The following article is from The Natrona County Tribune (Casper, Wyoming), dated September 15. 1897.

A Quiet Home Where They Are Sheltered and Educated — Rev. Dr. Wharton’s ‘Whosoever Home and School’ — A Magnificent Charity

The far-famed vale of Chamouny is not more lovely and picturesque than the charming little Page Valley, which lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Massanutton [sic] and forms a part of the great Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

In the heart of this beautiful region lies Luray, a village of three thousand inhabitants. Two miles to the westward flows the bright sparkling river which the Indians named Shenandoah, “the daughter of the stars.”

Between the two are the famous Luray Caverns, the most magnificent subterranean wonders yet discovered.

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A mile to the east is another wonder of peace and contentment, where the hands and hearts of benevolent men and women have provided a home and school for helpless children. It is known as ‘The Whoever Home and Schools.’

About ten years ago three children, two boys and a girl, whose father had been killed, and whose mother was in the penitentiary, fell into the hands of Rev. H. M. Wharton, D.D., the well-known pastor-evangelist of Baltimore [EDITOR’S NOTE: Historical documents also revealed that Wharton was the president of Luray College and also the pastor of Main Street Baptist Church).

With these three children and five dollars, the work began.

Securing the service of a widow lady mid her niece, and renting their home, the door was opened for destitute children, without regard to creed or denomination, preference being given to the children of the fallen and outcast.

It was unique in its character and at once arrested the attention of the public. Applications came from societies for protection of children, and from mothers whose husbands were criminals or drunkards, and from poor lost creatures who desired that their daughters at least might be saved.

The needs were so pressing and widespread, that Dr. Wharton saw there must be an enlargement of his work.

Not having the means at hand to purchase larger premises. he moved them to an old home at Luray, Virginia and located them on a farm which he purchased within a mile of the town.

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The railroad and turnpike run through the farm, the water is abundant, and the fine mountain air and charming scenery made it peculiarly fitted for the enterprise.

It is about six hours from Baltimore and five from Washington. He obtained a charter from the legislature, with trustees and officials, and all necessary provisions for its lawful and successful management.

Instead of one large building, he adopted the home idea—many cottages with a matron or "mother" for each, and a general meeting place for meals, school and worship.

Boys and girls are taken between the ages of 2 and 10 as a rule. but the rule is often relaxed.

For several years, there has been an average of a new cottage a year until there are now eight in all. There are always enough applications on hand to fill a new cottage.

The farm and cottages (the farm contains 230 acres), are under the control of a superintendent and his wife, and are managed with care and judgment.

It is supported entirely by voluntary contributions. Bands of young women are formed to send regular contributions or to clothe and care for one or more of the little ones. Money is needed all the time, and it comes. The little ones have never gone without a meal nor lacked clothing.

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The object of the Whosoever Home and Schools is to take destitute children, and preferably children of outcasts, away from their pernicious associations, and give them pure air, fresh food, clean clothes and moral surroundings.

A strict regard is paid to religious influence, and without having it forced upon them, they are surrounded by an atmosphere of right living and right teaching, in which they may with God's help grow to be His children by the word and spirit of His grace.

A good English education is given to the children of soldiers who may be killed or disabled in the present war, or indeed any child of a soldier who is in the army serving his country and who needs help.

The tender of these homes was kindly received by the government. In view of this fact, it becomes necessary to greatly enlarge the facilities at the farm. If friends respond with their usual patriotism and enthusiasm, this amount will be contributed in a very short time.

A short time ago, a boy, eight-years old, went all the way from Flushing, Long Island, to Luray, Va., alone. He had only a little tag on his jacket which read: "Friends will please help this little fellow to Dr. Wharton's Whosoever Farm at Luray, Va." He was kindly treated by everyone and came all right.

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Last October, Dr. Wharton was holding a series of meetings in Macon, Ga. He heard of the death of a fallen woman who had left a child only eight years old. He sought to get possession of her, and found a beautiful, bright-eyed. rosy-checked girl.

She was in the possession of an aged grandmother, who said, "There is nothing for her but a life like her poor mother. I'll soon be gone; then no one will care for her." The child is now at the farm.

A few days ago, a poor widow of Norfolk, applied for admission for her little boy. Her son, on whom she depended for a living, is on the gunboat Nashville, now off the coast of Cuba. The child will be taken, and the mother. too, if necessary.

Dr. Wharton has received a letter front General Fitzhugh Lee asking him to include the children of Cuban soldiers in his homes and he has consented to do so. This will add greatly to the work and needs of the farm, but is a fine opportunity for the little Cubans.

Un-cropped version of main story photo:

SPERRYVILLE, Va. — Ben Jones, best known for his role as Cooter Davenport on the popular television series “The Dukes of Hazzard,” died Sunday at his home. He was 84.

The announcement was made on social media by Jones’ wife, Alma Viator, on Sunday, Aug. 9.

In her post, Viator said:

I lost the love of my life today.

Ben passed from a massive heart attack.

He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees.

Ben had the most amazing rich full life.

He loved and was loved by so many.

He will be missed.

I loved him so so much.

“The Dukes of Hazzard,” a weekly television series that premiered on CBS in 1979, followed the adventures of cousins Bo and Luke Duke in rural Hazzard County, Georgia.

Bo and Luke, joined by their cousin Daisy Duke and Uncle Jesse, were frequently at odds with corrupt county commissioner Boss Hogg and his right-hand man, Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane.

The show was known for its wild escapes and car chases, many featuring a bright orange, souped-up Dodge Charger known as the General Lee.

After a successful run, the series aired its final episode in February 1985.

A few years later, Jones, who played mechanic Cooter Davenport on the action-comedy series, turned his attention to Georgia politics.

Jones was elected to Congress from Georgia in 1988 and served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

After leaving Congress, Jones briefly returned to acting, appearing in several character roles and “Dukes of Hazzard” reunion specials.

In 1998, Jones and Viator bought a farm in Rappahannock County near Shenandoah National Park.

The following year, they opened Cooter’s Place, a “Dukes of Hazzard” museum and store. Although the television series had been off the air for more than a decade, the attraction quickly became popular with fans and tourists.

In 2017, the museum moved to a larger, more accessible location in Page County.

By then, Cooter’s Place locations had also opened in Gatlinburg and Nashville, Tennessee. The Page County location became known as Cooter’s in Luray.

Since then, the Luray attraction has hosted concerts, car shows and annual celebrations featuring cast members from “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

The location includes a museum and gift shop, Cooter’s tow truck, known as “the wrecker,” a General Lee Dodge Charger and Rosco’s police cruiser.

Over the years, “The Dukes of Hazzard” has maintained a devoted following, with thousands of fans visiting the Luray attraction and attending its special events.

A birthday celebration honoring “Dukes of Hazzard” star Sonny Shroyer is scheduled for Aug. 28 at Cooter’s in Luray.

Jones was also expected to celebrate his birthday, on August 30. He would have turned 85.

Agenda and additional materials for this meeting may be viewed HERE.

NOTE: Luray Meeting Minutes are only publicly posted after they are officially approved by town council. Minutes for meetings may not be available for 30+ days after each meeting date. Dates for “future” events mentioned in minutes may have already passed.

Approved minutes posted: August 3, 2026

A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LURAY, VIRGINIA

Monday, June 8th, 2026

The Luray Town Council met in regular session on Monday, June 8th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Luray Town Council Chambers located at 45 East Main Street, Luray, Virginia at which time there were present the following: Presiding: Mayor Lillard Council Present: Ron Vickers Jerry Dofflemyer Ryan Dean Jason Pettit Joey Sours Chuck Butler Also Present: Bryan Chrisman, Town Manager Danielle Alger, Deputy Clerk Treasurer Chief Bow Cook, Luray Police Department Lonnie Foster, Luray Police Department Town Attorney, Jason Botkins, Litten & Sipe Jackie Wood, Luray Downtown Initiative Powell Markowitz, Luray-Page Airport Authority Roger Rothgeb, Boy Scouts Jason Frye, Boy Scouts Bill Dudley, Greenway Foundation Gladys McNemar, Greenway Foundation.

A quorum being present, Mayor Lillard declared the Council to be in session for the transaction of business. All present stood for a moment of silence. Mayor Lillard led everyone in the United States Pledge of Allegiance.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion: Councilman Vickers motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, motion seconded by Councilman Butler with the vote as follows: YEA: Council Members Vickers, Dofflemyer, Dean, Pettit, Sours, Butler. Approved 6-0

Consent Agenda
(A) Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting –05/11/2026
(B) Accounts Payable totaling- $261,554.57
(C) Financial Reports for the period ending 05/31/2026
(D) Safety Manual Revisions as recommended by the Town of Luray Safety Committee

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BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Luray Downtown Initiative

LDI Director, Jackie Wood, gave a shoutout to the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Department for their stellar job within the town.

Ms. Wood stated she is preparing for the Downtown Get Down and is anticipating a big crowd this year.

Ms. Wood stated the Virginia 250 marker dedication on the Greenway Loop will be at 4pm on July 4th . Ms. Wood stated she would like the Mayor or a Council Member to speak at this event.

Ms. Wood stated the LDI Farmers Market will be held Saturday, June 20th.

Ms. Wood stated the folks from the Consulting Firm will be back on June 18th, she added they received good feedback from stakeholders. She also stated they would be back again on the 28th to present the study and will close out on June 30th.

Economic Development Authority

Leslie Currle was unable to attend and give an update this evening.

Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce

Gina Hillard was unable to attend and give an update this evening.

Luray-Page County Airport Authority

Powell Markowitz stated the Airport Authority was adding a new hangar. He stated this will be the last spot for commercial hangars.

Mr. Markowitz stated they were working on their capital improvement plan but have no projects for this year. Mr. Markowitz stated they receive entitlement funds and plan to spend on a fuel farm, hopefully within the next fiscal year.

Mr. Markowitz stated they want to build a maintenance storage building but will be located outside the gate and will be purchasing a piece of snow removal equipment.

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PUBLIC HEARINGS

FY27 Budget

Town Manager, Bryan Chrisman, requested Council conduct a Public Hearing to receive citizen input and to discuss the FY27 Budget. The budget documents included for review and discussion are:

• Draft 14 Versions of the Synopsis, Revenue & Expenditures

• Graph of the Revenues by type

• Graph of the General Fund Expenditures by type

• Graph of the Total Expenditures

• FY27 Budget Ad

By State Law, the town must wait for at least seven (7) calendar days before taking action on the budget.

The planned date for review and action is during the Council Special Meeting on June 23rd, 2026, at 5:30pm.

Mayor Lillard opened the Public Hearing.

Hearing none, she then closed the hearing.

Councilman Butler applauded staff for putting together a budget that only increased two tenths of a percent. Mr. Chrisman stated that it’s only a fraction higher than last year. Councilman Vickers stated that Treasurer, Danielle Babb did a fantastic job.

Business License Tax Amendment

Town Manager, Bryan Chrisman, requested Council conduct a Public Hearing to receive citizen input, discuss, and take action of a proposal to amend Section 30-91 of the Town Code.

This Section relates to business license tax for carnivals, etc.

The documents included in tonight’s council packet for review and discussion are:

• Section 30-91 (redline version with comments)

• Section 30-91 (Exhibit A for attachment to the Ordinance)

• Ordinance to enable the Amendment

• Copy of the Public Hearing Ad

The Town Clerk/Treasurer, Danielle Babb has been working with the Town Attorney, Jason Botkins, to affect these changes to our Ordinance.

Mayor Lillard opened the Public Hearing. Hearing none, she then closed the hearing.

Councilman Sours stated he would love to hear the rationale behind these changes.

Mr. Chrisman stated they wanted to make sure it was fair on the ordinance. He added that things look a lot different now than previously.

Mr. Chrisman added this is aimed directly to a “carnival vendor” and “for profit” vendors.

Mr. Botkins added that his part in this was to update the code language in the State Code.

Mr. Chrisman added that the current Board of Directors would like to use the Fairgrounds more frequently. He added if we can work with them and make offering packages more attractive and affordable, will help monetary speed bumps that were under the old ordinance.

Motion: Councilman Vickers motioned the proposed Ordinance Amendment for Section 30-91, be approved, as presented. Motion seconded by Councilman Dofflemyer with the vote as follows: YEA: Council Members Vickers, Dofflemyer, Dean, Pettit, Sours, Butler. Approved 6-0.

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DISCUSSION ITEMS

Greenway Foundation

Bill Dudley, Hawksbill Greenway Foundation, stated that it is always a pleasure to work with the town and appreciates the support.

Mr. Dudley wanted to point out that we have a very loving and giving community. He added people love the greenway.

Mr. Dudley provided Council with a check this evening in the amount of $50,000 that was donated from residents of Luray and Page County along with Luray Caverns, SVEC, Pure Waer Form and Tourists.

Mr. Dudley also stated that he enjoys working along side Jen Jenkins with Parks and Recreation.

Mr. Dudley provided Parks and Recreation with a donation of $6,000 on top of a previous $4,000 donation.

Gladys McNemar, thanked all who attended Arbor Day and Anniversary on April 18th.

She stated this was the first time with a partnership and it was very successful.

Ms. McNemar thanked the Mayor for speaking at the event. She also added that the event was very well attended with around 80 participants.

Ms. McNemar thanked all the volunteers who helped with cleanup for Earth Day. She added there were 9 volunteers this year.

Ms. McNemar stated that she, alongside Chris Anderson and Susan Betcher worked on a grant application in early May for $300,000. She added that she will not know anything until early July but is hopeful.

Mayor Lillard inquired if the grant would be partial increments or all in full.

Ms. McNemar stated that it is all or nothing.

Mayor Lillard also inquired if they were selling shirts. Ms. McNemar stated that they will be but only by donation.

ACTION ITEMS

Re-Adoption of State Code Changes

Town Attorney, Jason Botkins, requested Council to take action on an Ordinance that re-adopts relevant sections of the State Code that have changed due to General Assembly actions which become effective July 1, 2026.

A copy of the Ordinance is included in tonight’s packet for review.

Motion: Councilman Butler motioned the Readoption Ordinance be adopted, as presented. Councilman Dean seconded the motion with the vote as follows: Council Members Vickers, Dofflemyer, Dean, Pettit, Sours, Butler. Approved 6-0.

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BZA Reappointment

Vice Mayor Vickers is requesting Council Members to consider reappointing Jeff Crawford to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Mr. Crawford was nominated to serve an unexpired term. His current term expires June 30, 2026. Mr. Crawford was previously nominated by Vice Mayor Vickers.

Motion: Councilman Vickers motioned to nominate Jeff Crawford to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals. Councilman Dofflemyer seconded the motion with the vote as follows: YEA: Council Members Vickers, Dofflemyer, Dean, Pettit, Sours, Butler Approved 6-0.

Recess

CLOSED SESSION

Discussion about the Performance and Employment of Specific Public Employees, and Consultation with Legal Counsel – Town Attorney

Town Council conducted a Closed Meeting for the discussion of the performance and hiring of specific public employees, as authorized by Section 2.2-3711 (A) (1) of the Code of Virginia. The subject matter of the meeting is specific local government employees.

Also, for discussion of the disposition of public property where such discussion in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body, as authorized by Section 2.2-3711 (A) (3) of the Code of Virginia. The subject matter of the meeting involves town-owned properties.

Motion: Councilman Pettit motioned to convene and go into Closed Meeting for discussion of the performance and hiring of specific public employees, as authorized by Section 2.2-3711 (A) (1) of the Code of Virginia. The subject matter of the meeting is specific local government employees. Also, for discussion of the disposition of public property where such discussion in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body, as authorized by Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3) of the Code of Virginia. The subject matter of the meeting involves town-owned properties.

Motion seconded by Councilman Sours with the vote as follows: YEA: Council Members Vickers, Dofflemyer, Dean, Pettit, Sours, Butler. Approved 6-0

~Closed Meeting~

Motion: Councilman Pettit motioned the closed meeting be adjourned and the Luray Town Council reconvene in open session. Motion seconded by Councilman Sours with the vote as follows: Council Members Vickers, Dofflemyer, Dean, Pettit, Sours, Butler. Approved 6-0.

Certification: Councilman Pettit asked members of Council with respect to the just-completed closed session and to the best of each member’s knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exemptedfrom open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard discussed or considered in the meeting by the Town Council.

Motion seconded by Councilman Butler with the vote as follows: YEA: Council Members Vickers, Dofflemyer, Dean, Pettit, Sours, Butler. Approved 6-0.

TOWN ATTORNEY’S REPORT

Mr. Botkins stated he had nothing further this evening.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Council had nothing further this evening.

MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor Lillard reminded everyone of the June 14th Garden Club Event. Mayor Lillard also reminded everyone of the Town Picnic to be held on July 2nd at 12:30pm at the Lion’s Shelter at Lake Arrowhead.

ADJOURN

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

LURAY, Va. — Jerry Dofflemyer has been reelected to the Shenandoah Valley Electric (SVEC) Cooperative Board of Directors, retaining the Central region seat representing Page, Shenandoah and Warren counties.

The election results were announced during SVEC’s annual business meeting Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Dofflemyer, the incumbent, faced three challengers for the Central region seat: David “Davy” Ferguson, Marvin Heinze and Wes Shifflett.

Voting was open to eligible SVEC members, with ballots mailed around June 22. Members with an email address on file also had the option to vote electronically.

Full audio of Thursday’s meeting may be heard by clicking on the link below.

Dofflemyer also serves on the town council of Luray. His current bio (via the town website) is below:

Jerry Dofflemyer served as the Mayor of Luray from January 2021 to January 2025.

He was appointed to the Town Council in March 2015, elected by special election in November 2015, and served on Town Council until December 2020.

He also served on the planning commission for two years. Mayor Dofflemyer was elected to the Board of /director of the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative in 2019 and currently serves as the Board Secretary-Treasurer.

He is a graduate of James Madison University and a member of Main Street Baptist Church, served as a deacon and chairman of the Finance Committee.

Jerry is a past president of the Luray Jaycees, Caverns Shrine Club, and a past president, treasurer, and board member of the Luray/Page Chamber of Commerce.

He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and a charter member and former vice-chairman of the Luray/ Hawksbill Greenway Foundation.

Jerry has been a Cub master of Cub Scout Pack 55, an assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 89 & 289, and coached Recreation League Soccer and Little League Baseball, also serving on the Little League Baseball Board of Directors.

He has been honored by the Luray Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow and also served on the B.B.&T. Bank Page County Advisory Board.

He has been employed by Luray Motor Co., E.N. Hershberger Co., Shenandoah National Park, and Delaware North at Shenandoah Parks.

A native and lifelong resident of Luray, he is married to Nora Dofflemyer, an MRI Technologist at Fauquier Memorial Hospital.

Together they operate Pass Mountain Rentals, West End Carwash, and the Gleam Machine Carwash in Stanley.

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The Central region is one of 10 geographic areas represented on SVEC’s board. Directors are elected by cooperative members and are responsible for establishing policies and providing oversight of the cooperative.

SVEC provides electric service to approximately 100,000 meters across portions of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas.

Before election results were announced at Thursdays meeting, an SVEC representative noted that this year’s election showed “significant increased member participation.”

Have a news tip or story idea? Email editor@shenvalleytimes.com

LURAY, Va. — The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that a tornado touched down at Thornton Gap in Shenandoah National Park during severe storms that moved through the region July 21.

In a storm survey released July 29, 2026, the NWS said the EF-0 tornado touched down near the park’s Thornton Gap entrance at about 8:45 p.m., near the intersection of Skyline Drive and U.S. 211.

The tornado had estimated peak winds of 80 mph and traveled approximately 2.3 miles, with a maximum path width of 75 yards.

No injuries or fatalities were reported.

According to the NWS, numerous trees and large branches were snapped as the tornado moved from near the top of the ridgeline toward the eastern side of the mountain.

Several metal signs at the Thornton Gap entrance were also blown over.

Weather radar detected rotation and a debris signature as the storm crossed the area. The tornado dissipated in a wooded area before reaching Sperryville.

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The NWS also confirmed additional tornadoes from the same evening, including one near New Market in Shenandoah County.

That tornado touched down on a farm in the 19300 block of Mechanicsville Road, where numerous trees were damaged and farm equipment, including trailers and carts, was tossed around.

The tornado continued through wooded areas and fields, uprooting and snapping trees as it moved east.

Damage was documented along Cold Spring Road, Ridge Road, New Market Depot Road and Hayneswood Lane.

Approximately 50 trees were downed along portions of Ridge Road, including one that fell onto a chicken coop.

The National Weather Service thanked local broadcast media and National Park Service personnel for assisting with damage reports used in its investigation.

LURAY, Va. — For 125 years, generations of Luray Fire Department members have answered the call when their community needed them. Last month, that century-plus tradition of service…

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LURAY, Va. — Local dog owners can support conservation efforts in Shenandoah National Park through a new fundraising campaign launched by a popular dog treat company.

Zuke’s has intr…

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The Page County Board of Supervisors ‘Aug. 3, 2026 work session included the following agenda items and actions:

CALL TO ORDER

Supervisors Jeremy Baldwin (District 1), Allen Louderback (District 2), Ryan Cubbage (District 3), Susan Kile (District 4) and Chairman Bucky Thomas (At-Large) were present. Supervisor Jeff Vaughan (District 5) was not in attendance.

All meeting minutes and/or agendas may be viewed HERE.

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LURAY, Va. — A young girl is being praised by the Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) after she rescued a 3-year-old at Yogi Bear C…

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LURAY, Va. — Page County Public Schools (PCPS) has named Corey Shenk as the new athletic director of Page County High School.

According to a July, 2026 PCPS media release, Shenk most…

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HARRISONBURG, Va. — A bronze “Mother Duck” statue stolen from outside the Explore More Discovery Museum in downtown Harrisonburg has been reco…

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STANLEY, Va. — A road trip came to an abrupt halt for two friends when a snake suddenly appeared inside their vehicle on Interstate 66.

Footage of the ordeal was shared on Ti…

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LURAY, Va. — Town officials have released a statement clarifying that they are not considering allowing data centers within town lim…

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Congratulations to Lance Williams, who officially signed with the Chicago Cubs over the weekend after being selected in the eighth round of the 2026 MLB Draft!

Long…

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LURAY, Va. — C.S. "Bow" Cook, the longtime police chief who retired June 30, has accepted the position of assistant town manager.

In a July 21, 2026 Facebook post, the town made th…

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The Page County Board of Supervisors’ July 20, 2026 regular meeting included the following agenda items and actions:

CALL TO ORDER

Supervisors Jeremy Baldwin (District 1), Allen Louderback (District 2…

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ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. — Charges from three separate law enforcement agencies have been filed against a man accused of crimes in two counties.

O…

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After review of the SUP Application for the Proposed Wedding Venue to be located at 3434 Tanners Ridge, I feel that this is not the place or time for this venue.

[View the SUP Application HERE, beginning on page 57].

The local citizen, whose name is listed first on the application, has not even signed the application. If listed as Co-Applicant, should this person not be required to sign application being submitted in their name? The only signature on both the Owner and Applicant area are those of Mr. Copper. Is using the citizen’s name on the application a ploy to say a local wants this facility?

Another issue is the verbiage under the explanation of Phase 1. Quote “As long as the venue meets demand, Phase 2 renovations would begin in 1-3 years, building upon the core wedding infrastructure.” Who has determination of the demand?

Once the STRs are completed (in an STR saturated area), what is to say the Mr. Copper will decide not to renovate and continue with the restoration of the Mission Church. This could place the Mission Church in a permanent purgatory and state of degeneration to a point past possible repair.

What about the final resting places of the previous owners of the adjacent land? Did you know that there is a family cemetery located on the property? What measures are going to be taken to preserve and protect the final resting places of the Jenkins? The location of the parking and the “By Right” cabin are proposed to be built right next to the cemetery.

One of the blazing issues with this project is the road on which it is proposed.

Tanners Ridge is a rural mountainous road. One that even some locals refuse to travel due to the steep grade. The incline grade of the roadway in at least 2 areas is enough for VDOT to have “Use Lower Gear” signs placed next to the roadway. The Page County Public Schools will not even run a bus on this road for children living there. This includes those directly on Tanners Ridge Rd and those in the Skyline Lakes Subdivision.

If the local government will not provide school transportation, what makes you think it is safe for a group of tourists not familiar with the terrain and animal habits?

Road maintenance and upkeep have declined in the past few years as indicated by the leaning guardrails and the filled culverts visible from the roadway.

The number of guests sounds good with a 48 guest cap (50 persons max). But do the photographer, caterer and staff, entertainment (DJ/Band), officiant, florists and wedding planner count in this number? These do increase the amount of traffic (foot and vehicle) impact of each event.

In closing, I, as a resident of Page County, feel this permit should be rejected. For the safety of current residents and potential visitors to the venue. I have not even touched on the weather and how it changes at the turn of a hat and is completely different from the valley weather.

The reasons stated above and additional issues with traffic and current STR saturation are why I am asking that you stand against this project.

Stephanie Baker
Stanley, Va.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Supervisors voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on the request at the board’s regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026 at the Government Center in Luray].

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For verification purposes, please include your mailing address, email address, and a daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

editor@shenvalleytimes.com

HARRISONBURG, Va. — A Springfield man has been sentenced to serve more than six years in federal prison for assaulting his then-girlfriend with a hatchet in Shenandoah National Park.

According to earl…

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STANLEY, Va. — The Stanley Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) has added a 200…

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