VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for October 5 – 9, 2026
Reaching Out Now Expands Programs and Opportunities for Warren County Youth
Dance and Arts VA Finds New Home, New Opportunities on Water Street
Why Wait Till November? Mid-Term Election Early Voting  Processes in Place Now
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Gray Treefrog
Surveillance, Outdoor Dining, and Other Community Concerns at Town Council Meeting
County Supervisors Fill Vacant Planning Commission Seat, Look to Future on Processes and Capital Improvements
E. Wilson Morrison Physical Plant Engineering Update Leaves Questions on Path Forward in Most Cost-Effective Manner
In Cannabis Ordinance Review, Commissioners Identify Direction from Town Council as Critical
County Elected Officials Seek Path Forward Economically with the Town’s Decision Makers – NOT Behind Citizens Backs
Mayor Lori Athey Cockrell Looks to Water, Economic Development and Rail Trail in Another Term
Reaching Out Now Expands Programs and Opportunities for Warren County Youth
Dance and Arts VA Finds New Home, New Opportunities on Water Street
Dollars for Dolly Campaign Aims to Turn Small Gifts Into Big Community Impact
Skates, Treats and Safety: Warren County Sheriff’s Office Foundation Pack October with Community Events
Mayor Lori Athey Cockrell Looks to Water, Economic Development and Rail Trail in Another Term
Meet-and-Greet Set Sunday for Republican-Endorsed Front Royal Candidates
Beth Macy Discusses Sixth District Campaign, Health Care, Farming and Data Centers
Update: Cline Appears Without Democratic Opponent at Winchester Congressional Event
Profile of a Candidate: Chairman of the Planning Commission Allen Neel Runs for Town Council
Meet-and-Greet Set Sunday for Republican-Endorsed Front Royal Candidates
Happy Creek Crossing to Hold Vendor Interest Meeting Oct. 8 in Front Royal
This Week’s Showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of October 1st
Children Activities by Samuels Public Library for the Month of October
This Week’s Showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of September 24th
October 23rd Set for Post-Discovery Motions Hearing in Bradley Treece Gunfire Incident With Neighbors
Next Hearing in Supervisor Tony Carter’s DUI Case Set for Dec. 8
Warren County Supervisor Charged With Assault and Battery Following Meeting
Warren County Grand Jury Returns 15 Indictments, Including Equipment Theft, Child Neglect and Drug Charges
Stanley Man Charged After Alleged Attempted Arson at Front Royal Apartment
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 9/28/2026
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 9/21/2026
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 9/14/2026
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 9/7/2026
POLICE: 7 Day FRPD Arrest Report 8/24/2026
Spanberger’s Energy Plan Keys in on Clean Energy to Meet Growing Demand and VCEA Goals
States OK Solar Panels for Balconies. Safety Guidelines Haven’t Caught Up
Virginia Democrats Warn More Healthcare Strains Loom After November Election
Legislation to Force Virginia Traffic Camera Fine Payments Will Make ‘Nightmarish’ Court Workloads
Virginia Education Board Approves New Rules for Local Student Assessments
Feds Provide Guidance on New Federal K-12 Scholarship Tax Credit Program
US Senate Leaves Nation’s Capital in Advance of Midterms With Much Still Undone
Trump TV Ads Paid for with $20M in Homeland Security Funds, Dems Find
Trump Orders Federal Agencies to Replace ‘Artificial Intelligence’ With ‘Super Intelligence’
CDC’s Latest Youth Behavior Report Offers a Narrower Look at Teen Health
Cline Highlights Veterans Entrepreneurship Bill, Financial Privacy and Farm Trade
Kaine Introduces Legislation to Address Teacher Shortage, Equip New Educators
Cline Highlights Memorial Day Ceremony, Lyme Disease Awareness, Cybersecurity, and Local Manufacturing Visits
Congressman Ben Cline Highlights Budget Reform, SNAP Oversight, and Space Competition
Cline Targets Virginia Policies in New Immigration Enforcement Bill
Lemmon & Hale Highlight Importance of Estate Planning for Families and Businesses
Front Royal Craftsmen Revive Centuries-Old Timber Framing Tradition
ORDER OF PUBLICATION: In the Circuit Court for Warren County, Virginia
ORDER OF PUBLICATION: In the Circuit Court for Warren County, Virginia
ORDER OF PUBLICATION: In the Circuit Court for Warren County, Virginia
ORDER OF PUBLICATION: In the Circuit Court for Warren County, Virginia
ORDER OF PUBLICATION: In the Circuit Court for Warren County, Virginia
CSM Aesthetics Celebrates Growth With Front Royal Ribbon Cutting
Warren Heritage Society Opens New Main Street Pocket Museum and Tour Headquarters
Good Lions Celebrates First Anniversary with Ribbon Cutting and Renewed Commitment to Community
Cottonwood Ranch Farm Store Celebrates One Year in Front Royal
Downtown Local Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Community Support
Front Royal’s Lillian Sloan Nears 100 After a Life of Teaching, Faith and Service
Rockland Non-Agenarian (90 to 99 years old) Celebrates 94th Birthday with Humane Society Supply Call, Especially for Cats!
From Nashville’s Big Stage to Front Royal’s Quiet Studio: Marie Miller’s Journey Comes Home
A Blue Christmas Without Him: Marion Bell Remembers Her Husband Through Elvis, Love, and Holiday Traditions
Front Royal Resident Edward Tirado Retires from the New York Air National Guard After 39 Years of Service
Front Royal Lifts Voluntary Water Conservation Restrictions After Recent Rainfall
Front Royal Council to Hold Public Hearing on Taxes and Utility Rates
Weekly Yard Waste Pickup Begins April 8 in Front Royal
Town Council Public Hearings for February 23rd
Email Scam Impersonating Town of Front Royal Planning & Zoning
$1.65-Million Auction Dent Put in $10-Million Debt to First Bank & Trust on ITFederal Developmental Loan to FR-WC EDA
30-Acre ITFederal Property at Avtex Scheduled for Auction to Help Resolve EDA ‘Financial Scandal’ Debt to First Bank & Trust
County EDA Sets Operational Parameters Including Officer Re-Appointments, Approves 2nd Recent Small Business Loan
Front Royal-Warren County EDA Seeks Community Members for Small Business Loan Review Committee
EDA Approves Resolutions Moving Toward Settlement of Old EDA Financial Liabilities, and Sale of 113 Acres at Avtex Site
30-Acre ITFederal Property at Avtex Scheduled for Auction to Help Resolve EDA ‘Financial Scandal’ Debt to First Bank & Trust
EDA Authorizes $25,000 of Its Own Assets to Fight Tran-ITFederal Appeal of Its State Appeals Court Liability Ruling
Supervisors explore budget carryover process and new software prior to light meeting agenda – THEN there was the closed session
EDA Board Chairman Jeff Browne reacts to July civil litigation results ordering total of over $13.35 million paid to the County Economic Development Authority
Jury awards WC EDA $11.9 million-plus in civil compensatory claims against ITFederal and Truc ‘Curt’ Tran
Front Royal Cardinals Host Winchester Royals Saturday, July 18 at Bing Crosby Stadium
Cardinals Host New Market Rebels Tueday, July 14 at Bing Crosby Stadium – Make Up Game
Cardinals Host New Market Rebels Wednesday, July 15 at Bing Crosby Stadium
Front Royal Cardinals Host Purcellville Cannons Sunday, July 12 at Bing Crosby Stadium
Cardinals Host Strasburg Express Sunday, July 5 at Bing Crosby Stadium
Randolph-Macon Academy Celebrates Leo Burge as Athlete of the Week
R-MA Triumphs in GPAC Regular Season Championship
R-MA Swim Team Makes a Splash: Boys and Girls Teams Dominate in Fredericksburg
R-MA Boys Varsity Basketball Update 1/12/24
R-MA Athlete of the Week: Michael Jr. DeMato
WCHS vs. Brentsville HS – Girls Volleyball – October 6, 2026
WCHS Volleyball Hosts Manassas Park on Sept. 22
Warren County Volleyball Set to Host Sherando Wednesday Night – September 16
Warren County Wildcats Host Strasburg Under Friday Night Lights – September 11
Warren County Volleyball Set to Host Fauquier Tuesday Night – September 8
Update: Rain Moves Skyline High School’s Class of 2026 Graduation Indoors
LIVE-STREAM: Skyline High School Graduation Ceremony – Friday, May 16, 2025
Skyline High School Graduation – Saturday, May 28, 2022
Skyline High School Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony
Baccalaureate service for graduating seniors
Warren County Middle School vs Skyline Middle School – Girls Basketball, October 4, 2021
Warren County Middle School vs Frederick County Middle School – Girls Basketball, September 27, 2021
Warren County Middle School vs Daniel Morgan Middle School – Girls Basketball, September 23, 2021
Warren County Middle School vs Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School – Girls Basketball, September 20th, 2021
Warren County Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 8th Grade
Warren County Celebrates High School Graduates with Inspirational Baccalaureate Service
Warren County Middle School vs Skyline Middle School – Girls Basketball, October 4, 2021
Skyline Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 8th Grade
Skyline Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 7th Grade
Skyline Middle School Academic Honors Ceremony – 6th Grade
Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Event
WATCH: E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Parade
WATCH: Ressie Jeffries Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Parade
WATCH: Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary School – 5th Grade Graduation Parade
VIEWPOINT: You’re Invited to Vacation Bible School – a Gift to the Community.
VIEWPOINT: Christ’s Resurrection Reminder: Eternal life with God or Not
VIEWPOINT: Presidential Message on Holy Week, 2025
VIEWPOINT: Christmas, Christmas Carols, and Re-Establishing America’s Christian Heritage
VIEWPOINT: Vote for Kamala Harris at Your Own Peril
Community Leadership: The Visibility That Shapes Tomorrow
Seeing, Listening and Supporting Our Seniors
Commentary: The Day Terror Changed Us and a Virginia Governor Stepped Up to Lead and Restore Confidence
9/11: A Personal Memoir — Live Scene Account of a Friend Who Was There
Strong Families Build a Stronger Warren County
The End of a 20-Year Monopoly on the Credit Score
How the Tech Bros Shop for a House
Ask the Expert: What Happens to a Mortgage When a Spouse Dies?
Fall Is the Buyer’s Season — Start Now, Be Home by Christmas
Ask the Expert: Is a 2-1 Buydown Really a Good Deal?
House for Sale: 19 Fairview Avenue, Front Royal – Watch the tour!
Charming Country Living Meets Town Convenience: Stunning 7+ Acre Home in Front Royal Drops Price!
Discover Your Dream Home in High Knob!
Experience Serenity and Luxury at 2857 Reliance Road, Warren County, VA
House for Sale: 1048 Horseshoe Drive, Front Royal – Watch the tour!
Business Growth Series: If You Don’t Control Your Day, It Controls Your Business
Business Growth Series: Your Work Environment Is Affecting Your Growth
Business Growth Series: Distractions Are Costing You Customers
Business Growth Series: If You’re Not Listening, You’re Losing Customers
Business Growth Series: “What If” Thinking Is Costing You Money
The Eye Surgery Factory That Could Not Expand
Birthday Twins: See Which Famous Face Shares Your Big Day
This Drone Hunts Mosquitoes
The Silent Danger of Heating Season
Frog Hunting Offers Virginians a Different Kind of Outdoor Adventure
Ancient Ownership of Israel
Voltron and Immigration
William Morgan and the Anti-Mason Party
America 250: ‘I Only Regret That I Have but One Life to Lose for My Country’
The Third Most Important Gift Is Laughter
Coolidge on Education and Careers
Coolidge’s Vision of Prosperity Through Free Trade
The Power of Words: A Lesson From Calvin Coolidge
Calvin Coolidge: A Quiet Leader Worth Remembering
How the Declaration and the Constitution Are Inseparable
Building Gas Plants More Important Than Dominion Sale, Data Center Politics
Now They Want to Rein It In
Spanberger’s Carbon Tax Sets New Record, Could Add $1 Billion to Electricity Costs in One Year
Governor Spanberger Believes Tariffs Are Taxes, Until Virginia Cattlemen Want Tariff Protection
Data Center Misinformation is Killing the Golden Goose
Greenville Didn’t Become a Destination by Accident
The Well Lies to You
Stronger, Not Bigger: Rethinking Economic Development in Warren County
Why Should You Care If the Business Down the Street Closes?
Every Community Needs Champions
If the Car Name Fits, Drive It
Start your day with a smile
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Front Royal’s Lillian Sloan Nears 100 After a Life of Teaching, Faith and Service
Rockland Non-Agenarian (90 to 99 years old) Celebrates 94th Birthday with Humane Society Supply Call, Especially for Cats!
From Nashville’s Big Stage to Front Royal’s Quiet Studio: Marie Miller’s Journey Comes Home
A Blue Christmas Without Him: Marion Bell Remembers Her Husband Through Elvis, Love, and Holiday Traditions
Front Royal Resident Edward Tirado Retires from the New York Air National Guard After 39 Years of Service
Warren Heritage Society announces the publication of their newest book, “Coming Together”
Send bracelets to quarantined residents of Commonwealth Assisted Living in Front Royal through WeAreSPACE.org
Warren’s Heritage: Native American History-Part 10
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Looking Back, Looking Forward: A Reflection on Faith and the New Year
The Beard: A Symbol Through Time and Faith
Reflecting on New Beginnings: A New Year
The Footstep: A Story of Sacrifice and Humanity
Living Longer: Lessons from History and Science
Should I Choose Passion or Duty?
Why we should be ‘Babyish’ in Love
The School of Life: How to Stop Playing Games in Love
The School of Life: How You Can Be Too Clever
Commentary: Board Repeals Transparency Policy – What’s The Path Forward?
Pearl Harbor: The Day That Changed America Forever
9/11: a personal memoir
Looking Back: A Mothers Revenge – Hannah Duston
Ben Franklin and his miraculous lightning rod
“A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”: Remembering the Attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941
Frank Brandon: A Veteran’s Century of Courage and Resilience
A Veteran’s Journey: Ron Parsons Reflects on Service, Career, and Love
Veteran Tales: Franklin Selzer Shares Wisdom and Memories
America’s veterans remembered and honored for their service across the years
Safe At Hope 2023: The Un4gettable Series – a few players help announce!
Randolph-Macon Academy Radio Stations (WA4RMA) joins Winlink Wednesday Century Club
Concern Hotline named beneficiary of Ride with Rotary
Boots & Bourbon Fundraiser success helps purchase possibly two book vending machines
Pumpkin faces on Serenity Farm
 $5,000 Match Challenge to Support Warren County Children on Give Like Dolly Day
Dollars for Dolly Campaign Aims to Turn Small Gifts Into Big Community Impact
We’re ALL Celebrities when we Serve Others–Let’s Serve & Support Some Great Local Causes This Summer!
Positive Vibes from the Valley welcomes Beth Medved Waller
The Rotary Club of the Northern Shenandoah Valley hosting blood drive
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2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV Premium
2017 Toyota Corolla LE CVT
2011 Toyota Sienna Limited 7-passenger
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As AI Use Grows, Companies Begin Putting Limits on the Cost
Apple Lawsuit Puts Employee Offboarding and Digital Access in the Spotlight
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Landscaping Careers Offer Outdoor Work and Creative Opportunities
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Over the past year and a half, a dozen states have embraced a new vision for solar power: small, cheap panels that can be hung from a balcony or porch, be plugged into a standard wall outlet, and take a dent out of residents’ utility bills.
These systems, known as balcony solar or plug-in solar, are attractive because they can be installed without permits, contractors, or large investments. They can allow renters to tap into clean electricity.
Lawmakers say the systems can help at a time when residents’ power bills are skyrocketing, and utilities are struggling to keep pace with demand. They also can be paired with a battery, which can provide backup power during area outages.
Backers see a future in which solar panels deployed across millions of balconies, porches and yards could ease strain on the electrical grid and save residents hundreds of dollars each year on their power bills.
Senate Bill 250, sponsored by Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, and House Bill 395, by Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, prevents landlords that have more than four rental dwellings from prohibiting the use of balcony solar panels.
The bill does allow the landlord to set reasonable restrictions on the placement and size of the panels on the property. Tenants are required to alert the landlord and the utility provider of their intent to use the panels.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed the measure into law. Read the full March 10, 2026 report by The Mercury’s energy and environment reporter Shannon Heckt here.
Twelve states — Republican and Democratic alike — have recently passed bills authorizing residents to install such systems. Nine have been signed into law, while three are awaiting signatures from a governor.
But for most Americans, even some in states that have passed laws, the systems still sit in a legal gray area. That’s because the “plug and play” simplicity that creates balcony solar’s appeal might not yet work safely with most household electrical systems, experts and utilities say. Work is underway to develop industry standards for such products, and advocates agree that such guidelines are necessary to draw manufacturers to the U.S. market.

Backers say that plug-in solar systems have a long track record of operating safely in Germany and other countries, and argue that it’s imperative for the standards to allow for products that do not require a permit, home upgrades or a certified electrician to install.
Meanwhile, power utilities haven’t strongly opposed the bills, though some have expressed concerns that unregistered systems could affect power flows or endanger line workers.
For all the legislative action to boost balcony solar, advocates say the market won’t take off until safety groups give the all-clear for systems that don’t require red tape or electrical upgrades.
The recent burst of balcony solar bills kicked off in Utah. Republican state Rep. Ray Ward read an article about the balcony solar boom in Germany, where the devices have surged in popularity and are widely available in stores such as IKEA.
In Germany, more than 1 million balcony solar systems have been installed across the country, providing more than 2 gigawatts of power — the equivalent of a large power plant.
“I thought, ‘How come I cannot do that in Utah and in the U.S.?’” Ward said.
In Utah, as in many states, putting any amount of power onto the grid requires a contract with a utility, an impossible barrier for the average homeowner. Ward’s bill removes that requirement for solar panels up to 1,200 watts, roughly the amount of power used by a hair dryer.
The bill passed unanimously through both houses of the Utah legislature last year, and Ward has balcony solar at his home. But the law also requires systems to meet National Electrical Code and Underwriters Laboratories certification standards, guidelines that are still in development.
“The safety standards don’t exist, even though the products are plainly safe,” Ward said. “There is a way to make it safe, as Germany has shown, and we’ve just got to get safety standards in place here.”
Since Utah’s bill became law, state lawmakers across the country have drafted similar bills.
Many of the bills also prevent landlords and homeowners associations from restricting balcony solar. And many also seek to establish safety guidelines for the technology.
“These things are just easy, simple, affordable, permitless ways to generate your own electricity — in whatever your living arrangement is — that enables everyone to contribute to reducing energy consumption in our country,” said Virginia state Sen. Scott Surovell, a Democrat.
His bill drew bipartisan support and was signed into law in April.
In New York, a bill passed in May awaits action by Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“These solar panels could help you save 10% of your electricity bill each month, which is significant considering how much costs are going up,” said New York state Sen. Liz Krueger, a Democrat who sponsored the balcony solar bill. “In New York City, a huge percentage of us are renters, and up until now there’s been no way for us to participate in green energy or energy-lowering projects.”
Krueger said Hochul may ask for some small technical changes, which lawmakers are prepared to adopt.
Colorado enacted a new law in May.
“With power prices going up, people are wanting to find a way to be able to participate and have some control over their own energy,” said Colorado state Sen. Cathy Kipp, a Democrat who sponsored the measure. “As more states adopt it, it will drive down costs, which will further increase adoption.”
Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Vermont have also enacted balcony solar laws since 2025. Bills in California and Massachusetts have passed and sit on the governor’s desk.
The state measures have been supported by Bright Saver, a nonprofit advocacy group that envisions 60 million balcony solar panels deployed across the country by 2035. Cora Stryker, the group’s co-founder, said several lawmakers told her they’d never seen a measure go from an idea to a law so quickly.
But the success of those new laws, she said, hinges on the development of safety standards that allow balcony solar systems to be simple “plug-and-play” devices.
“The widespread adoption we’re talking about will only happen when we get out of this legal gray area and every American can feel confident that they can plug it in without contacting their utility,” she said.
Bright Saver sells balcony solar systems at cost, offering 180-watt panels for $285 and 360-watt panels for $414. But it cannot sell to customers in some states that have passed solar legislation, because products don’t yet exist that can meet their safety certifications.
Other companies sell kits online, but experts say it’s hard for customers to know if those devices meet safety thresholds. While backers do not have estimates for nationwide adoption totals, they say the numbers will remain low until balcony solar systems are widely available at popular retailers.
Underwriters Laboratories, a global safety science company, recently issued certification standards that would require residents to modify circuits before plugging in devices — a hurdle that advocates fear could slow the adoption of balcony solar.
The main concern, experts say, is that power outlets in U.S. homes are not designed to carry power in two directions. Sending electricity back into the system could bypass circuit protection devices, overloading wires and creating fire or shock hazards.
“Some of these (bills and laws) are a little ahead of their time,” said Nadav Enbar, program manager at the nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute. “There isn’t yet a product that can meet the letter of the law.”
Some of the state laws call for products to achieve certification from Underwriters Laboratories. The company issued its certification program, known as an outline of investigation, in January.
While those guidelines are still working through a committee process — which could take a year or more — to be finalized as a permanent standard, the company says they still count as official certification for manufacturers seeking to comply with state laws.
The current certification requires residents to modify circuits in their home to safely receive electricity. Electrical experts said it’s possible that manufacturers will eventually be able to develop balcony solar systems that address the circuit overload concerns with onboard technology.
“Could there in the future be another way to address these problems? Sure,” said Joe Bablo, principal engineering manager with UL Solutions, one of the three organizations that make up Underwriters Laboratories. “Will the standard adapt to that? Of course.”
The certification also requires the use of a proprietary connector that ensures the blades will not continue carrying electricity after being unplugged from the wall.
The National Electrical Code offers another possibility for a widely accepted standard that manufacturers could follow, but new revisions to the code will not be issued until 2029.
Some utilities have also raised concerns about large-scale adoption affecting local power flows, or solar systems feeding power into the grid during blackouts and putting line workers at risk. Utility leaders have called for a program that requires balcony solar users to register or notify utilities when installing their devices.
“We just need people to let us know what they’re plugging in, so we can track anything that feeds back into the grid and can be a danger to line workers,” said David Eisenhauer, spokesperson for the California power utility Southern California Edison.
The utility initially opposed the California bill, but adopted a neutral position after language was added to allow utilities to require registration of balcony solar units.
Stateline reporter Alex Brown can be reached at abrown@stateline.org. 
This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Virginia Mercury, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
By Alex Brown, 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 with questions: info@virginiamercury.com.
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