Free Republic

STAUNTON, Va. — When Heather and Logan Ward's son entered public kindergarten this fall, they were shocked to discover that pupils were taken from class to a nearby church for weekly Bible lessons. The Wards moved to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley (search) from New York four years ago, and were unaware of the tradition that has remained in Staunton and other rural schools for more than 60 years. "My reaction is exactly like the reaction of those who come here from a different place — shock and disbelief that we have Bible (search) classes in public schools," Heather Ward said. Now...

STAUNTON, Va. — Heather and Logan Ward moved from New York to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley four years ago because they wanted a simpler life. Like many recent transplants, the Wards were pleased to discover Staunton's grand Victorian architecture, a vibrant downtown and "a lot of open-minded, progressive people." But when their son entered public kindergarten this past fall, they discovered that pupils leave classrooms for weekly Bible lessons, a tradition in Staunton and other communities in rural Virginia for more than 60 years.

HARRISONBURG - For years, the signs literally had been everywhere.Violent street gangs were gaining a presence in the Shenandoah Valley, and members were scrawling signature graffiti on buildings and bridges. But esoteric markings of letters and symbols meant little to local police beyond vandalism.Then, last year, authorities discovered in Shenandoah County the body of a young woman with ties to a violent Central American gang.Brenda Paz was a member of the violent Mara Salvatrucha or MS-13, living in witness protection last year and set to testify against members of MS-13 in a Northern Virginia murder case. Paz was abducted from...

I-81 proposal would create 'truckway' for big rigs FINCASTLE, Va. -- Virginia's 325-mile portion of Interstate 81 is one of the most beautiful and dangerous in the nation. Now, after years of indecision about how to improve the safety and efficiency of this road, it may become the test case for an idea that could alter the scope of the nation's interstate highway system. State and federal leaders are moving forward with a plan to build a second four-lane road solely for trucks. The proposal has galvanized residents, environmentalists and preservationists who are eager to maintain the appeal and historical...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

HARRISONBURG, Va. - Sculptor Gary Casteel has suggested the Upper Shenandoah Valley as a good location for a national Civil War memorial.Casteel pitched the memorial as a tourism draw as well of a place of reverence during a meeting recently with the Civil War subcommittee of the Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, a nonprofit group working to revitalize Harrisonburg's city center."It was sort of a surprise for me and the group," said Eddie Bumbaugh, executive director of the organization.The subcommittee had been focusing on a series of signs providing information on the downtown's Civil War history, he said. Bumbaugh also said Casteel's...