VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for June 10 -14, 2024 - Royal Examiner (2024)

The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.

*NEW* or *UPDATE* indicates a new or revised entry since last week’s report.

INTERSTATE 66
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday nights (June 9-12).

*UPDATE* Mile marker 0 to 8, eastbound and westbound – Right shoulder closures for litter pickup operations, 12 noon to 1 p.m. Friday.

Mile marker 0 to 7, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through June 28.

*NEW* Mile marker 4 to 9, eastbound and westbound – Right shoulder closures, including along Exit 6 off-ramps for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

INTERSTATE 81
*NEW* Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound – Mobile left lane and right shoulder closures for mowing operations, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through June 22.

Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through June 28.

*NEW* Mile marker 300 to 299, southbound – Overnight alternating lane closures for pavement marking, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday nights.

Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound – Overnight lane closures and traffic-lane shifts as needed, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through December 2024. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit 55 miles an hour. Work is related to southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening.

PRIMARY ROADS
*NEW* Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) – Northbound right shoulder closures just north of the I-66 interchange for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

SECONDARY ROADS
*UPDATE* Route 638 (Howellsville Road) – Stop and proceed traffic control 24/7 just south of Route 685 (Patty Tract Lane) intersection for replacement of bridge over Venus Branch. Estimated completion: August 8.

Route 658 (Rockland Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) and Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) for the construction of a bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway. Estimated completion December 2025.

Vegetation management may take place district-wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511 or www.511Virginia.org.

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Hidden Springs Senior Living recently hosted a heartfelt commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This event was particularly significant as the senior living community is home to over 15 veterans, including the remarkable 104-year-old Frank Brandon. Daryl Davison, the owner of Hidden Springs Senior Living, opened the event with welcoming remarks. Dale Corey from the Society of the American Revolution’s Colonel James Wood II Chapter (SAR) led the ceremony, with additional remarks from Lt. Col. Steve McLean.

The event began with resident Paul Fidishun playing the Star-Spangled Banner on his harmonica, setting a respectful and solemn tone. This song, written during the War of 1812 by Francis Scott Key, symbolizes the enduring spirit of American resilience and freedom. Corey provided a historical overview, tracing the journey from the Revolutionary War to D-Day, emphasizing the unyielding quest for liberty.

Corey then introduced Joan Grewe, a military veteran, who shared insights on women’s significant yet often overlooked contributions in the military. Joan’s journey began in 1974, a year after the Vietnam draft ended when the Army ROTC opened its doors to women. Her story underscored women’s vital roles, from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts, and the challenges they faced.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to women who have served, just as we do to the men,” Joan said, mentioning the famous figure of Molly Pitcher, who bravely took her husband’s place at a cannon during battle. These narratives remind us of the often unrecognized bravery of women throughout history.

Corey continued, focusing on the formidable German army during World War II and the strategic brilliance behind D-Day. He recounted the intricate planning and deception strategies employed by the Allies, such as the ghost army led by General George Patton, which misled German forces about the actual invasion site.

The highlight of the commemoration was a reading of General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s order to the Allied forces, a powerful message that encapsulated the gravity and significance of the mission. Eisenhower’s words, filled with confidence and determination, inspired the troops as they embarked on the greatest amphibious invasion in military history.

Members of SAR shared detailed accounts of the D-Day operation, describing the massive scale of the invasion, which involved 7,000 ships and over 195,000 naval personnel. The beaches of Normandy—Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword—became the battlegrounds where Allied forces, including troops from the United States, Britain, Canada, and other nations, fought valiantly.

The commemoration also included a poignant segment on the sacrifices made by the small town of Bedford, Virginia. Bedford, which had the highest per capita loss of any American community on D-Day, lost 19 of its sons in the first minutes of the invasion. The story of the Stevens brothers, twin soldiers from Bedford, highlighted the personal and profound losses endured by many families during the war.

Following Corey’s presentation, Lt. Col. Steve McLean took the stage to honor the veterans. He began by acknowledging the extraordinary life of Frank Brandon, who, at 104 years old, represents the living history of America’s greatest generation.

In his remarks, Lt. Col. McLean quoted from Eisenhower’s inaugural address, emphasizing, “The care of freedom is not long entrusted to the weak or the timid.” He highlighted the ongoing role of veterans in preserving freedom and the profound impact of their service.

“Patriotism is not confined to a gender. The love of this country is not confined to gender,” McLean said, recognizing both men and women veterans. He encouraged everyone to visit the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on that fateful day.

The ceremony concluded with a reflection on the broader impact of D-Day. The successful invasion marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, leading to their eventual defeat on May 7, 1945. This victory, achieved through the bravery and sacrifice of countless soldiers, solidified the United States’ position as a global leader and protector of freedom.

As we honor the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we remember the immense bravery of those who fought and the enduring legacy of their sacrifice. Their courage and determination continue to inspire and remind us of the cost of freedom and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

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On June 7, 2024, Valley Health marked National Hospitals Against Violence Day by reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all caregivers, patients, and visitors. Recognizing that violence in healthcare settings poses a critical issue affecting both the well-being of healthcare workers and the quality of patient care, Valley Health took the opportunity to address the reality of hospital violence in the United States and outline the proactive steps being taken to ensure safety.

Statistics Highlighting the Issue:

• According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), healthcare workers experience more workplace violence and injury than those in any other environment.
• Since the pandemic, incidents of violence against healthcare workers have surged, with 44% of nurses reporting an increase in physical violence and 68% noting a rise in verbal abuse.
• Emergency departments are particularly affected, with approximately 80% of physicians acknowledging that violence has negatively impacted patient care and safety.

Valley Health’s Safety Initiatives:

To combat these troubling trends, Valley Health has implemented several measures aimed at enhancing security and ensuring a safer work environment for healthcare providers:

• Risk Assessment: Regular identification of security risks and implementing measures to mitigate them are key components of Valley Health’s safety protocol.
• Training Programs: All employees are offered Crisis de-escalation training to equip them with the skills necessary to handle potentially violent situations.
• Safety & Health Management Systems: Comprehensive safety and health management systems have been adopted to build a safety culture and reduce hospital injuries.
• Physical Security Measures: The hospital has increased its on-site security personnel, enhanced surveillance, and developed emergency plans to respond swiftly to incidents. Clear expectations for patient and family behavior have been communicated, with a zero-tolerance policy for those who do not adhere to these guidelines.
• Care for the Caregiver Program: A significant portion of this program is dedicated to supporting team members who have been victims of violence, threats, or intimidation. Currently, one-third of the support provided through this initiative is directed toward employees affected by such incidents.

As part of the observance of Hospitals Against Violence Day, Valley Health emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility. The hospital encourages its staff to participate in training sessions to empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a safe workplace.

Valley Health appreciated its caregivers, recognizing their dedication to providing compassionate care while upholding the highest safety standards. The hospital remains committed to working with the community to ensure that Valley Health remains a place of hope and healing.

About Valley Health

Valley Health is a not-for-profit health system serving over 500,000 residents in the Northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, the Eastern Panhandle and Potomac Highlands of West Virginia, and western Maryland. Valley Health is dedicated to improving regional health as a healthcare provider, employer, and community partner. The system includes six hospitals, more than 70 medical practices and urgent care centers, outpatient rehabilitation, medical transport, long-term care, home health services, and charitable foundations. For more information, visit www.valleyhealthlink.com.

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As schools close for the summer, school districts, and nonprofits are beginning to launch summer meal programs to connect kids with nutritious meals outside of the classroom.

This year, more school districts and nonprofits serving rural communities have a new tool to reach kids this summer: Non-congregate summer meal options. New federal policy changes allow organizations to provide flexible options like multi-day meal distribution and deliveries to reach kids in more remote areas of the state.

To support and expand non-congregate programs in the Northern Virginia and Shenandoah Valley areas, No Kid Hungry Virginia recently distributed $15,500 to Warren County Public Schools. The funding is part of a larger grant initiative by No Kid Hungry totaling $284,000 across 14 school districts and non-profits to combat summer hunger. Funds will support organizations with staffing, meal delivery, updated equipment, transportation costs, and expanding outreach.

The following organizations received grants this year: Accomack County Public Schools, Alleghany County Public Schools, Caroline County Public Schools, Dinwiddie County Public Schools, Feeding Southwest Virginia, Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, Halifax County Public Schools, Henry County Public Schools, Orange County Public Schools, Page County Public Schools, Pulaski County Public Schools, Richmond County Public Schools, Scott County Public Schools, Warren County Public Schools.

“Summer should be full of sunshine and playtime, not worrying about empty pantries,” said Sarah Steely, Director of No Kid Hungry Virginia. “These summer meal flexibilities offer a tremendous opportunity to reach more children in rural communities, who have traditionally had a harder time accessing summer meal sites. These grants will help strengthen programs, enabling teams to provide summer meals in the way they know works best for their community.”

Approximately 1 in 7 kids face food insecurity in Virginia, and summer can be one of the hungriest times of year for the thousands of kids who receive free and reduced-price meals during the school year.

Summer meal programs help fill the gap but have historically only reached a fraction of the kids who rely on them due to barriers like transportation, fuel costs, extreme weather, and parent work schedules. Challenges are especially pronounced in rural areas, where children often live far from the nearest meal site.

According to No Kid Hungry, the latest non-congregate flexibilities are an exciting opportunity to expand the reach of summer meals and provide more children with much-needed nutrition during the summer months. To learn more, visit https://state.nokidhungry.org/virginia

From a release by No Kid Hungry Virginia.

(About No Kid Hungry: No child should go hungry in America. But millions of kids in the United States live with hunger. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a Share Our Strength campaign committed to ending hunger and poverty.

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The Warren County School Board, on June 5, 2024, reviewed a month packed with activities, progress updates, and challenges. Dr. Chris Ballenger, the Superintendent, and other board members shared their reports, reflecting on the busy month of May and outlining plans for the upcoming summer.

Summer School Programs and Community Support

Superintendent Ballenger highlighted the start of the summer school and Extended School Year (ESY) programs, which will commence on Monday, June 10th. These programs will be held at Hilda J. Barber Elementary, Warren County Middle School, and Warren County High School. Additionally, the Boys and Girls Club will operate out of Ressie Jeffries Elementary, ensuring students can access educational and recreational activities during the summer.

Dr. Ballenger also praised the efforts of the meal service program, which continues to provide much-needed support to families in the community. “The number of families that we’re able to help out and students that we’re able to feed in our community is fabulous,” he said, emphasizing the ongoing need for such services.

Reflections on May Events

Board member Andrea Lo expressed her gratitude for being able to attend the Warren County High School graduation, describing it as a heartwarming event. “It is always so heartwarming to see all of the students and their families celebrating and see them walk across the stage,” she said.

Tom McFadden, who missed the graduations due to travel, focused on the board’s self-evaluation and the upcoming superintendent evaluation. Given the board’s transition over the past year, he emphasized the importance of setting joint goals for the new year.

Dr. Antoinette Funk provided a detailed account of her activities, which included attending a SEAC meeting where the Elements program for 18 to 22-year-olds was highlighted, visiting various special services programs, and engaging with eighth-grade staff at Warren County Middle School. She also met with her board supervisor’s representative to discuss the budget.

Melanie Salins shared her experience completing training on dyslexia and equity in education. She raised concerns about unfunded federal mandates, which she believes are shortchanging students. She also provided updates on the progress of construction projects, including the LFK renovation and the E. Wilson Morrison Gymnatorium Project, both of which are ahead of schedule and under budget.

Salins highlighted the impressive work of the Facilities Department, which has saved the division money by rebuilding the HJB cooling tower instead of replacing it entirely. She also mentioned the plans to build a partition wall at Diversified Minds to enhance security, noting the department’s ability to complete the project affordably due to previous cost savings.

Addressing Vandalism and Community Engagement

The issue of vandalism in schools was a significant concern. Salins reported ongoing problems with students damaging school property, which is costly and time-consuming to repair. She proposed publishing photos of the vandalism to raise community awareness and encourage parents to talk to their children about respecting school facilities.

In response to community feedback and recent events, Salins defended the integrity of the School Board Member Alliance (SBMA) and its founder, Sherry Story, against unfounded criticisms. She emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in school governance, encouraging support for initiatives that empower school board members and ensure proper spending tracking and educational performance.

Looking Ahead

The board members collectively hoped for a restful summer for students, staff, and families. They acknowledged the challenging school year and the importance of relaxing and recharging.

Salins reiterated board members’ flexibility in seeking training from various sources, including SBMA and VSBA. She stressed that board discussion time is crucial for members to share their reports and insights without undue restrictions.

As the Warren County School Board navigates through the complexities of budget constraints, ongoing projects, and community engagement, the members remain committed to supporting students and staff. The upcoming summer school programs and continuous efforts to improve school facilities demonstrate the board’s dedication to providing students with a safe and enriching environment.

Click here to watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of June 5, 2024.

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The Warren County School Board struggles with significant budget shortfalls as they face rising costs in substitute teaching, technology, custodial services, and health insurance. The board is working tirelessly to find solutions to balance the budget without compromising the quality of education and support for staff and students.

Budget Shortfall and Rising Costs

During the June 5, 2024, meeting, Rob Ballentine, Director of Finance, presented a detailed budget overview, highlighting a $981,112 shortfall. This gap is exacerbated by an unexpected $127,278 cut in state revenue, making the financial situation even more challenging.

“At the top of the sheet, we have the $76,193,989 projected revenue for next year. That includes the approved state budget based on the CALC template,” Ballentine explained. The county’s appropriation remains at $28,650,000, consistent with the previous year, adding to the financial pressure.

Key Areas of Concern

Salaries and Benefits: The proposed budget includes salary increases for teachers and staff, with a step plus 3% for teachers and a 3% increase for other employees. However, maintaining these raises is scrutinized as the board looks for cost-saving measures.

Substitute Teaching Costs: The cost of substitutes is projected to rise by $300,000, reaching approximately $1 million. This figure includes an estimated $250,000 for sick leave payouts, highlighting the need to manage substitute teaching expenses effectively.

Health Insurance: Covering the full employee health insurance increase would cost $6,725,208. Sharing this cost with employees could save the district $302,000, a significant consideration as the board seeks to balance the budget.

Technology and Custodial Services: Technology needs an additional $100,000 to keep up with necessary upgrades and match grant money. Custodial services have been negotiated to an additional $80,000 from the initially proposed $135,000.

Proposed Cost-Saving Measures

Ballentine outlined potential cost-saving measures, including:

• Eliminating Proposed New Positions: Cutting proposed new positions such as an agriculture teacher, a teacher at Ressie Jeffries Elementary, and a reading specialist could save $260,000.
• Adjusting Salary Increases: Implementing a step increase, including a 3% raise, could save approximately $422,000.
• Shared Cost for Health Insurance: Sharing the health insurance increase with employees could save $302,000.

Ballentine also suggested looking into positions that haven’t been filled yet, which could provide additional savings.

Board Discussions and Challenges

The meeting was marked by intense discussions among board members, who expressed frustration over the budget process and the lack of effective communication with county supervisors.

Despite the challenges, there was a shared commitment to finding solutions prioritizing the quality of education and support for staff and students. “We need to quit pointing fingers among us. We need to work together. We need to support our teachers and students,” one board member stated.

Next Steps and Decision Timeline

The board is pressured to finalize the budget before the fiscal year starts on July 1st. A public hearing is scheduled for June 11th, with the final decision expected shortly after. The school board plans to reconvene on June 26th to make the necessary budget decisions based on the supervisors’ appropriation.

Community Engagement and Moving Forward

The budget crisis has highlighted the need for better collaboration and communication between the school board and county supervisors. The board is exploring all possible avenues to manage the budget shortfall while ensuring minimal impact on the quality of education.

The community’s support and understanding will be crucial as the board navigates these challenging times. The board encourages public participation in the upcoming meetings to ensure that the decisions reflect the community’s best interests.

Click here to watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of June 5, 2024.

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Community members and educators raised several important issues and initiatives at the Warren County School Board meeting on June 5, 2024.

The first speaker, Lisa Bradford, a Warren County resident, teacher, and the WCEA president of secondary education, addressed the board regarding contracting substitute teachers. Bradford, a committee member who reviewed proposals from six companies, emphasized the importance of continuing with ESS, the current provider. She noted that managing substitutes in-house was previously a multi-person job involving interviews, background checks, and daily logistics. Bradford urged the board to consider the committee’s recommendation to stay with ESS to ensure smooth operations for Warren County Public Schools.

Rebecca Hudson-Hodge, a Warren County Public Schools employee and president of the Warren County Education Association for Elementary Education, expressed concerns about the proposed changes to health insurance premiums. She highlighted these changes’ negative impact on employees with children and families, particularly dual-employee families. Hudson-Hodge warned that the salary increases expected by many employees would be offset by the higher insurance contributions, potentially driving staff to seek employment elsewhere. She urged the board to reconsider and find a less harmful budget solution.

Warren County Public Schools teacher Lee Meadows discussed the county’s agricultural education growth. The program has expanded over the past eight years from one teacher split between two schools to four full-time teachers, with plans for a fifth. Meadows detailed the comprehensive agricultural education model, which includes classroom instruction, FFA activities, and supervised agricultural experiences. She advocated extending teachers’ contracts to 11 or 12 months to support these initiatives, particularly over the summer when student projects and community events continue.

Lynn Phillips, the Warren County Middle School agriculture teacher, further emphasized the need for extended contracts for ag teachers. Phillips described various hands-on activities and field trips that enhance students’ learning experiences and prepare them for agricultural careers. She highlighted the importance of summer supervision for projects and land labs, which is essential for providing continuous educational opportunities. Phillips urged the board to consider extending the contracts to ensure the success of the agricultural programs.

Jennifer Knox, Principal of E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School, spoke in favor of continuing the contract with ESS for substitute teachers. Knox shared her positive experiences with ESS, noting the efficient management of vacancies and high-quality substitutes provided by the company. She expressed concerns about the logistical challenges of transitioning to an in-house program and the potential impact on teacher morale and student instruction. Knox requested that the board vote to continue the ESS contract to ensure readiness for the upcoming school year.

Kelsey Lawrence, a resident of the Fork District, urged the board to rejoin the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA). Lawrence criticized the decision to leave the VSBA, citing the lack of expertise in the School Board Member Alliance (SBMA) alternative organization. She highlighted the legal and financial risks associated with relying on an unproven group and emphasized the importance of experienced legal support for educational governance. Lawrence argued that rejoining the VSBA would provide stability and reliable policy guidance for Warren County Public Schools.

The community participation segment highlighted various concerns and initiatives, from substitute teacher management and health insurance premiums to agricultural education’s expansion and professional associations’ importance. These discussions reflect the community’s commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of education in Warren County.

Click here to watch the Warren County School Board Meeting of June 5, 2024.

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