Local |
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| Posts from March 2013 |
Ex-Culpeper Police Worker Pleads Guilty to Forgery
by AP
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posted Mar 28 2013 10:24AM
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CULPEPER, Va. (AP) - A former secretary to Culpeper's police chief faces up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to forgery.
Bethany Parr Sullivan also faces a $100,000 fine. She's scheduled to be sentenced June 3.
The Culpeper Star-Exponent reports that the 56-year-old Orange resident pleaded guilty Wednesday to one felony forgery charge in Culpeper County Circuit Court.
She was charged with altering the results of a police department applicant's entrance exam in May 2010.
Sullivan is the mother of Daniel Harmon-Wright, who was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in January. Police say he fatally shot an unarmed woman in 2012 while serving as a Culpeper police officer.
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Multiple Route 3 Intersections Closing in Spotsylvania Thursday
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 27 2013 7:46PM
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If you will be driving down Route 3 in Spotsylvania Thursday there will be multiple lane closures you need to know about.
Henderson Construction will be closing the left turn lane on westbound Route 3 at Chewning/Rutherford Drive until it is finished paving the area. Once that is done, they will reopen the intersection and then close and pave the intersection at Route 3 and Old Plank Road. The final closure is at the intersection at Chancellors Village Lane.
Drivers will likely not be able to make ANY left turns at those intersections throughout the afternoon.
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Metro Open Late After NCAA East Regional Games
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 27 2013 2:37PM
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If you are attending the NCAA 2013 East Regional games at the Verizon Center Thursday night and taking the Metro, there is good news.
The system will stay open for an extra hour after the game is over. Riders will be directed to the Gallery Place or Judiciary Square stations to get on a train, but have to be there by 12:50 a.m. All other Metro stations will close at their regular time.
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Crash Fatal For Maryland Man
by Frank Hammon
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posted Mar 27 2013 10:48AM
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A Waldorf, Maryland, man is dead after the car he was driving struck a tree early Wednesday morning.
The accident happened just before 2 a.m. along St Charles Parkway when 52-year-old Benjamin Bronson-Junior's car left the road way and struck the tree.
He was declared dead short time later at the hospital.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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Stafford man's Gun Confiscated at Reagan National
by Associated Press
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posted Mar 26 2013 6:26PM
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ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) - The Transportation Security Administration says a passenger at Reagan National Airport was stopped and cited after an officer found a loaded gun in his carry-on bag at a checkpoint.
The TSA says the man was carrying a loaded .40-caliber handgun on his way to board a flight to Montreal on Monday morning. The Stafford, Va., man was cited on a weapons charge and permitted to board his flight after the gun and ammunition were confiscated.
The TSA says the man had a concealed weapons permit and told the authorities that he had forgotten the firearm was in his carry-on bag.
Passengers can travel with a firearm under certain circumstances, such as if the weapon is packed unloaded inside a piece of checked luggage and declared at the airline counter.
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Registration for 38th Marine Corps Marathon Opens Wednesday
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 26 2013 6:21PM
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The 38th Marine Corps Marathon registration opens at noon Wednesday, March 27th.
Last year all of the available spots were snatched up in just under three hours. To sign up for the October 27th event, visit marinemarathon.com. The historic Half returns to Fredericksburg on May 19th.
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Irish Company brings More than 300 Jobs to Stafford
by Associated Press
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posted Mar 26 2013 6:19PM
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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - An international company that produces convenience foods for 7-Eleven and other retailers is adding 350 new jobs at its Stafford County plant.
Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Ireland-based Greencore Group's plans Tuesday. He said the company will spend $5.75 million to expand the food processing facility.
McDonnell met with Greencore officials in Dublin to discuss the project during a marketing mission last July to Ireland.
Greencore CEO Liam McClennon said Virginia offers talented prospective employees as well as high quality local ingredients that can be used in the company's products.
Greencore operates 22 manufacturing plants in the United States and the United Kingdom. The company employs more than 11,000 people, including about 250 at the Stafford plant.
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Human Remains Found in Stafford Sent for Identification
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 25 2013 5:50PM
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After Stafford County detectives spend more than a week on the property of a drug arrest in the Belle Plains area, now they say human remains are found. They are on their way to the medical examiner's office in Richmond for identification.
A court-approved drug-related search allowed police to search the site. The remains were recovered after officials spent two days with heavy digging equipment on the property. Investigators are treating the case as a homicide and releasing few additional details.
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More than 2,000 in the Area Still in the Dark
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 25 2013 4:33PM
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If you are among the more than 2,000 Rappahanock Electric Cooperative members still without power as of late Monday afternoon, officials are asking for patience.
Like in the storm earlier this month, this time "Storm Virgil" drops heavy wet snow. It has caused already tress limbs to fall onto power lines.
Spokeswoman Anne Lewis says report your outage and be careful tonight. never hook a generator directly into your home's power circuit. It could bleed back into the line and cause an electrocution hazard. Also, never assume your neighbor's report of an outage is enough.
Lewis says crews will work around-the-clock, if needed, to get all the lights back on.
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Snow Will Not Delay Peak of Cherry Blossoms
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 25 2013 3:58PM
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The date for this year's famed Cherry Blossom Festival has already been pushed back a few times, so what will this latest Spring storm mean?
A National Park Spokeswoman says it will not put a damper on the celebrated pink and white blossoms inthe nation's capital. The predicted peak bloom dates for the trees is still between April 3rd and April 6th. The snow itself doesn't have any effect on the trees, but cold weather already pushed back the bloom dates.
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Noone Else Was in Danger During Shooting at Quantico
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 22 2013 4:40AM
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QUANTICO, Va. (AP) - The commander at Marine Corps. Base Quantico in northern Virginia says a shooting in which a Marine killed a male and female colleague before killing himself was isolated to a single building.
Base commander Col. David W. Maxwell told reporters Friday that authorities were called to the scene around 10:30 p.m. Thursday where they found one person dead at a barracks. They later found a second victim dead, along with the body of the suspected shooter, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A base spokesman initially described the situation as a standoff. Maxwell said later in the morning that there was no standoff.
Base spokesman Lt. Agustin Solivan later clarified that after the first shooting, police had the shooter "isolated" in a barracks dorm room.
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Police Pose No Concern for Stafford Residents
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 21 2013 7:07PM
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If you live in the Belle Plains Road area of Stafford County and are concerned by continued police activity, authorities say don't be.
Sheriff's investigators have been there since late last week because of a drug investigation. One man is in jail on multiple charges. They are not releasing any more information, but say there is no threat to the Belle Plains Community.
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Grants to Help Teach Kids in Math and Science
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 21 2013 6:20PM
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Students in Virginia will get a boost in math and science skills through grants to increase the study of energy and the environment.
They are being offered to teachers in Virginia and several other states from Dominion Virginia Power. Thegrants will range from $5,000 to $10,000 and cover kids from kindergarten through college. Interested teachers and schools have until May 1st to apply at www.dom.com.
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I-95 North and South Being Closed at Exit 148 Thursday Night
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 21 2013 3:37PM
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Here is a heads up if you are traveling north or south on I-95, near Quantico starting Thursday night. Weather permitting, between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. VDOT will have intermitent full road closures in both directions, near Exit 148, at Russell Road, for utility work.
They will happen up to four times, for no longer than 15 minutes each to let crews relocate cable lines. The last exit northbound before the delays is Exit 143, Garrisonville Road and southbound, Exit 150 at Joplin Road. Signs and message boards will alert drivers and State Police will be there to direct traffic.
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Lock Up Medicine and Cleaners to Avoid Accidental Poisoning
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 20 2013 5:32PM
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Unintentional poisoning send more than 60,000 kids to the ER every year, so what can you do to protect your kids?
Kim Hylander with the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue says taking simple precautions at home can lower the number.
Always lock up prescription and non-prescription medication, in addition to dishwasher and laundry detergent packs that might look like candy. All household cleaners should be in a secure place too and they should never be mixed while cleaning or could be dangerous when inhaled. Insect sprays and suntan lotions should also be monitored over the summer.
If you ever suspect poisoning, call the National Poison Control Center 24 hour hotline. If the person is short of breath or appears to be having a seizure, call 911 immediately.
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Judge Dismisses Case for Architect Against Slavery Museum
by Associated Press
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posted Mar 20 2013 5:28PM
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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) - A federal judge has dismissed a creditor's lawsuit that sought to lift deed restrictions on the U.S. National Slavery Museum's proposed home in Fredericksburg.
U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer ruled Tuesday Pei Partnership Architects hadn't shown it has any legal right over the title to the land. Spencer also said the company hadn't proven that there was a controversy over its rights regarding the land that would be solved by a legal judgment.
The 38-acre property can be used for an African-American heritage museum or for charitable, educational or public purposes.
Pei argued that the restrictions discourage developers willing to pay big money for the real estate.
Paul Prados, an attorney who represents Pei, tells media outlets that the company likely will pursue the matter in circuit court.
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Be Careful to Prevent Spring Sports Injuries
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 19 2013 4:23PM
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Before you get back into or take up a sport this spring, make sure you are ready.
What that mean might depends on your age and level of activity. If you are a younger person changing from one sport to another there is no big issue. If you are more of a weekend warrior, there could be trouble.
Dr. Phillip Holzknecht with Central Virginia Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in Fredericksburg says over use injuries are most common in the knees and shoulders. It is like bending a paperclip back and forth a few times until it snaps. He suggests starting slow with any sport and warming up muscles before playing, especially in those that involve running and throwing.
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Area Auto Thefts on the Rise
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 19 2013 4:21PM
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The rising price of scrap metal is leading to more automobile thefts in the region, so how can you help?
Pam Jewell with the Virginia State Police's HEAT program says people can help in the goal to help eliminate auto theft by visiting www.heatreward.com and reporting thefts or chop shops. Not leaving car doors unlocked or valuables in plain view is also smart.
If you do break down and have to leave your car, make sure it is in a well lit area with the doors locked. If a tow truck finds you, get their company information before accepting help.
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Local Catholic Students Have High Hopes for Pope Francis
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 19 2013 4:19PM
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Now that Pope Francis is formally installed, it could help heal the wounds left by the Roman Catholic Church sex abuse crisis.
We ask some local catholic college students what they hope to see in the coming months and years. Some say they want more pro-life work, reaching out to everyone and to make Catholics more unified. They also want to see the formal teachings of the Catholic Church to be better presented to the world. They all agree that it was a little scary to be briefly without a Pope, even though Benedict is still alive.
Several local religious scholars tell us that they think Benedict could still be involved in the church in an advisory capacity.
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Interpretive Center Installed At Virginia Battlefield
by AP
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posted Mar 19 2013 11:18AM
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CULPEPER, Va. (AP) - An interpretive center with trails and signs has been installed at the Kelly's Ford Battlefield.
The Civil War Trust partnered with the landowners and Culpeper-based businesses to establish the center.
The trust acquired an easement on a 964-acre farm owned by the Woodward family in November 2012. Brothers Scott Woodward and Sam Woodward have agreed to maintain and manage the interpretive center.
The National Park Service says the Battle of Kelly's Ford was the first cavalry fight of any appreciable size east of the Mississippi River.
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Spring Flooding Season Arrives Next Week
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 15 2013 11:09AM
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Next week it is officially Spring and in Virginia...that means the threat of severe weather and the time to get ready now.
Kim Hylander with the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue says the most important thing you can do is invest in a NOAA weather radio. It has the most up-to-date information for weather watches and warnings for your area and offers evacuation plans and routes. You should also keep an emergency supply kit handy with important documents and contact information, medication, some clothes and other essentials. Get more on what to included and to do on www.vaemergency.gov.
If flooding does occur, always obey high water signs and if your community is evacuated, leave immediately.
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More Mental Health Access for Area College Students
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 14 2013 12:05PM
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Thanks to a new agreement, students at Germanna Community College's campuses will get more access to mental healthcare.
Germanna and the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board are partnering to coordinate care and expand psychiatric services to students. Officials say it will help the college's counseling staff provide crisis intervention and referrals.
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Local Reaction to Pope Francis
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 13 2013 7:11PM
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Tens of thousands celebrate after white smoke poured from the Sistine Chapel chimney Wednesday...to usher in the first South American Pope. University of Mary Washington Religion Professor, Dr. Marybeth Mathews had thought the new elect would be European. She says that more than 45% of Catholics live in South America, so it is only fitting that they get representation there.
She says many people had thought the conclave would last longer, but most are greatful that a decision came within two days. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglia will be know as Pope Francis and was elected in one of the fastest conclaves in years.
Though he is known for modernizing the Argentinian church, Mathews says Catholics should not likely expect alot of immediate reform. If they are looking for change like female ordination, she thinks it will be a long wait. As for how Pope Francis will deal with the scandals that have haunted the church, it depends. Mathews says that he may try to first connect with the people and then deal with the issues. Either way, a challenge is ahead because many caught in scandals are high up in the church.
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Area Delegate Bill Howell to Run for Re-election
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 13 2013 7:07PM
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The Stafford resident that has acted as the as the mouthpiece for the Virginia House of Delegates for more than a decade is running for re-election.
Bill Howell filed paperwork with the required petition of signatures to run for the 28th district. He has served local voters in Richmond for 26 years. Howell is vowing to fight for economic development, low taxes and government reform.
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Think Before You Buy Car Insurance
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 13 2013 6:57PM
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If you have thought about changing your auto insurance plan do your homework first.
Ken Schrad with the Virginia State Corporation Commission says people often get overwhelmed with a mailbox or inbox full of offers and forget to remember the basics. Just because it is cheaper does not mean it offers all of the coverage you need.
Once you sign up, you need to immediately get proof of insurance, even if it is only a policy number, until a permanent card comes in the mail. More guidance is available through the State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance.
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Area Congressman to Discuss Closure of Virginia Bases
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 13 2013 6:24PM
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Do you think military bases should continue to close when budget cuts could hurt national defense? It is the topic of a hearing in Washington Thursday afternoon, led by local Congressman Rob Wittman.
The House Armed Services Subcommittee will hear testimony on continuing base realignments and closures set for the next year and beyond. The so-called BRAC process calls for a several more Virginia military installations and bases to close or idled in the coming years.
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Local Help with Soaring Guard and Reserve Unemployment
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 12 2013 6:18PM
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Did you know that national guard and reserve members face the highest unemployment rate of any in the post 9-11 generation?
The vast majority of them live in northern Virginia and DC. The DOD's Local Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve groups are designed to get them back to work. Chairman Steve Villalpando says h2hjobs.com is a key website. It is like Monster, but is more specific to people with military experience. It gives employers the chance to recruit for military skills and potential employees to post multiple resumes for free. Right now, there are more than 70,000 jobs on the site nationwide.
Members of the Fredericksburg ESGR group and others in the state work to get the once deployed member back to work too. They do everything from dealing with the legal side of their job being eliminated to finding them a fit for a new job.
Information may also be submitted through esgr.mil to have someone contact you directly in Fredericksburg and Stafford counties. Guard and reserve members may also call 1-800-336-4590, select where they live and talk to a representative directly.
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Don't Drink at Drive this St. Patrick's Day Weekend
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 12 2013 2:38PM
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One Irish blessing offers hope to "avoid trouble wherever you go." When it comes to drinking and driving, rely on more than luck this holiday weekend.
Fredericksburg Police Captain Rick Pennock says a crackdown will happen. They and many other localities will have extra patrols around restaurants, bars and other known party spots. Some will even have sobriety checkpoints set up in the region.
If you know you are going out and having a drink or two this weekend, plan ahead. Pennock says you should have a designated driver or the number of a reliable cab company in your pocket.
Just because you eat some food, it does not reduce your blood alcohol content and make you okay to drive.
A DUI is considered a criminal offense that leads to heavy fines, losing your license and even time in jail.
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Efforts to Crack Down on Bullying at Local College
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 12 2013 2:20PM
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Most of us have heard about bullying in local elementary middle and high schools, but did you know that it happens in colleges?
Germanna Community College officials do and have created the on-line TIPS platform to take anonymous reports. Students can report everything from threats of domestic violence to weapons and drug possession, through the school's website. The reports will be sent directly to the school's threat assessment team.
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You Might Hit Some Local Pothole Repair Work this Week
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 11 2013 5:24PM
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You might want to leave some extra time to get where you are going during the day on I-95 in the area every day through this Thursday.
Following last week's snow storm, VDOT crews resumes mobile pothole repairs on the north and southbound sides. Trucks and equipment will be on the move from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. between the Hanover/Caroline County line and the Stafford/Prince William County line. In certain spots, one lane will be closed or lanes on ramps could be narrowed.
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Slavery Museum Land Auction Again Delayed
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 11 2013 12:42PM
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The 38 acres that would be home to a planned National Slavery Museum will not be going to auction right now after all.
A Fredericksburg judge today delays a hearing to decide if city attorneys could take over as special commissioners to speed up the sale of the land. A new court date is set for May 28th. It will allow the new lawyers for the planned museum to get up to speed. They will likely challenge the real estate assessment on the property.
A hearing on a clause in the lands' use is set for a Richmond court this Friday.
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Metro Extends Hours for Marathon this Weekend
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 11 2013 12:06PM
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This weekend there will be longer hours on Metrorail.
It opens two hours early - at 5 a.m. - on Saturday, for the benefit of customers traveling to the SunTrust Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. Trains will be crowded though and those planning to ride are encouraged to use a SmarTrip card, loaded with enough value for a round trip.
The marathon is expected to snarl traffic for tourists headed to DC this weekend by car.
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Dominion Raceway Hearing is Rescheduled
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 7 2013 7:09PM
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You didn't miss your chance to speak for or against the thrilling sound of racecars coming to Spotsylvania.
The Spotsylvania Planning Commission's snowed out public hearing Wednesday night moves to March 20th. It is still at 7 p.m. in the Holbert Building.
Dominion raceway officials are asking the county to make amendments its' comprehensive plan, so the 160-acre development in Thornburg would be compatible. The raceway also needs a rezoning and special-use permit. Those hearings will come later.
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Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of State Trooper
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 7 2013 6:15PM
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Virginia State Police are investigating the death of one of their own in the line of duty Thursday afternoon, off I-85.
The call that shots were fired came just after 1:00 p.m. The responding officer apparently saw a marked police car in the woods and a man standing outside of it, with a gun. He opened fire and the suspect ran into the woods, but was arrested a short time later.
Master Trooper Junius Walker was found wounded in the cruiser and taken to MCV hospital in Richmond.
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Local VRE Hearing on Rate Hikes Rescheduled
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 7 2013 4:38PM
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The snow won't mean your chance to give feedback on a planned VRE fare hike is gone?
The public hearing WILL be held on March 13th at the Stafford County Government Center from 7 until 8 p.m. if approved, the four percent hike would go into affect on July 1st. The money would be used to offset the rising cost of fuel, track access fees and to maintain its' facilities.
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Some Area Power Customers Could be without for Days
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 6 2013 7:32PM
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Fredericksburg and the immediate surrounding areas are spared much of the brunt of the winter storm that passes through late tuesday night through Thursday. Warmer temperatures and rain help hold down total snow accumulations, but areas to the north and west are not so lucky. According to the National Weather Service, snow totals in parts of Stafford and Spotsylvania counties top 7 inches, for Prince William County it is about 6 inches. Areas in Fauquier and Culpeper counties check in at over a foot.
The biggest issue that plagued much of the region through early Thursday evening in heavy wet snow downing trees and power lines. Combining the region's total outages for the major providers, there were times in the afternoon that the numbers topped 100,000. The problem persists well into thursday and beyond for some. Anne Lewis with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative says they initially lost transmission lines. One they were restored, the tedious step-by-step process continues to get everyone back on line. As of 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening, she warns WFLS listeners that those in the dark could stay that way for a while. REC has doubled its' manpower, bringing in crews from as far away as Kentucky and Georgia. Anyone without power that needs to use electric for medical equipment or to provide heat should make alternate plans now.
Though many primary roads will seem clear on Thursday, VDOT officials say that it could actually be black ice and drivers should slow down. For many, the Thursday drive was made worse by fallen trees and power lines. If you do encounter one, do not get out of the car to try and move it yourself. Call 1-800-FOR-ROAD to file a report and try to find a safe alternate route.
As for life returning to normal Thursday, power outages and a refreeze overnight will be the biggest issue. VRE and Metro are planning to operate on a normal schedule, but could experience a few delays. Whether you are driving or taking the rail to your destination Thursday, plane ahead. Give yourself extra time and make sure that you are safe when navigating the platforms at train stations.
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Potomac Nationals Job Fair Postponed
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 5 2013 8:32PM
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If you need a job and planned to go to the Potomac Nationals job fair Wednesday or Thursday, plan again for March 13th and 14th.
The storm caused it to be postponed from 5 until 8 p.m. those days. Officials will be looking for candidates to become part-time gameday employees during the baseball season from Friday, April 5th through August 26th. There are also positions open for special events staff at Pfitzner Stadium throughout their season.
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Governor Asks State Agencies to be Flexible Wednesday
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 5 2013 6:31PM
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If you are a state employee that is given the green light to take unscheduled leave or to work from home Wednesday, you'll have Governor McDonnell to thank.
Tuesday afternoon, he asked state agencies to be generous with leave time because of the impended winter storm. More workers are manning phones and being ready to deploy from the Virginia Emergency Operations Center from Wednesday morning and for as long as the storm lasts. Virginia State Police say troopers and selected civilian staff are also prepared to work longer hours. The Virginia National Guard is on alert to be mobilized and offer help to local governments.
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VRE Fare Hearings Set
by Frank Hammon
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posted Mar 5 2013 9:18AM
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The Virginia Railway Express is holding public hearings to solicit comment related to a proposed 4% fare increase. If adopted, this change would become effective the first week of July 2013, to coincide with the start of the FY 2014 budget year.
The first two hearings take place this week, starting Tomorrow with another on Wednesday.
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DATE
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LOCATION
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TIME
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Tuesday,
March 5, 2013
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Burke Centre Conservancy
"The Commons" Community Center
5701 Roberts Parkway
Burke, VA 22015
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7:00pm
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Wednesday,
March 6, 2013
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Stafford County Government Center
Board Chambers
1300 Courthouse Road
Stafford, VA 22554
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7:00pm
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Tuesday,
March 19, 2013
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Crystal City Marriott
1999 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA 22202
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12:00pm
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Wednesday,
March 20, 2013
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P.R.T.C.
Board Room, 2nd Floor
14700 Potomac Mills Road
Woodbridge, VA 22192
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7:00pm
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Thursday,
March 21, 2013
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Holiday Inn (L'Enfant)
Discovery 1 Ballroom
550 C. Street S.W.
Washington, DC 20024
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12:00pm
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Wednesday,
March 27, 2013
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Rappahannock Regional Library
Theatre Room
1201 Caroline Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
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7:00pm
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Thursday,
March 28, 2013
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Manassas City Hall
City Council Chamber Room
9027 Center Street
Manassas, VA 22110
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7:00pm
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See VRE's website for additional information regarding these hearings at www.vre.org. Written comments will be accepted through Friday, April 5, 2013. Please mail to the attention of: Anna Gotthardt 1500 King Street, Suite 202, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. To make your comments via email, please send them to: publiccomment@vre.org OR by Fax to: (703) 684-1313. The public hearings are being conducted in locations accessible to persons with disabilities. Any individual with a disability who requires special assistance, such as a sign language interpreter, should send an e-mail to publiccomment@vre.org or call Anna Gotthardt at (703) 684-1001 or TTY (703) 684-0551 at least ten business days prior to the public hearing in order to make the necessary arrangements.
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UPDATE: Storm Expected to Bring More than Six Inches of Snow to Fredericksburg
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 4 2013 7:32PM
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You may have thought forecasters have been like the little boy that cried wolf, but now a taste of winter is really coming.
Calvin Meadows with the National Weather Service in Sterling says their forecast models are more clear now and the accumulation totals are updates. Expect about two to four inches of snow to fall across Fredericksburg overnight Tuesday and an additional two to four inches to fall during the day and early evening on Wednesday. The coastal storm will bring more of the white stuff to areas to the south and west. Falling temperatures will mean anything that comes from the sky by late Tuesday and into early Wednesday will be snow.
Local power companies are advising people to have batteries and flashlights on hand, along with an alternative heat source.
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Financial Aid Application Deadline is Fast Approaching
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 4 2013 7:30PM
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If you or your child need money for higher education, financial aid can make a huge difference.
The first step to get any sort of federal funding is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Germanna Community College's Fredericksburg campus is holding "Financial Aid Fridays" to help.
Financial Aid Outreach Coordinator Rebecca Morris says most schools have a priority date to have all financial aid turned in for fall classes. At Germanna and many others, that date is April 1st.
Depending on need, students could get paid for everything from tuition and books to some of their housing.
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Local Residents Urged to Push Lawmakers to Fund Arthritis Research
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Mar 4 2013 7:27PM
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Did you know that juvenile arthritis affects more kids than juvenile diabetes? By 2030, an estimated 67 million people will be diagnosed with some form of the disease.
Janet Wyatt with the Arthritis Foundation in Virginia is in DC lobbying local lawmakers. She is worried that the automatic spending cuts will leave less money for critical research and, someday, a cure. Wyatt encourages local residents to call Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Children and veterans are the fastest growing groups with the condition.
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More Leads in 17 Year Old Culpeper Homicide Case
by Associated Press
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posted Mar 1 2013 5:31PM
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CULPEPER, Va. (AP) - The Virginia State Police says it is continuing to investigate a 1996 homicide in Culpeper County.
Saturday marks the 17th anniversary since the disappearance of Alicia Showalter Reynolds.
The 25-year-old was abducted on Route 29 while traveling from Baltimore, Md., to Charlottesville. Her remains were found two months later.
The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Culpeper Field Office has received more than 10,040 tips relating to the case.
More than two dozen tips have come in within the past year and officials are encouraging the public to come forward with any information related to the investigation.
Witnesses say a white male between 35 and 45 years old was stopped out with her vehicle. The man was driving a dark-colored pickup truck, possibly a green Nissan.
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Local Government Workers Talk About Spending Cuts
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Feb 28 2013 7:13PM
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The massive across the board spending cuts set to kick in Friday could deal a devastating blow to thousands of area federal and civilian military workers. We catch up with some of them to ask how they feel. Most agree that something needs to be done to reduce the deficit, but are not sure the sweeping cuts are the answer. Many say it should come from scaling back on government funded programs instead.
Of those that will see effects, the possibility of losing a workday to furlough is the biggest concern. They tell WFLS that they are living fairly check to check and that less money will really hurt their families. One supervisor says he fears the added workload if his staff is pared back, but is hoping to see some fiscal restraint. Several government contractors tell us that they will have to wait and see.
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Google Technology Would Allow Hands-Free Type and Text
by Deirdre Blake
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posted Feb 28 2013 6:31PM
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Would you be willing to look a little nerdy to have the convenience of not having to look at your phone to send and e-mail or a tweet? That is the question that will be answered in a new test by Google.
You might have to look like a Borg from Star Trek, but would you to get more freedom from texting and sending typed e-mails? Google's latest prototype, known as Google Glass, is like a small computer, mounted on a pair of glasses. It works with SIRI like voice recognition software, to allow voice dictation versus typing. If the test is successful, Google Glass could hit the market to compete with the smartphone of today.
Read more in Mike Zitz's article in Saturday's Business Section of The Free Lance-Star.
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