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“It’s a true blessing for me to be in this organization and to see the President and to be able to Inaugural Parade march in the parade. To be in the band selected out of all the different bands in Mississippi is a true blessing and an honor.” – 17-year-old Petal High band member T.J. Taylor
Mississippi’s Petal High Band marches into history With a stopover at Warren County’s Skyline High for a final practice By Roger Bianchini Martin Luther King Day, school ors, state championships and younger Americans. For while to march in the parade. To be in Warren County Report administrators opened two-year- appearances around the nation, President John F. Kennedy may the band selected out of all the old Skyline High’s doors and several band members we spoke be ancient history to the teens of different bands in Mississippi Prepare yourselves for “a mem- grounds to allow the Petal High to seemed to realize the import the early 21st Century, his well is a true blessing and an honor,” ory of a lifetime” was the general School Marching Band a final of the approaching moment to reported appeal to the nation’s 17-year-old T.J. Taylor said as he message of Warren County and outdoor rehearsal prior to their themselves, their band, school youth of the early 1960’s rings stood with fellow baritone player Town of Front Royal officials appearance in the Presidential and nation. familiar to their own generation’s Joy Grimsley preparing to brave greeting a high school band from Inaugural Parade the following “This is the biggest thing since emotional connections to Presi- temperatures 30-some degrees Petal, Mississippi, to Front Royal day. Kennedy’s Inauguration,” Prin- dent Obama. colder than characteristic of their and Skyline High School on Jan. And while the Petal March- cipal Trombonist E.J. Miller “It’s a true blessing for me to home town. 19. While school was closed for ing Band is no stranger to hon- observed of the mood of many be in this organization and to We asked Trombonist Miller if see the President and to be able the cold and snow might damp-
could eat at once, but it was elimi- ¥ Who among us isn’t familiar with nated. Interestingly, the reason for the line, “Quoth the Raven, nev- the elimination had nothing to do with ermore”? As virtually anyone who cruelty to animals, but rather had to made it through middle-school Eng- do with the difficulty of preventing lish class can tell you, it’s from Ed- cheating. It seems that some would- gar Allan Poe’s classic poem “The By Samantha Weaver be competitors were breeding smaller Raven.” Considering the ubiquitous and smaller fish for consumption. nature of the work, though, you might ¥ Herpetologists can tell you that of be surprised to learn that Poe earned all the victims of rattlesnake bites, ¥ The word “alimony” is derived from a grand total of $9 from the first publi- only about half of them actually hear the Latin word “alimonia,” which cation of the poem. the telltale rattle before being bitten. means “nourishment.” ¥ The brain of an ostrich is actually ¥ It was famed Elizabethan playwright ¥ Those who study such things say smaller than one of its eyes. William Shakespeare who made the that the month in which you are most *** following sage observation: “Beauty likely to be shot, strangled or poi- Thought for the Day: “Bureaucrats is all very well at first sight; but who- soned is December. They don’t seem write memoranda both because they ever looks at it when it has been in to venture an opinion regarding why, appear to be busy when they are writ- the house three days?” however. ing and because the memos, once written, immediately become proof ¥ The “Guinness Book of World Re- ¥ On average, British women are that they were busy.” -- Charles Pe- 17 year-old T. J. Taylor stands in 30 degree weather cords” used to have a category for shorter than women in the United ters with 16 year-old Joy Grimsley as the two baritone how many live goldfish a person States. (c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc. players await practice outside Skyline High School in Front Royal, VA Jan. 19. Early February, 2009 • Warren County Report • Page
“They are better than my high school band already and they’re only warming up.” – Dan McDermott Inaugural Parade
en the Mississippi band’s spirits parent why Petal High was one ing Band. The band performs at come inauguration day. of 70 marching bands chosen to football games and makes appear- “It doesn’t matter. My mind’s participate in the 56th US Presi- ances at parades and community not going to be focused on that, dential inauguration from a pool events as well as competitions my mind is going to be focused of 1,300 applicants. throughout the South. During on how awesome it is to be there,” “They are better than my high the winter and spring, the band Miller enthused, along with Flute school band already and they’re is divided into two performing Section Leader Ericka Morris, only warming up,” Dan McDer- ensembles that include the PHS who agreed wholeheartedly that mott whispered to me in case Symphonic and Concert Bands. the weather would be irrelevant any ghosts of his high school past The Petal Band program now also to the events of the following day were listening. offers winter performing oppor- for the Petal contingent. “Yea, this droning horn and reed tunities with the Indoor Visual And while the temperatures warm up with the drums rattling Ensemble and the Indoor Percus- on the 19th hovered slightly be- away down there is pretty avant sion Theatre. All of these groups low freezing throughout the day, garde – I wonder what their stage have received continuous supe- as if on cue as the band left the band is like?” I wondered aloud. rior ratings in state and regional comfortable confines of Skyline Ninth-grade Principal Mike competitions.” – And some fed- High’s auditorium around 1:45 Lott, one of Petal High’s four eral, state and local bureaucrats p.m., the clouds lifted, snow flur- principals, pointed out that 40 and politicians would have you ries evaporated and the sun even percent of his school’s 1,200, 9- believe the arts don’t enrich the peeked out to cast a soft glow as 12 grade students are involved in US student experience enough to the 158-strong Petal Marching music in one way or another. fund directly. Band and Color Guard warmed The Petal High School Band Lott said that while the Town of to their task in the Skyline foot- website – www.petalbands.org Petal’s population is about 10,000, ball stadium parking lot. – notes it “is the largest organiza- the school district’s population As the brass and reeds warmed tion in the Petal School District, reaches beyond the town limits Town of Front Royal Mayor Eugene Tewalt presents both their lips and instruments at comprised of approximately 160 into Forrest County to serve a to- the key ring of the town to Petal High School 9th- one end of the lot and the drum- students in grades 9-12. During tal of about 25,000 people. grade Principal Mike Lott as the Petal High March- line beat a steady rhythm at the the fall, these students are a part And while the band is no ing Band gets down to business in the Skyline High other end, it quickly became ap- of the All-Superior PHS March- stranger to travel and awards, School parking lot. Page • Warren County Report • Early February, 2009
Ninth-grade Principal Mike Lott … pointed out that 40 percent of his school’s 1,200, 9-12 grade Inaugural Parade students are involved in music in one way or another. The Petal High School Band website – www. petalbands.org – notes it “is the largest organization in the Petal School District … Warren County Report
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Preparing for the cold - what’s that tuba doing on your Published in a secret location in the greater metropolitan area of Limeton. From left, Principal Trombonist E.J. Miller, Flute Sec- head? tion Leader Ericka Morris, Drum Major Greg Barr and Doug Stanley, his wife and family opera singer Pavorotti said about Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Color Guard Captain Josie Taylor. joined McInnis in welcoming the practice, kids – “If I don’t prac- Daniel P. McDermott [email protected] Trombonist Miller said the band’s watchful eyes of Assistant Direc- Petal contingent to Front Royal tice for one day, I notice; if I don’t director didn’t initially alert the tors Ryan Saul and Chris Word on as a staging area for its jump to practice for two days, the band Managing Editor and Reporter: band about the application for Jan. 19, Director Mr. Mike Gar- the nation’s capital just 70 miles notices; and if I don’t practice for Roger Bianchini the Inaugural Parade out of fear nard was in DC running through to the east the following day. three days, the audience notices.” (540) 635-4835 of setting his oung charges up for the logistics of the Petal High Also lauded for their work in The band arrived in Front Royal [email protected] a big fall. School Band’s march through facilitating Petal’s trip north were at about 11 a.m. on Jan. 19 after “Our Band Director Mr. “G” history the following day. members of Rotary Clubs and an overnight stay in a Roanoke Reporter: Greg Johnson (Garnard) made the statement to “We congratulate you on your Chambers of Commerce on both Holiday Inn. They descended on ends of the trip. Local resident the South Street Burger King and our Hattiesburg American News- achievement, and maybe some- Sales Manager: Stephanie Fretwell of the Lin- McDonald’s for lunch before ar- paper that he didn’t even expect day our schools can reach the Leanne Bryant to make it, that’s why he didn’t kind of achievement you have den Rotary, whose sister lives in riving at Skyline to be greeted (540) 305-6347 say anything [to us] about it. And – we hope so at least,” the Petal the Forrest County-Hattiesburg by Activities Adminstrator Buck [email protected] then when he got the papers back band, school officials and spon- area of Mississippi where Petal Smith at 1 p.m. They will stay at it was a huge surprise for us.” sors were told during welcoming is, acknowledged several months the Northern Virginia 4-H Edu- Billing Coordinator: And speaking of huge – War- ceremonies in Skyline’s audito- of logistical efforts to see that cational Center in southern War- Ashley Lotts ren Public Schools Superinten- rium. Petal High would have their place ren County the evening of the [email protected] dent Pamela McInnis noted that Front Royal, VA Mayor Eugene on the national stage on Jan. 20, 19th before heading east early. 2009, as Barack H. Obama is in- “I think they told us we’d be get- Advertising: Skyline (60) and the new Warren Tewalt, Warren County, VA Board (540) 636-1014 augurated as the 56th President ting a 4 a.m. breakfast call,” one County High (50) bands com- of Supervisros Chairman Archie www.warrencountyreport.com/adinfo bined were smaller than the Petal Fox, FR Vice Mayor Bret Hrbek, of the United States. Deborah band member pondered. That es- contingent. Town Councilmen Shae Parker Reynolds (not that one, you ag- timate was later pared back even Contributors: As the band practiced on Sky- and Chris Holloway and War- ing movie buffs), both a Petal earlier as those around the band Paula Conrow, Features Writer line High’s grounds under the ren County, VA Administrator Rotarian and Chamber President said they were expecting to pull Cassidy Custis, Entertainment Writer thanked her local counterparts out of the 4-H Center and War- Tony Elar, Cartoonist Extraordinaire for their help, and other local of- ren County by 4:30 a.m. for their Kevin S. Engle, Humor Columnist ficials for their support and as- march into the historical Ameri- Leslie Fiddler, Writer sistance as the Petal Band got in can landscape. Bo Kane, Columnist Viviane Knight, Health Writer its final practice before the big (Dan McDermott contributed to Ryan Koch, Cartoonist Extraordinaire day. And remember what the late this story) Jim Smithlin, Writer Mary Ellen South, Poet Timothy R. Thompson, Writer Matt Swain, Business Writer Transcriptionist: Roya Milotte [email protected] Circulation: Leslie Bennett If you are interested in contributing articles to our paper, please e-mail: [email protected] Warren County Report is looking for ad- ditional advertising sales folks. Petal High Assistant Band Director Chris Word is Please e-mail: Federally Insured greeted by Warren County Administrator Doug Stan- by NCUA [email protected] ley and Schools Superintendent Pam McInnis. Black & White
Early February, 2009 • Warren County Report • Page
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Employee Free Choice Act would open employees to union es -- and the people who work including countries such as Saudi very least, the appearance of im- intimidation. Organizers could for them -- would have unions Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Brunei. propriety. The opportunities for Editor: corner workers in the parking shoved down their throats. That doesn’t include the millions such indiscretions will, of course, lot or even at home. Don’t let the In this increasingly tough fi- more from foreign individuals be exponentially greater when Virginia’s small businesses are name fool you. This is the Em- nancial climate, the last thing and entities. I think these fund- Senator Clinton becomes Secre- struggling right now because of ployee Forced Choice Act. we need is a bill that will make raising activities—both in the tary of State Clinton. the recession. They’re struggling A 2007 survey by the respect- life even tougher for small busi- political and foreign arenas—are In November I wrote to Presi- to get customers, pay bills and ed Virginia-based polling firm ness owners, the backbone of indefensible for the spouse of a dent Bush urging him to make keep the doors open. McLaughlin & Associates found the American economy. These sitting secretary of State. public donor information to his The last thing Virginia’s family- that almost four in five voters entrepreneurs, who aren’t com- Senator Richard Lugar raised library and not to accept any owned businesses need is some opposed this card check legisla- ing to Washington for a handout, concerns similar to mine at money from the Chinese govern- bureaucrat dictating the wages tion. As state director of the Na- should not be sacrificed so that Tuesday’s confirmation hearing ment because of its grave human and benefits they pay their em- tional Federation of Independent unions can have their political for Mrs. Clinton: “The core of rights abuses. We know for a fact ployees. Business, Virginia’s leading small spoils. Join NFIB by telling our the problem is that foreign gov- that various repressive govern- But that’s exactly what the la- business association, I hope Sen- senators that card check is a bad ernments and entities may per- ments, such as China and Saudi bor unions and some members of ator-elect Mark Warner and Sen. idea –for business, for labor and ceive the Clinton Foundation as a Arabia, have big name Washing- Congress want to see happen. Jim Webb will listen to their con- for Virginia. means to gain favor with the sec- ton lobbyists on retainer to help Union bosses and their friends stituents on this issue. retary of State.” Foreign Affairs them curry favor in the halls of in Congress are trying to pass As governor, Mark Warner Julia Ciarlo Hammond Committee Chairman John Kerry power. Sadly the people that something called the Employee helped Virginia earn a reputation National Federation of Indepen- echoed these comments saying these governments persecute Free Choice Act. This woefully as a business-friendly state by dent Business that Senator Lugar was “express- and imprison cannot afford such misnamed bill would replace se- promoting the commonwealth’s Richmond, VA ing the view of the committee as luxuries. An unregulated arena cret ballots with a process known right-to-work law and encourag- a whole.” Mr. Lugar added that like a presidential library is no as card check. ing firms to come here because of Clinton fundraising the “only certain way to eliminate exception. Furthermore, these If the bill were to become law, our excellent labor-management this risk going forward is for the same lobbyists contribute wide- unions could organize a work- climate. The Honorable William J. Clin- Clinton Foundation to forswear ly to congressional candidates place simply by “persuading” a Card check will change all that. ton new foreign contributions when and political parties. They are majority of workers to sign autho- If the unions and federal bureau- William J. Clinton Foundation Senator Clinton becomes Secre- the same firms and individuals rization cards. There would be no crats can dictate wages and ben- 55 W 125th St tary of State.” I am in complete from which you will be soliciting subsequent secret-ballot election efits, small business owners will New York NY 10027 agreement. money via the DCCC. Foreign -- and no chance for manage- have to decide whether they can Broadly speaking, while indi- governments, D.C. lobbyists, ment to present their case as to afford to grow, add jobs or even Dear President Clinton: vidual donations to presidential the secretary’s ear—I shudder what the ramifications might be stay in business. election campaigns are limited in to think how influence-peddling for their employees’ futures. Under card check, a repair shop I am deeply troubled by news amount, and restricted altogeth- could taint and permeate Ameri- Once the union had enough is as vulnerable as a manufactur- reports that you will continue ac- er from foreign sources, fund- can foreign policy. signatures, contract negotiations ing plant. Men and women strug- tive fund-raising efforts for the raising for presidential libraries Your situation is unprecedent- would begin. If the union couldn’t gling to make payroll, provide Democratic Congressional Cam- is completely unregulated and as ed. For eight years you, Mrs. come to terms with management insurance for their workers, put paign Committee (DCCC) even such ripe for corruption, or at the Clinton and your daughter were within a set number of days, then gas in their fleet or advertise their if your wife is confirmed as sec- a federal bureaucrat would step goods and services will become retary of State. This news comes in and dictate wages and other union targets. If Big Labor and on the heels of reports that your benefits. some members of Congress have foundation has collected at least The Employee Free Choice Act their way, these small business- $41 million from foreign nations
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America’s First Family. Never State. Not only would Mrs. Clin- also be the first cabinet official ton as future secretary of state Mrs. Clinton press you to “sus- before has the wife of a former ton be America’s top diplomat, in the presidential line of succes- and former president Bill Clin- pend foreign fundraising” alto- president served as secretary of but constitutionally she would sion. You once famously joked ton as the head of a foundation gether. In the best interest of the during the 1992 campaign cycle that raises money from foreign nation you served, I, too, call on that if you were elected, Ameri- governments…[E]ven if Ms. you to stop all foreign fund-rais- cans would get “two for the price Clinton is not influenced by gifts ing, as well as political fund-rais- of one.” The connection between to her husband’s charity, the ap- ing. I implore you to refrain from husband and wife both literally pearance of a conflict is unavoid- placing your wife, and this coun- and in terms of public perception able.” CNN too echoed similar try, in a compromising position. is inseparable. sentiments: “The potential con- Best wishes. In late December, the Washing- flict of interest, for a man with ton Post editorialized, “There is intimate access to America’s top Sincerely, no getting around the uniquely diplomat, is enormous.” difficult issues posed by the dual [Recently] the Washington Post Frank R. Wolf roles of Hillary Rodham Clin- editorial page recommended Member of Congress
How Old Do You Feel? ence between real and per- ceived age. A show of hands, please: There was a link between How many of us feel sig- feeling young and healthy nificantly younger than and living a long life, of our real age? course. Those who had Many seniors feel, on a positive attitude about average, about 13 years aging in general had the younger than we really are. greatest discrepancy be- So says a large study that tween real and perceived was done over the course age. Those who started the of six years with partici- study with health issues pants aged 70 and older. perceived their age to be The mirror told a differ- closer to what it actually ent story, though. It’s not was. surprising that women I’m not sure I like the felt closer to their real age attitude of one of the re- when it comes to appear- searchers, though. She was ance. We can blame Madi- quoted as saying that the son Avenue for that one, 13 years is an “illusion.” Of I’m sure. In certain circles course it is. But so are the there’s a negative stereo- images that are put before type about older women, us by Madison Avenue. As and unfortunately some of long as we’re happy and us buy into it. Men don’t healthy, does it matter seem to have the same self- what “number” we assign image problems, accord- ourselves? ing to the study. And given the same age between men Matilda Charles regrets and women, women per- that she cannot person- ceived themselves to be on ally answer reader ques- average four years older tions, but will incorporate than the men. them into her column By the end of the study, whenever possible. Write however, it was the men to her in care of King Fea- whose satisfaction with tures Weekly Service, P.O. themselves decreased Box 536475, Orlando, more than the women’s FL 32853-6475, or send did. e-mail to columnreply@ Perceptions in general gmail.com. changed as the study went on. By the end of the study, (c) 2009 King Features many reported a decrease Synd., Inc. of a few years in the differ- Black & White
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Gaza its most loyal citizens in order to the idea as the thought of a Jew- Willie said: ing to do with the European ho- give the land for peace paradigm ish homeland amongst the Arab Excellent article - stating the locaust - and my own country’s (Publisher’s note: In our last is- a chance. Not only did Jewish world was not acceptable to them. facts - on what led up to the support of these “crimes against sue we printed an opinion piece philanthropists purchase the The whole idea of a Palestinian present destruction of Gaza and humanity” - have been based on on the Gaza conflict sent to us by greenhouses so the Palestinians people came into being once the what is happening now. Ameri- a long litany of “absurdities.” local attorney Elizabeth Molcha- who would be moving into the Arabs realized they would not cans need to research for them- I thank Ms. Molchany for the ny.Of the 21 persons writing com- area would have a way to support beat the Israeli’s militarily but selves and not rely on the TV to thoughtful and WELL DOCU- ments on Ms. Molchany’s piece themselves, but beautiful syna- that the West would sympathize tell them what is happening in MENTED contribution she’s on our website, 19 were positive. gogues were left empty so the Ar- with their so-called struggle for Gaza as so much of it is Israeli made to the cause of truth and Below is a sampling of that posi- abs could use them as their hous- nationhood. Propaganda. Shame on the Con- justice! tive response to balance the views es of worship. The Palestinian And if your author thinks Israel gress for supporting Israel and expressed in our one hard copy people had their opportunity and is the only target of hate filled the taking of so many innocent • On January 15, 2009 at 4:43 pm response from Karen Cohen, of no sooner did they move into the Muslim terror organizations, she lives! What is happening to our Fran Sarguis said: the political action group EMET, area, but their primary goal was should think again. In the mind humanity - why are we not sup- I have read the Molchany article printed first. See others at www. to build a terror base, not to build of Hamas, Israel is the little satan porting basic human rights for published in the Warren Coun- warrencountyreport.com ) their people. Call it the fault of and the US, yes that includes the all - and instead siding with an ty Report newspaper. I found Hamas, a terrorist organization, Commonwealth of Virginia, is Apartheid state with our money it brilliant, accurate, and a rare Editor: but the people of Gaza voted for the big satan. Hamas is against and military equipment? honest look at the depredations their government. A government everything the US and Israel committed by Israel on a totally It is with disgust that I read that promised social reform but stand for…..freedom of speech, • On January 11, 2009 at 10:54 outmatched population in Gaza. your opinion article “The Gaza instead has been busy building freedom of religion and democ- pm Susanne Hoder said: Israel is able to wreak havoc, rain Holocaust”. If I didn’t know bet- tunnels to smuggle in missiles racy in the true sense of the word. I have been to the occupied ter- phosphorus bombs on women ter, I would think I was reading and teaching their children to There is no compromising with a ritories, and have seen the perse- and children, demolish homes, from the Al-Jezeera Post and not be martyrs in the name of Allah. terror group who hates every- cution of the Palestinian people flatten entire neighborhoods, all a newspaper from the Common- A government that could have thing you stand for. It is hard for by Israelis. Christians as well as thanks to unlimited armaments wealth of Virginia. been building instead of shoot- Americans to understand this Muslims are seeing their land and and murdering helicopters pro- I can only say that the article ing bombs into the neighboring concept but understand it they water taken to illegally expand a vided and paid for by the US tax- is full of non-truth’s. While the city of Sderot, Israel. And not must or Ms. Molchany, the au- state for one ethnic group alone. payers … author claims to be a student of just one or two bombs…..thou- thor of the despicable article will It is time for Americans to re- If your land is illegally occupied, the Mid-East Crisis, it appears sands of bombs have been sent be standing in line for her burka alize that the warm and gener- contrary to a multitude of UN instead that she is a follower of over from Gaza targeting nurs- instead of enjoying the freedoms ous Palestinian people are not resolutions, and contrary to in- Arab propaganda which has so ery schools and residential areas we have come to take for granted the demonic enemies our press ternational law, and if talk won’t widely circulated throughout the until Israel finally decided to do in our wonderful country. has made them out to be. They right this wrong, what are you world with the help of petro-dol- what every government in the are victims of an ethnic cleansing supposed to do? When the Ger- lars paving the way. world is obligated to do: protect Karen Cohen that began more than 60 years ago mans occupied France in the sec- If you think for one second that its citizens. There only mistake Member of the Board with the massacre of unarmed ond war, the French Resistance peace will occur if only Israel will is that they didn’t do it sooner Endowment for Middle East men, women and children at Deir took actions far more lethal than go back to pre-’67 borders, you before the buildup or arms had Truth Yassin, and continues today in the harmless Hamas rockets. The must be kidding yourself. The reached the level that it did. 1050 Conn. Ave. 10th Floor Gaza. Our money and weapons way the Germans responded was proof is in the Gaza withdrawl of Just a little history lesson…… Washington, DC 20036 make Israel’s aggression possible. to execute the population of en- 2005, in which Israel evacuated the Arabs were given a two state Thanks to Ms. Molchany for this tire villages (Oradour-sur-Glane the area and uprooted 10,000 of solution in 1948 and rejected • On January 9, 2009 at 11:05 pm insightful piece. is a good example). How does
• On January 14, 2009 at 1:40 pm Landry Decorators Saalakhan said: The French philosopher -Vol 30 years experience taire once said, “Those who can Painting (interior/exterior) make us believe absurdities, can Plumbing • Carpentry also cause us to commit atroci- ties.” General Maintenance Israel’s unconscienable aggres- * Licensed & Insured * sion, over the past six decades, against a people who had noth- 540-636-3177
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Page • Warren County Report • Early February, 2009
Letters are encouraged. Please limit them to 750 words unless prior arrangements are Opinion made. Email letters to [email protected] and be sure to include your name, town and contact information. the present and disproportionate fer from the German occupiers in [Letters are encouraged. Please prior arrangements are made. to include your name, town and outrage by the Israeli forces dif- France? … limit them to 750 words unless Email letters to editor@warren- contact information.] countyreport.com and be sure
Widows Are Due February. Reimbursement If you know a widow to whom this might apply, Since 1996, the Depart- clip this column for her. If ment of Veterans Affairs you’re in a service organi- has been demanding re- zation such as the Ameri- imbursement for benefit can Legion and you’ve had of the plan. “would represent only 8 percent checks sent during the married members pass Sure, that’s a tax cut “only” in of a $750 billion package.” Obama away, talk to the widows the hundreds of billions. But might be reduced to the expedi- month that a married war veteran died. It shouldn’t and ask if they had to pay consider: President Bush’s first ent suggested by John Maynard back the last benefit check tax cut, $1.35 trillion over 10 Keynes of burying money in have done this. Twelve years, delivered $174 billion in bottles and then paying people years ago, a law was passed they received. tax relief in its first two years. to dig it up (some of the projects that directed the VA to al- While the VA says it will Obama is nearly doubling Bush’s on the “shovel-ready” list com- send the money (once it cuts that were denounced by piled by the nation’s mayors are low spouses to keep those final benefit and disability sorts out who’s to get it), Democrats as recklessly prof- only marginally less foolhardy). chances are there will be The Trillion-Dollar Standard ligate. Bush’s second tax cut During the campaign, Obama checks. in 2003 cost $350 billion over was careful always to say -- less Yet untold hundreds of many widows who slip At least the word “trillion” 10 years. Obama is engaged in than honestly -- that his spend- thousands of widows (pos- through the cracks, possi- still has cachet as denoting a shameless fiscal logrolling, hop- ing proposals were paid for. bly for something as sim- lot of money. “Billion” has been ing to pick up Republicans by Now, it doesn’t matter. Ohio sibly as many as 50,000 per year) were dinged for ple as an address change. surpassed during the past few devoting roughly 40 percent of Gov. Ted Strickland left a beg- It might only involve $100, months, and “million” has long his plan to tax cuts. ging voice message with Obama the money just at the time been positively quaint. They are characteristic Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel that they needed it most. Either or it could be thousands. The Obama team wants to tax cuts, with a strong whiff of captured the moment perfectly: the widows paid it back Doesn’t matter. If the war keep its two-year stimulus plan spending about them. He wants “Rahm, it’s Ted. You’ve never veteran died after Dec. 31, (just) beneath a trillion dol- to give people $500 tax credits failed me, and I need $5 billion.” or started making pay- ments when they received 1996, the money from the lars, sensing that 13 figures is -- a version of the $131 billion The stimulus spending -- or last check belongs to the the price point when the public stimulus that didn’t work in ear- most of it -- will eventually dis- demand letters -- or the might balk at the fiscal baccha- ly 2008 -- and throw a bunch of appear, and Obama will have government got into their widow. nal. (The entire Pentagon budget tax benefits at business, includ- to raise taxes. The fiction of his checking accounts and The VA’s number is 1- is $500 billion.) ing a credit for hiring. None of campaign was that repealing the 800-827-1000. That Congress will take more this is as straightforward -- nor Bush tax cuts on the rich would took it back. Sometimes it was both. time, into February, to pass the will it provide as much econom- pay for everything. Repeal prob- Write to Freddy Groves bill constitutes a notable act ic benefit -- as simply cutting the ably gets $50 billion a year, which The VA says the problem of fiscal restraint in the Age of payroll tax for working people in Washington’s newly adjusted was caused by a computer in care of King Features Obama. Otherwise, congress- or cutting the corporate tax rate fiscal lexicon is negligible. It glitch that was never fixed. Weekly Service, P.O. Box men will make like those Ger- for business. takes a trillion to get anyone’s 536475, Orlando, FL mans who lived through the Even with tax cuts absorbing attention. And “quadrillion” When the new law took ef- fect, automated letters de- 32853-6475, or send e- hyperinflation of Weimar - Ger some of his plan, Obama is test- comes next. mail to columnreply@ many -- and shove cash out the ing the outer limits of spending. manding repayment just door in wheelbarrows. Obama’s The federal government spends Rich Lowry is editor of the Na- kept rolling out. gmail.com. team wants to get 80 votes for about $60 billion a year on trans- tional Review. Now that the problem the stimulus plan in the Senate, portation and other sorts of in- has come to light, the VA (c) 2009 King Features and took a step toward it with frastructure. As Harvard econ- Synd., Inc. word that it is considering $300 omist Edward Glaeser points (c) 2009 by King Features Synd., plans to fast-track a fix and billion worth of tax cuts as part out, doubling that amount still Inc. get checks out starting in Early February, 2009 • Warren County Report • Page
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5:00pm and proceed with the in- 7819. nicely and will serve residents stallation of a temporary band. of the County for many years to Normal pressure was restored to Town Launches Public Notices come. I want to thank Larry An- the system soon after the repair E-mail List drews for his generosity in donat- was completed. ing the land to the County to al- A permanent repair band was The Town of Front Royal is now low us to make this long awaited Warren County officially opens obtained this morning, January providing citizens with the ability improvement. This represents new Linden Compactor Site 20, and was scheduled to be in- to receive public notices and an- the first of two proposed- com stalled that afternoon. Reduced nouncements from the Town via pactor site upgrades to improve Warren County has complet- water pressure will occur during email. (As in the past, the notices access for our residents.” Town announces Commerce ed the development of the new this repair. will also be posted on the website Tony Carter, Supervisor for Ave. water main break Linden compactor site. The new Repair of the break was hin- under “Public Notices.”) the Happy Creek District, indi- compactor site is located approx- dered due to the number of calls To join the Public Notices email cated that, “The new compactor The Town of Front Royal- ex imately ¼ mile west on Route 649 to the Police Department report- list, send a blank email with the site will provide a safe, quick and perienced a major break begin- (Dismal Hollow Road) from the ing no water at locations, when subject line “subscribe” to pub- convenient location for residents ning in the morning of Monday former location next to the Ap- water service was available at a [email protected] to dispose of their trash and re- January 19. Department of En- ple House. The new site encom- reduced pressure. When report- e-mail address is being protected cyclables. Thanks to all of the vironmental Services personnel passes one acre and includes two ing a utility problem, please pro- from spam bots, you need JavaS- County staff who had a hand in responded to the break at about compactors, recycling containers vide accurate information so that cript enabled to view it . An email working on the project. ” 5:00 am to observe significant and an attendant building. the Town can properly react and will be sent to you requesting According to Dick Magnifico, flow discharging into the open According to Doug Stanley, respond. confirmation; follow the instruc- Deputy County Administrator, area around the bike trail to the County Administrator, the new We apologize for the inconve- tions in that email to confirm “As part of the project, the for- west of Commerce Avenue be- facility offers a number of- im nience of low water pressure dur- your subscription. mer compactor location at the tween Prospect Street and Stone- provements including: wall Avenue. A 14” waterline that ing this break. Unfortunately, the Due to the fact that legitimate Apple House will be cleared and cold temperatures usually result email is sometimes mistakenly restored. The total cost for the services the central portion of the • Safer access for residents in shifts in the subsurface soils. classified as spam, the Town rec- improvements to the site was Town and provides the primary • Additional room for recycling This shifting can result in breaks ommends adding the email ad- $711,879.96, which includes de- water source for the Guard Hill opportunities in the waterline. This weekend dress publicnotices@frontroyal- sign and engineering costs.” and Route 522 Corridor. • Better traffic flow resulted in five waterline breaks va.com This e-mail address is Stanley added that the County This waterline break resulted in • Attendant building with rest- that the Town repaired. being protected from spam bots, Capital Improvement Plan in- reduced pressure throughout the room facilities for site attendant Town especially for higher eleva- If you have any questions about you need JavaScript enabled to cludes the eventual upgrade/re- this waterline break, please con- view it to the address book or the placement of the Route 340/522 tion locations. Archie Fox, Chairman of the tact the Department of Environ- list of safe senders. compactor in coming years as Town crews were able to iso- Board, indicated that, “The new mental Services at (540) 635- well. “We have had a real need late the waterline break at around compactor site really turned out
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to expand and modernize these 619 suffered damages estimated in Boone County, Kentucky. Mr. facilities due to the population at $125,000. Damages were es- Berryman was arrested and taken growth that has occurred. It has timated at $25,000 at 617 and to the Warren County Jail where taken a number of years to identi- $45,000 at 621. While occupants he is being held without bond for fy and acquire sites and to budget of 619 and 621 were staying with charges of misdemeanor Carry- for the funds to make the neces- relatives, the occupants of 617 ing a Concealed Weapon; felony sary improvements, but the wait were being assisted by the War- Possession of a Stolen Firearm; has been worth it for the resi- ren County Chapter of the Red and felony Possession of a Fire- dents of the area.” Cross. arm after having previously been The County would like to take There were no injuries to- oc convicted of a felony; and Posses- the opportunity to thank the cupants, but three firefighters sion of Burglary Tools. Apple House and Ben Lacy and received minor injuries, two of This case is still under investiga- George McIntyre for leasing the which were treated at Warren tion and could result in additional County the location for the past Memorial Hospital and released. charges pending the outcome. 20 years. The site served the com- The cause of the fire is under in- munity well until the County ul- vestigation by the Warren Coun- timately outgrew the site. The ty Fire and Rescue but is not be- County would also like to thank lieved suspicious. Joyce Engineering and Key Con- DUI ‘Checkpoint Strikeforce’ • Time of Call: 8:20 AM struction for their work on the results announced • Dispatch: 8:22 AM (Engines 1, 10, 2, 437-A South Royal Avenue design and construction of the Truck 1, Truck 10, Career staff) Front Royal, VA 22630 site. • On scene: 8:25 AM (Fire from rear As advertised by the depart- roof area) ment in mid-January, the Front 540-635-9808 11th Street fire causes • 2nd Alarm: 8:47 AM (Engines 4 and Royal Police Department con- www.samsneadrealty.com • Fax: 540-635-7128 • Toll Free: 800-292-3548 major damage to adjoining Truck and Engine 51 [Strasburg]) ducted a Driving Under the Influ- townhouses • Under Control: 9:42 AM ence saturation patrol January 16 • Cleared: 12:09 PM through January 19th, 2009. This Warren County Fire and Rescue patrol was conducted as part of SKYLINE units responded to a reported CHECKPOINT STRIKEFORCE, townhouse on fire with entrap- a grant funded operation by the ment in 600 block of West 11th Division of Motor Vehicles. CAVERNS Street in Front Royal on Tuesday Lieutenant R. Clint Keller ad- One of Front Royal’s TOP TOURIST morning, January 13. A staffed vised that during this operation ambulance arrived from the ATTRACTIONS is for sale. Multiple the Front Royal Police patrol di- hospital within 2 minutes at 619 vision arrested two motorists for income producer. Tours, souvenirs, West 11th St. to find heavy smoke Driving Under the Influence. mini train ride and mirror maze. All on showing from roof of a two-story One of those arrested on Jan. 45 commercial acres in 4 tracts with townhouse. They assisted with 18, on a first offense DUI, who re- other possibilities. Property shown evacuation that had been started fused breath and blood tests, re- by appointment only. Financials by neighbors and passersby. mained incarcerated at the time available. Qualified investors only. Fire units arrived a short time of a Jan. 20, FRPD Press Release later to find fire showing from the MLS#WR6620369 $3,990,000 on the initiative. That 48-year-old rear and smoke through the roof. was arrested at Church Street and Primary search was conducted to FRPD arrests local with pistol Stonewall Drive. He is a Church verify all occupants were out of stolen in Kentucky Street resident and is scheduled American the structure and fire was located for a general district court return in the second floor bedroom and Front Royal Police Depart- date on Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. He is Red Cross void spaces of the roof and floor. ment’s Interim Chief Richard H. being held in Warren County Jail Initial assignment brought units Furr announces the arrest of Eric on a secured bond. Valentine’s Day from Companies 1, 10, 2 and Devaughn Berryman, 34 years A 25-year-old arrested on Truck 1, as well as County career old of 120 West 17th Street, Front Jan. 17 on West 14th Street was Dance! staff. A size up showed fire exten- charged with DUI (subsequent • Saturday, February 14, 2009 from Royal. sion into adjoining townhouses According to Interim Chief offense) and operating his vehicle 7pm-11pm at Bowling Green Country at 617 and 621 West 11th Street. while his license was suspended Club North Furr on January 16, 2009, Mr. A second alarm was requested Berryman was stopped by Officer due to a previous DUI offense. • Tickets: $25 Per Person (Inc. DJ, and brought units from 4 and Jason Lethcoe for traffic viola- The 25-year-old is free on bond Karaoke, 2 Drink Tickets & Snacks!) 51 (StrasburgVFC 51). Fire was tions. During his encounter with awaiting a hearing, also on Feb. Please contact me for tickets or call brought under control in 50 min- Mr. Berryman, Officer Lethcoe 10, at 10 a.m. That man is a Ste- the Red Cross: 635-2333 utes with complete extinguish- was assisted by K-9 Officer - Ja phens City resident. ment and overhaul taking 3 1/2 son Bates and his K-9, Diesel. As Beth Medved Waller, Inc hours. a result of their investigation the Nicholson Enterprises owned officers seized two handguns, a 540-671-6145 • [email protected] the townhouses at 617 and 619; Ruger .44 Magnum Super Black Top Producer again in December with over 1.1 million in ratified contracts-- Navigating Difficult Economic while 621, was owned by David Hawk revolver and an AMT .380 now’s the time to buy! Times Zigler of Manassas. semi-auto pistol. See my listings online on nearly 100 websites The fire was determined to have After running the weapons The Front Royal-Warren Coun- including front page exposure on Realtor.com originated in 619 and spread to through a wanted check, the ty Chamber of Commerce, the and 80 other popular real estate sites! the townhouses at 621 and 617 AMT Pistol was reported stolen W. 11th Street. The townhouse at Economic Development Author- Page 12 • Warren County Report • Early February, 2009
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ity and the Lord Fairfax Small * Partnerships Between Banks owners and corporate managers operated New Look Kitchen and Economic Development Com- Business Development Center and Businesses in Getting to to attend,” said Findley. “There is Bath in Front Royal since 1981. mittee. For more information have collaborated on a seminar “Safe Harbor:” a wealth of information in these She is involved in various com- about DFR visit our website at series – “The Lifeline Series” - * Understanding Unique Eco- presentations – and you never munity organizations and is an www.downtownfrontroyal.org - for Warren County businesses nomic Times; know what piece may help stabi- active Rotarian. on navigating difficult economic * Obstacles Banks Face in Diffi- lize your business strategies.” Downtown Front Royal, Inc. is times. cult Times. a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, com- Bill Sirbaugh, Executive Direc- munity development organiza- tor of the Small Business Devel- In addition to the roster of tion and a Virginia Main Street opment Center, is assembling the speakers, the Virginia Depart- Program DHCD Commercial presenters for the series. The first ment of Business Assistance and District Affiliate. DFR works with seminar was held on December the federal Small Business Ad- various groups throughout the Red Cross Valentine’s Dance 10, 2008 at the Economic Devel- ministration will have displays community such as the Chamber opment Authority offices. The and information on hand for at- of Commerce, the Economic De- The American Red Cross, Top speaker for that seminar, Casey tendees. New board members for velopment Authority, the Town of Virginia Chapter invites the Willson, is a retail specialist with In March, 2009, the EDA, downtown group of Front Royal , Virginia Tourism public to support its mission the Maryland Small Business De- Chamber and SBDC join in part- and dozens of local non-profit while celebrating Cupid’s big day velopment Center. Mr. Willson nership with Shenandoah Uni- Downtown Front Royal, Inc. is groups to showcase the beauty, on February 14, 2009. From 7p- was an accomplished retailer for versity’s Byrd School of Business pleased to announce the instate- strength and vitality of our his- 11p at Bowling Green Country more than 35 years. For the first Advisory Board for a workshop ment of three new board mem- toric downtown area. DFR is cur- Club North, bring your valen- seminar, he brought his dynamic on “How to Survive and Prosper bers to our organization; Mag- rently looking for volunteers for tine or find a new one at the Red style and wealth of knowledge to in the Current Economic Cri- gie Sill, James Martin and Kelley our Home for the Holidays Com- Cross Valentine’s Dance. Tickets the group, and won high praise sis”. The workshop is scheduled Miller. mittee, Design committee and can be purchased by calling the for the content of his presenta- for March 10th from 9:00a until Maggie Sill of Heaven Sent tion. He will be revisiting Front 4:00p at the SU campus in Win- Shoppe, a Christian book & gift Royal in the near future to con- chester. -ODULAR "ATTERY shop has been extensively in- 3TORAGE duct individual assessments for In April, 2009, the “Lifeline volved in the promotion and im- retailers. Series,” will continue with a Re- provement of the Downtown area “These are difficult times,” said tail Session Follow-Up by Casey for many years. She previously Niki Findley, President of the Willson. And, in May, 2009, the served eight years as a Board Chamber of Commerce, “and we series will present Accounting in member of the Downtown Busi- WHOLESALE PRICING want to offer our constituents and Challenging Times. ness Association (DBA), and is an at the Happy Creek Technology Park business community as much in- “Part of the EDA’s scope of ser- active member of the Front Royal formation as possible on how to vices is to design and provide Police Chief’s Advisory Board. of EAGLE & Other Safety Products contain and sustain healthy busi- business assistance programs that James Martin is a Senior Con- nesses.” support of our business commu- sultant for PRAMM Consulting. The next seminar in the series nity. The challenges of our current &LAMMABLE