Look Back: Fairfax County News to Know

Romney Names Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan His Running Mate
On Saturday, Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney announced Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan would join him on the ballot in the 2012 election, passing over Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who had been on the short list of many political experts.  Rep. Gerry Connolly called the choice "stunning."  "“This is a Hail Mary pass in the third quarter,” . “It’s a last-ditch effort in a losing campaign.”  Patch on Romney's choice.

Pit Bulls, once loved and revered in America, have become maligned in today's society. "During the first half of the 20th century, they were the closest thing the United States had to a national dog," wrote Mutt's Matter in their weekly column. "Now the breed is demonized and battles everything from a media-driven reputation for being predators, to abuse from their owners, to legislation that seeks to outlaw their existence." Mutts Matter's defense of the dogs garnered much praise, and some criticism.

A playground installed in June by the Lake Braddock Community Association was completely destroyed by fire early Thursday morning.  The blaze in the courtyard of the townhomes along Harford Lane and Tibbit Lane is under investigation.  Earlier in the week, Fairfax County fire investigators reported they'd charged a male juvenile in connection with the June 14 playground fire in the same neighborhood. That fire, adjacent to 5120/5122 Dahlgreen Place, primarily damaged a slide. Damage was estimated at $2,000.  Burke Patch will update the story as details become available.

As the world recognized the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death on August 5, 1962, Springfield resident Doreen Provost recalled her surprise encounter with the icon. As a bridal consultant in 1954, Provost helped Monroe prepare for her wedding with Joe DiMaggio.

Repairs are required to bring the dam at Burke Lake into compliance with Virginia's Dam Safety Regulations, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Construction, which is set to begin in September and last several months, will impact park use.

The Virginia Board of Elections recently identified 1,038 dead voters on Fairfax County voting rolls when comparing them to lists provided by the Social Security Administration, according to Cameron Quinn, the county's chief elections officer. In all, the state identified more than 10,000 deceased voters on state rolls.  Officials are working to remove the names before the Nov. 6 general election. Fairfax County regularly removes names of the deceased when they receive them from the state Board of Elections through the state Department of Health's Division of Vital Statistics.

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