The International Gold Cup, one of Virginia’s premier horse racing events, has announced a venue and date change for its 2024 race. Originally set for Saturday, October 26 at Great Meadow in The Plains, the event will now take place at Glenwood Park in Middleburg on Sunday, October 27.

The decision to move the date and location was influenced by the annual Mille Miglia USA Warmup auto race, which runs from October 22-26 in Middleburg. The Mille Miglia, modeled after the iconic Italian race, has become a signature event for the town, with North Madison Street serving as both the start and finish line. Since the road is crucial for both the Mille Miglia and for most attendees traveling to Glenwood Park, organizers saw the need to avoid overlap between the two events.

“We realized the need to move our race date when we learned about the Mille Miglia in Middleburg,” said Al Griffin, co-chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association. “The two events in Middleburg on the same date just didn’t make sense. Sunday is a better day to ensure horse vans, trailers, and spectators can effectively get to the racecourse.”

Race organizers are working closely with ticket holders to accommodate the change. Tickets and parking passes for the original Saturday event will be honored at the new location on Sunday, October 27. Those unable to attend on the revised date can request a refund. The International Gold Cup ticket office will provide further details.

This year’s move to Glenwood Park offers a new experience for fans of the International Gold Cup, a prestigious steeplechase event that draws horse-racing enthusiasts across the region. Glenwood Park, located in the heart of Middleburg’s horse country, has long been a beloved venue for equestrian events, providing a picturesque setting for the 2024 Gold Cup.

For additional details and updates on the race, visit vagoldcup.com.

Northern Virginia Counselors Challenge Virginia’s Ban on Conversion Therapy

Two counselors from Northern Virginia, backed by lawyers with the conservative group The Family Foundation, are seeking to overturn the commonwealth’s ban on conversion therapy, a practice that attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

On Thursday, the Founding Freedoms Law Center, the legal division of the Family Foundation, announced it filed a lawsuit in Henrico County Circuit Court, claiming the state violated their clients’ right to free speech and religious freedom.

The suit names the Virginia Board of Counseling, Virginia Department of Health Professions, and its director, Arne Owens, as the defendants.

The American Medical Association has denounced conversion therapy, saying the practice is based on the idea that “homosexuality and gender nonconformity are mental disorders and that sexual orientation and gender identity can be changed,” assumptions that are not based on medical or scientific evidence.

Narissa Rahaman, executive director for Equality Virginia, said the Family Foundation’s latest action is another attempt to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people.

“Once again, anti-LGBTQ+ forces are just trying to find new ways to advance their failing cause,” Rahaman said in a statement. “To the LGBTQ+ youth in Virginia and around the country who have been subjected to this dangerous practice: We will not stop fighting for you. You are worthy of love, support and access to affirming therapy.”

In 2020, Virginia banned conversion therapy, which prohibits state-licensed healthcare providers and counselors from practicing it on anyone under 18. Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, and Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington, carried the legislation.

According to the suit, John and Janet Raymond, the plaintiffs and owners of the Associate Counseling Center in Front Royal, have lost “significant” business income due to the ban.

“The Raymonds wish to counsel children who are seeking help to align their sexual feelings, actions, and identity toward a biblical sexual ethic, in accordance with God‘s design for human beings, including those struggling with homosexuality and so-called ‘gender identity,’” the suit states.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3iWxqC_0vkzBvdz00 — John and Janet Raymond, owners of the Associate Counseling Center in Front Royal, are suing the state for prohibiting their right to practice conversion therapy. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)

The Virginia lawsuit was announced soon after Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear banned the practice through an executive order on Sept. 18. Republicans outraged by the decision said it violated parental rights and hindered their legal authority to make decisions about their child’s care.

Founding Freedoms Law Center attorney Josh Hetzler said their case is independent of Kentucky’s recent action, but makes the Virginia lawsuit “all the more timely” and could be a learning opportunity for the neighbor state.

“We think our case is going to help (and) hopefully when we win, Kentucky will see the writing on the wall and will do the right thing as well,” Hetzler said.

According to a report by the American Psychological Association, behavior therapists used treatment like inducing nausea, providing electric shocks, or having the individual snap an elastic band around their wrist when they became aroused by same-sex erotic images or thoughts. Virginia’s ban on the practice in 2020 came after several years of failed legislative efforts to make it illegal.

In recent years, minors’ sexuality and gender expression have been at the forefront of political discussions concerning education and athletics in Virginia schools. Both Democrats and Republicans have fought over the protections and rights of minors as well.

One of the most notable actions came when Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration overhauled the state’s 2021 model school policies for transgender and nonbinary students designed under former Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam to protect the privacy and rights of such minors.

Since then, groups including the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia have filed lawsuits challenging the Virginia Department of Education on the policies that some schools have adopted. In February, the ACLU and Freshfields filed three related lawsuits.

One case, involving at least one teacher refusing to address a transgender student by her preferred first name, was dismissed in July. The other two cases are still being litigated in the Eastern District of Virginia and the Hanover County Circuit Court.

Last year, the Mercury reported that the number of Virginians changing the sex listed on their birth certificate more than doubled between 2020 and 2022, after lawmakers passed legislation streamlining the process for individuals wanting to do so.

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Follow Virginia Mercury on Facebook and X.

VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for September 30 – October 4, 2024

The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.

INTERSTATE 66

Mile marker 0 to 13, eastbound and westbound – Shoulder closures at various locations, including Exit 6 off-ramp for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Monday (September 30).

Mile marker 7 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Monday (September 30).

Mile marker 14 to 15, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, with possible daytime and nighttime work hours. Estimated completion: November 1.

INTERSTATE 81

No lane closures were reported.

PRIMARY ROADS

Route 340/522 (Winchester Road/Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Northbound right shoulder closures between Success Road and Page County line for utility work, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday.

Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) – Southbound right shoulder closures of on-ramp to westbound I-66 for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Monday (September 30).

SECONDARY ROADS

*NEW* Route 647 (Dismal Hollow Road) – Flag and pilot truck traffic control between Route 624 (Happy Creek Road/Morgan Ford Road) and Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) for paving operations, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through October 11.

Route 658 (Rockland Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) and Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) for the construction of a bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway. Follow the posted detour. Estimated completion December 2025.

Vegetation management may take place district-wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511 or www.511Virginia.org.

Female Inmate Escapes Transport, Arrested After Breaking into Frederick County Home

On Friday, September 27, 2024, a dramatic escape occurred during a prisoner transport in Frederick County, Virginia, when a female inmate managed to flee her transport vehicle. The incident began around 12:23 p.m., as a Warren County Sheriff’s Office deputy was moving two prisoners from the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center (NRADC) to the Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren Regional Jail (RSW).

The inmate, identified as Denise Roles, 36, of Woodstock, Virginia, escaped the transport vehicle in the area of Ft. Collier Road and Stratford Drive. Roles managed to manipulate the rear door of the transport vehicle and then fled on foot.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=32KO3l_0vkzBvdz00 — Denise Roles, 36, of Woodstock, Virginia.

Immediately after the escape, the Warren County deputy requested assistance from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO). FCSO units, along with officers from the Winchester Police Department, responded to the call and launched a search for Roles.

During the search, deputies received a tip from a local resident in the 100 block of Banbury Terrace, who reported that Roles had forced her way into their home. She threatened the occupants, a husband and wife, claiming she had a weapon. Roles assaulted the male resident, prompting the wife to alert authorities. Deputies arrived swiftly at the residence, entering and apprehending Roles without further incident at approximately 1:16 p.m.

The male resident was taken to Winchester Medical Center, where he received treatment for his injuries and was released. Thankfully, no other injuries were reported.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office has charged Denise Roles with a series of offenses following her escape and subsequent break-in. The charges include Felony Escape, Felony Assault, Robbery, Breaking and Entering, two counts of Abduction, and Property Damage. Roles is now being held without bond at NRADC.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has initiated an administrative review to determine whether all transport policies and procedures were followed correctly during the incident. Sheriff officials emphasize their dedication to public safety and are keen to understand how the escape occurred to prevent future incidents.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and the Winchester Police Department for their prompt and efficient response, which led to the quick recapture of Roles. Their assistance was instrumental in bringing this tense situation to a swift and safe resolution.

Warner, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Limit Closure of Labor and Delivery Services in Rural, Underserved Hospitals

Are Virginia Senator Mark Warner and some of his colleagues at the federal level coming to the aid of often rural-based, smaller communities like the Town of Front Royal and Warren County regarding reduced availability of Maternity services locally? It would appear that way in the wake of a press release from Senator Warner’s office on Thursday, September 26. With the recently expanding dissatisfaction with Valley Health’s decision not to include Obstetrics and Maternity services in the new Warren Memorial Hospital the proposed legislation is very timely locally.

And while the proposed additional funding is Medicaid, which everyone doesn’t have, based, it appears the financial support being offered to health care providers through the Medicaid system would benefit a community’s entire expectant mother population with those funds keeping birthing and pre and post-natal care units open locally for all women in a community to access. Royal Examiner will trace the proposed legislation’s developmental journey through Congress as additional information becomes available.

Below is the September 26 press release in its entirety with Senator Warner’s observation about the trend toward reduced pregnancy and delivery services impact on Virginia communities, as well as others nationwide:

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2hqNAi_0vkzBvdz00 — File photo of Virginia’s U.S. Senator Mark Warner reaching out to his constituents, as he will be in support of Congressional initiative to provide additional funding through Medicaid to keep rural and smaller community birthing and related medical services available locally. – Courtesy Photo Office of Sen. Warner

WASHINGTON – After announcing draft legislation earlier this year, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and 16 colleagues in introducing the Keeping Obstetrics Local Act – legislation to address the rising trend of labor and delivery unit closures in rural and underserved hospitals. Legislation would use Medicaid Funding to boost rural hospitals, keep resources in local communities.

“Rural communities need comprehensive access to health care, but in recent years we’ve seen far too many hospitals in these areas struggle to keep their doors open, with expectant mothers bearing the brunt of the impact,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to introduce legislation that will help to ensure rural Virginians retain access to crucial OB-GYN care.”

The Keeping Obstetrics Local Act (KOLA) would increase Medicaid payment rates for labor and delivery services at eligible hospitals in rural and high-need urban areas; provide “standby” payments to cover the costs of staffing and maintaining an obstetrics unit at low-volume hospitals; create low-volume payment adjustments for labor and delivery services at hospitals with low birth volumes; and require all states to provide postpartum coverage for women in Medicaid for 12 months, among other steps. The bill would make sure that hospitals are required to use these additional resources to invest in the maternal health care needs of the local communities they serve.

Front Royal Man Arrested for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

On Friday, September 27, 2024, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation concerning the creation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in the Front Royal area. The investigation was triggered after authorities received critical information about explicit content found on a local resident’s computer. The material involved multiple videos of a juvenile recorded in her own home without her knowledge or consent, a deeply troubling invasion of privacy and safety.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3eT0DV_0vkzBvdz00 — JORGE CASTILLO

The investigation quickly focused on a suspect: Jorge A. Castillo, a 43-year-old resident of Front Royal, Virginia. The evidence led investigators to Castillo’s home, where they identified him as the account holder responsible for the disturbing videos. Law enforcement officers subsequently arrested Castillo without incident on the same day, September 27, 2024, and transported him to the Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren (RSW) Regional Jail.

Following his arrest, Castillo appeared before a magistrate and was ordered to be held in custody without the possibility of bond. He is currently facing three charges for the production and related offenses involving child pornography, specifically under Virginia State Law § 18.2-374.1. These charges include one count of the production and two additional counts under the same statute. Castillo’s court date has been set for October 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, where he will face the charges brought against him.

Authorities Ask Public for Information

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office, which has been actively working alongside the Northern Virginia/DC Metro (NOVA/DC) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, is committed to ensuring justice in this case. The ICAC Task Force, coordinated by the Virginia State Police, is part of a national network devoted to combating online crimes against children, including the production and distribution of CSAM.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, or facilitation of child sexual abuse material to come forward. Such tips are vital for building cases against individuals involved in this activity and protecting vulnerable children from further harm. Those with any knowledge regarding this particular case or related crimes can contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Specifically, Investigator McDaniel is available for information by phone at (540) 635-7100 or via email at cmcdaniel@warrencountysheriff.org.

The Alleged Offender

Jorge A. Castillo, described as a 6’0” Hispanic male with brown eyes and brown hair, has been accused of a serious violation that has caused significant concern within the community. Such offenses involving children are treated with the utmost seriousness by law enforcement, and the ongoing efforts to bring those responsible to justice involve coordination across multiple levels of policing.

The charges Castillo faces relate to Virginia Code § 18.2-374.1, which covers the production, publication, and sale of child pornography, emphasizing the seriousness of such offenses. Under Virginia law, even the act of attempting to produce such material can lead to severe penalties, reflecting the high level of protection the state seeks to provide for minors.

Community Response and Efforts to Protect Children

Cases involving CSAM are particularly distressing for communities, as they violate the safety and trust expected within one’s own home. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has reassured residents that they are committed to protecting children and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The NOVA/DC ICAC Task Force, which Warren County participates in, plays a critical role in fighting these offenses by sharing resources, information, and expertise with other regional agencies.

This arrest serves as a reminder of the dangers that exist within communities and the importance of vigilance, particularly when it comes to online activity. Unfortunately, as technology becomes more deeply ingrained in everyday life, opportunities for exploitation also increase. Parents are encouraged to maintain open communication with their children about online safety and to monitor their online interactions to help safeguard against such threats.

The cooperation of the public remains an essential component of law enforcement efforts in cases involving the exploitation of minors. The Sheriff’s Office stressed the importance of community members coming forward with any relevant information that could help in the investigation, no matter how small. Such cooperation can significantly strengthen the ability of law enforcement to protect children and apprehend those involved in these crimes.

A Call to Action

Sheriff’s offices, along with task forces like ICAC, are at the forefront of the battle against crimes targeting children, but they cannot act alone. Community members can assist by reporting suspicious behavior or inappropriate content involving children. Awareness and prompt action can make a substantial difference in preventing further exploitation and bringing perpetrators to justice.

The charges against Jorge A. Castillo are severe, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities hope that shedding light on this case will encourage others with pertinent information to come forward, ultimately protecting more children from being victimized.

Anyone with information regarding the current case or related incidents is encouraged to contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and assist in the ongoing investigation. Your help could be instrumental in preventing further harm and ensuring that justice is served.

Preliminary Hearing in Dawson Family Shooting and Death Continued to December on Joint Prosecution/Defense Motion

By mutual agreement of Prosecution and Defense counsel on Thursday, September 26, the Prelimany Hearing in the case of Claude H. Dawson, Jr., 74, related to the July 18th home shooting and subsequent death of his wife Diane Dawson, 71, was continued to December 19, at 11 a.m. in Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Both Ilona White for the Commonwealth and defense attorney David Downes for Mr. Dawson, indicated a need for additional time, a three-month window was cited, to accumulate a variety of relevant information in support of their respective cases, as well as the avaialability of expert witnesses.

After hearing some detail on the types of evidence still being sought related to medical, forensics, and firearms analysis, as well as a psychological evaluation of the defendant, Judge Lawrence Vance granted the Joint Motion for the three-month continuance. It was noted by counsel and the court that Judge Vance would likely not be presiding over the case when it goes to trial.

Claude Dawson remains free on the $75,000 secured bond granted to him at a September 12 hearing, after initially being booked into RSW Jail on July 27 without bond.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0uEQ6G_0vkzBvdz00 — Claude Dawson during his booking into RSW Regional Jail on July 27, nine days after his wife Diane’s death from what he has described as an accidental shooting during attempt to unload his gun in family’s Apple Jack Circle home. Photo RSW Jail website

As previously reported by Royal Examiner: “After extensive inquiries and consultations with the Warren County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office” Claude Dawson was arrested without incident on July 27 on three charges, Involuntary Manslaughter, Reckless Handling of a Firearm, and Shooting in Committing or Attempting a Felony, regarding the July 18 shooting death of his wife Diane Dawson.

As the Criminal Complaint tied to the felony arrest warrant notes, after receiving a report of a shooting at 288 Apple Jack Circle in Linden in eastern Warren County on Thursday, July 18, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office dispatched an investigator to the scene:

“Diane Dawson was located in a bedroom of the reisdence with a gunshot wound to her side/back. Her husband Claude Dawson advised he was sitting in a chair next to the bed. Mrs. Dawson was sitting on the bed a very short distance in front of Mr. Dawson. Mr. Dawson picked up the firearm and pointed the loaded firearm in the direction of Mrs. Dawson as he attempted to unload the firearm he owned. The firearm went off striking Mrs. Dawson.”

Here the Criminal Complaint describes Emergency Medical Services response at the scene: “Mrs. Dawson was tranported by emergency personnel to the hospital to be flown to a trauma center in Fairfax, Virginia. While on the scene of the residence I was notified that Mrs. Dawson had died due to the injuries from the gunshot wound,” the report filed by Investigator C. J. McDaniel states, here adding additional input from Mr. Dawson at the scene.

“Mr. Dawson advised that he has been handling firearms and hunting for many years and has great knowledge of firearms. Mr. Dawson further advised that he was unloading the firearm due to his grandson coming to stay at the residence five days after this incident.”

The nature of the charges thus far filed against Claude Dawson would indicate the prosecution moving with caution in defining his wife’s death as anything other than the horrible accident he described. But might that perspective change once all the above-described medical, forensics, firearms, and psychological analysis’s are received?

As usual, time will tell. And that telling should begin on December 19, during the continued Preliminary Hearing granted to allow both sides adequate time to assemble all their relevant evidentiary analysis of the circumstances surrounding the death of Diane Dawson on July 18.