Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Bald Eagle
Undercover sting operation at Warren County Target nets $320,000-plus and guilty plea to money laundering by Mexican drug cartel operative
Emergency personnel respond to report of explosion at northside quarry
UPDATE: Route 340/522 closed near I-66 interchange in Warren County
Suspect arrested in firearms brandishing incident that locked down Ressie Jeffries yesterday
Part 1: With no official action in receipt of his verbal resignation, McFadden seeks legal answers to status of that resignation
Supervisors torpedo Reliance Road cluster housing development, approve EMT training incentive pay, and tackle short-term rental and zoning issues
Town Planning Commission routine becoming similar to County’s: More short-term rentals
Town Council and Planning Commission updated on Comp Plan at joint meeting
Supervisors get mixed reaction from teachers after appropriation of additional $5.7 million of $6.9 million set aside for support of public schools budget
Town Talk: A conversation with Lorne Fyfe, Rivermont Baptist Church – Fall Festival on September 10, 2022
Town Talk: A conversation with Sgts Terry Fritts and Roger Vorous, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, TRIAD
Town Talk: A conversation with Michal Ashby and Erin Rooney – Samuels Public Library
Town Talk: A conversation with Author Todd Dennick: It Will Come: Alaskan Adventures Pale in Comparison to Surviving Sepsis
Town Talk: A conversation with Dr. Chris Ballenger, Superintendent, Warren County Schools
Hometown Faces: Meet Scott Reid
Hometown Faces: Meet Suzanne Silek
Hometown Faces: Meet John Marlow
Hometown Faces: Meet Harry Bowen – soon to be 100
WATCH: Faces of Our Valley – Selah Theatre Project, Glory Bea!
Local Republican James Bergida enters race for Virginia Senate District 1
Meet the Candidates: Delores R. Oates, Virginia House of Delegates, District 31
Meet the Candidates: Merritt Hale, US Congress, 6th District
Lance Allen announces candidacy for Virginia’s First Senate District
Meet the Candidates: Robert Hupman announces for Virginia Senate seat in new District 1
SAR conducts successful Color Guard Workshop
This week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of August 26th
Children activities by Samuels Public Library for the month of September
Warren Coalition offers free Trauma-Informed Certification
Samuels Public Library Adult Programming events for September
Ressie Jeffries Elementary School placed in lockdown
Front Royal Police respond to brandishing incident at Royal Plaza
Local bank robbed at gunpoint, public’s assistance requested
Warren County Grand Jury of August 8, 2022 indictments
17-year-old charged with ‘Driving Under the Influence’ in fatal Rockingham County two-vehicle collision – speed also cited as factor in ongoing investigation
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 8/22/2022
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 8/15/2022
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 8/8/2022
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 8/1/2022
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 7/18/2022
Legal Notice: Hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection
EDA: Request for Qualifications for the provision of debt collection legal services
EDA: Invitation to bid; roof replacement
Special Commissioners Sale Saturday, October 5, 2019: Two adjoining tracts 42 & 41 acres
UPDATE: Paving continues on North Royal Avenue
Town Notice: Road closure – North Commerce Avenue, 6th Street to Royal Avenue; paving continues
Town Notice: Road closure – North Royal Avenue and 6th Street
Town Notice: Paving on North Royal starts July 18
Town Notice: Planning Commission vacancy
EDA Board Chairman Jeff Browne reacts to July civil litigation results ordering total of over $13.35 million paid to the County Economic Development Authority
Jury awards WC EDA $11.9 million-plus in civil compensatory claims against ITFederal and Truc ‘Curt’ Tran
EDA civil liability defendant ‘Curt’ Tran on witness stand for over 4-1/2 hours as trial heads into final day
EDA vs. Tran/ITFederal civil liability and counterclaim trial heads into third day with defense poised to call final series of witnesses
First day of $11-million EDA vs. ‘Curt’ Tran civil liability trial concludes
EDA Board Chairman Jeff Browne reacts to July civil litigation results ordering total of over $13.35 million paid to the County Economic Development Authority
Jury awards WC EDA $11.9 million-plus in civil compensatory claims against ITFederal and Truc ‘Curt’ Tran
EDA civil liability defendant ‘Curt’ Tran on witness stand for over 4-1/2 hours as trial heads into final day
EDA vs. Tran/ITFederal civil liability and counterclaim trial heads into third day with defense poised to call final series of witnesses
First day of $11-million EDA vs. ‘Curt’ Tran civil liability trial concludes
Chamber welcomes Kells Belles to Front Royal
Chamber welcomes Garcia & Gavino to Front Royal
Local Senior Center reopens with new location and new name
Quality Title moves to a new home in Front Royal
Grand re-opening & ribbon cutting at Royal Cinemas
Warner & Kaine celebrate Inflation Reduction Act becoming law
Warner & Kaine announce more than $2.1 million in funding to address COVID-19 in rural Virginia communities
Kaine, Murkowski, Sinema, and Collins introduce legislation to codify Roe v. Wade
Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – July 29, 2022
Kaine statement on Senate passage of bill to boost domestic chip manufacturing
Business continues to grow as Port processes heavy imports and sets volume record for July
Three years of Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center
Rebecca Segal named CEO of Fauquier Health
Most approve of legalized sports wagering, but concerns over college games remain
Extraordinary Registered Nurse, Kari Schwind, recognized at Fauquier Health as DAISY Award Winner
Registration now open for 2022 Virginia Veterans & Military Affairs Conference
Attorney General Miyares announces major victory in the fight against makers of Suboxone
Governor Glenn Youngkin announces multi-location investment by DroneUp, creating 655 jobs in Virginia
Virginia Attorney General Miyares joins investigation into ESG Ratings Company Morningstar and its Subsidiary Sustainalytics
Governor Glenn Youngkin announces Next Virginia Energy Plan open for public comment now accepting ideas and comments for the next Virginia Energy Plan
Playoff Game 2 : Front Royal Cardinals vs Woodstock River Bandits – July 27
Rescheduled: Front Royal Cardinals vs Strasburg Express – Monday, July 25
Front Royal Cardinals vs Purceville Cannons – Thursday, July 21
Front Royal Cardinals vs New Market Rebels – Sunday, July 24
CANCELED: Valley Baseball League: All Star Game at the “Bing” – Sunday, July 17th
WCHS vs Sherando – Girls Volleyball – August 29
WCHS JV Football: Warren County vs Clark County – August 24
WCHS vs Strasburg – Girls Volleyball – August 23
WCHS Football: Broadway HS Gobblers vs Warren County HS Wildcats
Warren County High School Graduation – Saturday, May 28, 2022
Skyline High School Graduation – Saturday, May 28, 2022
Skyline High School Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony
Baccalaureate service for graduating seniors
Skyline vs Independence High School, February 12, 2021 at 6 PM in the third round of the Region 3B Basketball Tournament
Skyline vs James Monroe High School, February 9, 2021 at 6 PM in the second round of the Region 3B Basketball Tournament
Warren County Middle School vs Skyline Middle School – Girls Basketball, October 4, 2021
Warren County Middle School vs Frederick County Middle School – Girls Basketball, September 27, 2021
Warren County Middle School vs Daniel Morgan Middle School – Girls Basketball, September 23, 2021
Warren County Middle School vs Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School – Girls Basketball, September 20th, 2021
Warren County Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 8th Grade
Warren County Middle School vs Skyline Middle School – Girls Basketball, October 4, 2021
Skyline Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 8th Grade
Skyline Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 7th Grade
Skyline Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 6th Grade
Skyline Middle School vs Daniel Morgan, June 3rd – Girls Volleyball
Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Event
WATCH: E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Parade
WATCH: Ressie Jeffries Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Parade
WATCH: Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Parade
Buying a home within your means: what does it mean?
Virginia home prices still climbing, but cooling market brings moderation
Ask the expert: What are contingencies in a real estate deal?
Real Estate and Community News (July/August 2022) with Jen Avery, REALTOR
5 reasons you may be struggling to get home insurance
OPEN HOUSE: 159 High Point Court, Front Royal – This Saturday, April 2nd
House for sale: 159 High Point Court, Front Royal
House for sale: 104 Foam Flower, Lake Frederick
Property for sale: 425 N Royal Ave, Front Royal – Watch the tour!
House for sale: 361 Walnut Drive, Front Royal – Watch the tour!
Start your day with a smile
Start your day with a smile
Start your day with a smile
Start your day with a smile
Start your day with a smile
Buying locally: A profitable gesture for us all
Into the metaverse: the virtual future
What do resource teachers do?
Scientists uncover thriving ecosystem in hidden subsurface antarctic waterways
How a fence can increase the value of your property
To Censor or not to Censor, that is a Difficult Question
The Cracked Acorn: Time Wings
The Cracked Acorn: 2 or more
The Cracked Acorn: The Foot Step
Should I Choose Passion or Duty?
Why we should be ‘Babyish’ in Love
The School of Life: How to Stop Playing Games in Love
The School of Life: How You Can Be Too Clever
Looking Back: A Mothers Revenge – Hannah Duston
Ben Franklin and his miraculous lightning rod
The Year Without A Summer : “Eighteen Hundred & Froze To Death”
America’s veterans remembered and honored for their service across the years
How much do you know about Veterans Day?
5 meaningful ways to celebrate Veterans Day
5 ways to celebrate Veterans Day
The 11hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – Veterans Day 2020
Real Estate and Community News (July/August 2022) with Jen Avery, REALTOR
Donations to aid Kentucky still accepted at Aders Insurance Agency
Rugged Terrain Crossfit takes home the trophy at the Waggin’ for Dragons 2022 race
Community groups and businesses donate almost 500 backpacks
2022 YES Conference | Finding Your Balance for our high school students
The Rotary Club of the Northern Shenandoah Valley hosting blood drive
Help replenish the blood supply after holiday weekend
Community Blood Drive to be held this Wednesday, March 3rd
Santa Claus is coming to Town, Warren County!
A “COVID Christmas” message from Santa
Warren Heritage Society announces the publication of their newest book, “Coming Together”
Send bracelets to quarantined residents of Commonwealth Assisted Living in Front Royal through WeAreSPACE.org
Warren’s Heritage: Native American History-Part 10
Warren’s Heritage: Native American History-Part 9
Warren’s Heritage: Native American History-Part 8
Breakfast with Barry Lee – Dishing out ample servings of positivity, humor, and community spirit.
Before Amazon, Sears disrupted retail
Canning history: How canned food revolutionized society
Leaders: Peter Thiel looks to future
Savings interest rates may rise slowly
From farming to mapping the world: Meet Gladys West
Experience is worth its weight in gold
Your resume is your calling card
How to land your first job as a recent graduate
Salmon, mango and avocado tartar
The table is set for the harvest season!
5 of the best draft horse breeds
How will climate change impact agriculture?
Good dental hygiene starts early
The ‘good life’ is hidden in the portion size
This sneak thief can be arrested
Seven ways to hammer hay fever
Bullying and harassment at school: an appalling problem
4 reasons to hire a professional fence contractor
Help kids get to school and home safely
Should you repair or replace your broken dishwasher?
10 ways for seniors to keep busy
5 ideas for a dream retirement vacation
4 symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
What you need to know about compression stockings
Do you know Louis Braille?
5 tips for camping in your backyard
3 ways to have fun with soap bubbles
How well do you know your summer sports?
Nature quiz: find the odd one out
5 tips for driving with your pet this summer
What you need to know about head pressing in pets
Can you teach your dog to speak?
Adopting a pet duck: what you need to know
“I need to eat every three hours”
5 ideas for a dream retirement vacation
How to prepare for a solo trip
5 good reasons to book your cruise early
What to do with a recall
Reduce fuel consumption by 10% with fuel-efficient driving
Keeping a car forever — or almost
5 tips for driving with your pet this summer
Leaks can be a tell-tale sign
Independence Day quiz: patriotic quotes
Why Independence Day is celebrated on July 4
The Declaration of Independence: What Does it Say?
The surprisingly messy history of flag cake
RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the historic Rockingham Cooperative will invest nearly $17 million to upgrade and expand the grain handling and feed manufacturing operations at its Dayton mill in Rockingham County. Founded in 1921 to save Shenandoah Valley farmers money on feed and fertilizer, the Rockingham Cooperative now boasts 5,156 member farms across twenty-five states, enjoying annual revenues of nearly $130 million. Through this expansion, the Cooperative will add jobs and has committed to purchasing more than $11.6 million, or 30,000 tons, of Virginia-grown soybeans, corn, and barley over the next three years.
“As Virginia’s largest private industry, our agricultural sector draws its strength from the diversity of our production and the entrepreneurial spirit like those who make up this farmer-member cooperative,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “I thank Rockingham Cooperative for its commitment to the Commonwealth and wish them all the best during their next 100 years of service to the farmers of Virginia.”
“Rockingham Cooperative is an invaluable partner to Virginia’s agricultural industry, whose expansion will have far-reaching benefits to farms in the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “It’s through partnerships like this one formed one hundred years ago, that continue to make the Virginia agricultural community second to none. I am grateful to Rockingham County for its partnership with the Commonwealth to support this important project.”
“Rockingham Cooperative has long provided a firm foundation for the success of our members for the past 100 years,” said Rockingham Cooperative Feed Division Manager Keith Turner. “This AFID grant, combined with the major investment from Rockingham Cooperative, serves as a statement that the Commonwealth of Virginia and Rockingham Cooperative are committed to preserving and advancing the agricultural industry in Virginia. Through this expansion, Rockingham Cooperative is poised to continue its bedrock support of the agricultural industry in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, and beyond for the next 100 years.”
“More than a century ago, Rockingham Cooperative grew out of a local, communal need of the farming community. The Cooperative and particularly its feed division, Rockingham Mill, continues to support local farms and serves customers far beyond the Valley,” said Rockingham County Board of Supervisors Chair Sallie Wolfe-Garrison. “The expansion of Rockingham Mill is a testament to the Cooperative’s success in providing service today while planning for and anticipating the needs of tomorrow. Rockingham County is so very fortunate to have enterprises such as Rockingham Cooperative continuing the legacy of providing quality agricultural products throughout the region, the Commonwealth, and beyond.”
“Rockingham Cooperative has served our region’s farms for over a century and we truly value its commitment to supporting local growers and producers,” said Delegate Tony Wilt. “Their expansion directly impacts the heart of our economy, agriculture, and addresses the increased market demand for high-quality animal feed.”
“As an integral part of the Shenandoah Valley’s rich agricultural history, this expansion highlights Rockingham Cooperative’s passionate dedication to serving its members and Rockingham County’s continued commitment to supporting farms and agri-businesses,” said Senator Mark Obenshain. “This strategic infrastructure investment will position the Cooperative to more efficiently and effectively serve its member farms for many more years to come.”
Headquartered in Rockingham County, the Cooperative is a mainstay within the Commonwealth’s leading agricultural region, the Shenandoah Valley, which accounts for more than a third of all agricultural sales in Virginia. Driving the Cooperative’s decision to expand were surging out-of-state demand for their custom feed blends, as well as a constant focus on keeping feed costs low for its members through ongoing improvements in operational efficiencies. These efficiencies will be further bolstered by the Cooperative’s installation of an on-site solar energy system capable of supplying low-cost, green energy for up to 90 percent of the mill’s needs. This project will benefit both Virginia grain producers, as well as the thousands of farmers across Virginia and beyond who rely on Rockingham Cooperative’s quality feed products and competitive prices.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Rockingham County and Rockingham Cooperative to secure this project for the Commonwealth. Governor Youngkin approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which Rockingham County will match with local funds.
Governor Glenn Youngkin dedicates Seven Bends State Park
May 2022 General Fund revenues remain strong for Virginia
Registration is now open for the 2022 Virginia Veterans & Military Affairs Conference to be held Wednesday, September 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. EDT, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
The annual event, hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VVSF), will bring together government leaders, military leaders, and industry experts for discussions on how to best support Virginia’s military bases and the veteran community through partnerships. The event will support the crucial mission of ensuring Virginia remains the best state in the nation for our military and veteran families to live, work and thrive.
The morning general session will feature keynote remarks by Stu Shea, Chairman and President & CEO of Peraton. Other highlights include a panel of leaders from Virginia’s military installations discussing how we can support the military community in the Commonwealth, plus panel discussions on how employers can play a role in addressing the mental health of our veteran workforce, and how to best ensure successful transitions from military to civilian careers.
The Conference will also include the annual Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Awards Luncheon where selected V3 Certified Employers will be recognized for their exceptional commitment to recruiting and hiring Virginia veterans and military spouses over the past year.
“With more than 700,000 veterans calling Virginia home and thousands more active duty service members and their spouses on bases throughout the state, the military community represents a major component in Virginia’s economic success. This is an important conference for all employers and business leaders to attend,” said DVS Commissioner Daniel Gade.
“With one of the largest veteran populations in the country, Virginia remains deeply committed to empowering the men and women who answer the call to serve by providing a high quality of life for them not only while they serve, but as they transition to civilian life,” said Virginia Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Barry DuVal. “The Virginia Chamber is honored to partner with our state and military leaders on policy initiatives and services that ensure the Commonwealth remains the best state in the nation for military families.”
“Early Bird” discount registration for the 2022 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Conference is available through August 31st. To register for the Conference and luncheon, please visit 2022 Virginia Veterans & Military Affairs Conference – Virginia Chamber of Commerce (vachamber.com).
Current V3 Certified employers are eligible for three free tickets to this event. Further information regarding obtaining the promo code to obtain free registration may be obtained by contacting joy@allaboutpresentation.com.
About the Virginia Chamber of Commerce
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in the Commonwealth, with more than 28,000 members. The Chamber is a non-partisan, business advocacy organization that works in the legislative, regulatory, and political arenas to act as the catalyst for positive change in all areas of economic development and competitiveness for Virginia. In December 2021, the Chamber released its new statewide strategic economic development plan, Blueprint Virginia 2030, which has engaged over 7,000 business, economic development, workforce, education, housing, and other community leaders to lay out a plan to ensure Virginia remains at the top of national business climate rankings. Learn more at www.blueprintvirginia.org.
About the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program
More than 2,100 businesses, state and local government agencies, and educational institutions are part of the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program. These employers have hired more than 90,000 veterans since the program’s inception in 2012. Part of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), the V3 Program helps employers develop and implement long-term strategies and nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans. For more information, please visit www.dvsV3.com.
About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 40 locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. DVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education and other programs. The agency operates two long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, Alzheimer’s/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It also operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.
About the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VVSF)
VVSF is an independent state agency that supports Virginia veterans and their families through the office of the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and its statewide programs. VVSF raises private funds to supplement and extend the reach of DVS programs and services that not covered by state and federal funding. For more information, go to www.vvsf.org or contact VVSF Executive Secretary Karla Williams Boughey at karla.boughey@vsf.virginia.gov.
On August 23, 2022, Virginia Attorney General Miyares announced that the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled Virginia and forty-one other States can proceed with their litigation against the makers of Suboxone for antitrust law violations. Suboxone is a medication that can serve as a supplementary treatment for an individual in recovery from opioid addiction, specifically in alleviating the often grueling withdrawal symptoms.
“The intentional implementation of an illegal ‘product hopping’ scheme to block or delay generic versions of a medication used to help individuals recover from opioid addiction is despicable exploitation of the opioid epidemic. The decisions made by Indivior Inc. caused purchasers to pay artificially high prices for leading opioid addiction treatment, making access to recovery more difficult for Virginians while putting more money into the pockets of the manufacturers amid a national opioid crisis.”
In a sweeping ruling, United States District Judge Mitchell Goldberg denied defendant Indivior Inc.’s Motion for Summary Judgment, holding that there were facts and favorable law for the plaintiffs to proceed. Noting that the volume of facts required “enormous judicial resources” to wade through, the Court denied the defendant’s motions for summary judgment in an 86-page opinion.
The States, led by Wisconsin, alleges that Indivior Inc. used illegal means to switch the Suboxone market from tablets to film while attempting to destroy the market for tablets to preserve its drug monopoly. A trial has not yet been scheduled but is expected next year.
A link to the decision can be found here.
Attorney General Miyares is joined in this victory by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
On August 24, 2022, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that DroneUp, LLC, a leading drone flight services innovator and aviation technology provider, will invest a total of $27.2 million in expanding its headquarters in the City of Virginia Beach and establishing testing, training, and R&D center at Richard Bland College in Dinwiddie County. Virginia successfully competed with Arizona, New York, North Carolina, and Texas for the projects, which will create 655 total new jobs.
DroneUp will invest $7 million to expand its headquarters at 160 Newtown Road in Virginia Beach, creating 510 new jobs. The company will also invest $20.2 million to establish new testing, training, and R&D centers for drone operators at Richard Bland College, creating 145 new jobs.
In addition to the headquarters facility and training center, DroneUp plans to establish three drone hubs at Walmart locations in the Commonwealth this year. DroneUp recently announced a multi-year commercial services agreement with Walmart, Inc. to provide drone delivery services at 34 sites, providing the potential to reach 4 million U.S. households by the end of the year. Walmart has a minority stake in DroneUp and a seat on its board, and in turn, DroneUp is the exclusive provider of drone services for Walmart.
“This is an impressive and highly impactful project for Virginia Beach, Dinwiddie County, and beyond that represents a new age of technology for our society. DroneUp is at the forefront of Unmanned Aircraft System development,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This homegrown Virginia company is transforming product delivery through its partnership with Walmart. We are proud to partner with DroneUp as it extends its footprint across the Commonwealth and creates more than 650 cutting-edge jobs. The Commonwealth competed against multiple states for this expansion project, and I’m so proud of the multi-pronged effort to attract this investment to Virginia.”
“DroneUp’s expansion in Virginia Beach and new testing, training, and R&D center at Richard Bland College is an exciting step forward for the unmanned systems industry in Virginia and serves as a model for higher education partnerships and economic development,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “With the second-highest concentration of tech workers in the nation and world-class education institutions, the Commonwealth is well-positioned to empower DroneUp’s continued success.”
“The team at DroneUp couldn’t be happier with the support we’ve received from Governor Youngkin’s office and the Commonwealth of Virginia as a whole over the years,” said Tom Walker, founder and CEO of DroneUp. “Virginia is our home, and we are proud to be able to continue to bring innovation, talent, and economic opportunities to our great state. This investment and expansion will bring new career opportunities to our region and allow us to tap into the brightest minds around Unmanned Aircraft System development and design.”
“We are beyond thrilled that DroneUp has decided to make Virginia Beach its corporate headquarters and expand their operations by bringing more than 500 new jobs to our community,” said Virginia Beach Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer. “Their expansion is the latest shining example in our city’s history of fostering an environment where businesses can thrive.”
“We welcome DroneUp and their training center program to Dinwiddie County,” said Harrison A. Moody, Chairman, Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors. “The campus of Richard Bland College is the ideal setting for their testing, training, and R&D center, and bringing 145 high-quality jobs to the County presents a phenomenal opportunity for our citizens. DroneUp’s work complements the ongoing efforts of Richard Bland College to develop a curriculum for an unmanned aviation program. Drone technology is cutting-edge, and we are proud to be a part of it.”
“Through strategic linkages with partners like DroneUp, Richard Bland College (RBC) continues to assert itself as a new model for higher education in the Commonwealth,” said President Debbie L. Sydow, Ph.D. “RBC and DroneUp share the vision of delivering a world-class drone pilot training program to expand the UAS workforce in Virginia and nationwide. Now the vision is becoming a reality as DroneUp prepares to welcome its first class to the drone testing, training, and R&D center at Richard Bland College.”
“This exciting announcement is a testament to Virginia’s Gateway Region, a top logistics center in the Commonwealth,” said Keith Boswell, President & CEO of Virginia’s Gateway Region Economic Development Organization. “We look forward to the economic impact this project will bring to our seven communities as individuals and companies travel from near and far to hone their drone technology and delivery skills.”
Tobacco Commission member Senator Joe Morrissey said, “It is wonderful to see an innovative technology company like DroneUp partner with Dinwiddie County and Richard Bland College to bring the future of last-mile delivery to our area, all while creating 145 new high-quality jobs. Additionally, I am excited to see that DroneUp will work with Richard Bland College to instruct students on the use of drone technology, a field that is only going to continue to grow. This is a big win for Dinwiddie County, and I very much look forward to seeing this project succeed.”
Tobacco Commission member Coley J. Drinkwater said, “This is a great day for Dinwiddie County, and I am excited that DroneUp chose to locate here and create 145 great new jobs that will have a lasting impact on our community. Dinwiddie is the perfect place to live and work, and I look forward to welcoming DroneUp as our newest business partner.”
“VIPC’s relationship with DroneUp spans several years and multiple pilot programs with our Virginia Unmanned Systems Center and funding opportunities through our Commonwealth Commercialization Fund and Virginia Venture Partners,” said Robert Stolle, President, and CEO of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC). “They are a shining example of Virginia’s willingness to welcome and support innovation and job creation.”
“As an emerging industry, unmanned systems have been a priority for the Hampton Roads region for several years. We are proud to have DroneUp as a cornerstone of that industry cluster,” said Doug Smith, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance. “DroneUp’s investment at their Virginia Beach headquarters is a testament to their innovation and rapid success in a niche market. Their expansion into other locations in Virginia shows potential for even greater future growth. The Alliance congratulates our friends at DroneUp, the City of Virginia Beach, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership on this exciting win for the Commonwealth.”
“Virginia Beach is the perfect place for DroneUp to continue leading in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries,” said Representative Elaine Luria. “When I visited DroneUp in May, we discussed how investing in technologies and workforce programs is good for business and Coastal Virginia. This expansion is a testament to the thriving workforce in Hampton Roads. I will continue to support businesses like DroneUp that lead in development and innovation and grow and diversify our economy in Hampton Roads.”
“It is an honor and a true testament to Virginia’s pro-business climate that DroneUp has decided to invest in our Commonwealth and expand its headquarters in Virginia Beach,” said Senator Jen A. Kiggans. “DroneUp’s expansion will create 510 new jobs and continue to develop this valuable industry right here in Hampton Roads. I look forward to watching their business grow and provide high-quality service to our residents!”
“The 85th District of Virginia Beach is proud to serve as the home for DroneUp, a global small business,” said Delegate Karen S. Greenhalgh. “Today’s announcement of plans to expand DroneUp’s headquarters, bringing 510 new jobs, is a tremendous investment into our city. Virginia Beach is a great place to live and to work, and we are looking up, thanks to DroneUp!”
“I am thrilled that this innovative technology company has decided to call Virginia its home,” said Representative A. Donald McEachin. “DroneUp’s expansion in our Commonwealth will create hundreds of new jobs in localities across my district, stimulate economic activity, and support other businesses in our communities. Tech is a burgeoning industry, and I look forward to seeing the impact DroneUp will have in Virginia.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity for DroneUp and the folks in Virginia Beach and around Richard Bland College,” said Senator Frank Ruff. “As innovations in the drone world continue to advance, the opportunity for training will also grow.”
“I am thrilled to hear the news of DroneUp investing $20.2 million in our community and bringing 145 jobs to the new training facility at Richard Bland College,” said Delegate Emily M. Brewer. “Innovative partnerships like this demonstrate how creativity in higher education can yield incredible opportunities. This year, one of my priorities was to facilitate budget language so the General Assembly could reduce regulatory barriers to making this training facility happen. I am also very grateful to Governor Youngkin for championing innovation in higher education and workforce development in our Commonwealth.”
In Virginia Beach, Virginia, DroneUp was founded in 2016 by Tom Walker. A privately held company, DroneUp quickly moved from an American small business start-up to a global leader. The company works with more than 20,000 drone pilots to serve its customer portfolio and is dedicated to connecting communities to drone technology globally. DroneUp is recognized as a drone flight services innovation leader, transforming organizations with drone delivery and technology solutions. The company develops SaaS platforms with patented mobile application technology available at the Apple App and Google Play Stores. With technology-driven customers, DroneUp inspires the future of drone services, providing intelligent access to airspace, automation innovation, streamlined process management, operational efficiency, and a commitment to safety.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Virginia Beach, Dinwiddie County, Richard Bland College, and Virginia’s Gateway Region to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $928,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist with the project. The Governor also approved $4 million in funds from the Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant. The Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant was established as a self-funded program of performance-based incentives that the Commonwealth awards to exceptional economic development projects with large numbers of employees and very high wages relative to average wages for that particular area. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a grant for $111,000 from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund for the project, and funding and services to support DroneUp’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
On August 17, 2022, Attorney General Miyares and a coalition of 18 state attorneys general joined Missouri’s investigation into ESG (environmental, social, governance) investing rating company Morningstar Inc. and its subsidiary Sustainalytics for alleged violations of Virginia’s consumer protection laws. This is the first investigation by state attorneys general into an ESG rating company for alleged consumer fraud or unfair trade practices.
“Virginia’s consumer protection laws protect Virginians from companies who don’t like to play by the rules. Virginia has joined the investigation into Morningstar and Sustainalytics in response to credible allegations that they violated our consumer protection laws by allowing anti-Israel bias to infect the ESG ratings they provided to investors,” said Attorney General Miyares.
In early August, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office launched an investigation and sent civil investigative demands to Morningstar and Sustainalytics, both containing 43 interrogatories for documents pertaining to Morningstar’s perceived anti-Israel bias in ESG rating products like Sustainalytics’ “Human Rights Radar,” as well as documents relating to previous investigations into this bias by the law firm White & Case and the Illinois Investment Policy Board.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has now joined this investigation into Morningstar and Sustainalytics.
Some of the interrogatories include:
More information will be made available as this investigation moves forward.
On August 19, 2022, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the development of the Virginia Energy Plan. The Virginia Department of Energy and the administration are accepting ideas and comments on Virginia’s next Energy Plan.
“Our priority is to have a comprehensive Virginia energy plan that considers all energy sources, provides transparent and data-driven information for Virginians about costs, and is an ‘all of the above’ approach,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We believe energy policy isn’t about things, it’s about people. How energy is generated and delivered to Virginians and Virginia businesses should accommodate the current and future needs of all Virginians.”
The objectives of the energy plan will focus on lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, and bringing people to Virginia. Affordability, reliability, capacity, competition, environmental stewardship, choice, and innovation are the seven guiding principles that will inform Governor Youngkin’s ‘all of the above’ approach.
An informational webinar about how you can participate in building the 2022 Virginia Energy Plan will be held on August 24th at 2 p.m. Those wishing to participate may register via this website.
Those wishing to share ideas or submit comments may do so by using one of the options below:
Comments will be accepted through September 16, 2022.
For more information, please visit the Virginia Energy Plan website.
Attorney General Jason Miyares has reached an agreement in principle with opioid maker Endo International PLC and its lenders that would provide up to $450 million to participating states and local governments, ban the promotion of Endo’s opioids, and require Endo to turn over millions of documents related to its role in the opioid crisis for publication in a public online archive. The Commonwealth of Virginia is expected to receive at least $9 million.
The agreement in principle with Endo, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday, August 16, 2022, in the Southern District of New York, resolves allegations that Endo boosted opioid sales using deceptive marketing that downplayed the risk of addiction and overstated the benefits. Endo, an Ireland-based drugmaker with its U.S. headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania, makes generic and branded opioids, including Percocet and Endocet, and also made Opana ER, which was withdrawn from the market in 2017. The states allege that Endo falsely promoted the benefits of Opana ER’s so-called abuse-deterrent formulation, which did nothing to deter oral abuse and led to deadly outbreaks of Hepatitis and HIV due to its widespread abuse via injection.
“Virginia has seen the brutal impact of the opioid epidemic in every corner of the Commonwealth. This nationwide agreement will allow for broad investment and remediation efforts for devastated communities. Although no price can be placed on the thousands of lives lost, this settlement represents a major step towards ensuring that victims receive the treatment and care they need,” said Attorney General Miyares.
The resolution, which is contingent on final documentation and Bankruptcy Court approval, involves the following:
The negotiations are being led by Virginia and the following states: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Vermont. The settlement is also joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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