The Page County Board of Supervisors ‘ Sept 21, 2026 regular meeting 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), Jeff Vaughan (District 5) and Chairman Bucky Thomas (At-Large) were present.

PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS & AWARDS

Presentation of the Housing Study David Hill and Jonah Collins of Hill Studio led an overview of a local market and feasibility study for Page County, funded by a $40,000 grant by Virginia Housing to the Page County Economic Development and Tourism Department and conducted in cooperation with the Page County Economic Development Authority.

Hill Studio was selected to lead the study, which included stakeholder meetings; extensive market, utility and policy research; and the creation of site plan concepts based on research and utilizing land owned by the EDA on Goodrich Road in Stanley as a potential site for various housing units ranging in sales prices between $265,000 and $400,000 per unit.

Hill and Collins highlighted key takeaways from the study: a substantial need for new, attainable housing; a need for “healthy” growth and the preservation of the county’s rural character; potential for industrial/business/economic growth once more housing is available; current residents who value comfort, family, safety, natural beauty, local culture and the great outdoors; limited housing options for young, single people; and a collective desire among residents to see more pedestrian infrastructure between developments and stores and businesses.

Recommendations outlined in the study include incentivizing and encouraging long-term rental development where it is appropriate; to consider allowing more dense development in primary and secondary CSA zones; writing an additional housing study grant for other sites in the county closer to towns or in town limits; providing incentives for developers building appropriate development; and easing restrictions on manufactured housing.

Page County Director of Economic Development and Tourism Nina Fox noted that the full study will be posted on the county’s website HERE and provided to local realtors.

She reported that a new subcommittee of the EDA focused on workforce/attainable housing is using the study to guide its principles and brainstorm potential housing solutions.

CONSENT AGENDA

Supervisors unanimously approved the consent agenda as follows: financial reports for the period of Aug. 1 through Aug. 31, 2026; accounts payable checks, payroll checks, payroll direct deposits and payroll tax-related electronic fund transfers totaling $3,751,191.34 for August 2026; and the meeting minutes of Aug. 3, 2026 and Aug. 17, 2026.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Budget Amendments

Supervisors conducted a public hearing on budget amendments for the current fiscal year. The hearing drew no speakers.

Supervisors unanimously approved allocation requests totaling $691,661, including:

• $7,744 from the general fund balance to the GIS department for the purchase of a plotter printer and a plotter printer service agreement.

• $8,000 in local donations to the recreation department for a short-term lease for a robotic field painter.

• $435 in carryover funding from a SpayVA Grant for spaying and neutering expenses.

• $6,500 in restricted transient occupancy tax revenue to the economic development and tourism department to purchase promotional materials.

• $99,663 in fiscal year 2026 carryover funding made up of restricted transient occupancy tax revenue for the Town of Stanley to film promotional videos and for the Town of Shenandoah to construct a pump track at Big Gem Park.

Also included in the approved allocation requests was $569,319 to the Page County Sheriff’s Office, including:

• $56,000 in state funding through a DCJS SRO Grant to fund a full-time school resource officer position at Page County Middle School.

• $2,500 in state funding through a TRIAD grant for a TRIAD conference and activities.

• $1,000 in state funding through a HEAT Grant for a Flock Safety Camera System subscription.

• $245,851 in federal funding through a DOJ COPS CIT Grant for training expenses.

• $128,910 in federal funding through a DOJ De-escalation Grant for training expenses.

• $107,500 in federal funding through an ICE Grant to purchase equipment.

• $8,093 in federal funding through a DMV Grant for patrol wages and supplies.

• $1,283 in carryover federal funding through a JAG LOLE Block Grant for mobile data terminals.

• $9,849 in carryover federal funding through a BJA LE Equipment Grant for equipment and training.

• $8,333 from the general fund balance, representing carryover funding for a local match to purchase equipment and fund training.

Zoning Ordinance Amendments - Short-Term Rentals

Supervisors conducted a public hearing on multiple proposed zoning ordinance amendments related to short-term vacation rentals.

The hearing drew 18 speakers.

Supervisors recapped background information related to the proposed amendments and noted feedback from community members, STR owners, planning commissioners and staff.

They noted that current STR owners would be considered “grandfathered” to any approved amendment changes.

Noting the volume of community feedback received at the public hearing and through phone calls and emails prior to the meeting, supervisors by consensus agreed to table a vote on the proposed changes until the board’s next regular meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, at the Government Center in Luray.

ACTION MATTERS

Acceptance of the AFID Grant — Page Valley Food & Visitor Hub & Approval of Lease Agreement — The Misfits LLC 42 East Main Street, Luray

Page County Director of Economic Development and Tourism Nina Fox presented updated information about the county’s recent award of $50,000 through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Infrastructure Grant for a Page Valley Food and Visitor Hub - a proposed commercial kitchen, restaurant incubator space, food truck commissary and micro visitor center at 42 East Main Street in downtown Luray, in the former Uncle Buck’s restaurant building.

She reported that, if approved, the project would be funded by the grant and restricted transient occupancy tax revenue and that a draft lease agreement reflected a term of up to five years rent-free followed by a term of up to five years at a fixed monthly cost of $1,500.

She added that an initial renovation estimate of $200,000 determined last spring would likely be higher and that the two-year grant did not require immediately spending money.

Instead, she said, if supervisors opted to proceed, staff would explore the proposed project more thoroughly, then move forward if different points proved beneficial to the community.

If supervisors opted not to proceed, she asked for specific direction from the board regarding commercial kitchens, noting that a Fresh Food Project funded by a 2021 AFID Planning Grant identified a need for a commercial kitchen in Page County and that the proposed food and visitor hub was supported by the Virginia Department of Health.

Supervisors underscored a need for additional information, noting that they’d like to see additional location options for a comparison, as well as a thorough cost-benefit analysis.

They noted that the AFID Grant typically opens to applications twice each year. Supervisors took no action to accept the AFID Grant award or approve a lease agreement.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Page County Administrator Amity Moler reported that early voting for the Nov. 3 general election began on Friday, Sept. 18, on the main floor of the Page County Government Center.

She reported that Page County was recently recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for earning a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence for Financial Reporting for a 10th consecutive year, based on financial reporting for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

The certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management, according to an award letter from GFOA.

Moler reported that after opening on Sept. 14 at the Government Center, the DMV Select in its inaugural week served 441 customers and collected $18,356.35.

SUPERVISORS’ TIME

Supervisors thanked those in attendance, noting the large turnout at the meeting, held at Luray High School, and underscored the importance of community engagement.

Watch a video of the September 21, 2026 meeting HERE.

The Agenda for this meeting may be viewed HERE.

See minutes from previous meetings, and agendas for upcoming meetings at https://www.pagecounty.virginia.gov/agendacenter

RICHMOND, Va. — On Wednesday, Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency in response to a statewide hay shortage caused by persistent drought conditions that have reduced yields.

The September 16, 2026 declaration, issued through Executive Order 21, temporarily eases transportation restrictions to help move hay to farms across Virginia.

Beginning October 1, carriers transporting hay will be eligible for over-width exemptions for 30 days. Gross and axle weight limits will remain in effect.

In a written statement, Spanberger said:

The drought has placed real pressure on livestock producers across Virginia.

I am declaring a State of Emergency to make sure we can address the significant hay shortage facing the Commonwealth and keep farmers on solid footing heading into the winter.

This waiver will help us move critical hay resources more quickly so farms can prepare for the months ahead, feed livestock, and sustain their operations.

While we have seen improvement in drought conditions in some areas of the Commonwealth in recent weeks, the impacts of this prolonged dry period are still being felt by producers across Virginia.

My Administration will continue working with farmers, agricultural partners, and local communities to make sure they have the resources they need to weather these conditions and protect our agricultural economy.

Virginia is facing an estimated hay shortage of 500,000 tons, or about 1 billion pounds. Drought conditions have reduced hay yields statewide by about 35%, with losses reaching as high as 70% in some areas.

The drought has also forced some farmers to begin using stored hay earlier than usual.

From the beginning of the grazing season through June, farmers had to feed hay for at least 30 of the first 90 days because drought had reduced pasture and available forage.

The emergency declaration provides access to emergency funding, activates price-gouging protections and allows state agencies to issue additional temporary regulatory waivers if needed.

The Virginia Emergency Support Team and Drought Monitoring Task Force are continuing to monitor drought conditions and coordinate with localities and agricultural stakeholders.

Executive Order 21 is scheduled to remain in effect for 45 days unless it is amended or rescinded.

State officials said the 15-day period between the declaration and the waiver’s effective date gives farmers time to locate hay and arrange transportation before the federally limited 30-day emergency waiver period begins.

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Massanutten Regional Library (MRL) is looking for local artists to help mark its 100th anniversary with designs that could end up in the pockets of library users across the region.

The library is seeking artists to create two special library cards — one for adults and one for youth — as part of its centennial celebration in 2028.

• First Place - $400 + artwork featured on MRL’s adult or youth library cards

• Runner-Up - $100

The winning designs will be used throughout the library system.

A winner and runner-up will be selected in each category by a panel that includes representatives from Oasis Fine Art, the Arts Council of the Valley and MRL staff.

Designs should reference the library’s 100th anniversary or birthday, incorporate the MRL logo and reflect the library’s vision of being a welcoming community space where people can learn, discover, create and connect.

Specifications:

All artwork must be the sole work of the contestant and completely original. Absolutely no usage of AI. Using AI will result in immediate disqualification.

Design must work for both keychain- and wallet-sized cards meeting the following dimensions:   

Keychain: 2.5” x 7/8”
Card: 3.25” x 2”   

Entirely original artwork in the following mediums will be accepted:   

Painted
Hand-drawn
Digitally illustrated
Photography
Collage  

100th anniversary or “birthday” must be mentioned in the design

MRL’s Logo must be present (or a placeholder for it reserved in the design) 

Design must demonstrate the theme of MRL’s vision (listed above)

Download the template here

Complete rules and information here

For Print applications, download here and return to your local branch

Rules: 

Only 1 entry per person

Contestants must live in the service area or have an MRL library card.

Contestants cannot be a member of the MRL staff, but may be a family member or friend of a staff member.

Contestants must submit an application along with their design either digitally (below) or in-person at any MRL branch.

Submitted artwork will become the property of MRL and may be reproduced, modified, published or displayed.

In a media statement, library officials noted that designs could also be used on bookmarks, calendars, displays and its website.

Officials said the goal is to create commemorative artwork that patrons can carry on their library cards for years to come.

This contest was made possible by the Arts Council of the Valley's Advancing the Arts grant.

Submissions due by Friday, October 2, 2026.

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia State Police are reminding drivers and auto glass businesses that state inspection stickers should be transferred to replacement windshields rather…

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The Page County Board of Supervisors‘ September 8, 2026 work session included the following agenda items and actions:

CALL TO ORDER

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

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LURAY, Va. — A literal truckload of watermelons will arrive in Page County on Saturday for free distribution to residents and local food pantries.

The giveaway will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Septemb…

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LURAY, Va. — Visitors arriving at Shenandoah National Park (SNP) after entrance stations “close” will soon be able to buy a pass and enter through automated gates…

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LURAY, Va. — Page County Sheriff Chad Cubbage took to Facebook yesterday to push back against news reports and social media claims surrounding a controversial June immigration operation.

On September…

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PAGE COUNTY, Va. — A memorial run will take place in Stanley and Luray on Friday, Sept. 11, honoring those killed and affected by the Sept. 11, 2001 terr…

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LURAY, Va. — Virginia State Police (VSP) are investigating a fatal crash that involved police in pursuit of a motorcyclist.

According to a VSP media release, t…

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LURAY, Va. — On Monday September 14, 2026, Page County will open a new DMV Select office at the Page County Government Center.

DMV Select offices are operated by local gove…

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LURAY, Va. — Page County recorded its first confirmed case of chronic wasting disease in a white-tailed deer during the past year, ac…

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PAGE COUNTY, Va. — County supervisors will review plans for a proposed food-and-visitor hub this Tuesday.

On August 18, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger announced that P…

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LURAY, Va. — Page County Public Schools placed all of its schools under a precautionary low-level lockdown Wednesday after …

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RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia families have until Monday, August 31, to apply for SUN Bucks, a summer nutrition program that provides eligible families with $120 for each qualify…

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SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, Va. — Firefighters have contained 75% of what is now being called the “Horsehead Fire” near Stull Run Trail, as crews continue …

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RICHMOND, Va. — Three Confederate monuments removed from the Capitol Square yesterday are headed to the Shenandoah Valley.

According to an Associated Press report, representatives be…

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STANLEY, Va. — Drivers can expect increased police patrols in Stanley on Saturday as officers take part in a nationwide impaired-driving enforcement campaign.

“Saturation Saturday’ is an annual Mother…

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LURAY, Va. — The Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) is responding to controversy surrounding two recent law enforcement operation…

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The door [at Whosoever Farm] in Luray, Virginia is open for destitute children without regard to creed or denomination, preference being given to the children of the fallen and outcast. The railroad and turnpike run through the farm, the water is abundant, the fine mountain air and the charming scenery make it peculiarly fitted for this enterprise. It is about five hours from Washington. — From a Wharton Orphanage prospectus

In Case You Missed It …

FROM THE LEXINGTON (MISSOURI) INTELLIGENCER - NOVEMBER 30, 1901

The Whosoever Farm in Virginia

Its Originator was the Rev. Dr. Wharton, Now Preaching at the Lexington Tabernacle

A HAVEN OF REST FOR HELPLESS CHILDREN

The "Whosoever Farm" at Luray, Virginia, a home for destitute children, grew out of the work of the Rev. Dr. Wharton, who is now con-ducting revival services in Lexington and that God's hand is in the labor all will admit. Dr. Wharton thus describes the first incident that lead to the founding of this home for the helpless:

About fourteen years ago while I was pastor in the city of Baltimore, I was walking along the street one day and met a lady who informed me that there were three little children of her acquaintance in desperate circumstances and entirely without assistance. She begged me to look after them, stating that their father had been killed, and their mother was in the penitentiary.

For several days, these little unfortunate ones were on my heart. Not knowing what to, I called a widow lady of my acquaintance who had a very comfortable home and no one living with her except her niece.

I proposed for them to take these children on the condition that I would be responsible for their board and clothing. They asked for time to consider the proposition, and a week later agreed to take them.

In less than a year there were 20, and in three years, 60 children to be cared for. We had to change our quarters twice to get more comfortable places. Having a small farm near Luray, Virginia in my possession, I determined to move these children to that point on account of the healthfulness of the place and the possibility of separating them from all influences that were not of the best character.

The years have passed on, the work has had its ups and downs, it’s bright days and dark days, it’s sick days and well days, but the children have never been without meals, good clothing and shelter.

From the very first, it has been non-sectarian, the only requirement being destitution. This its name imports; it is for ‘whosoever’ needs its care and aid.

Since the institution of this heaven-born home, over three hundred boys and girls have been taken from conditions of poverty, have been cared for, educated and sent out into the world with Christian independence and firm belief to make their way in life.

The children of soldiers are also cared for without regard to the color of the uniform worn by the veteran father. In discussing this feature of the work Dr. Wharton says:

We care for the children of soldiers also, and are now planning to build a large stone house to bear the name of Winnie Davis, the daughter of the Confederacy, the beautiful flower which was the pride of the south, and whose life was a joy and inspiration to our sunny land.

We have opened a cottage in her name, but the new one will be much larger and more permanent.

It is our purpose to care for any child or widow of our old veterans as long as there is room.

FROM THE PAGE NEWS AND COURIER - OCTOBER 1, 1937

While there has been an article written about the “Whosoever Farm" in a previous issue, Mrs. V.S. Milbourne of Charles Town WV has sent us additional information which is of interest.

Mrs. Melbourne's contribution is a copy of "The Evangel" a religious publication. dated June 1895, and published by Wharton & Barron at Baltimore.

The front page carried a large picture of the Whosoever Farm, Luray, including a number of other former residents. Older residents can locate only two in the picture that they can recall —the late James B. Hudson and wife. parents of H. V. and Dr. W.L. Hudson, of Luray

The children pictured were all small and are now probably located in many sections of the country — one Bessie Booth, who married Charles Burner, with her three children were murdered about 20 years ago by a man named Nichols, in the Bixler’s Ferry neighborhood of this county.

Rev. Henry M. Wharton, a native of Culpeper County, was the prime mover in this orphanage as well as being at the head of the Luray College about this time.

Wharton was pastor of Main Street Baptist Church for a number of years, later going to Baltimore where he was pastor of Brantly Baptist church, for twenty years up until the time of his death, eight or ten years ago.

The Whosoever village is now quite a little community on our Eastern suburbs adjacent to the Lee Highway. Probably nine or ten homes now comprise the community.

Dr. Wharton was also an author of note, one of his novels being White Blood* which was similar to the Clansman. It included happenings in Culpeper and Page in the days immediately following the Civil War, and was highly interesting reading.

WHOSOEVER FARM SALE - LOCATION & FEATURES

Page News and Courier (December 25, 1931)

RELATED

* FREE PDF version of White Blood book (1906) - by H.M. Wharton

TRIBUTE to and OBITUARY of Rev. Henry Marvin Wharton

BESSIE BOOTH story and OBITUARY