Drayage Brokers in Front Royal, VA

The Front Royal Town Council chose a new chief government administrator on Monday.

Joseph W. Petty, the executive director of the Warren Heritage Society, will take over as town manager on April 14. Council members voted 6-0 on Monday to hire Petty as the next town manager and to ratify and approve his employee agreement.

Vice Mayor Amber Veitenthal and council members Melissa DeDomenico-Payne, Joshua Ingram, H. Bruce Rappaport, R. Wayne Sealock and Glenn Wood voted in favor of hiring Petty. Council members made no comments prior to the vote.

Mayor Lori Cockrell, who votes in the event of a tie, commented after the vote.

“I’m excited for all of us that we will welcome Mr. Petty as our town manager to begin on April 14,” Cockrell said.

Petty will lead 177 employees and oversee a $51 million budget. Petty will receive a salary of $145,000.

Finance Director B.J. Wilson has served as interim town manager since Waltz’ departure.

Front Royal posted the advertisement for the job on Dec. 23 and the town received approximately 40 applications from candidates across the country, Cockrell said in an email Tuesday.

The mayor and council members reviewed the applications in order to narrow down the candidate pool. The process included a candidate questionnaire, virtual and in-person interviews before they made their selection, Cockrell said. The mayor thanked town staff for helping to conduct the search. The town saved money by doing the process in house rather than hiring an outside firm, Cockrell said.

Petty, a former Warren County employee, succeeds Joseph Waltz, who resigned from the position in December. Town staff conducted the search process and council members and the mayor reviewed applications. Council members and the mayor then interviewed applicants in closed sessions held in “undisclosed locations” around town.

The news release states that the town received a “strong” list of candidates.

Cockrell states in the release that she has worked with Petty and that he “has always shown an excellent work ethic, a positive outlook, and a keen ability to communicate with citizens, staff and elected officials. He has a passion and a true understanding of our community which made him the best candidate to continue moving Front Royal forward.”

Petty worked for Warren County’s Planning and Zoning Department, eventually serving as its director until he was hired to lead the newly created Economic Development and Tourism Department. In May, he left that job to work at the the Warren Heritage Society.

Petty holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University. Following his graduation, Petty served as vice president of operations for a business development organization that attracted commercial and residential development. He began working for the county in 2018.

Petty also belongs to the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials and the Virginia Economic Developers Association.

Front Royal’s own Earth Day celebration is back and bigger than ever. Lone Pine Day 2025 is set for Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the downtown gazebo, offering a full day of nature, education, and fun for the whole family. This marks the fourth annual Lone Pine Day—an event named after the town’s iconic white pine tree that towers above the skyline, standing as a symbol of Front Royal’s natural beauty and deep connection to the land.

“This is Earth Day, Front Royal-style,” said Justin Proctor. “It’s a chance for our community to get hands-on with the incredible local groups working every day to protect our forests, watersheds, and wildlife.”

What started with about 500 attendees in its first year has now grown to a celebration expected to draw over 1,000 visitors. With more than 50 conservation, environmental, and outdoor recreation organizations participating, the day offers an impressive showcase of what’s being done across the Shenandoah Valley to protect and preserve our shared resources.

Native Trees and Shrubs Giveaway

One of the most popular features of Lone Pine Day is the native tree and shrub giveaway. In 2023, 350 trees were handed out. This year, that number climbs to 500 free native trees and shrubs, available starting at 10 a.m. But come early—Proctor says last year people were lining up before 9 a.m. to grab theirs.

Nine different native varieties will be available, including trees and shrubs that are better adapted to local conditions, more resilient during droughts, and more beneficial to pollinators and local wildlife. “We want to make it easy for people to do the right thing,” Proctor said, noting how native plants are not only low maintenance but essential to the health of our environment.

Family-Friendly Fun, Food, and Education

The day will also feature live music, food trucks, locally roasted coffee from Woods Coffee, and even a petting zoo. Visitors can also explore booths offering native plants for sale, get tips on reducing invasive species, and learn about volunteer opportunities with local groups.

The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center will return with its popular animal ambassadors, educating the public on local wildlife and how to help them thrive. “It’s not just about seeing the animals,” said Proctor. “They tell you how to prevent the problems that bring these animals into their care in the first place.”

More Than Just a Festival

Lone Pine Day is more than a fun day out—it’s a place where students and young adults can explore careers in conservation and environmental science. Representatives from groups like the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, state and national parks, Soil and Water Conservation District, and others will be present to connect with students and local residents interested in getting involved.

“It’s almost like a big career fair,” Proctor said. “These are real opportunities for our youth to meet professionals, explore paths they might not have considered, and see how they can be part of the solution.”

Facing Drought, Looking Ahead

As drought conditions quietly impact the region despite recent rain, Proctor emphasized the importance of events like Lone Pine Day. “These changing weather patterns affect everything—our forests, our farms, and our drinking water,” he said. “Meeting the people who are working on those issues gives our community the tools to respond and adapt.”

One of the most anticipated features of Lone Pine Day 2025 is the giveaway of 500 free native trees and shrubs, starting at 10 a.m. sharp. Nine varieties are available, chosen for their ability to thrive in local conditions and support pollinators and wildlife—so get there early, as the line starts forming well before the event kicks off!

Native plants, he added, are part of that solution. Their deep roots help retain moisture in the soil, recharge groundwater, and provide much-needed resilience as extreme weather becomes more common.

Volunteers Needed

Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help set up and break down on the day of the event. Anyone interested in lending a hand should arrive at the gazebo around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. “It’s a great way to get involved and meet the community,” Proctor said.

With its focus on local solutions, community connection, and environmental stewardship, Lone Pine Day 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Whether you come for the trees, the animals, or to enjoy a spring day in Front Royal, there’s something for everyone.

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Families in the area are invited to a free community Easter celebration this Saturday at Virginia Hills Church in Front Royal. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and promises a fun-filled morning with activities for all ages.

At the center of the festivities is a classic Easter Egg Hunt, where children can search for brightly colored eggs scattered across the church grounds. The hunt is open to kids of all ages.

In addition to the egg hunt, children will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy time at a petting zoo, and take part in various spring-themed activities. The event will also include plenty of opportunities for families to connect with neighbors and enjoy the outdoors.

Organizers say the event is designed to offer families a joyful way to celebrate the season together—and to make sure everyone feels welcome.

“We love being part of the community, and events like this are one of the ways we can give back,” said a representative from Virginia Hills Church. “It’s all about fun, family, and creating memories.”

No registration is required, and all activities are completely free.

Virginia Hills Church is located at 737 Rockland Road in Front Royal – see the map below. For more information about the event or the church’s other family programs, visit their website or social media pages.

The weather forecast is looking favorable, and church staff say they’re excited to welcome families from across Warren County and beyond.

So grab a basket, round up the kids, and hop on over—the fun starts at 11 a.m. this Saturday.

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On May 12, 2025, or thereafter, proceedings may be commenced pursuant to Virginia Code § 58.1-3965 et seq., to sell the following parcel of real estate located in Warren County, Virginia, due to non-payment of real estate taxes and other fees owed thereon.

Owner(s): Robert Alan Harris & Mary Ellen Harris Property: 129 Summit Point Drive Tax Map No.: 39B 1 95

Owner(s): Lary F. Figgins Property: 1435 John Marshall Highway Tax Map No.: 20A152-8

Owner(s): Gregory Croson Property: 0 Youngs Drive Tax Map No.: 15B 2 2 120

Owner(s): Michael S. Kidwell & Shawn B. Kidwell Property: 1186 Poor House Road Tax Map No.: 37 39B

Owner(s): Charles M. Fischbein Property: 136 Gayles Lane Tax Map No.: 15E-5-5-611

Owner(s): Frank Barnett Jr. Property: 6150 Stonewall Jackson Highway Tax Map No.: 36 90

Owner(s): Nathan Dodson Property: 414 Virginia Avenue Tax Map No.: 20A5 715 8A

Owner(s): Cindy S. Mill & Silas M. Hill Property: 716 W 14th Street Tax Map No.: 20A116 9 H

Owner(s): Tito Howard Property: 0 Old Oregon Road Tax Map No.: 15H 1 66

The owner(s) of the property listed above may redeem it any time before the date of the sale by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, interest, attorney’s fees, and cost owed thereon, including the cost of this publication.

Jason A. Dunn, Esq. (VSB No.: 68117) Jason A. Dunn, PLC 303 34th Street, Unit 6 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Telephone: (757) 937-0872 Email: Jason.dunn@jdunnplc.com Counsel for Warren County

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