The first of two scheduled felony trials on Child Cruelty charges against former Hilda J. Barbour pre-school teacher Kayla Ann Bennett scheduled for Warren County Circuit Court this week followed the pattern of earlier, related misdemeanor Assault and Battery charges — it was dismissed (Nolle Prosequi) by the prosecution. The most recent dismissal came on Monday, April 1, the day prior to the scheduled trial. Warren County Commonwealth’s Attorney John Bell explained the “nul pros” as a result of the continued absence of a pivotal prosecution witness out of state, coupled with issues of running past prescribed time-frames for a defendant’s right to a “Speedy Trial” resolution of charges against them.

Witness availability and speedy trial statutes have impacted prosecutions in the cases of undue physical contact with students brought against former Hilda J. Barbour pre-school teacher Kayla Bennett. Royal Examiner File Photo

That missing prosecution witness is a teacher’s aide who is believed to have witnessed incidents of harsh treatment of two children in Bennett’s classroom. Bell said the witness is slated to return to the area tomorrow, Wednesday, April 3. So, the second scheduled felony Child Cruelty trial of Bennett slated for Thursday, April 4, was still on as of Tuesday morning, Bell said.

Bell explained the surviving felony charges the prosecution chose to focus on due to earlier witness availability or other issues revolving around four related Assault and Battery misdemeanor charges, were divided by two separate victims. Bennett taught a pre-school class of 20 children ages 2 to 5, with most children 3-to-4 years old. Half of Bennett’s class were considered Special Needs students.

As previously reported by Royal Examiner, past courtroom discussion and related filings and public school releases on the allegations indicated the charges revolved around a parental belief Bennett may have initiated undue physical contact with two of her special needs, pre-school students aged 3 to 4 years, with the incidents occurring “between January 4 through May 5” of 2023. It appears the incidents the felony charges involve came at the later end of that time-frame, in April to May of last year. Public School system administrators said they were made aware of the allegations on May 4, 2023. The grand jury returned indictments on June 12. Bennett was initially charged on a total of six counts, two felony counts of Cruelty/Injure a Child and four misdemeanor charges of Assault and Battery.

As Royal Examiner reported in the wake of earlier motions being filed and responded to after charges were filed: “Citing the age of his client’s former students as 3 to 4 years old, defense counsel Thomas Plofchan may have hinted at one possible defense claim at trial. Illustrating a point in reaction to sections of the Assault and Battery code as ‘rude and unwanted touching’ the defense attorney noted that a teacher grabbing and jerking a youngsters arm to pull the child away from a doorway it was standing in that was about to be slammed shut by another student, could be interpreted by the grabbed student as ‘rude or unwanted touching’ without realizing the context of the teacher’s intervention to prevent a potential injury.”

It appears we will find out if such evidentiary testimony finally comes into play at trial on Thursday.

Small patient alert!

This hatchling Snapping Turtle was found back in January in a homeowner’s yard cold, lethargic, and covered in mud. Concerned by this behavior and time of year, the homeowner brought them in for care.

Patient 24-16 weight on intake. @BRWC 2024

After slowly warming the turtle up and providing hydration, the patient began to perk up and move around. Staff found no injuries during exam and noted that all limbs are fully operational.

Weighing in at only 10g and having a soft plastron (bottom part of shell on the turtle’s “belly”), this patient was likely hatched this year and is still in the fragile newborn stage.

Many turtle species that hatch in late fall overwinter underground and do not emerge until spring, so we suspect that this turtle may have been accidentally dug up, or was flooded out of a nest from the recent heavy rains.

Patient 24-16 after 84 days in care. @BRWC 2024

This patient has been with us for over 80 days and he now weighs a whopping 55g!

Snapping turtles continue to grow for their entire lives, and if provided adequate resources, can reach over 40 lbs. They can also live over 40 years in the wild, so this little guy has a long life ahead of him thanks to his awesome rescuers!

We are pleasantly surprised by his voracious appetite and are looking forward to a happy release come May 1st.

But they are so scary!!!!

Adult Snapping turtle patient from 2022, being held by BRWC Hospital Director, Dr. Jen Riley. @BRWC 2022

Snapping turtles are our biggest native turtles and have a serious bite (hence the name). However, snappers play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of their ecosystems!

As predators, they help regulate populations of various species, including fish, frogs, and invertebrates – preventing overpopulation of certain species and preserving biodiversity. And their scavenging behavior cleans up aquatic habitats by consuming dead and decaying matter.

Even better, snapping turtles serve as indicators of ecosystem health; their presence often signifies the presence of healthy wetlands and water bodies. So if you see a snapper, just keep your distance and appreciate them from afar!

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.

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 1 to 7, eastbound and westbound – Right shoulder closures for litter pickup, 12 noon to 3 p.m. Monday.

Mile marker 7 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday.

*NEW* Mile marker 9 to 7, westbound – Overnight right lane closure at Shenandoah River bridge for utility work, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. nights April 1 – April 26.

*UPDATE* Mile marker 9 to 7, westbound – Right shoulder closures for sign work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

INTERSTATE 81
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound—There will be Overnight lane closures and traffic-lane shifts as needed from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through December 2024. Shoulder closures will also be 24/7. The work zone speed limit is 55 miles an hour. The work is related to the southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening, which is estimated to be completed in late 2024.

PRIMARY ROADS
*NEW* Route 11 (Valley Pike) – Flagger traffic control near Shenandoah County line for inspection of bridge over Cedar Creek, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday.

*NEW* Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) – Northbound and southbound single-lane closures between Route 661 (Fairground Road) and Route 655 (Country Club Road) for sign installations, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

*NEW* Various roads – Flagger traffic control on parts of Route 55 (Strasburg Road), Route 340 (Royal Avenue/Stonewall Jackson Highway) and Route 522 (Remount Road/Commerce Avenue) in the Front Royal area for utility work, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

SECONDARY ROADS
No lane closures were reported.

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 at www.511Virginia.org.

In an inspiring move towards community engagement and educational enhancement, the Warren County Educational Endowment is gearing up for its first annual Grant Showcase event on April 10th at Skyline Middle School. This pivotal occasion, honoring co-founder John Marlow, promises to be a night of community building, showcasing the impactful work funded by the endowment’s grants over the years.

Dr. Tom Patteson and Philip Vaught shared insights into the upcoming event and the endowment’s significant contributions to local education. Since its inception in 1994, the endowment has disbursed over $750,000 in grants, supporting innovative and enriching educational programs across Warren County schools.

The upcoming event at Skyline Middle School at 7 p.m. is a showcase and a tribute to Marlow’s legacy and the endowment’s commitment to fostering educational excellence. Attendees will be treated to presentations from recent grant recipients, encompassing a wide range of programs from whiteboards in classrooms to specialized welding classes that have paved the way for lucrative career paths for students.

Moreover, the event will highlight the endowment’s unique role as a privately endowed entity within the public school system, emphasizing the importance of community contributions and donations. With a current corpus of $1.5 million and a goal to reach $2.5 million by 2025, the endowment continues to seek community support through donations, bequests, and grassroots fundraising.

This first annual Grant Showcase, open to the public and free of charge, is an excellent opportunity for community members to learn about the transformative projects the endowment has supported. It serves as a reminder of the power of community investment in education and the lasting impact such support can have on students’ lives.

As Dr. Patteson and Mr. Vaught highlighted, the endowment has always been about more than just funding; it’s about building a stronger, more educated community. From funding state-of-the-art technology to essential life skills programs, the Warren County Educational Endowment is a testament to the community’s dedication to its future generations.

Front Royal’s Samuels Public Library is not just about books; it’s a vibrant community hub offering a plethora of activities and events for all ages this April. With Grace Green and Machal Ashby at the forefront, the library continues to enrich the community’s cultural and educational landscape.

For the Adults: The library is not holding back on providing enriching experiences with not one but two photography programs – “Night and Sunset Photography” and “Bluebells and Wildflowers,” taking place in the breathtaking Shenandoah River State Park. These events, alongside a workshop on fall prevention and informational programs on crisis intervention and health testing, signify the library’s commitment to the community’s well-being and interests.

For the Kids and Teens: The library ensures that younger community members have a plethora of engaging activities. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for special needs children, Dungeons and Dragons for teens, and a delightful story walk at Easton Park featuring “Duck, Duck, Dinosaur” are just a few highlights. Regular programs like music and movement, storytime with the Sheriff’s Department, and science-focused clubs also promise a fun and educational experience.

Taste for Books – British Invasion: The library’s key fundraiser, Taste for Books, is set to captivate attendees with its British Invasion theme this year. This event is a significant fundraiser and a night of fun, food, and community bonding, where attendees can dress as their favorite British icons, bid on silent auction items, and enjoy games and prizes.

Samuels Public Library’s efforts to offer such a wide array of events underscore the institution’s role as a cornerstone of community life in Front Royal. By fostering a love for reading, encouraging educational pursuits, and providing a space for community engagement, the library exemplifies public libraries’ profound impact on their communities.

So, Samuels Public Library has something for everyone this April, whether you’re interested in exploring photography, participating in engaging workshops, or simply looking for fun family activities. Don’t miss these fantastic opportunities to connect, learn, and have fun in your community!

Click here for more events happening at Samuels Public Library.

The recent wildfire emergency has highlighted the exceptional dedication and collaboration between our local fire and sheriff’s departments. Fire Chief Jimmy Bonzano and Sheriff Crystal Cline shared insights into the challenges faced during a series of wildfires and strong winds that ravaged Warren County, testing the limits of our emergency services.

On Wednesday, the 20th, Warren County was hit by significant winds, contributing to the outbreak of fires that scorched about 100 acres. This event significantly strained local resources, prompting an all-hands-on-deck response from both departments, volunteers, and the community. The unified effort displayed by our emergency personnel, alongside the overwhelming community support, showcases the resilience and strength of our town.

Chief Bonzano praised the seamless coordination between fire, EMS, and law enforcement personnel who worked tirelessly to manage the crisis. Despite being stretched thin, the dedication of our first responders ensured that, although some structures were lost, no homes were completely destroyed. An evacuation of 20 homes was efficiently executed, demonstrating the effective collaboration among different agencies and the community’s willingness to step up in times of need.

Sheriff Kline highlighted the challenge of managing the surge in emergency calls, with 288 calls flooding in during the crisis. The sheriff’s office, already handling tens of thousands of calls annually, had to mobilize all available personnel to address the situation. Despite the pressure, the community’s outpouring of support in the form of food, water, and assistance was a silver lining, underscoring the deep bonds within our town.

The fire department’s need for additional staffing was highlighted, with Chief Bonzano advocating for nine new positions to ensure adequate emergency response capabilities. While the sheriff’s office also faces challenges, the focus remains on equipping both departments with the necessary resources to serve the community effectively.

This recent emergency has tested our emergency services and reinforced the importance of community solidarity. It is a reminder of the critical role our first responders play and the collective responsibility we share in supporting them. As we move forward, let us continue to build on this foundation of mutual support and collaboration, ensuring that Warren County remains a strong, resilient community capable of facing any challenge together.