'Save the Worms' Campaign to Cost County Taxpayers Millions

This letter to the editor explains the EPA’s plan that will cost Fairfax County taxpayers an estimated $110 - $215 million.

Dear Editor: On July 12, 2012, the Fairfax County government and the Virginia Department of Transportation sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in federal court in Alexandria, asking that the EPA be prevented from imposing a costly plan it hopes will increase the worm population in the Accotink Creek Watershed.  The EPA’s plan will cost Fairfax County taxpayers an estimated $110 -$215 million, according to the complaint.  The gist of the lawsuit is the EPA says it has the right to determine exactly how much water flows into Accotink Creek, as opposed to regulating the amount of pollutants that flow into the creek.  (See the complaint attached with the article.)  The EPA has ruled that the decrease in water flow is the …

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Thank You, Lake Braddock Faculty and Staff

"Lake Braddock’s faculty and staff did everything they could to reverse the unfortunate memories with a lasting positive memory."

To the Editor; The purpose of this letter is to give Lake Braddock Secondary School, specifically Principal Thomas, Subschool Principal Dr. Copeland, Guidance Counselor Mr. Pitkewicz, Mr. Kelly, Ms. Helmke, Mr. Moran, and numerous other faculty and staff, the recognition they deserve for bringing joy to a graduating senior and her family. Near the end of the school year the senior became ill, was hospitalized and therefore was not able to graduate with her class. In addition to missing the graduation ceremony, she missed prom, the Senior Awards Ceremony, Baccalaureate and the All Night Grad Party. Within days of her release from the hospital, when school had ended for everyone else, she was asked to come to Lake Braddock to receive her …

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Local Businesses Donate Tons of Food

Donations were collected for the Greater Springfield Chamber's participation in the Governor's Bowl.

4 More Travel collected 3,261 pounds — 1.6 tons — of food for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce's participation in the Governor's Bowl Chamber of Commerce Challenge Food & Fund Drive. The Springfield business was one of more than 25 chamber members that served as collection locations for the first ever Governor's Bowl, according to the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce website. “We had from Memorial Day to July 4 to collect the one ton of food we pledged,” said Patrick Barney, co-owner of 4 More Travel.  “With only 30 days, we put the word out to all our friends, relatives and travel clients, and they helped us exceed our goal," he said.  “Virginians are generous when they see a valid need, and the Springfield area people …

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Nancy-jo Manney

10:12 am on Saturday, July 21, 2012

Thank you, Pat. The Chamber very much apprciates your participation in this worthy event.   more ›

Burke Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography

Jason Laposay pled guilty to one count of production of child pornography with a minor under the age of 12.

Jason Laposay, 40, of Burke, pled guilty to one count of production of child pornography with a minor under the age of 12.    Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Colonel David Rohrer, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after a plea was accepted by United States District Judge Liam O’Grady.    Laposay faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison, when he is sentenced on October 26, 2012.   According to court records, Laposay was identified after an individual contacted the Fairfax County Child Abuse hotline claiming that Laposay was sexually abusing a …

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Republican Candidates to Appear First on Virginia Ballot

State Board of Elections drawing determines order of candidates on the ballot.

The State Board of Elections (SBE) conducted a drawing at their June 26 board meeting to determine the order in which Virginia’s two political parties will be listed on the ballot in the November General Election pursuant to § 24.2-613 of the Code of Virginia. The Republican Party slip was drawn from a crystal bowl by SBE Board Vice-Chair Kimberly Bowers.  Candidates nominated by the Republican Party will appear first throughout Virginia’s ballot.  Candidates nominated by the Democratic Party will appear second.  The State Board of Elections anticipates conducting a second drawing later this year for ballot position for the other non-recognized political parties which are active in the Commonwealth (e.g. Constitution, Green, Independent …

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Suicide is A Problem in Our Community, Our Society

Be alert and make yourself knowledgeable so that you can help, says a counselor at Robert E. Lee High School.

I just spent three days at the combined Department of Defense - Veterans' Affairs conference on suicide and suicide prevention. I have to tell you that some of what I heard made me very proud and other things completely horrified me. Although this conference was about military and veterans, we have a suicide problem in our society and our community. We've had students complete suicide this year along with so many others; doctors, lawyers, parents, anyone is susceptible to those thoughts. For those of you who don't know why I am attending such a conference, after I earned my license as a school counselor, I went on to more courses, another 2000 hours of seeing clients and a license for mental health counseling. I currently use that skill …

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Block Party at the Workhouse Arts Center

Fun for the entire family Saturday, June 23, 2012.

The whole neighborhood is invited to the Celebrate Summer Block Party at the Workhouse Arts Center, Saturday, June 23 from 3 p.m. into the evening hours.  The event is free. We will be offering a variety of family activities, music, a community resource tent, food from some of Lorton’s most popular restaurants and -- of course -- ART! Kids can take a swing at learning golf from the Fairfax County Park Authority golf pros or scheme with the zany Workhouse Jester to encourage good-natured mayhem and mirth! Find your inner peace with a participatory yoga demonstration, have your face painted, pamper your pet with Fetch Dog Boutique treats and accessories, or check out all the other groups, artists, and food vendors.  Mingle with Workhouse …

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Photo Gallery

Honor Your Dad on Patch

Share a photo in our Father's Day Photo Gallery.

Sunday, June 17, 2012, is Father's Day in the United States.

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WSHS Students Chosen for Junior Law Program

Three students will participate in the American Legion-sponsored program in July.

Three West Springfield High School students are among those selected to attend the Virginia American Legion Junior Law Program at the Virginia State Police training academy in Richmond July 22 - 27.  The Junior Law Cadet Program is designed to offer 11th-grade students the opportunity to learn about the law enforcement profession from representatives of various city, county, state and federal agencies.  The West Springfield High School students participating this year are:  A limited number of current 11th-grade students throughout the state are selected to participate in the five-day session, with tuition paid by the American Legion.  Sessions include daily calisthenics, field trips to the state capitol and Virginia State Police …

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