assembly).

Page United Methodist Church, Luray, Sunday worship 11 a.m. For more information, contact the Rev. Laura Schultz at 301-748-9362.

Rocky Branch Regular Baptist Church, 141 E. Rocky Branch Rd., Luray, Sunday worship at 11 a.m., everyone is welcome.

St. George’s Episcopal Church, 3380 Pine Grove Rd., Stanley, indoor worship 11 a.m. Sundays, third Sunday is Holy Eucharist, all other Sundays are morning prayer. For more information, contact 540-560-9422.

Stanley New Hope Pentecostal Church, beginning April 2 the church will offer two morning worship services 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., evening service continues at 6 p.m.; Easter camp meetings “Pentecost Again” begins Easter Sunday, April 9, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Randy Miller, nightly services at 7 p.m. April 10-13, with guest speakers Evangelist Drew Gibbons, Dr. Ron Phillips, Pastor Brett Gardner and Bishop Tim Hill.

Ongoing Community Events

Tax Help TaxAide offers free tax preparation for low-and-moderate income taxpayers of all ages. All volunteers are certified by the S. This year, TaxAide volunteers will be helping taxpayers prepare their taxes at the uray Church of the Brethren, 11 Berrey Blvd., uray. To make an appointment, call 212 . Taxpayers must bring D and Social Security cards for every member of their family, as well as all tax information and forms for 2022. f schools are closed because of inclement weather, TaxAide services will also be closed.

Cruz-In Fridays

The Town of Shenandoah has planned its 2 2 schedule for Cruz n ridays on irst Street. Sponsored by the Shenandoah eritage Center, Cruz ns are planned from p.m. as follows May 2 , part of the Memorial estival une rain date une 1 uly rain date uly 1 Aug. rain date Aug 11 and Sept. 1 rain date Sept. 22 . All makes, models and years are welcome no registration fee required. The evening also includes door prizes and a drawing. or more information, contact 2 11 1.

Food drive

Thanks to the success of the age ublic ibrary’s food drive for uray’s age One, the collection drive will continue. The collection box for non perishable food items will be available at the library at 1 erkel Street in uray. Any donation would be greatly appreciated.

Members needed

The Twirling Medallions has opened its group to new members. or those interested in oining, practices are held from p.m. on Wednesdays at the lkton Middle School gym. The group is in need of twirlers, color guard members and drummers for the new year. ormed in 1 , the Twirling Medallions attend local parades and perform at numerous community events throughout

the year. or more information, call Tina ughes at 11 or Melissa Stum at 2 1 .

Library activities

The Shenandoah Community ibrary offers “ antastic amily un” beginning at 11a.m. every Tuesday, with free story time and crafts for children of all ages. The event is also held at 1 a.m. every Monday at the age ublic ibrary in uray. “Tremendous Toddlers” is held every Thursday from 1 11a.m. at the age ublic ibrary. This activity is for 2 year olds and their caregivers. The story time includes nursery rhymes, songs and crafts designed to strengthen early literacy development.

Library hours

The ibler ibrary in Stanley is open from 1 a.m. p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 1 a.m. p.m. on Tuesdays, and from 1 a.m. 2p.m. on Thursdays.

The “Time for hythm and hyme” children’s program is scheduled for 1 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Story time is scheduled for 1 a.m. each Wednesday, with a different program each week. Curbside service is available by calling ahead at 1 . or more information, patrons may check out www. kiblerlibrary.org.

Page Library programs

The age ublic ibrary in uray has planned several activities for patrons over the next few months. A series of gardening programs for young patrons are scheduled from p.m. on the third Monday of each month, now through Oct. 1 . ach “ rom Seed to arvest” program will cover a different topic to introduce children and parents to the world of gardening.

‘Movies on Main’

The age Theater in uray will be offering free movies as part of “Movies on Main.” ree popcorn will also be provided for the first 2 people. Movies

will be shown at p.m. on Tuesdays as follows April 11, May , une 1 , uly 11, Aug. , Sept. 12, Oct. 1 , Nov. and Dec. 12.

SNP Status Alerts

Subscribers to S NATS will get emergency notifications and significant event texts. These alerts will include hazardous situations, road closures on Skyline Drive, wildland fires and other significant incidents that may affect visitors’ time in Shenandoah National ark. To subscribe, text S NA TS to . Subscribers may opt in and out at any time. No subscriber information is retained and text content will be specific to the channel they choose. Skyline Drive status can also be tracked via the park acebook and Twitter feeds, or by calling , option 1, option 1. A separate information channel has been established that allows subscribers to track campground availability. To subscribe, text S NCAM to . On weekends, subscribers will receive an early afternoon text about the number of available campsites at each campground. An additional text will be sent when each campground fills. Subscribers may opt in and out at any time.

Free concerts

Cooter’s in uray will hold free drive in concerts on Saturdays from 1 p.m. with Ben “Cooter” ones and the Cooter’s arage. or more information, contact 2 1 , visit them on acebook or email info@cootersplace.com.

‘Call-Care’ program

The uray olice Department offers a “Call Care” program for handicapped or elderly citizens. egistered citizens will receive regular telephone calls from the police department to check on their well being. uray citizens may print the application to apply for this service. To apply, applications should be submitted to the uray olice Department at ast Main St., .O. Box 2 , uray, a. 22 .

Community Events

March 23 A ed Cross blood drive is scheduled at the American egion ost 22 in uray from noon p.m. on Thursday, March 2 . Additional blood drives are scheduled from noon p.m. on April 12, May

2 and une . All eligible donors, especially platelet donors and blood donors with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment. ligible donors can schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting edCrossBlood.org or calling

1 2 . Donors should have their ed Cross blood donor card, or another form of identification available.

March 24

A “Back the Blue” barbecue fundraiser is planned from p.m. on riday, March 2 , at the uray olunteer ire Department. The meal, which may be eaten at the fire hall or boxed to go, will include barbecue, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, dessert and drink. Cost is 1 , which will benefit the age County Sheriff’s Office oundation.

“Comedy Tonight ,” a series of short skits featuring local residents, has been scheduled with performances on March 2 2 at Trackside Theater in uray. or more information, contact 1 .

March 25

The uray olunteer ire Department will hold a “ un arty” fundraiser beginning at p.m. on Saturday, March 2 . Tickets for the event are 1 each, which includes a ribeye steak dinner, catered by The alley Cork, along with two drinks. A complete list of prizes will be posted by the fire department. roceeds from the event benefit D. or more information, contact Ben enkins at 2 1 2 or yan aunt at 2 1 , or email D un arty gmail. com.

• A garden workday is planned from a.m. noon on Saturday, March 2 , at all three age County community gardens in Stanley at

2 Medical Drive, in uray at age Memorial ospital, and in Shenandoah at Williams Avenue. To volunteer or for more information, email pageallianceforcommunityaction@gmail.com.

March 31

Colonial Williamsburg will be offering CW ights, a special limited-time evening event, from March 1 through April 22 in the world class overnor’s alace ardens The iconic gardens, normally unavailable to the public after p.m., will be transformed into an illuminated open air experience. isitors will be able to en oy an immersive walking tour accompanied by different 1 th century music performances each night, with lights creating different colors, patterns, and effects throughout the grounds.This magical family-friendly event is a great way for Colonial Williamsburg visitors to explore the outdoors and the ardens’ springtime blooms. vent tickets are available for purchase on the official CW website www.colonialwilliamsburg.org events cw lights . t is located at 1 1 isitor Center Drive, Williamsburg.

April 1

The uray uritan Club will hold a chicken barbecue on Saturday, April 1. Cost is . per half and will be ready for pick up at 1 a.m. across from The ec Center on West Main Street and at Dollar eneral on ast Main Street in uray. roceeds benefit the uritan Club’s community projects. The Town of Stanley has planned a combined outdoor event for children 12 and younger on Saturday, April 1, at the awksbill ecreation ark. Trout fishing, sponsored by the Stanley olice Department, is scheduled from 11a.m. p.m. An aster gg unt will get under way at noon, with face painting and other activities planned from noon p.m. or more information, contact the Stanley Town Office at .

Town of Luray

SHAWN ELIA NIGHT OF STAND-UP

Stand-up comedian Shaun Eli has rightfully been called one of America’s smartest comics. Whether it’s a story about dining with a vegetarian or successfully fighting a parking ticket in criminal court, master storyteller Shaun Eli shows you that there’s hilarity in the ordinary if you approach life with a comedic warp. Job interviews? How about the Ten Commandments? For just about anything he’s experienced he has hilarious stories at the ready. With a sense of humor that’s both cheerful and universal Shaun has headlined shows on five continents.

Location: Performing Arts Luray, 1 East Main Street, Luray

Date – 3/25/23

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

FANTASTIC FAMILY FUN STORY TIME

Weekly story time at Page Public Library.

Location: Page Public Library, 100 Zerkel Street, Luray

Date – 3/27/23 (Weekly) 10 AM - 11 AM

Four-Run Sixth Inning Helps Panthers Remain Undefeated

By JOHN BREEDEN For The Page News And Courier

S NANDOA t came down to the wire, but age County swung the bat when it mattered most.

The anthers entered the bottom of the sixth knotted at three and put up four runs, ultimately sealing the deal on a 7-3 non-district softball win over Stuarts Draft on Monday in Shenandoah.

age head coach Alan night said his team did an excellent ob of taking extra bases, which was vital late in the game. e said the bottom of the sixth was the “end of the beginning” for them.

“We started making a lot better contact in about the third inning,” night said. “We started putting the ball in play more and hitting it harder. We scored the runs in that sixth inning because that was the end of what we had been doing for a couple of innings.”

or age County, in the circle for the game’s entirety was Bailee askins, who fanned nine strikeouts in 1 batters faced.

The unior gave up three runs on four hits in the top of the third to give Stuarts Draft a edge. owever, things could’ve been much worse as askins, and the age defense managed to get out of the inning, leaving the bases loaded and staying within reach.

night said that was another example of how askins can rise to the occasion and fight adversity.

“That’s what she does,” night said. “She did it all last year and she’s done it so far in the other games we’ve had this year. That’s ust her personality, she’s going to battle and she’s going to give you everything she’s got.”

askins admits she got in her head at the bottom of the third, but she was able to battle through.

“ ust kept reminding myself that no matter how bad was doing in the moment, ’m better than this ,” askins said. “ ended up getting out of it, the bats came through and we ended up coming back.”

askins was happy that her teammates

See PANTHERS, Page B2

JMU’s Seniors Formed Different Bonds With O’Regan

in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at alue City Arena.

As ames Madison head coach Sean O’Regan heard the uestion about the impact his two seniors Caroline ermond and iki Jefferson – had on the program, he started to get choked up.

e was less than an hour removed from an emotional hug he shared with Jefferson at the end of the Dukes’ loss to Ohio State

But O’ egan, the Dukes’ seventh year coach, sat on the dais, looked to his left, and saw Jefferson, who started to tear up.

e paused and then began.

O’ egan started by talking about efferson, his star guard that’s been the Dukes’ go to option for almost her entire career at M .

Jefferson, the Sun Belt Conference layer of the Year, sits inside

the top 1 all time in points scored for the Dukes, but that part of her game wasn’t the first thing that O’ egan mentioned.

Instead, it was who she was as a person.

“She’s been family in my life for a long time, O ” O’ egan said of efferson. “To me, she’s exactly what want this program built on, which is an enthusiastic basketball mind. ike always been family, always wanted that rela-

See SENIORS, Page B2

James Madison guard Kiki Jefferson (30) hugs head coach Sean O’Regan as she comes off the court on Saturday at Ohio State.

Photos by Daniel Lin / DN-R

Luray’s Austin Golladay drives up the field through the East Rockingham defense last season.

Built On Experience, Bulldogs Aiming High

By CODY ELLIOTT For The Page News And Courier LURAY — There’s a familiar face on the sidelines for uray this season.

Steve oltz, who coached the Bulldogs from 2 2 12, returns to the pitch this year to help continue a turnaround for a program that took tremendous strides a year ago. ast year, after many years of struggling, uray went 11 2 and re uvenated energy around the program before falling to eventual irginia igh School eague

Class 2 boys soccer state champion Clarke County in the egion 2B uarterfinals at year’s end.

Although the Bulldogs would have loved to go further, that taste of success fueled them.

And this year, most of the roster is back, with senior forward ordan enkins returning after leading the team

in goals scored last season, along with midfielder Michael ite, forward Connor Cubbage, and Cade oltz, all seniors with experience. With eight seniors on the roster, uray will know what it takes to be successful.

And there are some newcomers the Bulldogs expect to contribute immediately, too, with senior Noah Lawson, a basketball player, making the transition to a new sport while Wyatt Seal, a sophomore cross country runner,

is also opting to kick it this spring. With so much experience returning and a newfound confidence after a small taste of success a year ago, Steve oltz is optimistic about his return to the S sideline.

Overall, he said the group has big goals and could contend in a challenging district.

Although the Bulldogs will have their hands full with teams such as Clarke, the overwhelming favorite to repeat as state champs, this isn’t the same uray program. With oltz on the sidelines, 2 2 is another step toward relevance for the Bulldogs.

“ m very excited to see how we fare,” oltz said. “We always defend well, but sometimes we have trouble scoring. Overall, we have a very solid team.”

Contact Cody Elliott at 540-574-6284 or celliott@dnronline.com | Follow Cody on Twitter: @VTCody

Plum, Foster Guide Page To Second Straight Win

By CODY ELLIOTT

For

a

walk while racking up eight strikeouts. Also for the anthers, senior catcher verett oltz was 2 for at the plate, while unior infielder Noah Lucas had an B double, and oster also added a dou -

ble to his day.

, who stole six bases in the victory on Friday, will return to action Tuesday with their Bull un District opener against rival uray at p.m. (3) and Foltz. W — Foster (1-0). L — Lynch (01). 2B — PC: Foster, Lucas. FC — WC: Lynch, Lord, Pond. HBP — PC: Short. SB — WC: Andlinger. PC: C. Cave, S. Cave, Plum (2), Williams (2). CS — WC: Lord. E — WC: Lynch, Lord, Dodson, Shell. PC: Lucas, Shifflett (2). Contact Cody Elliott at 540-574-6284 or celliott@dnronline. com | Follow Cody on Twitter: @VTCody

By NOAH FLEISCHMAN For The Page News And Courier

CO MB S, Ohio

Daniel Lin / DN-R

Luray’s Alan Benitez clears the ball upfield.

Blazers Pound Out 15 Hits In Win Over Waynesboro

By CODY ELLIOTT For The Page

News

And Courier

Spotswood pounded out 1 hits, earning its first win of the season with an 11-8 non-district baseball victory over Waynesboro in enn aird on Thursday.

The top of the lineup was lethal for the Trailblazers, with the No. 2 through No. hitters all registering multiple hits

and at least one B apiece in the victory. ackson Moyer, a sophomore, had a big time performance, finishing 3-for-3 with a double, two runs scored, and a team-high three B s for Spotswood, while sophomore Brady oover finished for with a double and two B s.

Also finishing with three hits for the Trailblazers was senior

ezekiah Cross, who went for with two runs scored and a pair of B s, while Nate eslie, a unior multi sport athlete, finished 2 for with the game’s lone triple and an B .

Also coming up big for Spotswood (1-1) in the plate explosion was freshman Camden Blank with a 2 for effort that included a double and an B , while senior Ben Moyer also

umped in on the bat action with a single of his own.

Cross and Moyer also combined to strikeout 11 in six innings of work on the mound, giving up six earned runs on two hits and nine walks before Hoover tossed a perfect 12-pitch seventh inning that included a pair of strikeouts to end it. The ittle iants 1 were led by sopho-

more Zachary Rankin with a pair of hits and an B , while senior achary afer finished with a double and two B s.

Trenton Carson, a freshman, also had an B single for Waynesboro in his varsity debut, while unior li lgersman pitched two solid innings in relief, giving up three earned runs on four hits and a walk but striking out

Suters Homers, Gobblers Down Wilson Memorial

By BRANDON ELLIS For The Page News

And Courier

S S Broadway entered ishersville and grabbed a non-district victory over Wilson Memorial on riday, its second straight win.

The obblers scored five of the seven runs in this game’s middle innings, including a two run home run by unior infielder Taylor Suters in the fifth.

Broadway head coach Becky Cantrell credited the standout for the hit, which helped propel the

Seniors

From Page B1

tionship. The amount of time and discussions we’ve had, it means can’t even explain how much this one means to me right here.”

O’Regan mentioned how Jefferson has shown up to his daughter’s basketball games to support ust like she did for many of Jefferson’s games at M , including Saturday’s NCAA Tournament game.

As efferson sat next to her coach and listened to what he said, she began to tear up. Soon enough, the NCAA moderator sitting to her left passed her a few tissues under the press conference room table. efferson wiped her tears away, but her impact on the program was as palpable as O’ egan’s oy of talking about her.

Not only did she surpass 1, career points with ease, but efferson was also the motor that powered the Dukes for her entire career in Harrisonburg.

When in doubt, the Dukes would somehow find her, which usually resulted in a made basket or an automatic pair of free throws from the charity stripe. efferson, who has an extra year of eligibility remaining if she chooses to use it, scored 1 points on of 1 shooting with eight rebounds and two assists in what could be her final collegiate game. By the time O’ egan started talking about ermond, who sat to

Panthers

From Page B1

backed her up in the bottom of the sixth when they reached a four-run advantage heading into the final frame.

She appreciated her teammates supporting her as they were hollering and screaming her name after the game in support.

“They’re questionable at times, but love them sometimes,” askins said with a laugh.

Stuarts Draft head coach obbie Tillman said his team needs to

team to a big win.

“That inning the wind died down, the wind was blowing all evening,” Cantrell said. “When sophomore mma Morris came out and Taylor walked up to the plate , told them, ey now is when we need to knock the cover off one because the wind has died down.’ She moved up in the box to take that low pitch away and she got all of it.”

The obblers 2 1 started the proceedings with a two run first inning. The Hornets managed to score one in the bottom half of the inning to keep it a one-run game

his right during the Dukes’ postgame press conference, he had laughed.

ermond, a graduate transfer from TC , was only at M for one season. And she wasn’t even there as long as M ’s freshmen, either.

The Angers, rance, native arrived on campus in August but uickly earned the trust of her new coach, who fre uently called her his “security blanket” when she missed three games with an in ury during non conference play.

But there he was, touched by her impact on a team she was only around for seven months.

“ think it’s absolutely unbelievable what she’s done for this program and myself and her teammates since she got here in August,” O’ egan said. “But ’ve had a grad transfer come in before and it doesn’t have that much impact. And so can’t say my level of appreciation enough in words.”

ermond started 2 games for the Dukes in her final collegiate season, and her performance was always more than what showed up in the box score on a given night. es, she averaged . points, 2. rebounds, and . assists a night, but she was also the leveling force on the floor.

And it showed in her last game with the M logo across her chest. As Ohio State pressed JMU through-

get better at making routine plays, or else they won’t beat anyone. The Cougars (1-2) committed four errors in the game on Monday.

Mc enzie Tillman also pitched a complete game, throwing three strikeouts against 30 batters and giving up seven runs, but only one was earned.

obbie Tillman said after the game that she had a right to be frustrated.

“She did what she was supposed to do, and if we make the routine plays, that’s

and stayed that way until the fourth.

Wilson had something brewing in the bottom of the fifth with runners on first and third with one out, they tried to be aggressive on the bases to get a run in that spot, but the obblers were ready for that moment and picked the WMHS runner off to get out unscathed.

“My kids are young,” Cantrell said. “ ’ve been trying to get it into them that, ook, we got good arm, we make good crisp throws, we can make things happen. We had the lead. ’m O with giving up a run if some-

out the first round matchup, ermond would help break it, and once the ball got over midcourt, she’d slow things down.

She sometimes used her hands to gesture to her teammates to slow down and calm down as the Buckeyes’ defense became suffocating.

ermond filled that role for the entire season as the Dukes’ run brought them into the NCAA Tournament.

“But her approach, how hard she works, her – never in a bad mood, workmanship mentality, team first it permeates through the whole thing,” O’ egan said.

O’Regan’s bond with ermond is different from efferson, time wise, but he’s welcomed her into his basketball family. e said he’d do anything to help her in the future by anything, he meant it.

“This one efferson has been family for like five years and Caroline is now, there’s no doubt in my mind,” O’ egan said. “ don’t care, she could be outside of aris, rance and call me and say, need some help’ it’s like, there we go, ’ll get on that six and a half hour flight and ’ll be there, in a heartbeat, in a heartbeat.”

But as the two players sat and listened to O’ egan give a glowing review of their time with him one for five years and one for less than eight months –they thought of his impact on them.

Jefferson said that

a different ballgame,” obbie said. “That’s all it comes down to, but she threw really well.”

reshman infielder illian reig led Draft with two hits and a run scored, while Tillman and senior infielder Amelia Bartley had B singles, and freshman infielder Allyson unsford added a double.

Robbie said a positive takeaway is that he saw more than his top few kids in his lineup making plays. e said he felt like everyone was starting to contribute, and that’s a good sign as

thing doesn’t go our way. f you don’t practice those things now in these types of situations, in one run ball games, we won’t have confidence. So that play is huge and goes a long way in confidence building.”

she thought JMU being back in the NCAA Tournament was something “Coach O deserves.”

“ t’s never a bad day with him,” efferson said. “ e always wants the best for us, whether that’s on the court or off the court. ’m hurt that the outcome was this but like he said, it’s family.” or ermond, who split her five years of college basketball at three schools, her final year at M went almost as planned as she made her NCAA Tournament debut in her last collegiate game.

“ ’m so grateful ’ve been part of this our-

the team prepares to host Miller School of Albemarle on riday in another non-district clash.

“Everybody’s putting the ball in play, even the eight and nine hitters,” obbie said. “We’re still a young team and fared fairly well. honestly think we should’ve beat them.”

Adryn Martin, a unior outfielder, was 2 for with a double and an B for age, while unior mme Baugher also finished 2 for with a double and a pair of B s. Ali urdham, a

ney,” ermond said. “James Madison was what was looking for. Thank you, Coach O, for trusting me every day. And thanks to my teammates, in such a short time, they make me smile every day, so that’s really good.”

But for O’ egan, who went to five NCAA Tournaments as an assistant under Kenny Brooks with M , ermond, and efferson helped push the Dukes’ program back towards the high level of consistency that his former boss built it up to be.

And O’ egan, whose teams had yet to make it this far in the postseason as a head coach,

freshman infielder, added a two-run single while unior infielder Savannah Shifflett had an B single, sophomore catcher Emma Lucas had a double, and sophomore arleigh Austin added a single.

The anthers are scheduled to travel to Rappahannock County on Friday for another Bull un District game and will aim to continue improving off what has already been a strong start. askins gave her thoughts on what it will take to leave victorious.

was touched by the effort and play his two senior leaders displayed all season long. “ ’m indebted to both of them for very, very different ways for the rest of my life, period,” O’Regan said. “These two changed this culture back to where it should be, period, no doubt. Because this program belongs right here, and these two spearheaded it to get back here. ’m forever indebted to both of them for that.”

Contact Noah Fleischman at 540-5746296 or nfleischman@ dnronline.com | Follow Noah on Twitter: @fleischman_noah

“We need to hit the ball,” askins said. “Make plays and ust play a clean game. think if we do all that, we’ll come away with the win.”

Daniel Lin / DN-R

James Madison guard Caroline Germond (20) drives around Ohio State guard Taylor Thierry (2) during the first half of Saturday’s game.

Centeio Used Boxing To Adjust Throwing Mechanics

By NOAH FLEISCHMAN

For The Page News

And Courier

Leading into his pro day in front of NFL scouts, former James Madison quarterback Todd Centeio wanted to fix a simple part of his throwing motion: engaging his back hip during a pass.

Instead of trying to think it through each time during a throwing drill, Centeio took up a new sport to work on the slight adjustment –boxing.

Centeio did some boxing during his training in Florida, but he said he learned more from watching others do it than doing it himself.

“It’s the same movement,” Centeio said. “The only thing with

boxing is you use both hips, you rotate both hips. That was kind of new. It was kind of weird going to the left, but ended up figuring it out.”

Centeio, who trained with Willie Snead, his best friend’s father, watched YouTube videos of boxers to learn how they engage their hips. Centeio and Isiaiah Snead spent time together watching Caleb Plant and a multitude of others to study the hip movement. For the West Palm Beach, Fla., native, watching how boxers perform their sport was an interesting part of his pro day preparations.

“It’s kind of cool with how technical it is and how strategic it is,” Centeio said of boxing.

The result of Centeio’s boxing prep? A throwing workout that he was happy with in front of more than 20 different NFL scouts inside Bridgeforth Stadium on Monday afternoon. “I feel like it showed a little more pop out of my hand,” Centeio said. “Plus, I don’t have the AC joint, lat and oblique stuff that I was dealing with during the season. So it felt good.”

Centeio displayed his arm talent with a routine of passing routes to wide receivers Kris Thronton, Devin Ravenel and Terrance Greene Jr., as well as tight ends Drew Painter and Noah Turner.

He hadn’t thrown to them in months, but even with that, Centeio

Panthers Crush Warren County In Six-Inning Rout

By CODY ELLIOTT

For The Page News

And Courier

Junior ace Bailee

Gaskins struck out seven over six innings of work, giving up two unearned runs on three hits and two walks, as Page County won its second straight to open the year with a 12-2 six-inning non-district over Warren County on Friday at home.

The Panthers pounded out 16 hits as a team, led by junior outfielder Arianna Roudabush’s

3-for-4 effort that included three runs scored in the No. 7 hole.

Freshman infielder Ali Purdham, sophomore shortstop Karleigh Austin, junior infielder Savannah Shifflett and junior outfielder Adryn Martin all added two hits apiece.

Martin also had two RBIs, while Austin had three, and Jocelyne Rinker, a Radford University signee, had a big RBI double while senior Alexis Frymyer added an RBI.

Gaskins, junior

Emme Baugher, and sophomore Emma Lucas had one hit apiece.

The Panthers (2-0) are right back in action Monday at home against Stuarts Draft.

said it was like no time had passed with his connection with the receivers.

And it was the same feeling for those catching the passes. “It just felt like we were doing routes in practice, so it was nothing different,” said Thornton, who caught 59 passes for 1,015 yards last season for the Dukes. “It was probably the last time I’m going to catch the ball from Toddy, so it’s an emotional moment a little bit.”

The pro day stop in Harrisonburg was the latest of a long NFL Draft process for Centeio, which started at the Tropical Bowl in Orlando and the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., in late January.

During his bowl game appearances, Centeio said the scouts were looking for him to get leaner. And when it was time for him to run his 40-yard dash in front of scouts, he took his shirt off to show that he took their feedback to heart.

“ definitely did that,” Centeio said of getting leaner. “Heavier, but I look different. They just wanted to see how I ran, they knew I was quick, they just wanted to see my 40. They wanted to see my improvements from the last time they evaluated me at the NFLPA game. definitely feel like I’m a different player from then.”

Centeio ran a 4.83 40-yard dash, while posting a vertical jump

mark of 34.5 inches in his pro day testing.

With the NFL Draft just over a month away, Centeio has his sights set on finding his way onto an NFL roster, but he knows that he can’t get too high or too low during the process.

“Now I’m known as a professional,” Centeio said. “It could have been my last time putting pads on at the NFLPA game, so I’m kind of just walking that fine line. ou can’t let any confidence waver. You got to know who you are and when that opportunity arises, you got to be ready for it.”

Contact Noah Fleischman at 540-5746296 or nfleischman@ dnronline.com | Follow Noah on Twitter: @fleischman_noah

Hornbaker Strikes Out 13 In Clarke Win, 4-2

By CODY ELLIOTT For The

Page News

And Courier

In Berryville, junior ace Anna Hornbaker struck out 13 in a complete-game effort, giving up two unearned runs on three hits and a pair of walks as Clarke County earned a 4-2 Bull Run District softball victory over Central on Monday.

and Campbell Paskel, a senior center fielder, had an RBI single as well. Freshman Claire Unger added a hit for CCHS.

Despite the loss, the Falcons got a stellar pitching performance out of senior Trynda Mantz, as she tossed six innings, giving up four runs on five hits while striking out 11.

Clarke (2-2, 1-1 Bull Run) was back in action with another Bull Run home game against Rappahannock County on Tuesday, while the Falcons (2-2, 0-1 Bull Run) hosted East Rockingham in a district clash in Woodstock the same evening.

Contact Cody Elliott at 540-574-6284 or celliott@dnronline. com | Follow Cody

Hornbaker also had a pair of hits and a run scored at the plate for the Eagles, while freshman outfielder Brooke Choate had an RBI single,

Sophomore Aamori Williams and freshman Kynli Hoover each had a hit for Central, while sophomore third baseman Serenity Burnshire had a double.

Broadway Holds On For Non-District Win Over Wilson

By CODY ELLIOTT For The Page News

And Record

Junior infielder

Conner Michael was 2-for-4 with an RBI and was also strong in relief on the mound as Broadway did just late in the game to hold on for a 5-4 non-district victory over Wilson Memorial on Friday in Augusta-Rockingham County action.

Michael relieved Hunter Deavers in the fourth inning on the bump and proceeded

to toss 2.2 scoreless innings, giving up two hits and a walk while striking out four for the Gobblers. Deavers gave up one run on six hits and three walks while striking out two.

But Broadway ran into trouble late as Wilson plated three runs in the final inning off singles from senior designated hitter Dusty Cash, sophomore shortstop Jayden Saunders, and senior first baseman Finn Irving to cut the deficit to one.

on

Irving’s single, which scored sophomore infielder Wyatt Wood, Saunders was thrown out while heading to second, which ultimately sealed the visitors’ victory in Fishersville.

It was the Gobblers’ second straight non-district victory by one run after blowing a 2-0 lead and falling by one to Fort Defiance in their season opener earlier in the week.

In the victory over the Green Hornets, senior Eli Hall, an

outfielder, was 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI, while junior infielder Shea Kushner had an RBI double.

Other key contributors for Broadway included Bransen Hensley, a junior infielder committed to West Virginia, Deavers, and junior infielder Mason Lynn with a hit each.

For Wilson, which dropped its second game in as many nights to an opponent from the Valley District, Saunders, and Irving led the way

with two hits and an RBI apiece.

Jalen Rowzie, a senior second baseman, was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored for the Hornets, while Cash and junior outfielder Jaden Rose each had an RBI single.

Aiden Podgorski and Blake Rodgers, a pair of seniors, added a hit apiece for Wilson. Podgorski pitched two scoreless relief frames, striking out four and walking one.

The Gobblers (21) return to action

Tuesday in another non-district tilt as they host Skyline, while the Hornets (02) will travel to Monticello that evening.

Photos by Daniel Lin / DN-R

LEFT: James Madison’s Todd Centeio winds up a pass during practice. ABOVE: James Madison’s Todd Centeio runs the 40 during Pro Day.

Resources for farmers needing help with stress

By L AURA B OAGGIO

For The Page News

And Courier

With a career dependent on weather that can turn in a second, it’s easy to understand why farmers struggle with mental health for reasons different from the average person. However, seeking help can be hard in rural America.

“Work is home and home is work. It’s a 24/7 business,” said Dr. Amy Johnson, nurse practitioner at Centra Medical Group in Lynchburg. Farming as an industry is unpredictable and uncontrollable, said Johnson, who grew up on a farm and currently farms with her husband in Bedford County.

External hardships

While other professions have more control over their paycheck, farmers’ annual income is dependent on weather, market conditions and pests — all of which are out of their hands, Johnson said.

“Farmers are price-takers, they’re not price-makers,” Johnson said.

Johnson pointed out in the past couple weeks, the Valley had warm weather that caused plants and trees to bloom, only to be followed by a cold snap.

“If those blooms freeze, a nursery operator could lose an entire year’s worth of production,” Johnson said.

Farmers also don’t control the market prices or supply costs.

The agriculture industry is seeing things like high fertilizer, fuel and equipment costs right now, Johnson said.

“For example the dairy industry, they’re paying 2023 prices for input costs and getting 1980 prices for their outputs,” Johnson said.

Jeremy Daubert, a dairy agent with the Rockingham County Extension, said the same — 20 years ago, there was always a market for dairy. Today, not so much.

The avian influenza has also thrown poultry farmers for a loop, said Laura Siegel, health communications officer at AgriSafe Network. Farmers across the country have had to put down infected bird flocks, which puts an unexpected dent in their income.

Since most farms in the U.S. are family owned, family dynamics can be a stressor, Johnson said.

According to 2018 U.S. Department of Agriculture data, 98% of farms in the U.S. are family-owned.

“So you have family struggles between different generations and people marrying in and marrying out,” Johnson said.

It can be a lot of pressure to uphold a family legacy

Strasburg area residents consider possible rail-trail benefits

By TONY JUDNICH For The Page News And Courier

STRASBURG — Potential benefits for the town from the proposed Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail highlighted the latest community input meeting on Thursday.

Hosted by the Shenandoah Rail Trail Exploratory Partnership in the Strasburg High School cafeteria, the session allowed attendees to talk with members of the partnership about various aspects of the proposed project.

The Exploratory Partnership envisions a 48.5-mile, multi-use recreational trail that would run along an inactive single-track railroad corridor, currently owned by Norfolk Southern Corp., through Warren, Shenandoah and Rockingham counties.

torical societies helping to put up signs along the possible rail trail that would educate people about the area’s history, including its railroad history.

Also, “In the towns, the trail would allow people to connect to businesses, schools and parks,” Adamson said. “In Strasburg in particular … to get from one end of town to the other, kids can’t do it safely because of the way some of the older roads are constructed.”

Near the start of Thursday’s meeting, Strasburg Mayor Brandy Hawkins Boies, who lives in the Madison Heights neighborhood, had expressed a similar view.

also, Siegel said.

“Losing the farm can be like losing their entire identity,” Siegel said.

Not only is farming hard on the mind, but it’s also hard on the body. Johnson pointed out agriculture can be very dangerous work.

AgriSafe Network is a nonprofit with a network of agricultural health and safety professionals that provide access to services for farm families and the agricultural community. Call 833-897-2474 to access the AgriStress helpline.

According to the CDC, the fatal injury rates for those in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry was 20 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers in 2021. The rate for all U.S. industries was 3.6 deaths per 100,000 workers.

Stigma for getting help

On top of all these difficulties, many farmers are nervous to ask for help.

“There’s that pull yourself up by your bootstraps mentality,” Siegel said.

Farmers also usually live in rural, small towns where word can spread fast that someone is struggling, Siegel said. It’s easy to notice someone missing from church, or not picking up their morning coffee from the corner store, she said.

Luckily, telehealth services have come a long way, Siegel said, and provide clients with more privacy.

“Farmers are very very private people,” Johnson said. “It’s hard for them to open up and discuss their feelings.”

It’s also hard for them to step away from work and get the proper care, Johnson added. Folks often don’t have anyone else to take over their daily duties.

Resources

Siegel is the communications officer for the AgriSafe Network, a nonprofit with a network of agricultural

health and safety professionals that provide access to services for farm families and the agricultural community, according to its website.

Siegel said folks can call 833-897-2474 to access the AgriStress helpline.

“From there, its just a conversation,” Siegel said. The operator can do a risk assessment or provide the caller with resources.”

The farm recession in the 80s among Midwestern states caused a lot of farmers to die by suicide. Those rates haven’t gone down and the stressors are the same today, Siegel said.

Agriculture is the fourth likely work field for someone to die by suicide, according to 2020 CDC data.

Siegel also pointed toward the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline, a helpful crisis counseling for farmers experiencing distress from a natural disaster. Folks can call 1-800-662-4357 to access it.

“It’s not a level of whether someone else has it worse, these are here for free to help you when you’re experiencing those stressors,” Siegel said.

A lot of farmers have faith-based institutions they can reach out to, Johnson said.

Johnson said fellow community members and neighbors know farmers best, so people should keep an eye on how someone’s doing, and say something if they seem off.

Daubert suggested young farmer groups which usually meet monthly.

“Maybe they’re struggling and someone else is with the same thing. They’re not alone, its not abnormal,” he said.

Daubert also suggested a Michigan State University site with articles and videos on and experts in managing farm stress, found online at https://www.canr.msu.edu/ managing_farm_stress/.

The potential trail would stretch between Broadway and Front Royal and pass through or near the towns of Timberville, New Market, Mount Jackson, Edinburg, Woodstock, Toms Brook and Strasburg. It could provide bicyclists, walkers, joggers and equestrians with access to parks, businesses, schools, scenic landscapes, Civil War battlefield sites and other cultural and historic resources.

The Exploratory Partnership is a coalition of towns, counties, planning district commissions and several nonprofits, including the Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley, that support the possible rail trail. The partnership recently began working with the Arlington-based Conservation Fund on acquiring right of way for the trail from Norfolk Southern.

“Discussions with Norfolk Southern are ongoing, and we’re hoping for news of this purchase any day now,” Maya Alexander, community engagement manager for the Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley, told attendees of Thursday’s meeting at Strasburg High School.

The cost of purchasing the railroad corridor could range from $15 million to $25 million, according to one public finance economist’s projection.

The state’s current two-year budget sets aside about $90 million for multi-use trails. Some of that funding is allocated for the purchase of the unused railroad corridor for the proposed Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail project, which Exploratory Partnership members hope will be completed by 2030.

Project supporters at Thursday’s meeting included Barbara Adamson, who lives just outside of Strasburg and is the president of the Shenandoah County Historical Society.

“I’d like the chance to be outdoors, to walk and bike safely while enjoying our local scenery, our six beautiful towns and our wonderful history,” Adamson told the Northern Virginia Daily. She envisions various his-

“I don’t let my kids go to (the Strasburg Town Park) by themselves because there are no safe sidewalks,” Boies told the large group of meeting attendees. “There’s not a sidewalk completed to our park.”

She said the potential rail trail would have lights, as well as signs at road crossings, and provide a safe path to the park.

“It’s going to be a huge opportunity for our kids alone to be able to just navigate through our town safely,” Boies said.

Mary Beth Price, who with her husband, Tom, owns the Box Office Brewery in Strasburg, said at Thursday’s meeting that they have enjoyed exploring existing rail trails such as the High Bridge Trail near Farmville, in Prince Edward and Cumberland counties.

“We went to Farmville and stayed the night,” she said. “We went to a restaurant, went to a brewery. We spent money, and then we came home. That’s what you want. (A rail trail) is an economic booster for your town.”

The proposed Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail “is a win-win for everyone,” she said.

While the Exploratory Partnership supports installing a trail in place of the rail line, a group called the Shenandoah Rail Corridor Coalition supports retaining and restoring the track for short-line freight trains and maybe a tourist excursion train and building a trail next to it.

The cost of a rail-with-trail project is still being studied, according to the coalition. Estimates put the total cost of restoring the 48.5-mile segment of railroad at about $61 million, while the total cost of removing the track and replacing it with a trail would be about $95 million.

The acquisition of the rail corridor for development of the potential rail trail would employ rail banking, which is “a legal mechanism to preserve the corridor for future rail use should market conditions change,” Alexander said at Thursday’s meeting.

The next Exploratory Partnership-hosted community input meeting is set for 7p.m. on Thursday at the Front Royal Volunteer Fire Department, 221 N. Commerce Ave.

The AgriSafe Network is a nonprofit with a network of agricultural health and safety professionals that provide access to services for farm families and the agricultural community, according to its website. Call 833-897-2474 to access the AgriStress helpline.

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Summary

ThePageNewsandCourierislookingforacommunity-focused andpassionategeneralassignmentreportertocovernewsfor thetownofLuray.Thepositionwillcoverthecrimebeat,local educationsystemandothermunicipalitiesinPageCounty, Virginia.

Thisisaremotepositionwithoccasionalrequiredin-person meetingsinHarrisonburg,Virginia.Reporterswillbeableto haveactiveaccess anddialoguewiththeeditor,whoworksin Harrisonburg.

Thegeneralassignmentreporterisresponsibleforgettingtothe heartofcommunityissues.Constructinggreatledes,building strongsourcesandhavinganeyeforreaderinterestisessential forsuccessinthisrole.

Whilethereporterwillbefreetochoosemostoftheirown stories,theeditorwillassignspecificstorieswhenneeded.The generalassignmentreporterisrequiredtocommunicatestory pitches,worksinprogressandsubmittedarticlesremotely.

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-Backgroundandexperienceinjournalism//reporting

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Thisisafull-time,40hrs.//weekposition.Wagebasedon qualifications.

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Page News and Courier Community Editor

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ThePageNewsandCourierislookingforacommunityeditorto bethego-topointpersonforreaders/residentsinthetownof LurayandPageCounty,Virginia.Thecommunityeditorwillkeep upwiththeweeklycalendars,columnsandletterstotheeditor, inadditiontoansweringreader’squestionsorcomments.Thisis anin-person,part-timeposition.

Thecommunityeditorisresponsibleforupdatingandorganizing theweeklycalendarsforprintinthepaper.Organizationand free-flowingcommunicationareimportantforsuccessinthis role.

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Qualifications//Skills

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Interestedapplicantsmayapplybyemailingacoverletter addressedtoNewsEditorVictoriaYoungandresumeto jobs@dnronline.com.

PageNewsandCourierhasfunctionedunderitspresentname since1911buthasrootsinthecountysince1867.Thepaper hasloyalsupportfromitssurroundingcommunity.Itislocatedat 1113EastMainSt,Luray,Va.ShariKeyescurrentlyservesas publisherofthePageNewsandCourier

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March 23, 2023

Sheriff’s Office: Threat evaluation was ‘standard practice’

By TONY JUDNICH

For The Page News And Courier

WOODSTOCK — No weapons were found during a recent search of the home of a male W.W. Robinson Elementary School student who on March 1 allegedly threatened to hurt other students of the school, said Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office Ma . Kolter Stroop.

The boy’s alleged verbal threat was reported to the Sheriff’s Office on March 2 by a parent of another student, Stroop told The Northern Virginia Daily on Monday.

The student who allegedly made the threat was taken into emergency custody and

evaluated, Stroop said.

“This is standard practice on how we would treat any threat,” Stroop said.

e said the Sheriff’s Office later searched the home of the boy and found no weapons.

In an email to the Daily on Sunday, the mother of the boy who allegedly made the threat said that her son had been temporarily suspended and is now back in school.

The mother, who asked to not have her name published, said her son “was targeted and the Sheriff’s Office forced a mental evaluation off of hearsay.” She said her son also had to undergo tests for drugs and alcohol and that his rights were “completely vi-

olated.”

Stroop said he wasn’t sure what types of tests had been conducted.

Meanwhile, on March 9, the county School Board in a closed session agreed to place W.W. Robinson Elementary School Principal Robin Shrum on paid administrative leave. The board also agreed to have Elizabeth Hopkins, who is the school’s assistant principal for the fourth and fifth grades, serve as acting principal while Shrum is out.

Schools Superintendent Melody Sheppard has declined to state why Shrum was placed on leave. In an email to the Daily last Thursday, Sheppard said, “Principal

Shrum is out of the office for an extended time. We cannot comment on specific details.

Ms. Hopkins is the Acting Principal while Dr. Shrum is out. As always, the safety and security of our school community are our top priority. There was no credible threat to our students or staff. We have no additional information to share at this time.”

Not long after the Daily received that email, school division officials sent the same overall message to parents of students of the school.

At the School Board’s closed session on March 9, Sheppard “made it clear that the student who was involved at no time seemed to present

any type of danger and had no weapon of any kind,” board Vice Chairman Dennis Barlow said by phone on Monday. “We accepted the administrative solution in the interim. We knew for a fact, based on (Sheppard’s) report, that no weapon was involved.”

Barlow said he knows why Shrum was placed on administrative leave but could not share the reason publicly.

“I don’t think I should,” he said. “This gets into the protection of (Shrum’s) rights and issues moving forward that have nothing to do with the school’s safety.”

Barlow also said he had not heard anything about the concerns of the boy’s mother.

Emmart remembered by Clarke County School Board

By MICKEY POWELL

For The Page News And Courier

BERRYVILLE — Brent

Emmart will long be known for his devotion to students whom he coached and taught, according to Clarke County School Board members.

mmart, 2, was head boys’ basketball coach at Clarke County High School (CCHS). He died suddenly last week due to a medical emergency, according to school Athletics Director Casey Childs. School Board members and Superintendent Chuck Bishop

remembered Emmart during remarks at the board’s meeting Monday night. His funeral was held earlier in the day. Students and staff were allowed to leave school early to attend.

Emmart was the head varsity basketball coach for 2 years. He also was a football assistant coach for 2 years and a physical education and health teacher. This year, he taught ninth-graders P.E. and health and also taught weight training.

Board Chairwoman Monica

Singh-Smith said Emmart will

be “remembered for developing a rapport with his students.” “Nobody (at CCHS) spent more time with the kids” than he did, Bishop said.

Bishop recalled attending an awards presentation with Emmart last Tuesday night, then finding out the following morning that he had died.

Board Vice Chairwoman Katie Kerr-Hobert recalled that when she first met mmart, “I wasn’t his biggest fan.” She didn’t elaborate. As she got to know him, however, her opinion of him quickly changed.

Izzy

“Nobody was more dedicated or loyal” to his athletes and students, Kerr-Hobert said, crying. Also, “no one has worked harder” than Emmart.

Acknowledging controversy within CCHS’ athletic program during the past year that left divided opinions in the community, Kerr-Hobert said “the passing of Coach Emmart has brought us together” again.

“He was loved,” she said.

And, “he would have been shocked,” she added, at the large numbers of people who attended his funeral and spoke

highly of him.

“If you’ve ever wondered about the impact of a teacher or coach, it was (shown) today” during mourners’ remarks, Bishop said.

“We’re sending a lot of love to his family ... and all of those (current and former) athletes whose lives he impacted,” said Singh-Smith.

The board planned to honor the CCHS girls’ basketball team for its recent championship victory. Board members postponed the recognition until their April monthly meeting.

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