Masks in schools optional as of March 1
As of Tuesday, March 1, face masks will be optional for students in Fairfax County Public Schools. That’s the date a state law takes effect giving parents the authority to determine if their child should wear a mask or not. In a Feb. 25 message, FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand wrote: “We continue to be concerned … Continued
Recent crimes: shooting, burglary
The Fairfax County Police Department reports a shooting in the 6000 block of Bellview Drive in Bailey’s Crossroads at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 22. Two people were walking into an apartment building when they were approached by two men. One of the men shot four rounds through the door striking one of the victims in … Continued
Fire Department seeks arson suspect
Investigators from the Fairfax County Fire Department are seeking the public’s help in identifying a person of interest related to a fire at the Oozie Café & Restaurant (Oozie Chicken Plus) at 5624 Columbia Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads. A man set fire to the restaurant at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 22. The restaurant was … Continued
Pedestrian struck in Annandale dies
An Annandale man struck while crossing John Marr Drive on Feb. 10 has died, the Fairfax County Police Department announced. William Dunn, 83, was crossing John Marr in the middle of the block just south of Columbia Pike at about 8:30 p.m. when he struck by a 2010 Hyundai in the southbound land. Dunn was … Continued
Board approves eminent domain for sidewalk
Construction of the sidewalk planned for Little River Turnpike in Annandale can proceed now that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors agreed on Feb. 22 to use eminent domain to acquire land rights from a property owner. The eight-foot-wide walkway would be on the north side of Little River Turnpike between High Place and Pinecrest … Continued
Supervisors defer decision on bamboo
Members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and local residents spoke in favor of an ordinance aimed at containing running bamboo at a public hearing Feb. 22. In the end, however, the board deferred a decision. Board members cited concerns that the proposed fines for violators might be too high and would have a … Continued
Volunteers get plenty of help at Americana Drive cleanup
The semi-annual cleanups along Americana Drive in Annandale are drawing more volunteers and more help from the county and other community partners. Forty-four volunteers turned out for the cleanup on Presidents’ Day. They filled 191 bags of trash and collected at least 19 tires and big piles of construction debris and furniture. The cleanup was … Continued
County executive proposes an ‘optimistic’ budget for FY 2023
Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill proposes a fiscal year 2023 budget that retains the tax rate, fully funds schools, and raises employee pay. Hill presented the budget to the Board of Supervisors Feb. 22. Hill told the board he is cautiously optimistic that the county is turning a corner on the pandemic and heading down … Continued
Real estate assessments are way up
Due to rising real estate prices, property tax assessments in Fairfax County are up an average of 9.57 percent for 2022. The average assessment for all homes is $668,974, a big increase from $610,545 in 2021, the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) reports. The 2023 advertised budget proposal presented by County Executive Bryan Hill to … Continued
Old Metro cards won’t work as of March 1
If you have an older SmarTrip Metro card, it won’t work as of March 1. Old cards must be replaced by March 1, either in person, online, or by regular mail. Metro is placing all of its fare gates in Metro stations and fare boxes on Metrobuses. Farecards purchased before 2012 contain outdated chip technology … Continued
Climate report predicts extreme heat
The biggest impacts of climate change in Fairfax County will be extreme heat, heavy precipitation, and inland flooding. That’s a key finding of the Climate Projections Report issued this month. The report, a component of the Resilient Fairfax Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, looks at the climate conditions and hazards the county is likely to … Continued
Annandale man loses big in romance scam
A case involving a 78-year-old Annandale man who was scammed out of $580,000 by people pretending to have a relationship with him highlights the dangers of romance scams. Victims of romance scams have lost a staggering $1.5 billion in the last five years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports. That includes a record $547 million … Continued
Recent crimes: robbery and burglary
The following crimes were reported by the Fairfax County Police Department. An employee at the Asia Supermarket in Seven Corners was injured during a robbery on Feb. 11. The victim was treated for injuries that were not life threatening. Three men entered the store at 6126 Wilson Blvd. shortly before 1 p.m., displayed a firearm … Continued
Free tax help available in Annandale
Free tax preparation assistance is available in Annandale for households that earned less than $58,000 in 2021. The service is provided through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is aimed at helping families maximize their tax returns and avoid the fees businesses charge to prepare taxes. VITA is available at … Continued
The Joint Chiropractic offers free visits
To promote the opening of The Joint Chiropractic in the Plaza at Landmark in Lincolnia, the office is offering free consultations, exams, and initial adjustments. You can claim the limited-time special by texting “Landmark” to 56468 or filling out an online form. The Joint invites the community to its Grand Opening on March 19, 12-2 … Continued