News Makers Todd Jones and Gerry Maiatico on their friendly Camping for Hunger competition

Scott Bradley speaks with Todd Jones and Gerry Maiatico about their friend competition between Warren County Government and Warren County Fire and Rescue for Camping for Hunger.

There is still time to make a donation for Camping for Hunger by going to one of the many drop off locations throughout town, including at the Warren County Government Offices and the fire station, as well as our main location at the Royal Plaza.

For Todd and Gerry’s News Maker, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Front Royal issues update on litigation with EDA

The Town of Front Royal provided an update regarding the ongoing litigation with the Front Royal- Warren County Economic Development Authority.

Earlier this year, the Town intensified its efforts to settle the litigation between the parties.

The Mayor, EDA Chair and financial teams established a timeline to address and resolve all outstanding claims.

The process was intricate due to missing documents attributed to the misconduct of former EDA Executive Director Jennifer McDonald and the lack of required EDA audits.

Legal proceedings flowing from the situation have been ongoing for years and led to substantial costs shouldered by town and county residents.

In an effort to prevent further financial strain, the town has decided to nonsuit the lawsuit against the EDA.

The Town remains hopeful that this decision will lead to a constructive response from the EDA and acknowledges the various challenges remaining including unresolved Town of Front Royal interests in public trust properties, currently for sale, or under contract, and other projects.

To view the full press release from the Town of Front Royal, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Northrop Grumman invests $200 million in Waynesboro, creates 300 new jobs

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Northrop Grumman Corporation, a global aerospace and defense technology company, will establish a new advanced electronics manufacturing and testing facility in Waynesboro.

Northrop Grumman will invest over $200 million in the state-of-the-art facility which will create more than 300 jobs upon completion over the next five years.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Waynesboro to secure the project for the Commonwealth.

Governor Youngkin also approved a $8.5 million grant from the Opportunity Fund to assist Waynesboro with the project.

Northrop Grumman will also receive support from the Virginia Talent Accelerator program to expedite the start up process with recruitment and training services at no cost to the company as an incentive for job creation.

Governor Youngkin said, “Northrop Grumman’s expanding Virginia footprint sends a powerful message that the Commonwealth is a magnet for investment underpinned by a next-generation workforce. This global leader’s cutting-edge facility in Waynesboro will provide job opportunities that attract and retain high-quality talent and create a transformational ripple effect for the entire region.”

To view the Governor’s full announcement, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

REC awards $101,000 to local nonprofits

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative announced the recipients of their bi-annual Power of Change Awards.

Through the Power of Change, member owners at REC voluntarily support nonprofits for those in need.

Over $101,000 was awarded to 24 nonprofits in the community this fall.

Some of those recipients include:

  • The 2 for 2 Foundation in Winchester which received $5,000 for their Swim Literacy Program
  • BRAWS, or Bringing Resources to Aid Women’s Shelters, in Frederick County received over $6,000 to provide undergarments and personal supplies for women and girls in need
  • Literacy Volunteers- Winchester Area was the recipient of $7,500 for their Family Literacy Program
  • Faithworks Winchester accepted $4,000 to supplement out of the ordinary and unexpected financial burdens for low income families and individuals
  • Living by His Grace Ministries in Front Royal received $5,000 to prevent the exploitation of children in the community
  • Front Royal/Warren County CCCAP’s Family Resource Center computer station acquired $1,500 through the program.

Applications for the Spring edition of The Power of Change opens on December 8th with the deadline to apply on February 10th, 2024.

REC members looking to give back to the community can participate by making a one time donation, enrolling in a set monthly amount, or rounding up on their monthly bill.

To learn more about The Power of Change or apply, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

T-Mobile awards $10,000 to BRAFB to fight food insecurity

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank was one of five recipients of $10,000 from T-Mobile’s Difference Maker Award.

T-Mobile employees from around Virginia were able to select organizations they felt were deserving of the Difference Maker Award.

The quarterly recognition program launched earlier this year to recognize top-ranked business performance areas across the company.

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank was awarded the funds for their work in providing food for people living with hunger across 25 counties and 8 cities.

The Food Bank operated four distribution centers in Winchester, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and Verona.

During the presentation Millie Winstead, the Director of Development and Community Engagement at the Food Bank said, “With colder months ahead and inflation still very much present, our guests face unfathomable choices between putting food on their table, heating their home, or paying for other critical, daily expenses. Partners like T-Mobile help the Food Bank fill those gaps and set a place at the table for everyone.”

You can help fight food insecurity with The River 95.3 this week during Camping For Hunger by stopping by one of the many drop off locations around town or the big yellow school bus at the Royal Plaza.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.