Top News http://www.dnronline.com/rss_new.php en-us Woodstock - From the deep recesses of human imagination, this past week, the rehab department at the Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in Woodstock unveiled their newly-designed pediatric therapy room.  The transformation process – from boring to spectacular – began with a new paint job to convert the old office into an area where ch http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29643&CHID=43 Luray - Negotiations between Page and Warren counties over a contract to bring about 110 daily tons of trash, and much-needed revenue, from Warren to Battle Creek Landfill have entered their final stages. Though an initially hoped-for starting date of July 1 has come and gone, staff in both counties say the delay should be brief. http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29681&CHID=42 http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29639&CHID=33 ELKTON — June was a month for heat. While temperatures soared into the 90s, eight members of the Elkton Middle School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter blazed a path to a school-record for victories at the 82nd annual Virginia FFA convention in Blacksburg. The eight EMS students, of whom seven are rising eighth grader http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29634&CHID=44 Edinburg - Man of many trades, Daniel Harshman, serves the town of Edinburg as both Mayor and town manager.   “I can honestly say that I get along well with the mayor,” Harshman jokes.  In a recent interview, he discussed juggling both positions, the upcoming plans for the water treatment plant and the renovations for http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29644&CHID=43 Woodstock - The position of designated hitter in baseball is perhaps the most straight-forward one in sports. And the leadoff hitter is one of the most important batters in the lineup. Combine the two and, well, you have Adalberto Santos of the Woodstock River Bandits — a player with plenty of pressure resting on his shoulders. &ld http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29645&CHID=43 New Market - Once upon a time, Mona Wolfe had a home to herself in the summertime. Now, the Valley League fan can’t imagine life without being a host mother of the Rebels. In Shenandoah County, both the New Market Rebels and the Woodstock River Bandits rely on host families to house and take care of Valley League baseball players d http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29646&CHID=43 In commemoration of July 4, we reprint the Declaration Of Independence. No letters or Viewpoint will appear in today's Forum. WHEN, IN THE COURSE http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29642&CHID=36 From small-town bike parades to elaborate firework displays, the Valley will host July 4 celebrations with something for everyone. Friday festivities start in downtown Harrisonburg with the seventh annual Valley Fourth. "There are very few Fourth of July events that are free that offer what we offer," says Kris Ludwig, special ev http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29649&CHID=5 Luray - In an apparent about-face, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has decided to return more than $215,000 in cash confiscated in May during federal raids of four properties connected to the IBR Corporation. Last week, the office suggested it would seek forfeiture of the seized cash. “The money is all being returned,&rdqu http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29682&CHID=42 Shenandoah’s River Park is a great place for town residents and visitors to enjoy the park’s picnic areas, nature trails and mountain views. The park’s close proximity to water also makes it an enjoyable location for insects — and a lot of them. Town of Shenandoah Parks and Recreation Director Kirk Comer routinely http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29684&CHID=42 ELKTON — Four candidates running for office in Elkton next November attended a forum sponsored by A Better Elkton (ABE) at the Elkton Area Community Center last week. Former Elkton council member and ABE supporter Randell Snow, current Elkton Councilmember Margaretta Dean Isom, mayoral candidate Larry Bompiani, and ABE founder Vic http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29636&CHID=44 ELKTON — The Elkton Centennial Committee is looking for participants in the Miss Field Day pageant to be held in July and for the Historical Pageant scheduled for early August. Handbills calling for volunteers for “nonspeaking parts” in the historical pageant are being distributed through town this week. Four na http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29637&CHID=44 ELKTON — As the first item of its special meeting last week, the Elkton Town Council passed, without comment, a final budget, to begin July 1, of $4,884,947. The new budget includes  $150,000 of anticipated revenue from an increased meals tax and another $150,000 in increased revenue from water and sewer rate increases. In an http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29635&CHID=44 OK, I hate to admit it but if you have read this column for a while you already realize it: I am a Microsoft addict. I like Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Media Player, etc. I rarely go over to the dark side of other major providers of software. I did go over to the dark side (Apple) last Christmas when I opted for the iPod over the Zun http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29593&CHID=21 Well, The Obama Campaign must be thankful for drawing the support of a widely influential group of Americans. The Democrat candidate’s Web site contains a link to http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29612&CHID=36 If the Democrats should have learned anything from the last election, it’s not to attack an opponent’s military record without good reason. And Democrat nominee Barack Obama should know that experience is not his strong suit. But neither mattered when one of Mr. Obama’s myrm http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29613&CHID=36 Jorge Simonassi believes going to a wine tasting is an essential part of the wine drinking experience. "I think it's very, very important. It is the best way for people to know different types of wine," he said. "It's one thing when you read [about] something, it's another thing when you taste it." In fact, Simonassi believes in the impo http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29615&CHID=40 Unless you've been out of the country for the past five years or so, you've no doubt noticed the culinary pendulum has swung. Just a short time ago, food writers celebrated what could only be called weird food. There were intricate foams, distilled from disparate flavors and served in trendy settings, a line of small crystal glasses in front of http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29616&CHID=29 This time of year there are many berries and fruits in season. We've just had strawberry season and now the raspberries and blackberries are ripening in my garden. There are so many great desserts or salads to be made with fresh fruit that are quick and easy as well as good for you. Fresh berries make a wonderful topping for cereal and ice cream http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29617&CHID=26 In 1777, the Continental Congress gathered at the City Tavern in Philadelphia to celebrate the first year of our independence from Britain. There were speeches, toasts and a 13-gun salute. City Tavern was a popular meeting and dining place for Adams, Washington, Franklin and the long list of Revolutionary War figures. Barbecue, beer and http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29618&CHID=25 With all the nearby lakes here in Michigan, a lot of people are fishing during this nice weather. We have enjoyed quite a few meals of fresh fish and have more in the freezer. I enjoyed my first time out fishing on the lake. My husband Joe took me one evening on his boat.  At first I was a little nervous but I finally got the feel of the bo http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29619&CHID=24 A couple of miles up the west side of Massanutten Mountain the bees are buzzing and the gnats are annoying. Marshall Hammond hardly notices them as they circle his head and crawl on his glasses. "This is the trail," he says, gesturing toward the side of the mountain. A following glance reveals nothing but tall trees, rocks and underbrush sloping http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29650&CHID=5 Shenandoah National Park will be hosting a "Butterfly Photography and Identification" seminar on July 12. William B. Folsom and Joseph Rossbach, photography workshop leaders at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, will show participants when, where and how to approach butterflies. They will provide technical tips, whether using a digital or film camera http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29651&CHID=5 A health fair planned as an outreach at a local church may also lead to saving the life of one of its members. Gloria Hildebrand of Bridgewater has been through several bouts with cancer during the past eight years and recently got the news she needed a blood marrow transplant. So a representative from the National Bone Marrow Re http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29665&CHID=41 The following property transfers, for at least $150,000 each, were recorded June 18-24. Rockingham County June 19Brian H. and Kristin V. Augustine to Matthew L. Csady and Melanie K. Laliker, 201 E. Bank St., Bridgewater, Ashby District, $247,450. Fadely Construction Inc. to Robert G. and Susan M. Massie Sr., lot in Vi http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29666&CHID=45 The following building permits, for at least $100,000 each, were recorded between June 26-July 2. Rockingham County Terry and Lorri Taylor, accessory building, 414 S. Montevideo Circle, Penn Laird, $200,000. Richard and Ellen Tucker, master bedroom and bath addition, 905 Resort Drive, McGaheysville, $130,000. http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29667&CHID=45 WASHINGTON BEING SHOT DOWN may not qualify one to be president, as retired Gen. Wesley Clark infamously said recently. But what men do under fire might tell u http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29668&CHID=59 WHY IS IT THAT mankind enjoys cell phones, computers and airplanes today but not when King Louis XIV was alive? The necessary physical resources to make cell phones, computers and airplanes have always been around, even when caveman walked the Earth. http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29669&CHID=59 LET US NOT, on this Independence Day weekend, dwell on the political pretenders to patriotism rushing to out-proclaim their love of country. Nor let us pay heed to the sneering movie directors and journalism pooh-bahs allergic to red, white and blue. http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29670&CHID=59 My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no otherpeople on earth enjoy!Thomas Jefferson http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29671&CHID=36 By Bob Alotta REMEMBER THE STORIES you read when you were a child? The ones about George Washington and “I can’t tell a lie,” or how he threw a silver dollar across the Pot http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29672&CHID=32 This column is specifically for children during the week we celebrate the Fourth of July — as well as for anyone who loves this great country of ours. The United States flag represents the American ideal and the hopes and dreams of the people who live here and those who yearn to liv http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29673&CHID=32 Something’s just a little too pat about the investigation into the football drug scandal at Harrisonburg High School, which can be summarized as follows: Despite at least one http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29674&CHID=36 Luray - The Page County Board of Supervisors reacted with enthusiasm to a presentation given at this week’s work session about a proposed regional partnership to improve the real estate reassessment process. For the past six months, elected and appointed officials in Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Warren and Clarke counties have b http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29683&CHID=42 ELKTON—At Holy Infant Catholic Church, Sidney Lam's lesson plan turned into a mission. Last October, Lam formed a group of women to make rosaries. The project began as a means of teaching youth at Holy Infant more about one of their faith's most sacred rites: a personal ritual referred to as "praying the rosary," w http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29685&CHID=14 SATURDAY »BROADWAY BAPTIST CHURCH, 166 Mason St., will hold a chicken barbecue from 8:30 a.m.-until at the Broadway Pit. Hosted by the Broadway Baptist Youth. »TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 725 S. High St., will have Sacrament of Holy Communion at its 9:30 a.m. service.SUNDAY http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29686&CHID=14 MOUNT SIDNEY - It started 18 years ago when Jo Anne Farrell's stepdaughter offered to teach her to make baskets. r Now, Farrell ranks as one of America's top traditional artisans, whose specialty is Nantucket lightship baskets. r For the sixth year in a row, she's listed in the Directory of T http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29688&CHID=37 VIRGINIA BEACH - Whether to the mountains, the beach or another destination of choice, it's just good to get away, rest a spell and catch up with yourself (and with others important to you). That's exactly what my wife and I were able to do last week - t'was grand, but over too quickly. We'd earlier decided to fo http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29689&CHID=28 HARRISONBURG - "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Those were some of the words declared Friday by David Hatmaker, who represented the Harrisonbur http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29690&CHID=1 HARRISONBURG - As Harrisonburg celebrated America's birthday Friday, the city welcomed home a familiar face. As the floats traveled down Main Street during the Valley 4th parade, a horse-drawn carriage led Mrs. Florida United States Angela Boyers Harwell, a 1987 graduate of Broadway High School, through the city streets. http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29691&CHID=1 HARRISONBURG - Research shows that teenagers who attend high schools with later start times have fewer absences and perform better in class. With that in mind, the Harrisonburg School Board is questioning whether it should swap the start time of its high school and elementary schools. Classes at Harrisonburg High http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29692&CHID=1 HARRISONBURG - Thanks to Mercy House and a dedicated group of volunteers from the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, folks in the Friendly City nearly witnessed their first "Extreme Home Makeover" show. On Thursday morning, about 75 people gathered on the 100 block of North High Street behind a tractor-trailer parked in the r http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29693&CHID=2 HARRISONBURG - For nearly four decades, the enclave for male pranksters living in Eastern Mennonite University's Oakwood dorm earned the nickname "the animal house." They stayed up late. They made noise. "They were a little harder on the furniture," facilities personnel said. For example, last year, a few guys at http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29694&CHID=2 HARRISONBURG - Chris Boies, who will become New Market's next town manager Aug. 4, was a James Madison University classmate of the man he is succeeding. Boies, 27, of Strasburg, and Evan Vass, who will become Harrisonburg's assistant city manager July 14, took the same public administration course taught by Bridgewater T http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29695&CHID=2 HARRISONBURG - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County has named a new executive director, officials announced this week. On Tuesday, Amanda Kearney, 26, of Harrisonburg, took  the reins from Mary Rodihan, the director of operations who temporarily ran the agency since January. As the http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29696&CHID=2 HARRISONBURG - At a memorial service Thursday evening for William "Dick" Nelson, former James Madison University vice president of Academic Affairs, friend and colleague Anthony Eksterowicz asked those who gathered, "what kind of man was Dick Nelson?" Friends and family of Nelson attending the service at JMU's Sonner Hal http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29697&CHID=2 HARRISONBURG - It's nearing 2 o'clock on a summer morning and the James Madison University campus is silent and still. From the east campus to the grassy quad off of South Main Street, only an occasional JMU police cruiser disturbs the quiet. But if you listen closely, the crack of a bat can be heard along the railroad t http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29698&CHID=46 HARRISONBURG - When Drew Johnson and three of his Harrisonburg Turks teammates - infielder Landon Camp, pitcher Garrett Parker and infielder/outfielder Michael Precise - found out about their inclusion in Sunday's Valley League All-Star Game, each seemed excited to take part. "I think it's an opportunity," said Johnson, http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29699&CHID=46 HARRISONBURG - Of all the things Kyle Linn seems to have set aside room on his schedule for this summer, free time isn't among them. Linn, who will be a junior at Turner Ashby High School in the fall, plays baseball, basketball and football for the Knights, and he's spending his summer splitting time between two of them http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29700&CHID=46 Today BASEBALL Valley League Fauquier at Covington, 4 p.m. New Market at Haymarket, 7:30 p.m. Fauquier at Covington, 7:30 p.m. Woodstock at Front Royal, 7:30 p.m.  Luray at Staunton, 7:30 p.m. Waynesboro at Winchester, 7:30 p.m http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=29701&CHID=46