Royal Examiner

06/05/2026

Hot weather will continue through the weekend. A few showers and perhaps a couple of strong thunderstorms may affect mainly northern MD into eastern WV late Saturday.

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

Front Royal is remembering Edward “Henley” Brown Sr., who passed away peacefully at home on May 31 at age 85. A lifelong Warren County resident, Henley retired after many dedicated years with Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local Union 5 of Washington, D.C. He also loved a good bargain and, with his late wife Frances, owned and operated Sophia’s in Stephens City for many years. A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 7, at Maddox Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior. Click to read more.

Edward “Henley” Brown Sr., 85 of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 31, 2026. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 7, at 2:00 P.M. at Maddox Funeral Home with Sammy Campbell officiating. Inurnment will be private. Henley was born on November 3, 19...

06/04/2026

Front Royal is remembering Katherine Ann Hafferman, known to many simply as “Bird,” who passed away May 30 at age 72. Funny, compassionate, and full of heart, Bird became a familiar face in town after arriving in 1980. From the Hideaway to 27 years at the Melting Pot, she filled rooms with laughter and warmth. Above all, she was devoted to her son Cody and proud to be “Me Maw” to her grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 25 at the Melting Pot. Click to read more.

Katherine Ann Hafferman, affectionately known to family and friends as “Bird”, passed away on May 30, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on February 2, 1954, Bird was a rare soul, deeply funny, compassionate, and empathetic. She had a massive heart, with a special love and tenderness for animals and c...

06/04/2026

Warren County supervisors faced a packed June 2 meeting as budget deadlines approached, with discussions ranging from Fire & Rescue funding needs to outside grants, contract renewals, and county finances. Assistant Fire & Rescue Chief Gerry Maiatico outlined grant opportunities that could support 24 new positions, while supervisors tabled action to allow more review of potential costs. The board also approved items involving solid waste services, sheriff’s office ballistic vest funding, cash reconciliation work, and a Warren Coalition landlord consent request. The meeting also included economic development updates, VDOT and Extension reports, and public comments. Click to read more.

As the June 30th end of Fiscal Year 2026 (FY-26) approaches with final decisions looming on the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY-27) budget, at its 1 p.m., June 2nd meeting/work session, the Warren County Board of Supervisors faced a number of presentations related to necessary or adequate funding of department...

06/04/2026

Warren County Public Schools is looking into expanding before and after-school care at three elementary schools that do not currently have on-site programs. The School Board voted June 3 to authorize an RFP seeking outside providers for Leslie Fox Keyser, A.S. Rhodes, and Ressie Jeffries elementary schools. A parent survey showed strong interest, with nearly 80% of respondents interested in after-school care. Board members said affordability, scheduling, and safe supervision will be key as the division explores options. Click to read more.

Warren County Public Schools will seek outside providers interested in offering before and after-school care at three elementary schools that currently lack on-site programs. At its June 3, 2026, meeting, the Warren County School Board voted to authorize the superintendent to develop and issue a req...

06/04/2026

Virginia health officials say measles cases have climbed to 77 this year, with most infections centered around Buckingham County and involving unvaccinated people. Many cases are in babies and children under 12, prompting renewed calls for families to check vaccination status. Health officials say the MMR vaccine remains the best protection, and anyone with questions should speak with a trusted healthcare provider. The outbreak has not yet overwhelmed local health systems, but officials warn measles can lead to serious complications, including hospitalization. Click to read more.

Virginia’s measles count has jumped by more than 30 cases in recent weeks, with most of the infections centered in Central Virginia around Buckingham County. Data from the Virginia Department of Health shows that there have been 77 cases this year, most involving unvaccinated people. The bulk of t...

06/04/2026

A major bipartisan housing bill is moving through Congress with support from Virginia lawmakers, but key details are still being worked out. The 21st Century ROAD To Housing Act aims to boost housing supply, limit large investment firms from buying too many single-family homes, encourage redevelopment of vacant commercial properties, and support manufactured housing. It also includes zoning guidance for local governments. Supporters say the bill could help address affordability and homeownership challenges, while lawmakers caution that differences between House and Senate versions remain. Click to read more.

Last summer, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., criticized Congress for often “kicking the can” on federal housing policy. One year later, federal lawmakers are close to sending a large bipartisan housing bill to President Donald Trump’s desk. Dubbed the 21st Century ROAD To Housing Act, the effort...

06/04/2026

Warren County School Board members are weighing whether a proposed scent-awareness guideline belongs in formal policy or school handbooks. The draft would encourage students, staff, and visitors to avoid strong fragrances, scented cleaning products, deodorizers, perfumes, and colognes in school buildings to help protect indoor air quality and reduce health triggers. But several board members said they support awareness while questioning how such a policy could be enforced. The proposal was discussed during a first reading on June 3 and may return for further review. Click to read more.

A proposed scent-awareness policy for Warren County Public Schools drew discussion from School Board members on June 3, with several saying they support the idea of courtesy and awareness but question whether the language belongs in formal board policy. The proposal came during the first reading of....

06/04/2026

Ant season is back, and those tiny kitchen invaders are wasting no time finding crumbs, leaks, and entry points. The good news? A few simple steps can help keep them out. Seal cracks around windows, doors, baseboards, and pipes. Wipe counters, sweep crumbs, store food in sealed containers, and fix dripping faucets. Borax bait, vinegar, and peppermint may also help disrupt trails and reach the colony. The key is consistency: close the gaps, remove the food and water, and make your home a lot less inviting. Click to read more.

Every spring, like clockwork, they return. They show up on the kitchen counter, along the windowsill, or marching across the floor in a determined little line toward the crumb you forgot about last Tuesday. Ant season has arrived, and this year’s colony is just as motivated as last year’s. The g...