Shenandoah Mountain: What happened to missing hiker Robert Fitzgerald?

Traveling between Augusta County and Highland the past two weeks and any other time the past year, I cannot help but wonder every time: what happened to Robert Fitzgerald? He's the hiker who went missing in November 2012 and who hasn't been seen or heard from since. This photo was taken Friday, March 14, 2014.

On November 20, 2012, I posted:

Hope is fading that a Staunton man has been able to survive a week lost or injured in the vast George Washington National Forest in western Augusta County. Rescuers decided Monday night to call off the search.

Robert Fitzgerald, 60, has not been heard from even though his car was found parked in the area. Inside searchers found his backpack with power bars and bottled water and other supplies.

It was a cold 25 degrees at my house this morning with heavy frost on the ground which means colder temperatures up on Shenandoah Mountain located about 20 miles west of Staunton. Anyone who has driven to Highland County out Rt. 250 west of Staunton has driven over Shenandoah Mountain. At the very top, at the Augusta County-Highland County line, is a parking area with a breath-takingly scenic overlook that takes in the mountains of Highland County and beyond into West Virginia.

It also documents the Confederate Breastworks, site of Fort Edward Johnson during the Civil War, with interpretive signs of the historical importance with a circular trail along the top of the mountain. Many other trails are in the vicinity, and that is where Robert Fitzgerald disappeared sometime last week.

A Tuesday article in the Waynesboro News-Virginian by reporter Bob Stuart noted that Fitzgerald was physically fit and very familiar with that area of the Shenandoah range because he had hiked it for the past 15 to 20 years.

Fitzgerald appears to have hiked the trail with a friend on Sunday, November 11, and lost his cell phone at that time. It is believed he returned the following day to search for the phone, and disappeared into the wilderness. No one has heard from him since.

He reportedly was not dressed in cold weather gear and, even though days have been comfortable in this area the past week, the nights have been cold with a low of 20 at my house one night which means temps in the teens up on the mountain.

The owner of Staunton's Wilderness Adventure store remains cautiously optimistic about the prospects for Fitzgerald, who was a regular customer.

It's still a mystery all this time later. There have been subsequent searches that turned up nothing. How could someone who was an experienced hiker just disappear without a trace is a question that continues to bother many, and something I think about every time I'm on Shenandoah Mountain.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
March 14, 2014

And then there were 5: News-Virginian endorses no one for governor

Conservative Shenandoah Valley newspaper The News-Virginian has declined to endorse any of the three candidates for governor in the 2013 Virginia campaign.

That now makes five newspapers who have passed on this endorsement: Richmond Times-Dispatch, Roanoke Times, News & Advance, and News Progress and, today, the News-Virginian to that growing list.

Addressing the campaign, the News Virginian wrote:

It’s ... been one of the nastier ones in recent memory, with both Democratic and Republican nominees focusing too much time on attacking their opponent and too little on talking up their own plans for the Commonwealth. If that’s an indication of how their administration would be, we can’t endorse any of the candidates in this year’s race. We’ve seen too much bickering and attacking in Washington. It just takes up time and accomplishes little.

This is notable because the News-Virginian is a relatively conservative newspaper in the conservative Shenandoah Valley, one of the reddest parts of the Commonwealth, with conservative representatives who often go unchallenged. Indeed, in 2013 the three local delegates for the House of Representatives who represent the SWAC area, have no opponents as noted by News-Virginian political reporter Bob Stuart earlier this week in his article, "Local House members face clear path to re-election."

Reflecting the sour mood of the electorate in this election cycle, two newspapers -- the Daily Progress and Roanoke Times suggested writing in Republican Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling.

Election 2013 has, indeed, been an odd one.

Former president swings through Harrisonburg

It's not every day a former president of the United States drops by the Shenandoah Valley so Bill Clinton's appearance in Harrisonburg Tuesday for a campaign rally caused a stir. Political reporter Bob Stuart covered the event at James Madison University for the News-Virginian.

Observations at the Homestead gubernatorial debate

The Homestead early Saturday morning.

We arrived early at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs for the Virginia Bar Association (VBA) gubernatorial debate between Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Ken Cuccinelli after leaving home at 8:00 Saturday morning for the leisurely, one-hour drive over the mountains.

Everyone and his brother has written about the debate and there's not really much more I could add to that so I'll pass along some out-of-the-way observations....

Ken Cuccinelli ... walking in George Allen's boots? Were those cowboy boots he was wearing with that lawyer suit on Saturday?

Chris LaCivita, part of the Cuccinelli's entourage for their pre-debate mike check, dropped his name tag in the hallway. Yellow ... all access ... hmm. Wonder if I could get away with it? Tried to get his attention as he hurried away so retrieved the name tag and handed it off to Cuccinelli campaign  manager Dave Rexrode in the ballroom. With an all access pass ... oh, the places I could go?

Pre-debate was a flurry of activity as media worked to get set up. This is a community where many knew others as they called greetings to one another.

Mike Stark

Cue the "Twilight Zone" music ... sitting at the table in front of me was Mike Stark. If you don't recognize the name, you weren't blogging in 2006. We've jostled on the blogging front lines -- liberal Democrat versus conservative Republican -- throughout the years so I asked to get his photo to prove his presence to my fellow SWAC bloggers. He was congenial as we discussed issues like energy and Obamacare ... kind of a surreal feeling.

Brian Coy with the McAuliffe campaign came by press tables to meet everyone and hand out a fact sheet. A young man with America Rising, the Republican youthful outfit, stopped by with an information sheet and introduced himself.

Bob Brown, photo-journalist, Richmond Times-Dispatch

As always, I enjoyed sitting with local political reporter Bob Stuart from the Daily Progress/News-Virginian. Look for his article about the debate in Sunday's paper. Bob Brown, longtime photo-journalist from the Richmond Times-Dispatch, was there -- love his work so stopped by to say hi and chatted a moment with him. There was no sighting of the TD's political writer Jeff Schapiro. His bow tie was missed.

Ellen Qualls

Bob pointed out Ellen Qualls, who kind of made her name working with Mark Warner and is now a consultant to the McAuliffe campaign, was standing nearby. State Senator Creigh Deeds was seen in the audience.

The debate began with introductions of the candidates and then intro of Judy Woodruff, co-anchor of the "PBS NewsHour." There was a slight hiccup when Ms. Woodruff offered the podium to McAuliffe to begin opening statements, only to be told by Cuccinelli that he was to be first. She apologized and tossed it over to him. Later in the debate, Cuccinelli again corrected Woodruff's question rotation. Awkward.

Afterward, both candidates offered a brief interview opportunity for the media. In the middle of the cluster pictured above was Terry McAuliffe.

As I was leaving the ballroom after the debate, Libertarian candidate Robert Sarvis was outside the doors greeting folks. I got his photo and talked briefly with him, asking how he felt about not being included in the debate and if he hoped to be in future ones.  He was upbeat and said he's working to make that happen.

Just down the hall stood Greg Letiecq in the hallway talking with someone so I patted him on the arm as I passed. NoVa was in the house....

Heavy media coverage. Extra tables were brought in after all seats were taken.

Someone's cell phone went off at 12:25 on Republican side of ballroom -- it was playing some kind of country song that went on for several seconds while Cuccinelli was speaking -- another awkward moment.

Many thanks to Marilyn Shaw with the VBA who does a great job year after year of communicating with the press and including bloggers. The Homestead was gorgeous, as always. Another year, another VBA debate tucked away into the archives. It's less than four months until election day.

I never tire of the drive to the Homestead on the back roads of western Virginia. Those who know me know I have to post the obligatory rural photo, this one taken near my home as I started out on my morning journey to Hot Springs. Hay bales, mountains, chicory ... serenity.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
July 20, 2013

U.S. Justice Department drops by to investigate Augusta County

Just in time for Independence Day, Uncle Sam is taking a stroll around Augusta County's 26 voting precincts today and tomorrow with the three members of the local electoral board. Actually, he's sending one of his lawyers and an architect from the civil rights division of the U.S. Justice Department.

Uh-oh. Almost sounds like being called to the principal's office.

Originally scheduled for June, the trip was delayed until this week, and Augusta Electoral Board chairman Ruth Talmage seemed unhappy even though she had originally requested the visit be held off until after the June Democratic Primary:

"Voters ought not to have to worry with some strange person from Washington watching and asking questions," Talmage said.

She also said, "The message is that they (Justice) are welcome to come, but not on election day.''

An email from the county's attorney closed the door on the June visit:

An email response sent to Justice on Wednesday through Augusta County Attorney Patrick Morgan said the electoral board "has concluded that permitting such inspections is not in the best interest of Augusta County, at this time. Therefore, I regret to inform you that the board of elections will not authorize you to inspect the polling places as previously planned."

It's rainy and drippy out there today so hope they've all got their umbrellas and golashes as they traverse the second-largest county in Virginia.

As former magisterial district chairman in Pastures District located west of Staunton, I have personal knowledge of the time it takes to travel its five precincts, the most of any district in the county. Pastures' borders touch Staunton City and extend to Bath and Highland counties with the George Washington National Forest in between. It's a gorgeous district but you'd better be driving your reliable vehicle because it will rack up the mileage.

That does not include the rest of Augusta that runs as far north as Rockingham County, south to Rockbridge County, and east to the tiptop of the Blue Ridge Mountains as it borders Nelson and Albemarle counties.

The visit is in response to a complaint filed by Churchville resident Steve Morris who questioned a North River precinct located in the Churchville Fire Station in Pastures District, and handicap accessibility to that precinct. Morris ran an unsuccessful bid as supervisor in 2011.

The electoral board has defended the Churchville Fire Station precinct location:

Talmage said both the precinct location and handicap access are appropriate. Talmage said Virginia law allows for a polling place within one mile of the border of a precinct boundary, and said North River lacks such a needed facility. She said the fire station's ramp and access door offer sufficient access.

Talmadge complained in the Waynesboro News-Virginian that the tour would take "an unnecessary amount of time'' on Monday and Tuesday.

Hmm. It's not wise to tweak Uncle Sam's nose.

Reporter Bob Stuart reported:

[Talmage] said the electoral board had asked to work with Justice on a schedule for touring the county precincts, but said the federal agency has not been cooperative.

I guess once the June date was postponed, Uncle Sam decided to get his work done before his holiday, and this week was it. Maybe the federal agents will stick around for a Smalltown USA Fourth of July.

Update: Justice begins investigation in Augusta County by Bob Stuart

Bob Stuart: 'Vets hike trail to heal and help others'

The Warrior Hikers were in the area Sunday, and News-Virginian reporter Bob Stuart was there to talk with these military vets -- American heroes -- on their thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Read about the Warrior Hikers at Virginia Politics On Demand (VPOD), and be sure to read Bob's article in the News-Virginian with thanks for his coverage.

Staunton City Council prayer issue causes Holy Week controversy

Staunton City Council will close out the holy day MaundyThursday by taking a vote about whether or not to keep the invocation as part of their agenda. The non-sectarian prayer has traditionally opened their meetings; that is, until February 28, when Mayor Lacy King noted they would observe a moment of silence instead of the usual prayer which caught city council members off guard.

The possibility of this becoming a permanent change has caused concern among residents in the Staunton community. Councilwoman Oakes, who has been opening the meetings with the invocation for several years, noted that numerous citizens have called or emailed her in support of prayer, and she expressed disappointment that council would even consider removing it. Many churches and church groups have begun spreading the word about the change, and letters to the editor are beginning to appear in local newspapers.

Talking with Councilwoman Oakes, reporter Calvin Trice with the Staunton News Leader wrote:

"The council needs spiritual guidance in order to guide our conscience," Oakes said. “And you certainly need to have a conscience when you’re dealing with issues like city budget.”

Reporter Bob Stuart wrote in the Waynesboro News-Virginian:

Oakes, said "the invocation is a longstanding tradition for the city of Staunton." And she said further, that the invocation "recognizes the spirituality" that guides the conscience of council members.

According to the Charlottesville-based Rutherford Institute, non-sectarian prayer is legal for city councils and boards of supervisors, and has been constitutionally upheld by the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. At the same time, city councils do have the right to remove prayer if they so choose.

Councilwoman Oakes, after conferring with Staunton city attorney Doug Guynn and Mayor King, has asked the mayor to bring the issue to a vote at the March 28 meeting, which happens to fall on Maundy Thursday, and has asked the citizens of Staunton to attend that meeting to show their support for the prayer.

Organizations such as the Valley Family Forum, led by Dean Welty who is working with local conservative leader Dr. Kurt Michael, are conferring with the Rutherford Institute in an effort to educate citizens on their constitutional right to have prayer before a public meeting. Staunton residents Carl Tate and Fonda Gardner have also joined in to assist.

When asked about the issue, Councilman Bruce Elder commented to the News Leader:

Councilman Bruce Elder said he always keeps matters of faith and its expressions very private.

“Personally, I think you have to be respectful of separation of church and state,” Elder said. “And you have to be respectful of diversity of faith.”

Dr. Michael, a Liberty University professor, noted, “This is not an issue of church and state. This is just another example of a few people trying to remove God from the public square. It is my understanding that a moment of silence is usually done in remembrance of people who have died. I hope the council members will remember that God is alive and well.”

If you are going....
What: Staunton City Council meeting
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2013
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Staunton City Hall
116 W. Beverley St.
Staunton, VA 24401

The new guy at the Waynesboro News Virginian

We've been taking a while to get to know the new editor and general manager at the Waynesboro News Virginian. Jonathan Hunley, 35, joined the NV in May, filling a void left when former editor Lee Wolverton took another job in December.

We have much respect for the NV and its former publisher so there were high expectations for someone new taking over this Valley newspaper. I'm happy to say there has been no disappointment.

I was pleased to see Mr. Hunley continue the Three Up, Three Down column which offers a brief weekly review with commentary of all subjects at the local, state, and national level. Perhaps the strength of that column was its willingness to point out flaws at the local level where politics is perhaps the stickiest. There's editorials again about local issues, not just reprints from Charlottesville or Richmond. The out-of-town ones are fine but it adds more when it's about local concerns.

Many newspapers nowadays seem unwilling to tangle in local issues. With cutbacks, there are few investigative reporters left to dig and probe looking for details about issues that are then allowed to fester and grow. Perhaps financial reasons prevent newspapers from searching for answers that may cut off sources of income from those in the community who are politically and financially powerful.

Because of the milquetoast coverage by some, it is nice to have the News Virginian's honest opinions. With fair-minded reporters like Bob Stuart and Megan Davis, we hope the balanced coverage will continue.

Bob Stuart: "Live life to the fullest"

Journalist Bob Stuart has a column today reflecting on the lives of two well-known individuals who passed away last week. Bob, writing on the op-ed page of the Waynesboro News Virginian, looks back at the lives of heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey, and former NY Yankee outfielder and broadcaster Bobby Murcer, and begins by noting:

None of us knows when our time is up, but the passing of two people in the past week offered me a chance to reflect.

He continues by recapping their lives and how they affected the world.

On a sad note, Bob was the reporter who covered the drowning over the weekend of 19-year-old Jacob Andrew Davis from Spring, Texas, at Sherando Lake in southern Augusta County.

Bob concludes his reflection of DeBakey and Murcer by writing:

What is a life? Sometimes that is hard to quantify. There are those defining moments such as graduation, an important job change, accomplishments and family births and deaths. Michael DeBakey and Bobby Murcer lived their time to the fullest.

The next time I want to grumble about a bill, lousy weather or being tired, I should remember these two people. They soldiered on.

"They soldiered on." It reminds me of a sign I saw years ago in Lowery's Seafood Restaurant in Tappahannock:

Never regret growing older. Just think of the alternative.

In other words ... live, love, enjoy life, be alive!

Not only does Bob Stuart cover politics in Augusta County for the News Virginian but he is also the blogger known as the Valley Politico. This mild-mannered reporter has a sharp wit ... watch out when you see that twinkle in his eye!

Veterans Day 2007 ... we remember....

Veterans Day. It's almost overwhelming when you stop to think about it. All around are men and women who have been in the service of this country to protect you and I ... the citizens who often take it for granted that we are able to jump in our vehicles and drive anywhere without fear of terrorism in the streets, in our Capitol, in our malls.

We have that freedom and peace at home because of our veterans. They are all around us from the World War II generation to Korea to Vietnam to Operation Desert Storm to the present-day Operation Iraqi Freedom war in Iraq.

My American flag is flying in their honor and memory ... my hat's off to these American heroes. We thank them.


SWAC Husband, United States Air Force, 1966-1971; North Carolina Air National Guard

Check out Bob Stuart's excellent front-page tributes in today's Waynesboro News Virginian:
-- Honoring Service
-- Woman recalls adventuresome spouse

Also check out other tributes in the News Virginian:
-- What makes a hero?
-- Iconic Vietnam Memorial in Washington turns 25

The entire front page of the Waynesboro News Virginian is dedicated to Veterans Day. It's a wonderful tribute and it is great to see a newspaper take the lead on honoring our military veterans. Well done, Bob Stuart and the News Virginian.