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Front Royal, Va. — Warren County Fire and Rescue crews responded to two major incidents Tuesday evening within minutes of each other — first, a fatal vehicle accident in the Guard Hill area, followed by a working structure fire at Royal Cinemas on East Main Street — pushing the county’s fire-rescue system into a “no units available” status for roughly three hours as responders managed both scenes simultaneously.

According to Warren County Fire and Rescue, units were dispatched at 7:10 p.m. to the 3900 block of Guard Hill Road for a report of a male trapped underneath a pickup truck.

When crews arrived, they found the vehicle had rolled approximately 30 feet down a steep embankment, leaving one male pinned underneath. A paramedic from Medic 10 assessed the patient, who was pronounced deceased at the scene, WCFR said.

As the incident transitioned from a rescue response to a recovery operation, personnel determined specialized equipment would be required due to the terrain and position of the vehicle. Crews established that a technical rope system and specialized towing resources were necessary to safely recover the individual and stabilize the vehicle. Shenandoah Towing assisted with the stabilization and recovery work.

Units responding to the Guard Hill Road incident included:

• Medic 10 (North Warren)
• Rescue Squad 1 (Front Royal)
• Battalion Chief 1

While that operation was still underway, WCFR received a second call — this time in the Town of Front Royal.

At 7:23 p.m., Warren County Fire and Rescue was dispatched to Royal Cinemas on East Main Street for a reported structure fire.

At that moment, Medic 4, which had been responding to assist at the Guard Hill Road incident, was redirected. WCFR said the unit diverted to Fire Station 1 in Front Royal to obtain suppression apparatus and assist with firefighting operations.

The first arriving unit at Royal Cinemas reported visible smoke coming from the roof system, and a Front Royal Police Department officer confirmed a working fire inside the building, WCFR said.

Given the conditions on arrival — including the structural complexity of the building and the presence of adjoining occupancies — command immediately requested a second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene.

As incident command operations expanded, Battalion Chief 1 transferred command of the Guard Hill Road incident and responded into town to oversee operations at the theater fire. Additional command officers responded, and the department established the incident command system at Royal Cinemas.

Firefighters ultimately contained the fire to the second-floor projection room, with only minimal extension beyond that area.

WCFR said there was minimal extension into wall spaces and the roof system, and that extension also affected an adjoining building. An adjacent restaurant sustained minor damage, according to the department.

The fire response required essentially all remaining on-duty resources.

“This incident required all of the remaining on-duty career personnel in Warren County,” WCFR reported, triggering automatic aid and mutual aid responses from surrounding jurisdictions.

With crews operating at both the fatal crash recovery and the Main Street fire at the same time, personnel remained committed for approximately three hours, during which WCFR reported the county fire-rescue system entered a “no units available” status, meaning no staffed county units were immediately available to respond to additional emergencies without outside assistance.

First alarm units responding to Royal Cinemas included:

• Rescue Engine 2 (Rivermont)
• Rescue Engine 3 (South Warren)
• Rescue Engine 5 (Shenandoah Shores)
• Rescue Engine 9 (Chester Gap)
• Engine 6 (Shenandoah Farms)
• Truck 1 (Front Royal)
• Ambulance 2 (Rivermont)
• Medic 8 (Fortsmouth)
• Battalion Chief 1
• Chief 101

Second alarm resources included:

• Engine 9B (Chester Gap)
• Wagon 11 (Stephens City)
• Rescue Engine 12 (Middletown)
• Wagon 1103 (Marshall)
• Engine 1401 (Washington)
• Engine 1404 (Flint Hill)
• Truck 51 (Strasburg)
• Medic 9 (Chester Gap)

No additional injuries were reported in connection with the structure fire.

Warren County Fire and Rescue has not released the name of the deceased male from the Guard Hill Road incident. The cause of the vehicle crash and the cause of the fire at Royal Cinemas were not immediately available in the department’s summary.

Both incidents remained active into the late evening as crews completed overhaul, ensured stabilization of the affected structures, and completed recovery operations on Guard Hill Road.

More photos on WCFR’s facebook post.

Edited by Dan McDermott

Edited by Dan McDermott

FRONT ROYAL — Royal Cinemas in Front Royal will be closed until further notice following a fire at the theater late last night.

In a statement posted to the community, the theater said the building was not destroyed, but the facility will remain closed while management assesses the situation and determines next steps.

The theater also thanked multiple public safety agencies for their response, including the Front Royal Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Warren County Fire and Rescue, the Front Royal Police Department, and supporting crews.

Officials and theater staff safely evacuated the building, and no injuries were reported, according to the statement.

“We want to extend our sincere thanks … for their bravery, professionalism, and quick response in containing the fire,” the theater said. “Most importantly, everyone was safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.”

Royal Cinemas also thanked local patrons and the community for their support, saying it “means more than we can put into words,” and promised updates as they become available.

The cause of the fire and estimated reopening timeline have not yet been announced.

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the following address at the Virginia State Capitol following her swearing-in as the 75th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia Jan. 17, 2026.

REMARKS AS PREPARED

—

Mr. Speaker; Madam President Pro Tempore; Madam Lieutenant Governor; Mr. Attorney General; Members of the General Assembly; Justices of the Supreme Court; honored guests; 

To my parents Martin and Eileen Davis, my sisters Hilary and Meredith, my husband Adam and my daughters, Claire, Charlotte, Catherine; neighbors, friends, and our fellow Virginians: it is my honor to be with all of you today. 

An inauguration ceremony like this one — with all its tradition and pageantry — represents something profound, and in its origins, something uniquely American… the peaceful transfer of power. It is a cornerstone of our American democratic experiment, a tradition and precedent begun by a Virginian, George Washington, and carried forth every time we celebrate an election and the inauguration of new leaders who will be entrusted to govern and serve — for a time. 

Every four years, Virginians have the unique responsibility of choosing those leaders, as we all write the next chapter of our Commonwealth’s story. And today, that tradition continues.

Adam and I extend our appreciation to you, Governor Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, for the time you have both spent with us during this transition. I thank you for your service, and we wish you and your family the best as you exit this role and begin a new chapter.

And to Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears — herself a trailblazer, to Attorney General Miyares, and to those who served in the Youngkin Administration, thank you for your service to the Commonwealth we all love.

To the former Governors in attendance today, I am grateful that you are here. I thank you for your outreach, your offers of support and help, and for your continued commitment to Virginia.

As I begin my service as Governor, I want to thank the men and women of our armed forces — the Virginians serving overseas and those who serve at military installations across our Commonwealth. Thank you for your defense of our freedom.

I thank the members of the Virginia National Guard — those serving far from home or right here today. I thank our Commonwealth’s law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders — for your tireless commitment to our fellow Virginians. 

75 times. 75 times in Virginia’s storied history, we have witnessed this transfer from one Governor to the next. 75 times, a Governor has taken this oath, and so many of those times, it’s been right here, on these steps that those words have been spoken.  

It is the honor of my life to stand before you and take the oath today. The history and the gravity of this moment are not lost on me — I maintain an abiding sense of gratitude to those who worked generation after generation to ensure women could be among those casting ballots, but who could only dream of a day like today.

I stand before those who made it possible for a woman to also participate in that peaceful transfer of power and take that oath…  

And it is with a profound sense of duty to all Virginians that I assume the Governorship and pledge myself to work tirelessly on behalf of our Commonwealth.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of two milestones in American democracy: the first is the signing of our Declaration of Independence — drafted by Thomas Jefferson — Virginia’s second Governor and the man who designed the very building behind us today. And the second milestone we remember this year is the inauguration of Patrick Henry as Virginia’s first Governor. 

Governor Henry is best known for his call against tyranny at St. John’s Church, just up the road — words that helped launch the American Revolution. But in his final public speech, delivered in Virginia years later in 1799, he made an appeal to his fellow citizens, warning against the divisions that were threatening our young country.

His appeal remains timeless. He said:

“United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.”

I’ll say that again. “Let us not split into factions…” which would “destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.” 

That was the challenge Governor Henry put to Virginia at the close of the 18th Century. And it is the charge we must answer again today. I know that the work of perfecting our democracy has never been finished. 

But I am heartened by the fact that so much of that work has been done right here, on these very steps and across this city — where Virginia’s history, and America’s history, has so often been written.

This square has been the scene of remarkable dramas of equality and justice. It has been the site of great struggles and hard-won triumphs, whose consequences have been heard across America.

On these steps, Virginia’s suffragists brought their cause to the General Assembly session after session, decade after decade. And though these brave women were voted down, time and time again, they refused to give up. 

And while the 19th amendment gave women the right to vote in 1920, it would not be until 1952 that Virginia finally ratified it. And yet for so many women, the right to vote was not truly secured until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

And in 1960, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed a crowd of more than 2,500 here in Richmond. He implored the then-Governor to comply with the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. 

Building upon a message he had issued one year prior when he wrote: “Today is a day for great men, great ideas, great movements…” and in his urgent appeals for progress, he wrote, “As Virginia goes, so goes the South, perhaps America, and the world.”

In 1960, following his impassioned words at the Pilgrimage of Prayer, they marched here to these steps.

In the generations since Governor Henry’s plea, as rights have been won and progress has been made, our Commonwealth and our country have faced hurdles, hardships, divisions, and bitterness.

And yet, along the way, what has been necessary is leaders who clearly see and willingly confront challenges. And even more importantly, what has always been essential is for people, everyday people — we Virginians — to do the same.

And so it was in 1970, as our Commonwealth once again faced deep divisions, that Virginia’s 61st Governor didn’t shy away from the challenges before him. Governor Linwood Holton stared them down. 

On these steps, he proclaimed — and I’m quoting again: 

“No longer can we be divided into opposing camps of political philosophy.”

He said, “The time for partisan politics is over. It is time now for leadership, for action, for progress through unity.”

He went on to issue a challenge: “I turn today to all Virginians, whatever their political persuasion, and say: Let us act together.”

And just 20 years later, on these steps, Virginia inaugurated our 66th Governor and our nation’s first elected African American Governor.

Governor L. Douglas Wilder changed what so many of our fellow citizens believed was even possible. And today, on your 95th Birthday, I thank you Governor, for being here to celebrate this Virginia tradition as we continue to write our Commonwealth’s story.

It was by design that we are a Commonwealth. In Virginia’s first constitution, written 250 years ago, they designated us as such. Virginia — no longer a colony, and not simply a state in our fledgling nation, but a Commonwealth.

What’s the difference? Kids, pay attention, because eventually someone may ask you! 

There’s no difference in how we operate or function as a state. The difference lies in the intention of our forefathers and the choice to indicate that here our government should serve the common good — that the voices of everyday Virginians — not kings or aristocrats or oligarchs — should drive us forward, and that our prosperity depends upon that union. 

That our leaders and our fellow Virginians should join in common cause, find common ground, and pursue common purpose — this is the concept at the heart of what it means to be a Commonwealth. 

This is what it means to be united for Virginia’s future.

And while I have spoken at length about our history, today must be about our future and the story we will write together. 

I know many of you are worried about the recklessness coming out of Washington. You are worried about policies that are hurting our communities — cutting healthcare access, imperiling rural hospitals, and driving up costs. You are worried about Washington policies that are closing off markets, hurting innovation and private industry, and attacking those who have devoted their lives to public service. 

You are worried about an administration that is gilding buildings while schools crumble, breaking the social safety net, and sowing fear across our communities — betraying the values of who we are as Americans, the very values we celebrate here on these steps.

And across the Commonwealth, everything keeps getting more expensive — groceries, medicine, daycare, the electricity bill, rent, and the mortgage. Families are strained, kids are stressed, and so much just seems to be getting harder and harder.

Growing up, my parents always taught me that when faced with something unacceptable, you must speak up. You must take action, right what you believe is wrong, and fix what isn’t working.

I know that some who are here today or watching from home may disagree with the litany of challenges and hardships I laid out. Your perspective may differ from mine, but that does not preclude us working together where we may find common cause. My priorities for the people of Virginia are drawn from my own background and experience.

I grew up in a family where my parents modeled a commitment to service and community — my father in law enforcement and my mother in nursing. 

My middle class upbringing was a result of their struggle, their hard work, and programs like the GI Bill that sent my dad to college and strong community colleges that allowed my mom to put herself through nursing school as she worked more than fulltime. 

I followed my father’s footsteps into law enforcement. At my academy graduation, he handed me my badge and credentials, and I entered a world where I had to get it right every time and do right by everyone I encountered — victims, witnesses, fellow agents, and even the person whose name was on an arrest warrant. 

Then, as a CIA officer, I worked to combat the greatest threats facing America. I worked to keep our nation safe at home and abroad, and I saw firsthand that the world is safer when the United States shows our mighty strength through the lives we save, the diseases we eradicate, the technologies we create, and the leadership we show on a global stage.

Today, I am a mother to three daughters who are my everything. There is nothing more important to me than their safety, their health, their education, and their future. And I know that far too many parents work hard to make ends meet, but still worry how they’ll put food on the table, take their sick child to the doctor, or keep the lights on. When today is so uncertain, it’s hard to dream big for tomorrow.

Today, I stand before you on these steps not only as Virginia’s 75th Governor, but as someone who believes it is our duty to write the next chapter of our Commonwealth’s story. It is our duty to demonstrate for the generations to come that when faced with hardships, challenges, divisions, and even bitterness, we too forged a path forward and pursued progress.

And as we write this next chapter, we will work relentlessly to make life more affordable for our fellow Virginians.

We will tackle the high cost of housing — whether you’re renting, buying, or trying to stay in your home. We’ll work to cut red tape, increase housing supply, and help communities keep housing affordable.

We will work to lower energy costs by producing more energy and by ensuring that high energy users pay their fair share. 

And we will contend with an impending healthcare crisis by protecting healthcare access, cracking down on the middlemen who are driving up drug prices, and making sure Virginians aren’t going into spiraling medical debt because of a single emergency.

And as we write this next chapter, we will make Virginia’s public schools the best in the nation. 

We will work to ensure every child in the Commonwealth receives a world-class education at every level — providing them a solid foundation in reading and math, and preparing our kids for a prosperous future. 

And we will invest in the schools and educators that are essential to this goal.

And as we write this next chapter, we will grow Virginia’s economy in every corner of the Commonwealth.

We will invest in the apprenticeships and job training of the future. We will bring capital investment into every region of our Commonwealth. We will stand up for Virginia’s workers — including our federal workforce. And we will expand opportunities for Virginia agriculture — our farmers, producers, agribusinesses, and farm families. 

And as we write this next chapter, we will focus on the security and safety of all of our neighbors. 

And we will take action to prevent gun violence, to support Virginians struggling with addiction, and to address the mental health crisis impacting our kids and neighbors. And in Virginia, our hardworking, law-abiding immigrant neighbors will know that when we say — we’ll focus on the security and safety of all of our neighbors, we mean them too. 

We will write this next chapter together, because throughout our history, no leader has ever made progress alone. 

To my friends in the General Assembly — on both sides of the aisle — I look forward to working with you. I know what it means to represent your constituents, to work hard for your district, and to pursue policies you believe in.

We will not agree on everything, but I speak from personal experience when I say that we do not have to see eye-to-eye on every issue in order to stand shoulder-to-shoulder on others. 

Because Virginia has always been a place where we confront challenges, where we build coalitions, and where we prove that democracy still works.

To Lieutenant Governor Hashmi and Attorney General Jones, I look forward to working together with you both as we serve our fellow Virginians over the next four years.

And most importantly, to the people of Virginia: we are beginning a new chapter in our Commonwealth’s story. We need you to help us write it. 

As we mark 250 years since the dawn of American freedom: What will our children, grandchildren, and their descendants write about this time in our Commonwealth’s history — this chapter — 50, 100, and 250 years from now?

Will they say that we let divisions fester or challenges overwhelm us? Or will they say that we stood up for what is right, fixed what is broken, and served the common good here in Virginia?

Today, we’re hearing the call to connect more deeply to our American Experiment — to understand our shared history, not as a single point in time, but as a lesson for how we create our more prosperous future. And so I ask — what will you do to help us author this next chapter? 

As your Governor, I pledge to you that I will work tirelessly for you and for our Commonwealth.

Today, I find myself thinking about Dr. King’s Pilgrimage of Prayer… Such a powerful phrase. 

And it gives me cause to reflect on what our path forward must be… not a Pilgrimage of Politics, certainly not a Pilgrimage of Partisanship… but rather a Pilgrimage of Promise, Progress, and Prosperity. 

My fellow Virginians, as we set an example for the country, the world, and most importantly, our children, let us:

Choose to stand united. Choose to serve one another. Choose to act together.

As we continue forward, let us be united for Virginia’s future.

Thank you all very much! May God Bless the Commonwealth of Virginia. And may God Bless the United States of America.

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered the 2026 State of the Commonwealth Address Jan. 14, 2026.

The State of the Commonwealth

As Prepared for Delivery

Mister Speaker, Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears, Madame President, Attorney General Miyares, Members of the General Assembly, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Powell, Justices of the Virginia Supreme Court and judges of the State Corporation Commission, our Clerks, Members of my Cabinet, and my fellow Virginians:

It is an honor to join you once again in Mr. Jefferson’s Capitol for my report on the state of our beloved Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth is soaring.

The Commonwealth is alive with opportunity.

The Commonwealth is competing, and winning.

The Commonwealth is stronger today than she has ever been.

This is the state of the Commonwealth that I have had the immense honor of serving these past four years.

Fortunately, this service journey has not been a solitary one.

And as I prepare to hand the key to the Governor’s Mansion over to Governor-elect Spanberger, I look around this room and I am filled with gratitude.

Filled with gratitude because I see so many men and women who have been involved in Virginia’s incredible transformation. A transformation we have witnessed, and we have led – together.

And so to Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares, to members of my Cabinet and my Administration: “thank you.”

To our General Assembly partners:

Most times I have agreed with many of you, and sometimes I have disagreed with some of you.

Frequently, you’ve been in my prayers.

And always, I have considered you to be devoted public servants. “Thank you.”

The absolute best part of this season of service has been traveling every step of the way with the love of my life.

She has brought grace and joy to the lives of so many Virginians. Thank you to our most extraordinary First Lady, Suzanne Youngkin!

And finally, “thank you” to my fellow Virginians.

To say “thank you” comes nowhere close to conveying the profound sense of gratitude I feel.

Gratitude that this homegrown Virginian was hired and given the chance to go to work for the now 8.8 million Virginians.

I feel like I’ve met almost all 8.8 million of you. From Loudoun County to Danville, from the Eastern Shore to Lee County, and everywhere in between.

I’ve met incredible Virginians, like the small business owner who courageously started his first shop and then expanded to two, and then three.

Virginians like our teachers, who are exciting our students about learning, and helping them discover their passion in life.

Like the nurse who is empowering a fellow Virginian to leave behind a life of addiction, and start leading a life of hope.

Like the farmer who, rain or shine, makes sure the animals get fed and the fields get ploughed.

Like the shipbuilders who arrive at the docks when it is dark each morning, and who are building the most powerful Navy anywhere in the world.

Brave Virginians like our law enforcement heroes who put on a bullet proof vest every day to go to work to keep us safe.

Our amazing men and women who wear the cloth and serve our country, from the 150,000 active duty servicemembers, to the reservists, to the Virginia National Guard who has served Virginia since 1607.

Remarkable Virginians like the families of the fallen. No moments over these last four years have impacted me more than standing with families as we hear the End of Watch and say good-bye to these quiet heroes.

And our newest Virginians who didn’t grow up here, but found opportunity here, and now call Virginia home.

So to all of you and more: “thank you.”

It is you who have been the driving force for all we’ve accomplished over these past four years.

Thank you for believing we could change the trajectory of a Commonwealth that was stalled and make her soar.

Thank you for showing we can strengthen the Spirit of Virginia…together.

Four years ago, Virginia was in a very different place.

I was humbled recently when someone described what has taken place over these past four years as “The Great Virginia Renaissance.”

A Renaissance that reflects the real and widespread challenges we faced.

Our schools were 46th in the nation to reopen. Parents were being sidelined. And students were falling behind.

Virginia had the largest learning loss in the nation in fourth grade reading and math.

Twenty-five thousand small businesses had closed their doors in 2021. Job recovery lagged behind nearly every other state.

Violent crime had surged, with a 20-year high in the murder rate.

And for nine straight years, more people moved away than moved to Virginia from the other 49 states.

This was Virginia in January 2022. A Virginia that was lagging, not leading.

But amid these challenges we – all of us – saw a Virginia bursting with boundless potential just waiting to be unleashed.

And so, four years ago we, collectively, set out on a journey.

A journey to unleash opportunity. To transform government. To make Virginia the very best place to live, work, and raise a family.

We could reduce tax burdens, lowering the cost of living for Virginians, and generate record state revenue.

We could restore educational excellence, and see our students perform even better.

We could enforce the laws and have the lowest recidivism rate in the nation.

We could overhaul our behavioral health system, and transform foster care so our kids are safe and our families are strong.

We could provide historic tax relief to our veterans, and honor them and their families with award-winning care and support.

We could lead the nation in connecting Virginians to high-speed broadband, and invest record amounts in our roads, bridges, and tunnels.

We could transform the great City of Petersburg through a historic partnership, and accelerate economic activity in Southwest.

We could deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in procurement savings, and serve all Virginians with best-in-class constituent services.

We could protect free speech, and keep our campuses safe.

We said we would measure outcomes not in terms of activity, but by accomplishments and actual results.

And we also said there are some things about which there can be no debate.

That we must grow, and we could grow like never before.

That we want Virginia to be a winning state – with more jobs, more opportunity, more people – not a losing state, shedding businesses and people.

That we must make Virginia the place companies want to build their futures… businesses like LEGO and Eli Lilly… like AstraZeneca and Hitachi… and not impose anti-business policies that chase jobs and opportunity away.

We committed that we would stop doing what doesn’t work, and start doing more of what does. And what we know works… is Commonsense!

And by putting commonsense into action, we’ve achieved the kind of transformation very few people thought was possible.

This transformation started with business investment and jobs, and declaring on Day One that Virginia was Open for Business.

Over and over again I heard the same refrain from Virginians: “We want jobs – good paying jobs.”

But, Virginia needed to start competing and Virginia needed to start winning…

We worked together to build an economic development machine. A machine that is unleashing opportunity like never before.

Virginia is now a leader in life sciences. A leader in advanced manufacturing. A leader powering some of America’s most critical industries and supply chains.

Where Made in America once again means Made in Virginia.

Where day after day Virginians from all walks of life are hearing those magical three words: “You. Are. Hired.”

On Day One we went to work to build that dynamic economy.

We streamlined regulations by 35 percent, saving Virginians $1.4 billion every year by cutting the cost of bureaucracy. Including by reducing the average cost to build a home by $24,000!

We invested a record amount in business-ready sites and drove Virginia government to move at the speed of business.

We transformed workforce development, consolidating a vast number of disparate programs into one new agency, Virginia Works, and created the nation’s leading customized talent development program – the Talent Accelerator.

We restructured the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and most importantly we competed… we competed to win.

And win we have.

We’ve won record business investment – over $157 billion – more than the last six Administrations combined.

Growing over 20,000 new high-growth startups.

Record investment that has fueled enormous job growth.

Nearly 270,000 more Virginians are working today than when we started.

We have 255,000 open jobs, another 80,000 new jobs on the way from those investment commitments, along with 40,000 construction jobs. Virginia has jobs. Lots of jobs.

Virginia is a winning state, and the winning continues.

We announced in December AVIO’s $500 million dollar plant which will employ 1,500 people, and we finalized two more great manufacturing deals last Fall: a $300 million dollar plant that will employ over 1,000 people in Southside, and $1.2 billion dollar facility that will employ nearly 300 people in Virginia’s Piedmont region.

We are leaving the next Administration a robust pipeline of great projects that well exceeds $100 billion of capital investment and 32,000 jobs.

Virginia has been on a tear because we have protected Right to Work.

Please hear me loud and clear: change Right to Work and jobs will disappear. People will leave. And they will take their tax dollars with them.

Keeping Virginia soaring means keeping Right to Work right where it is…

No amendments. No reforms. No changes.

Keeping Virginia on a winning streak also means continuing to work and cooperate with our federal partners and the Trump Administration.

Constructively working with the Administration works for Virginians.

When a Governor picks up the phone and calls a Cabinet Secretary to work through issues, it’s good for Virginia.

Issues like:

Turning on $2.5 billion of paused grants. Attracting the Department of Housing and Urban Development Headquarters with more than 2,700 jobs to Virginia. Recruiting Fortune 50 businesses with billions of investment and thousands of jobs. Delivering hurricane relief faster than any other state…

…that is what is best for Virginians.

The record jobs and investments we’ve attracted have driven record revenues.

$10 billion in surplus revenue…8 percent compounded revenue growth for four straight years – 60 percent faster than the previous decade.

Record revenue that enabled $9 billion in tax relief, and still historic investment across every critical area.

And while throughout 2025 many predicted financial calamity… not only has financial calamity not happened, but once again Virginia is running a significant surplus.

Yesterday, we announced December revenue results: a 20 percent increase over last December, and year-to-date growth of $1.2 billion after just six months.

Revenues are growing at 8.6 percent, again…no COVID money, no one-time gifts…just historic revenue growth driven by historic business growth, job growth and strong consumer spending.

My introduced Budget included a reforecast adding $1.2 billion in resources to Fiscal Year 2026 alone. December just added another $395 million to that number.

Virginia has record resources.

I included $700 million more tax relief in my proposed budget AND huge investment increases in Medicaid, Education, Law Enforcement, and Capital Spending.

And yet, bills raising nearly every tax known to man have been introduced.

One thing we have clearly demonstrated is that lowering tax burdens brings people, businesses, and jobs. Increasing taxes drives them away. Just look at California and Illinois, New York and Maryland.

Indeed, in 2023, for the first time in 10 years, more people moved to Virginia than moved away to the other 49 states. Commonsense works!

A significant part of that investment went to Education – a record amount reflecting a $7 billion increase since the pandemic.

Empowering Virginians to seize unlimited opportunity all starts in the classroom.

The pandemic wreaked havoc on Virginia’s students and families.

Schools were closed too long unnecessarily. We were 46th in the nation to reopen our schools. The learning loss was devastating.

Standards were lowered. Parents were pushed out of their children’s lives. And we risked losing an entire generation if we didn’t act quickly.

Restoring excellence in education has been our collective North Star.

It started with putting parents back at the head of the table in their children’s lives because Parents Matter!

We passed historic bipartisan legislation to allow parents to choose if their child wore a mask, and to allow parents to remove sexually explicit material from their child’s curriculum.

We’re exciting students again by gaining the real-world skills they need to succeed after they graduate.

We’ve launched 15 new Lab Schools with space for 5,000 students, and we already have a long waiting list.

Innovative lab schools…from the maritime trades outside the shipyards of Hampton Roads…to space and aviation at Wallops Island…to data science and coding in the Shenandoah Valley and Richmond…healthcare in Southwest…and, teachers in the rural Piedmont region.

And with our huge focus on career and technical education, four out of five Virginia high school students now graduate with a credential or a certificate.

Great education outcomes require a great teacher. And we’ve supported teachers.

Teacher compensation is up nearly 20 percent. Teacher vacancies are down 36 percent. And Virginia was recently ranked the Number One state to be a teacher!

We also embraced transparency and accountability, and raised standards to drive better student outcomes.

Gone are the days of Virginia having the lowest proficiency baselines in the country, cheating our students by shuffling them along, or worse, lying about whether they could read or do math at grade level.

We made our standardized tests harder and our students did better, including a 20 percent surge in math proficiency.

Of course, students can’t learn if they aren’t in school in the first place.

We locked arms with the All-In Virginia plan. “Thank you” to Senators Locke and Lucas for your partnership. And now Virginia leads the nation in reducing chronic absenteeism and getting students back in the classroom!

Intensive tutoring works.

We’ve led all our peer states in math learning loss recovery. And the nationally leading Virginia Literacy Act is transforming the way students learn to read!

But in addition to learning loss, we know that behavioral health distress among teens has been surging since even before the pandemic.

Increased social media use and endless screentime are one of the main culprits. These devices and apps are profiting off our kids and stealing their childhood.

But we collectively acted to reclaim childhood and create a healthier and happier Virginia.

Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free Education is now the law of the land across the Commonwealth!

Virginia is a model for the rest of the nation. Because in Virginia we don’t follow, we lead.

Academic performance is up. Mental health and discipline challenges are down. And school cafeterias are humming loud with noise because students are talking to each other again.

To all the parents who advocated for your children, you have shown once again that yes, Parents Matter!

To make Virginia the very best place to live, work, and raise a family, Virginia has to be safe.

From Day One of my Administration, we have backed the Blue, supporting, encouraging and celebrating these heroic men and women.

We have provided record funding. We’ve invested in equipment and training. Increased salaries.

I urge you to keep investing, to keep supporting, and to keep Backing the Blue.

We’ve taken on gangs, drugs, and human trafficking.

Our statewide efforts include gang task forces, extensive collaboration and cooperation with other states and with federal partners.

We’ve seized enough fentanyl that otherwise could have killed every Virginian ten times over.

We’ve arrested violent gang members, including the Number Three leader of MS-13.

We’ve brought down the most violent of crimes…especially in our most violent cities as part of Operation Ceasefire and Operation Bold Blue Line.

And thanks to our dedicated law enforcement professionals, we’ve seen a 30 percent decline in murders.

These courageous Virginians have more reinforcements on the way.

On Monday, I had the honor of visiting the Virginia State Police’s 144th Class as they complete their Basic Session Training.

In a few weeks, this Class will graduate 94 incredible men and women into the ranks of Virginia State Troopers – the second largest graduating class ever.

Virginians are once again proud and excited to enter this most noble profession. “Thank you” to our heroes who keep us safe. And “thank you” to Colonel Matt Hanley for your leadership.

We’ve tackled the scourge of drug addiction head on. Our fight against fentanyl has been extraordinary.

When we started this journey, fentanyl was claiming the lives of more than five Virginians a day.

Suzanne and I have met, prayed, and cried with families who have buried a child, a spouse, a sister or brother, or a parent because of this evil.

And so we came together and launched a comprehensive fight against fentanyl.

A fight we’ve taken to the frontlines by enhancing penalties and creating tougher new laws.

Now drug dealers are on notice: if you push this poison and kill someone in the process, you will be held accountable, and you will be charged with felony manslaughter.

We’ve educated parents, students, teachers, coaches and pastors through the First Lady’s It Only Takes One statewide campaign and the Attorney General’s One Pill Can Kill public awareness initiative.

We’ve equipped Virginians to stop an overdose in progress by delivering 400,000 life-saving naloxone doses, and training nearly 100,000 people to use them.

We locked arms with community partners, including our It Only Takes One College Ambassadors and heroic Fentanyl Family Ambassadors who continue to inspire us all with their courage.

Thanks to our comprehensive efforts, Virginia now leads the nation in reducing fatal fentanyl overdoses by 59 percent!

Our fight isn’t over. But where once there was heartbreak, now there is hope.

Empowering Virginians to lead the lives God intended has been the driving force behind our complete overhaul of our behavioral health system.

Virginians in crisis needed help and could not get it.

So four years ago we started a journey to transform behavioral health.

To expand capacity across the state. To deliver faster, more effective responses. To get law enforcement out of emergency rooms and back on the street. To expand the workforce.

Today, we’ve increased our care capacity in beds and chairs by 241 percent.

We’ve improved our responsiveness, with 988 crisis calls up by 456 percent to over 30,000 per month.

We’ve deployed nearly three times as many Mobile Crisis Teams across the Commonwealth – achieving a statewide average response time of just 42 minutes.

And we’ve substantially grown the work force, adding over 30,000 new health care workers.

The Commonwealth is setting the national standard for how to care for individuals in crisis. To get them the Right Help, Right Now.

Because when Virginians need help, Virginians show up.

There has been no better example of neighbor helping neighbor than when Hurricane Helene tore through Southwest.

In the face of devastating loss, the true character of our Commonwealth shone through.

Heroic rescues by law enforcement, first responders, and our Virginia National Guard.

Volunteers and donations rebuilt or repaired over 110 homes and assisted over 4,000 households.

Collaboration with state, local and federal resources has led to: Rebuilding Route 58 faster. Delivering Farm Recovery Block Grants before any other state and accelerating the reconstruction of the Creeper Trail at lightning pace so this huge economic contributor can be reopened by November of this year!

And the support coming from Virginia’s $50 million recovery fund is now flowing.

I visited Southwest Virginia 30 times in the 15 months following Helene.

I can tell you that today, Southwest Virginia has their collective foot on the accelerator. They’re not turning back. And all of us should make sure they soar with the rest of the Commonwealth.

Every corner of the Commonwealth is benefitting from tremendous job growth and business investment.

And because business is booming and our population is growing, it means our energy and power needs are rising as well.

For too long, Virginia’s policies and the Utilities planned for a stagnant Virginia. Well, we are not stagnant. We are growing. And we must execute a plan where power is reliable, affordable, and Made in Virginia.

Meeting this growing power need means continuing to support an All-of-the-Above power plan.

What it definitely doesn’t mean is rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

It’s a bad deal. It doesn’t work. And it’s a regressive tax that drives up the cost of living for all Virginians.

It also doesn’t mean driving away data centers. The positive economic contribution from data centers is enormous.

The industry will pay their fair share of power costs, even bringing their own power behind the meter. The national security imperative will drive huge investment. Virginia should win. Don’t drive it away to other states.

What it does mean is that we must continue to build gas-powered generation and nuclear power.

We need to double our generating capacity in the next 10 years. Renewables alone – which will drive up costs and risk brownouts – just can’t get it done.

Just look at Maryland, where electricity rates have nearly doubled, and are 19 percent higher than the national average.

I urge you to undo the Virginia Clean Economy Act.. It simply does not work for Virginians.

The good news is we can both meet our energy needs and be great stewards of God’s natural resource blessings to Virginia.

With the huge efforts we have made to support our Chesapeake Bay 2025 goals, including record funding for Agriculture Best Management Practices, I am proud to report that the Chesapeake Bay is healthier than it has been in decades!

And Virginia led the way to set the new framework signed in December for the next phase of preserving our great Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Virginia’s transformation has been broad. From healthy rivers and streams to healthy moms and healthy babies.

Through our Healthy Moms, Healthy Families, and Healthy Communities initiative, we’ve seen a 68 percent reduction in maternal mortality!

Building Blocks for Virginia Families delivered the best Public-Private-Parent Choice model for Early Education and Childcare in America… not only maintaining full access for 74,000 children after the Biden Administration cut funding, but also with my recent introduced Budget providing 6,000 more subsidy slots. Our quality model leads the nation.

We’ve shown it is possible to make government work for Virginians.

The Virginia Employment Commission has cleared all its backlog of more than 700,000 work items coming out of COVID, and we’ve cleared 1.7 million in total.

Among peer states, we now make benefit decisions faster than anyone, and we rank top third at getting out the first payment to unemployed Virginians.

We’ve cut waiting times at the DMV from nearly 40 minutes to, in October, the shortest average wait in history – 5.9 minutes!

We’ve shown that with clear purpose and with commonsense, it is indeed possible to make government work for Virginians.

And it is possible to take a Commonwealth that was stalled and make her soar like never before.

By every single metric, today Virginia is stronger than she has ever been. Stronger:

Financially. Educationally. Environmentally. Stronger in terms of Public Safety. In terms of Behavioral Health. With better Infrastructure. And with more opportunity than ever before.

We have strengthened the spirit of Virginia, together.

A Spirit of courage and fortitude. Of compassion and love. Of resiliency in the face of challenges, and always rising to meet new ones.

And this same Spirit was beating in the hearts of our forebearers 250 years ago as well.

Throughout this year, all of America will take part in our semiquincentennial celebrations. But no state has as much to celebrate as we do here in Virginia.

Because 250 years ago it was Virginians who led the way to America’s Founding.

Washington. Jefferson. Madison and Monroe… Patrick Henry… and so many others along the way.

America was Made in Virginia!

This “new nation, conceived in liberty,” was born, and then built on those foundational values that have sustained us for two and a half centuries…. even when we didn’t live up to them.

The revolutionary belief that government is of the people.

That government exists to serve the people, not for people to serve the government.

Because our rights – those unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – come from God, not government.

The foundational pillars and values that must always define America were born right here in Virginia.

Pillars and values that have made America a beacon of hope to the world for 250 years.

And those values and that beacon must continue to guide Virginia’s future.

250 years ago, Virginia led. And I will humbly submit that over these past four years Virginia has led in so many ways that may have stunned others, but should surprise none of us.

And so as we prepare to write the next 250-year chapter of our nation’s history, Virginia should and Virginia must continue to lead.

It has been the honor of a lifetime for Suzanne and me to serve in this season alongside all of you.

So from the bottom of our incredibly grateful hearts: “thank you, Virginia.”

May God bless all of you. May He continue to bless our great Commonwealth. And may He always bless the United States of America.

FRONT ROYAL — Warren County Department of Social Services is partnering with Samuels Public Library to offer a free parenting course designed to help families build stronger relationships and practical skills for handling everyday challenges at home.

The program, titled “How-to approach to Parenting,” is based on the Love and Logic approach and will run for six weeks, with sessions held on Thursdays beginning Feb. 5, 2026, at Samuels Public Library.

According to organizers, the course is aimed at equipping parents and caregivers with tools for raising respectful, responsible, and confident children, while also reducing household conflict and power struggles.

Topics covered during the six-week series will include:

• Setting limits with empathy
• Reducing arguing, defiance, and power struggles
• Tools to help children learn from mistakes
• Building responsibility and resilience
• How to stay calm — even when children aren’t

Registration is required. Those interested can register by contacting Lillian Johns by phone at 540-635-3430, ext. 3386, or by email at [email protected].

The class is free to attend and will be held at Samuels Public Library in Front Royal.

Edited by Dan McDermott.

BENTONVILLE, Va. — The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation invites the community to participate in the Master Plan Public Comment Meeting for Raymond R. “Andy” Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park. Master plans are updated every 10 years and help guide development and conservation for Virginia State Parks. 

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 20, in White Meeting Room A at the Samuels Public Library from 6 to 8 p.m. (330 E Criser Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630). DCR representatives will present updates, discuss potential improvements and gather public input on park facilities, trails, visitor experiences and environmental stewardship. 

“We encourage everyone who enjoys Shenandoah River State Park to attend this meeting and share their thoughts,” said Park Manager Dustin Haymaker. “Public input is essential in ensuring the park remains a top destination for outdoor recreation while preserving its natural beauty for future generations.” 

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback and learn more about proposed enhancements to the park. The meeting is open to all, and registration is not required. 

Written feedback will also be accepted through Feb. 20. Comments may be emailed to [email protected]; faxed to 804-786-9240; or mailed to Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Attn: Salim Chishti, 600 E. Main St., 24th Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219. 

For more information about the master plan process or the upcoming meeting, go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/sh-masterplan.  

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.  

From a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

BROWNTOWN — The Browntown community will celebrate spring with the annual Browntown Redbud Festival on Friday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The festival will be held at two nearby locations — the Browntown Community Center and the Browntown Baptist Church Fellowship Hall — with organizers noting it’s an easy walk between venues, with the Browntown Museum located in between.

The event will feature family-friendly activities and entertainment throughout the day, including a duck race (tickets available onsite), crafters and artisans, live music, face painting, a silent auction, and an antique car show. Food will also be available, and redbud seedlings will be offered for sale.

Admission and parking are free.

For more information, visit browntowncommunity.com. Vendor inquiries may be sent to [email protected].

FRONT ROYAL, VA — Warren County is proud to announce a series of signature events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution as part of the statewide VA250 initiative. These events will take place throughout 2026 and are designed to honor the region’s revolutionary-era heritage while inviting residents and visitors to experience history where it unfolded—along the Shenandoah River and throughout the Shenandoah Valley. 

Anchored by storytelling, community participation, and place-based history, Warren County’s VA250 programming reflects the area’s role as a crossroads of colonial settlement, Native American life, and early American independence. 

2026 Warren County VA250 Signature Events 

From Lanterns to Liberty Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Warren Heritage Society | 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

A full-day, immersive experience that brings the spirit of the American Revolution to life in Warren County. Throughout the day, visitors will enjoy engaging colonial-era demonstrations, living history experiences, hands-on activities, and a variety of vendors and educational programming designed to inform and inspire participants of all ages. As daylight fades, the event culminates in a powerful and symbolic glow walk from the Warren Heritage Society to the Town Gazebo, commemorating Paul Revere’s midnight ride and honoring the call to liberty that helped spark a revolution. 

Freedom Flows Festival Saturday, May 30, 2026 | Eastham Park | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

A family-friendly celebration that showcases the vital role the Shenandoah River has played in shaping the history, culture, and growth of Front Royal and Warren County. The day will be filled with children’s games and hands-on activities, engaging educational talks, and live demonstrations that bring river history to life. Festivalgoers can explore interactive exhibits, enjoy local food and artisan vendors, participate in demonstrations, and take part in games designed to educate, entertain, and connect the community to the river that continues to shape its story. 

Liberty Day: Heritage Celebration Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Rockland Park | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

An immersive, community-wide capstone event that brings the American Revolution to life while celebrating our shared commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Designed for all ages and backgrounds, this dynamic, daylong event invites families, history enthusiasts, and first-time learners alike to step into the past through lively reenactments, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive experiences. With engaging activities for children and adults, plus educational programs developed in partnership with local historical organizations, Liberty Day creates welcoming, meaningful opportunities for everyone to explore, learn, and connect with the stories and ideals that continue to shape our nation and community. 

“These events are about more than remembering dates,” said Cheryl Cullers, Chair Warren County Board of Supervisors. “They’re about connecting people to place, honorin honoring the stories that shaped Warren County, and inviting the next generation to see themselves as part of our nation’s ongoing story.” 

Warren County’s VA250 events are being developed in collaboration with local organizations, volunteers, educators, and community partners to ensure historically grounded programming that is welcoming, inclusive, and engaging. 

Additional details—including schedules, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship information, and travel planning resources—will be released in the coming months. 

For updates and event information, visit www.WarrenCountyVA250.com and follow Warren County VA250 on social media. 

About Warren County VA:

250 The Warren County VA250 initiative is part of Virginia’s statewide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, recognizing Virginia’s central role in the founding of the nation while highlighting local stories, landscapes, and communities that shaped history. 

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

Stephen “Steve” Edward Smith, 65, of Front Royal, passed away at Winchester Medical Center early Friday, January 9th, 2026, after a long and courageous fight with lung cancer.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 19th, 2026, at Maddox Funeral Home with Sammy Campbell officiating. Family and friends will be received at 12:00 pm with the service beginning at 1:00pm.

Steve was born on December 25th, 1960, in Front Royal, Virginia, to the late Thelma Ann Mauck and the late James Edward Smith.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Duane Smith; grandson, Elijah Edward Smith; granddaughter, Isabelle Rose Smith; and sisters-in-law, Linda Lee York (Rutherford) and Regina Lou Gillispie (Cooke).

Steve was married to his wife, Teresa “Terry” Gail Smith (Cooke), for 44 beautiful years. As well as Terry (63), he leaves behind his son, Stephen Preston Smith (44); brothers, David Wayne York and Jeffery “Mutt” Smith; mother-in-law, Betty Lou Hudson (Reil); and sister-in-law, Patricia Lee Green (Cooke).

Steve also leaves behind his grandson, Caleb Preston Smith (17); granddaughters, Kyleigh Jade Smith (15), Khloe Alise Smith (13), Abigail Rae Smith (10); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Steve was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and son whose greatest joy was his grandchildren. He was a great friend to many. His mother used to comment, “that he never met a stranger.” As an avid football fan, he also loved rooting for the Dallas Cowboys football team.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Lung Association.

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia State Parks’ one-of-a-kind multi-sport race series kicks off on Feb. 15. This year’s Adventure Series, presented by Dominion Energy, consists of 23 races, including triathlons, mountain biking races, adventure races and more. The competitions will be held at 11 different parks across the state. 

Long-time Adventure Series participants will notice some exciting changes this year: the return of bonus races, two new Summer Sizzle races with Board Run Off Road and five weekends with Saturday and Sunday races in the same park.  

For newcomers, Adventure Series races are designed to be fun and welcoming, making them the perfect way to experience your first race without the pressure of a highly competitive environment. In addition, Virginia State Parks invites families to join the excitement of the Adventure Series, which features a variety of races designed for all ages and skill levels.

Family-friendly races include the Frozen Foot Adventure Race, Tour de Pocahontas, Middle Mountain Momma, Summer Sizzle, Night Train Ultra Marathon, PocaGo! and the High Bridge 5k and 1/2 Marathon.

Adventure Series participants win prizes by earning points in the competition category or the achievement category. These prizes include Virginia State Parks gift cards, cash and REI gift cards. 

“The Virginia State Parks Adventure Series is an incredible way to highlight the exciting outdoor challenges our parks offer,” said Promotions Manager Steve Boyd. “From 5ks and trail runs to adventure races and triathlons, this series truly has something for every level of athlete. Come join us for a race weekend you’ll never forget and discover the beauty and adventure waiting in Virginia’s state parks!” 

To learn more about the categories and prizes or to register for one of the 23 races below, go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/adventure-series. 

Adventure: 

• March 14: Frozen Foot Adventure Race at Pocahontas State Park 
• June 13: Summer Sizzle Adventure Race at Lake Anna State Park 
• June 14: Summer Sizzle Adventure Race at Lake Anna State Park 
• July 11: Seven Bends Adventure Race at Seven Bends State Park 
• Aug. 22: Shenandoah River State Park Adventure Race at Shenandoah River State Park 

Bike: 

• Feb. 15: Monster Cross at Pocahontas State Park 
• March 21: Tour de Pocahontas at Pocahontas State Park 
• March 22: Tour de Pocahontas at Pocahontas State Park 
• May 2: The Highlands Hop at Douthat State Park 
• May 3: Middle Mountain Momma at Douthat State Park 
• May 9: Shenanduro at Shenandoah River State Park 
• Aug. 2: Guts Gravel Glory at Pocahontas State Park 
• Oct. 3: Poca GO at Pocahontas State Park 

Running:  

• March 21: Dogwood Ultra Marathon at Twin Lakes State Park 
• April 11: James River Trail Runs at James River State Park 
• June 20: Night Train Ultra Marathon at High Bridge Trail State Park 
• June 28: High Bridge Time Trial at Hight Bridge Trail State Park 
• Sept. 19: Pawpaw 10 Mile and 5 Mile at Powhatan State Park 
• Oct. 3: High Bridge Half Marathon and 5k at High Bridge Trail State Park 
• Oct. 4: Pocahontas Trailfest at Pocahontas State Park 

Duathlon: 

• July 12: Seven Bends Aquablaze at Seven Bends State Park 

Triathlon:  

• May 2: Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon at Smith Mountain Lake State Park  
• Sept. 19: New River Trail Challenge at New River Trail State Park 

For more information about Virginia State Parks or to find a race at a park near you, go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/find-a-park. 

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.

By Kevin S. Engle

We were at a family gathering over the holidays when someone mentioned bath bombs. Always the curious one, I had to ask.

“What’s a bath bomb?”

I thought I knew but just wanted to be sure.

Here’s what I learned later when I searched more online. You drop this ‘thing’ into a bathtub filled with water and it ‘explodes’. You get scents and colors and stuff to soften your skin. To quote what I read, you’ll be the recipient of “a luxurious and relaxing bath experience.”

Who wouldn’t want that?

I haven’t taken a bath in years. No worries. I do shower.

I didn’t know what a hot chocolate bomb was until a neighbor gave us a few several Christmases past. You put it in a cup of hot milk to enjoy a luxurious and tasty hot chocolate experience.

I’ve always liked hot chocolate. Now I like hot chocolate bombs too.

What if I had a hot chocolate bomb while I’m also enjoying a bath bomb?

Oh my!

I don’t know yet for certain, but I’ll bet it’s one of those things in life where the sum is greater than the parts.

You know, when 1 +1 is greater than 2.

I’m not busy this afternoon. Maybe I’ll give it a try. Do my own research.

Sounds like a nice way to kick off the new year.

Here’s hoping your 2026 is the bomb.

#####

Even a “manly man” like the author should be able to enjoy (guilt-free) a bath bomb every now and then.

[email protected]

The Best of Engle’s Angle is available online or pick up a signed copy at a local bookstore.

Hi Stewart,

Did I see you walking along the Royal Shenandoah Greenway trail last week?

Emily

Yes, you did! 

The four-and-a-half-mile Royal Shenandoah Greenway trail project, spearheaded by the Tree Stewards, was completed with Virginia Tech plans and the collaboration of Front Royal, Warren County and Shenandoah National Park officials.  Where else can you take a scenic hike through city, county, and national park land?

The map for the Greenway Trail is on the Tree Stewards website and available at the Front Royal visitors center. We began our hike at Eastham Park (a good place to park) and walked south, under the railroad tracks and up the path towards route 340.  At the intersection with route 340 is a Greenway sign which points up 340 towards Criser Road (the fully paved route) and also points across route 340 towards Dickey Ridge.  The National Park portion of the trail is over rough ground and is a little tricky to follow on the map.  After you cross route 340 (carefully using the crosswalk buttons), you continue up Browntown Road for about 50 yards, and you will see a concrete National Park signpost directing you to turn left for the Greenway trail.  When you reach Skyline Drive Road, the trail continues on the other side about 100 yards up the road on your right. From there the trail takes you back to route 340 just before Criser Road.  Once on Criser you walk up the road to the Happy Creek trail on your left. From there the map is easy to follow down Main Street, past the Visitors Center (stop in and say Hi), onward to Luray Avenue, and finally completing the nearly 5-mile loop back to Eastham Park. 

Many organizations (public and private) over many years contributed time and money to create the Royal Shenandoah Greenway trail. It is a living, vibrant confirmation of the spirit that makes our community such a wonderful place to live.

Your Pal in the Trees,

Stewart

The Front Royal/Warren County Tree Steward program began in 1997 with volunteers dedicated to improving the health of trees by providing educational programs, tree planting and care demonstrations, and tree maintenance throughout the community. The group now consists of over 30 active members with several interns working toward becoming certified tree stewards from our annual “All About Trees Class”. Each month Stewart will answer a question from our readers. Please forward it to “Stewart” in care of: [email protected] and we may publish it in a future issue. Please visit our website at: www.treesfrontroyal.org

FRONT ROYAL — An evening of dance and live “big band” music for the Shenandoah Valley community will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, from 7–9 p.m. at Chelsea Academy in Front Royal.

The Yesterday Swing Orchestra, based in Front Royal, is hosting the event in coordination with local Knights of Columbus councils as a fundraiser for KOVAR, a nonprofit charity that supports Virginians with intellectual disabilities.

The event will feature live big band swing music, a free beginner dance lesson, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Organizers say proceeds will benefit local Special Olympians through KOVAR.

Special honored guests will include local area Special Olympians. Attendees are encouraged to meet them, dance with them, and celebrate together.

According to the press release, all proceeds generated by the event will be directed entirely to KOVAR. KOVAR is a Knights of Columbus 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to supporting organizations that improve access to affordable housing, job training, sports participation, and personal care for Virginians with intellectual disabilities.

Admission is a free-will donation (recommended donation: $20). Donations can be made at the door or online at:
https://givedirect.org/yso/kovar-fundraiser/

For more information, organizers ask the public to visit the KOVAR Dance Event page.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A new economic report estimates that repealing Virginia’s right-to-work law could lower the state’s economic output by tens of billions of dollars over the next decade.

The report, prepared by Mangum Economics and commissioned by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, projects that Virginia’s gross state product would be about $36.8 billion lower over 10 years if the law were repealed. It also estimates personal income would decline by $25.8 billion, with private-sector employment reduced by more than 180,000 jobs during that period.

The report compares long-term economic trends in right-to-work states and states without such laws, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It estimates Virginia would follow economic patterns seen in non–right-to-work states if the law were repealed.

According to the report, a repeal of the law could also slow business formation, with nearly 30,000 fewer new private establishments projected over a decade. Average annual wages are estimated to be more than $3,000 lower per worker, similar to manufacturing, with larger impacts projected in construction.

The study also points to population trends, noting that right-to-work states have experienced sustained net in-migration over the past decade, while non–right-to-work states have seen net population losses.

As previously reported by The Center Square, legislation to repeal Virginia’s right-to-work law was filed ahead of the 2026 General Assembly session.

Virginia’s right-to-work law bars employers from requiring union membership as a condition of employment, and Senate Bill 32 would repeal those right-to-work provisions from the Code of Virginia.

Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy, who introduced the bill, has previously said the proposal is intended to lower costs for Virginia families and strengthen worker protections.

Business groups, including the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, point to the report’s findings as evidence that the change could reduce job opportunities and weaken wage growth.

“For decades, right-to-work has helped make Virginia a place where businesses want to invest and people want to work,” said Keith Martin, interim president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, in a statement.

Virginia enacted its right-to-work law in 1947 and is one of 26 states with similar laws. Michigan is the only state to have recently repealed a right-to-work law, with the change taking effect in 2024, according to the analysis.

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A new bill introduced in the Virginia House of Delegates would set limits on how public schools may teach about the events of Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.

House Bill 333, introduced by Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, would allow local school boards to offer instruction related to Jan. 6 but establish specific requirements for how the event is described in classroom lessons and instructional materials.

Under the bill, any instruction on Jan. 6 would be required to describe the event as an unprecedented and violent attack on U.S. democratic institutions, government infrastructure, and representatives, carried out for the purpose of overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election.

The legislation would prohibit schools from describing or portraying Jan. 6 as a peaceful protest. It would also bar instruction that states, suggests, or presents as credible claims that widespread election fraud occurred or that such fraud could have changed or did change the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

The restrictions would apply only if a school board chooses to include instruction related to Jan. 6. The bill does not require public schools to teach about the event, does not mandate changes to statewide curriculum standards, and does not apply to private schools.

In a press release announcing the bill, Helmer’s office said the legislation is intended to allow teachers to “teach history, not propaganda,” by protecting how the events of Jan. 6 are presented in textbooks.

Jan. 6, 2021, marked the day Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, when a crowd breached the U.S. Capitol and disrupted the certification process. The events of that day have since prompted legislative proposals in multiple states related to how Jan. 6 is taught in public schools, including a proposal in New York that would amend state education law to require instruction on the events of Jan. 6 and its aftermath.

HB 333 does not create criminal penalties or establish enforcement mechanisms tied to classroom instruction. Instead, it places statutory limits on how the event may be characterized if it is included in a school’s instructional program.

The bill was introduced ahead of the 2026 Regular Session of the General Assembly, which is scheduled to convene Jan. 14. 

Families interested in youth programming through the Warren County Sheriff’s Office are invited to attend a Warren County PAL (Police Athletic League) Program Open House later this month in Front Royal.

The open house will be held Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Student Union Center, 200 8th St., Front Royal.

Organizers say the event is a chance for parents and children to learn more about the PAL program and how to get involved. The open house is free to attend, and pizza and cookies will be provided by Reaching Out Now.

According to the flyer, the PAL program is operated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and is designed for school-aged children ages 5 to 12.

Those seeking more information can email [email protected].

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

FRONT ROYAL, VA—Warren Coalition will offer a free Trauma-Informed Certification Class (Course 1) on January 28, 2026, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm at Samuels Public Library (330 E. Criser Road).

We all interact with others on a daily basis, and we may be left wondering why we snapped, or why the other person acted so rudely. Sometimes we feel lonely, insecure, or as if we aren’t good enough, but we don’t know from where those feelings originate.

Trauma-Informed Training provides you with a different perspective, allowing you to approach yourself and others from a place of understanding. The class will help you understand the biological science of trauma, the lifelong impacts trauma can have on your mental and physical health, and how to approach others whose trauma history is unknown.

Attendees must be present for the full session to receive a Trauma-Informed Certification. (There will be a short lunch break; participants are encouraged to pack a lunch.) This course is offered free of charge to community members and is limited to 35 people. It will be taught in person by Christa Shifflett, Executive Director of the Warren Coalition and will not be recorded.

To complete the required pre-registration, visit bit.ly/ticert-jan28 (note the link is case-sensitive). For more information about Trauma-Informed Training and whether it can help you in your personal and/or professional life, email Celeste Brooks at [email protected].

This training is presented by Warren Coalition, a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance misuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001.  The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center.  Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.

Information from a release.

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia drivers will see new vehicle safety inspection stickers in 2026, including a major change to rejection stickers, as the Virginia State Police continue efforts to improve security and reduce counterfeiting.

Vehicles that pass inspection in 2026 will receive a blue safety inspection sticker, following a series of design changes introduced last year. The 2025 sticker marked the first time green was used, part of a broader overhaul aimed at making inspection stickers more difficult to duplicate.

The most significant update for 2026 involves rejection stickers, which will now be white instead of pink. State police said the new rejection stickers are designed to adhere much more securely to windshields and must be physically scraped off once a vehicle passes inspection. Previous rejection stickers often lost adhesion and fell off after the rejection grace period expired.

Additional changes affect motorcycles and trailers. Beginning in 2026, a single orange sticker will be used for both motorcycles and trailers, replacing the two separate stickers issued in prior years. The new sticker will clearly display the year of expiration, a change intended to improve clarity for motorists and law enforcement.

The updates build on a redesign implemented in 2025, when inspection stickers were reduced in size and enhanced with new anti-counterfeiting features. Those features include a holographic Virginia state seal, a dogwood flower image, and two QR codes. The larger QR code directs users to the Virginia State Police Safety Division webpage, while a smaller code is used for administrative tracking.

Under the current design, the expiration month appears on a white background, while the expiration year is printed over the dogwood image, a combination intended to improve visibility while maintaining security.

State police also announced future color rotations for inspection stickers. Stickers expiring in 2027 will remain blue, followed by red for 2028 and yellow for 2029, continuing a rotating color system to help quickly identify valid inspection periods.

The changes take effect as inspection stations begin issuing 2026 stickers with the start of the new calendar year.

Information from a release
Edited by Dan McDermott

By Nathaniel Cline – Virginia Mercury

A controversial transfer of a trail project to Virginia’s passenger rail authority was pushed through by Transportation Secretary Shep Miller on Tuesday after a vote by the Commonwealth Transportation Board resulted in a 6-6 tie, drawing scrutiny of the board’s process and the project’s future. 

After the board’s vote of support, the project was transferred to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, which will oversee $35 million in grant funding for preservation and improvements by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation.

Events leading up to the vote drew mixed reactions from lawmakers and the public. Many questioned the cost, transparency, and feasibility of a rail-with-trail versus a trail-only project for the dilapidated, 50-mile Shenandoah rail corridor, which has been inactive for 36 years.

After the board failed to reach consensus to delay the vote, the agency’s recommended plan moved forward. 

“At the end of the day, I stand by what I recommended to you, what the governor and administration recommend to you, because we think that’s in the best interest of the citizens of the commonwealth,” Miller said on Tuesday.

He said that further delay could jeopardize the project, including the planned merger between Norfolk Southern Corporation, which owns the rail line, and Union Pacific Corporation. Miller added that public input remains part of the plan.

Under the terms of the transfer, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation would buy the rail line from Norfolk Southern. The remaining funds would be used to build the trail and meet state lawmakers’ criteria.

The agreement tasks the foundation with building the trail by certain deadlines, and gives it the authority to preserve the rail corridor for future passenger use, clarifying operational roles and risk responsibility.

For some, the vote was disappointing, as they hoped to boost the region’s economy and promote healthier lifestyles with a multi-use trail; others see more potential in restoring the Manassas Gap rail line and building a parallel trail.

During the meeting, about 17 speakers addressed the board. Some called for swift action, while others raised concerns specifically about the foundation, which is facing legal disputes over its authority to be involved in the project.

The foundation told the Mercury it will return to court in the spring to prove it did not exceed its authority in joining the rail trail project. 

VDOT projections indicate a recreational trail would cost $164 million, while restoring the rail line with an adjacent trail would cost $687 million, directly influencing project feasibility and choice. 

Rail supporters say those estimates are too high.

Before Miller’s decision, board member Laura Sellers had moved to delay board action until public input sessions were complete. This followed reports from board members and lawmakers that scheduled public hearings on the third and final assessment report did not occur.

“…the motion to delay and table is not to make a stand for one way or the other, is to provide time to ask these questions, to go through the study… and to allow the public comment period to take place,” Sellers said. “It’s not to choose one side or the other. It’s simply to give us more time.”

Board member Raymond Smoot Jr. supported the rail-with-trail plan and said it addresses those concerns by ensuring public input and requiring evaluation of proposals from interested groups.

“I believe that the project (can) be handled in such a way that will preserve the corridor for possible future rail use — that could be at a time that is probably unknowable today — but it would preserve that option going forward,” Smoot said. “I personally would hope that all of the groups that are interested in this project would come together and unite behind a proposal that may involve various groups, but one that will assure that this is developed as provided in the resolution.”

VPRA will be responsible for scheduling public meetings, according to the board’s resolution. No dates have been scheduled as of Wednesday morning. The agency will also be responsible for considering and evaluating any proposals submitted by “established organizations” by Feb. 15.

Proposals must include a trail alongside the rail while preserving the corridor/rail for potential future use. VPRA said it does not expect a potential rail line to be immediately developed. 

CTB will vet and review the agreement and any subsequent proposals and contract terms before work begins

By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Justice says classified information tied to the federal government’s offshore wind construction pause will not be shared with Dominion Energy in the ongoing litigation.

In the filing, federal attorneys said the classified information will instead be submitted directly to the court for review if requested. The material would be reviewed privately by the judge through an ex parte, in camera process, meaning it would not be disclosed to the parties.

“It has long been the federal government’s position that civil litigation does not provide private entities or individuals the requisite ‘need to know’ classified information,” the filing states, even if individuals have previously been found suitable to receive access to classified information and hold security clearances.

The filing was submitted after the court directed the federal government to state whether it intended to share classified information with Dominion personnel or counsel who hold security clearances.

According to the filing, the process for determining whether classified information may be shared outside of litigation is separate from the issues currently before the court. The Justice Department also said it does not interpret the court’s earlier order as requiring classified information to be presented or discussed at a hearing scheduled for Jan. 16.

Dominion filed suit in late December after federal agencies issued a stop-work order affecting the company’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project off the coast of Virginia Beach. As previously reported by The Center Square, Dominion is seeking emergency relief that would allow construction to resume while the case proceeds.

As of Wednesday, the stop-work order remains in place pending further court action.

Altoona, PA (January 5, 2026) — It is with deep sadness that Sheetz announces the passing of its former President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, Stephen G. Sheetz, who died last night at the age of 77.

Born January 7, 1948, in Altoona, PA, Steve graduated from Altoona High School in 1965. At just 12 years old, Steve began working part-time for Sheetz Kwik Shopper, the company his brother Bob founded in 1952. After earning his degree from Penn State University in 1969, Steve became Supervisor and Director of Operations for all four Sheetz locations in operation. He later worked alongside Bob to grow the company to 100 store locations by 1983.

Following Bob’s retirement, Steve served as President and CEO of Sheetz from 1984 to 1995, guiding the company through a period of significant growth. He also served as Chairman of Sheetz’s Board of Directors from 1995 to 2013, before transitioning to Chairman of CLI Transport in 2013. In 2020, he retired as an official Sheetz executive, while continuing to serve as the chairman of the Family Committee.

Steve’s impact on Sheetz is immense. He played an instrumental role in guiding members of the Sheetz family into the business, helping them apply their skills and talents to support the company’s continued success. During his time as President and CEO, Sheetz introduced Made-to-Order (MTO®), entered the fuel business, expanded the company into new states, and created the Sheetz mission of “Total Customer Focus.” He remained actively involved in the business he helped build for more than 60 years, providing counsel and support as Sheetz continued to grow.

“Above all, Uncle Steve was the center of our family,” said Sheetz President/CEO Travis Sheetz. “We are so deeply grateful for his leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to our employees, customers, and communities.” 

“Steve’s guidance shaped nearly every aspect of our family business,” said Joe Sheetz, Chairman of the Sheetz Board of Directors. “He was a mentor for every leader who has followed him and his vision, wisdom, and entrepreneurial spirit will be missed deeply by everyone at Sheetz.”

Steve Sheetz had a lifelong commitment to philanthropy, supporting numerous community and educational causes across the Altoona area and central Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Nancy, founded the Sheetz Fellows Program, which provides mentorship, financial support, and special programming to Penn State Altoona students with the potential to lead and serve in their communities and beyond. They also established the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, located in downtown Altoona. In recognition of their contributions, the couple was named Philanthropists of the Year by Penn State University in 2010.

Steve is survived by his wife, Nancy, their two daughters, Megan Sheetz (Trevor Price) and Nicole Sheetz Frith (Brint Frith), and seven grandchildren.

Virginia State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash involving a Warren County school bus that occurred Monday morning on Route 522 in Rappahannock County.

According to Virginia State Police, the crash happened at approximately 9:10 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2025, near the intersection of Route 522 and Chester Gap Road.

Police said a 1994 Ford F-150 was traveling on Route 522 when it was unable to avoid colliding with the school bus, which had pulled out from a stop sign on Chester Gap Road onto Route 522. At the time of the crash, the school bus was transporting 10 elementary school-aged students.

Eight of the students were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. Authorities said most of those students have since been released to their parents. The remaining two students were released to their parents at the scene of the crash.

The driver of the Ford F-150 sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The driver of the school bus, identified as William Payne Jr., 66, of Front Royal, also suffered minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Police said Payne has been charged with failure to yield.

The crash remains under investigation by Virginia State Police.

From a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

FRONT ROYAL, Va. — Warren County announced Wednesday that Fork District Supervisor Vicky L. Cook has resigned from the Board of Supervisors, effective Sept. 3, 2025, citing personal obligations.

“On behalf of the Board, we appreciate Ms. Cook’s contributions and her commitment to the Fork District,” said Jerome Butler, chair of the Warren County Board of Supervisors. “County business continues without interruption. Our focus now is ensuring residents remain informed as we follow the legal process to fill this vacancy.”

County officials confirmed they have received Cook’s written resignation. The County Attorney is reviewing provisions of the Virginia Code to confirm the exact process and timeline for filling the seat. Once legal guidance is finalized, the county will announce whether an interim appointment will be made, along with details on how residents can participate.

Residents can expect a public update at the Sept. 9, 2025, work session. Additional information, including the process and timeline for filling the Fork District seat, will be shared through the county website, official social media channels, and at public meetings.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

STAUNTON — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced a series of continuous single-lane closures on northbound Interstate 81 in Shenandoah County, scheduled for back-to-back weeks beginning Monday, September 8, 2025.

The closures will remain in place for up to 60 hours at a time to allow for critical rehabilitation of the concrete bridge deck over the North Fork Shenandoah River, just before exit 269 (Shenandoah Caverns/Mount Jackson).

Closure schedule

• Right lane closure: 8 p.m. Monday, September 8, through Wednesday night, September 10. During this period, the exit 269 off-ramp from northbound I-81 to Route 730 (Caverns Road) will also be closed.
• Left lane closure: 8 p.m. Monday, September 15, through Wednesday night, September 17.
• Exit 264 closure: During both lane closures, the exit 264 off-ramp from northbound I-81 to Route 211 at New Market will be closed to all traffic. Drivers heading to New Market should use exit 257 and follow Route 11 north for about six miles.
• Depending on progress, weather and other factors, the closures may extend into early Thursday morning each week.

Restrictions and detours

Vehicles wider than 12 feet will be prohibited from the work zone. Wide-load traffic will detour at exit 257 (Mauzy/Broadway/Timberville), follow Route 11 north for about 11 miles, then turn left on Route 730 to return to I-81 at exit 269. Virginia State Police will provide traffic control and enforce width restrictions.

Project background

This work follows similar rehabilitation performed in May on the adjacent southbound I-81 bridge. VDOT officials explained that once the rehabilitation begins, it must proceed continuously to ensure quality and durability. The project is expected to extend the bridge’s service life and avoid more extensive and disruptive repairs in the future.

Both I-81 bridges over the North Fork Shenandoah River had received repeated temporary deck patching, which could no longer sustain heavy interstate traffic. Funding for permanent rehabilitation became available in spring 2025.

Traveler information

Updates on the project will be posted on the VDOT Staunton District news page, the district’s X account, and the Staunton District Facebook group.

For real-time traffic alerts, motorists can dial 511 or visit 511 Virginia. The VDOT Customer Service Center is available 24/7 for reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or obtaining information at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or online at my.vdot.virginia.gov.

Information from VDOT. Edited by Dan McDermott.

FREDERICK COUNTY, Va. — Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, on Interstate 81 northbound at the 311-mile marker.

According to state police, a 2003 Toyota Camry was heading north when it attempted to pass another vehicle. The driver lost control and the Camry went off the left side of the road, crossed into the southbound lanes, rolled over and struck a sign.

The driver, identified as Ronald E. Paul Jr., 64, of Middletown, was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police said Paul was not wearing a seatbelt.

The crash remains under investigation.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

FRONT ROYAL — On August 29, 2025, around 7 p.m., Front Royal police responded to the 200 block of Virginia Avenue for a report of two males fighting. While officers were en route, a caller reported that one person had been stabbed.

Officers arrived to find a victim with an apparent stab wound under his left arm. Police rendered aid at the scene. The victim identified the suspect, who was still nearby. Officers detained Jordan James Hall.

After investigation, Hall was charged with § 18.2-51.2, Aggravated Malicious Wounding. The victim was treated by Warren County Fire and Rescue, taken to Warren Memorial Hospital, and later transferred to Winchester Medical Center for additional care.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division processed the scene and are continuing the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Z.S. Wallace at 540-636-2208 or [email protected].

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has confirmed the detection of the invasive box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) in Frederick County.

In July, VDACS inspectors also discovered and treated infestations in Clarke and Loudoun counties. Officials say the department will continue surveys to determine how far the pest has spread in northern Virginia.

The box tree moth, native to East Asia, is considered a serious threat to boxwood (Buxus species). Its caterpillars can rapidly defoliate plants, leading to severe damage or even plant death. In Europe, where boxwood is widespread, the moth has caused significant losses.

VDACS is offering treatment for boxwood plants where infestations are confirmed. The agency emphasizes that early detection and rapid response are key to managing invasive pests. Residents are encouraged to monitor their boxwood plants and report suspected damage through VDACS’ Invasive Species Reporting Tool.

Resources for identifying the box tree moth and signs of damage are available at Virginia Cooperative Extension’s publication ENTO-445. Additional information is available at vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services.shtml or by contacting the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804-786-3515.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

RICHMOND — Virginia’s ginseng harvest season opens Sept. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is reminding harvesters to follow state and federal rules protecting the threatened plant.

American ginseng is a slow-growing, shade-loving perennial found primarily in western and southwestern Virginia. Because of its high value and slow growth, wild ginseng is regulated under state law and international treaty. VDACS oversees harvest and sales in the Commonwealth.

Key regulations for wild ginseng:

• Harvest season: Sept. 1–Dec. 31 only. No harvest Jan. 1–Aug. 31.
• Plant maturity: Do not harvest plants younger than five years, with fewer than four stem scars on the rhizome, or fewer than three prongs.
• Reseeding: Harvesters must plant the seeds from each harvested plant at the harvest site at the time of harvest.

Ginseng collection is prohibited on most public lands, including state and national parks and forests. Where allowed, a permit is required. Collecting any portion of the plant from federal land is prohibited and can result in fines up to $5,000, up to six months in jail, or both. Violating Virginia’s harvest rules is punishable by up to 12 months in jail, up to a $2,500 fine, or both.

Rules do not apply to wild ginseng harvested on one’s own land. Harvesting on private property requires the owner’s written permission, which should be carried during harvest. Landowners are encouraged to follow the same size/age and reseeding guidelines to help sustain the species.

Anyone shipping or transporting eight ounces or more of Virginia ginseng in a calendar year must have it certified by VDACS. Buyers or those accepting ginseng to sell must be licensed by VDACS. In 2024, Virginia reported about 882 pounds of wild ginseng harvested, valued at roughly $450,000. It takes 250–300 roots to make one pound.

More information and application details are available at vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-ginseng.shtml or by contacting State Apiarist Keith Tignor at 804-786-8938 or [email protected].

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.

RICHMOND — Vader, a specially trained Labrador retriever, has joined the Virginia State Police to support the agency’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team as part of its Wellness Program. His role is to help reduce stress and anxiety among officers, especially following traumatic incidents.

Research has shown that police officers face higher rates of trauma exposure than the general public, highlighting the need for expanded wellness initiatives. Facility dogs like Vader provide comfort, promote resilience, and can help open the door to conversations during stressful times.

Vader was donated to the Virginia State Police by Mutts With A Mission, a Virginia Beach-based nonprofit accredited by Assistance Dogs International. The organization trains facility and service dogs for veterans, wounded warriors, and first responders.

Over the past two years, Vader completed extensive training, including the ADI Public Access Test and Skills Test, certifying him to work in critical incident stress debriefings, peer sessions, and other high-stress settings. Mutts With A Mission selected Vader specifically for his calm temperament, attentiveness, and adaptability.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.