Latest news with #ClymoreElementarySchool
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Twin brother of Augusta County sheriff pleads guilty to felony drug charge
STAUNTON — The twin brother of Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith appeared in Staunton Circuit Court on May 6, where he pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge. Ronald W. Smith, 42, of Churchville, was convicted of possession of a Schedule I or II drug. On Oct. 15, 2023, Smith was involved in a vehicle crash near Churchville Avenue and Va. 262, according to Staunton Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Matt Falwell. At the scene, Falwell said Smith began acting erratically and tried to walk away from police. Following a struggle, he was taken down to the ground and restrained. Smith was found to have a glass smoking device and a little less than three grams of methamphetamine, resulting in the felony drug charge. Prior to being sentenced, he apologized to his brother, Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith, who did not attend the hearing, as well as to other family members. "I'm very sorry," said Smith, who was in a wheelchair after suffering a fall while previously jailed. In a joint recommendation, Smith, who was represented by Staunton Public Defender Duane Barron, was sentenced to two years in prison with two years suspended, giving him no time to serve. He was also placed on two years of supervised probation. Smith, though, is still facing charges in Augusta County for an unrelated incident that took place a little more than two months after his Staunton arrest. During the late-afternoon hours of Dec. 26, 2023, Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith called his office and requested assistance with getting a stolen vehicle stopped. The vehicle, a semi-truck, was his. The sheriff said his brother was behind the wheel of the 2000 International that had a goose-neck trailer attached, and said he tried stopping the truck near the intersection of Churchville Avenue and Eagle Rock Lane but was unsuccessful. Authorities chased the semi to Verona, using a tire-deflation devices along the way. The chase ended at Clymore Elementary School, where Ronald Smith allegedly rammed a deputy's vehicle and reportedly attempted to pin a second deputy's vehicle between the semi and trailer. In May 2024, the Augusta County grand jury indicted Smith on two charges of attempted malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer, along with single felony charges of destruction of property and eluding. He's also facing a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated (first offense), according to court records. "Smith's life is completely different now, and he spends his time fighting for every little bit of movement he can recover after suffering devastating injuries while he was in jail," Barron said. Smith has a one-day jury trial set for Sept. 18 in Augusta County Circuit Court. The prosecution of the case is being handled by the Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. Smith remains free on bond. More: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to benefit from Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive May 10 in Staunton, Waynesboro More: Area educators to perform free concert May 12 in Staunton as part of the Valley Wind Ensemble More: 'Diamond in the rough': Oak Grove Theater ready for its 72nd year of outdoor performances This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Brother of Augusta County sheriff pleads guilty to felony drug charge
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Clymore Elementary celebrates 30-year anniversary with original staff and a time capsule
FORT DEFIANCE — It was Oct. 8, 1995 when Augusta County officially dedicated Clymore Elementary School. The building had opened to students earlier that year, one of two new elementary schools in the county. A group of fifth-graders that year sang "Together We Learn," a school anthem written by music teacher Curtis Nolley. Last week, while celebrating the school's 30th anniversary, Nolley returned to speak to the students. Then he led them in singing the school song once again. "It's always an exciting opportunity to see a new facility and the kids are so excited about coming into a facility that is brand new," Nolley said about being part of opening Clymore. Nolley taught in Augusta County for 26 years before moving to Rockingham and Harrisonburg schools and then finishing his educational career at Bridgewater College. "My time here — and I loved every assignment I had — but these were really golden years," Nolley said. "The faculty was so strong at Clymore ... it was just such a great time." For the 30th anniversary the school also brought back several other original members of the faculty, including principal Troy Rexrode, bookkeeper Becky Ruckman, librarian Linda Cook and custodians Dewey McNeal and Randy Harris. Family members of the late Edward Clymore also attended the celebration to honor a building named for the former superintendent of Augusta County Public Schools. "He was very pleased and very proud of this school," said his wife, Becky Clymore. In October 2022, the school held a spirit day and invited Edward Clymore to visit. He spent the day talking with students and staff, and there was even a parade in his honor. "They had a celebration day for my dad and it meant more to him than you can imagine," his daughter, Dianne Moody told the News Leader following the death of her father. More: First-round regional basketball games start Friday. Here's a look at the schedule. More: Middle school football may be coming to Augusta County, but school board still has questions There's a photograph of Clymore that still sits in the office. In addition to speakers, the school also put some items in a trunk as a time capsule. It will be opened in 30 years so those celebrating 60 years of the school can see what students in 2025 thought was important. Among the items placed in the time capsule were some Clymore spirit wear shirts, a signed poster, several squishmallows, a Stanley cup and a Bluey figurine. Rexrode came to Clymore from nearby Verona Elementary. He remembers hearing about the opening of Clymore, and even though he was very happy at Verona, the new school intrigued him. "I thought what a challenge that would be to start from scratch," Rexrode said. "People that don't know each other, to blend it all together, the team building. That's why I applied the job." He said now, 30 years later, he is proud of the school that he helped start. "It is wonderful," he said. "Obviously the tradition has carried on. It's a beautiful school, a wonderful community, and obviously the faculty and staff is still as high quality as it was 30 years ago." — Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@ and on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us at This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Clymore Elementary holds 30-year anniversary celebration
