“They’re Not Alone”
New domestic violence victims screening tool launches in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County is taking a step forward to reduce the deaths among victims of domestic violence. According to the police department, county domestic violence hotlines receive over 240 calls each month.
New Tolls on I-66: Will That Help?
New Tolls presented as the first step to reducing heavy traffic on I-66, some voice doubts.
On Oct. 5, VDOT held one of several ongoing meetings discussing a new Multimodal Project to reduce traffic on Route I-66, the only interstate in the country limited to HOV usage during rush hour.
Area Roundups
Events and happenings in Burke, Fairfax, Lorton and Springfield.
Burke Residents Open Belle Jar Design Business in Clifton
Laura Jane Cohen and Heather Taylor’s business is a bit like the historic town of Clifton itself. They’re taking something that’s well-aged and restoring it for others to appreciate the character, charm and beauty of the piece.
Clifton: 48th Clifton Day Festival Oct. 11
Clifton town council member Deb Dillard has been helping run the Clifton Day festival for 16 years, including 10 organizing the kids park.
Fairfax County: Candidates Meet on Fairfax Public Access
Clerk, Sheriff and Soil & Water incumbents and challengers answer questions.
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid wasted no time in bringing up the in-custody death of Natasha McKenna during her opening remarks. Kincaid said the loss of life, which occurred in February following an incident where a team of Sheriff’s deputies was attempting to transport McKenna to Alexandria police and deployed a taser on her four times, continues to weigh heavily on her.
Mount Vernon: Expanding Fort Belvoir Elementary
When Fort Belvoir Elementary School opens in 2016, an expanded campus will provide a base institution for all school-aged children of Fort Belvoir families. The expansion includes 20 general education classrooms, bringing the population capacity to 1,594 students, according to a release from Fairfax County Public Schools.
146 Fairfax County Schools Energy Star-Certified
New Auditor General also appointed at Sept. 24 meeting
In the last year and a half, Fairfax County Public Schools have been able to reduce the energy consumption in their buildings by 15 percent. That cut down resulted in savings of $4.5 million, according to a release Sept. 25 by the school system.
Fairfax Station and Clifton: Whitehall Farms Begins Fall Festival
In July, Jeff Waters’ three-acre corn maze was just a figment of his imagination. The stubby stalks were behind schedule but he never lost hope they would make it in time. When Whitehall Farms, LLC -- over 200 acres bordering on the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Fairfax areas -- opened its first annual Fall Fun Days festival on Sept. 19, the corn was plenty high to get lost in.
Burke: Law Enforcement Raising Awareness of Train Track Safety
Adil Gour has been crossing the Virginia Railway Express tracks in Burke for three years. “It’s convenient for me, instead of going all the way around,” Gour said. All the way around in this case means taking Guinea Road to Roberts Road and south.
Lorton: South County High Dedicates New Artificial Turf Fields
South County High School is the latest among county schools to have completed switching competition and practice fields from real grass to artificial turf.
Fairfax County NAACP hosts 70th Freedom Fund Awards
‘Your Vote, Your Power’
J.E.B. Stuart High School seniors Anna Rowan, Cassie Marcotty, Marley Finley, Abby Conde and Lidia Amanuel were bothered by the Confederate legacy of their school. Inspired by a history class with teacher Keith Bropst on the Massive Resistance anti-segregation policy, the girls set out to change Stuart’s name, mascot and colors.
Fairfax NAACP To Host Rally Seeking ‘Justice for Natasha McKenna’
Fairfax County NCAAP president Shirley Ginwright announced a rally will be held Sept. 27 to demand justice for Natasha McKenna, a 37-year-old woman with mental illness who died in February after she had been held in the Adult Detention Center.
Ending Bullying
Back to School: Local educators offer advice for parents on how to deal with bullying as school resumes.
When Carol Baker cried, no one heard her. She and a classmate were alone in the girls locker room, and as Baker, then an eighth grade student, tried to leave, her classmate grabbed her gym shirt and pushed her into a locker. They weren’t fighting over anything in particular and Baker didn’t sustain any physical injuries.
Investigation Continues for Dead Body in Fairfax Station
Early on Sept. 9, Fairfax County Police announced through Twitter that officers had responded to the report of a dead body on the 9500 block of Crosspointe Drive.