School board approves buses for students affected by boundary changes
The Fairfax County School Board on Feb. 26 approved a motion to provide transportation to high school students who want to remain in their current school after the new boundary changes take effect. That motion passed 7-4, after the board declined to approve Superintendent Michelle Reid’s recommendation to provide transportation only to high school seniors. … Continued
Annandale store sold a $1 million lottery ticket
A retired electrician has won $1 million from a Powerball ticket purchased in Annandale, the Virginia Lottery announced on Feb. 24. The lottery winner bought the ticket at the Express 1 Food Mart at 4713 Backlick Road on Dec. 13. It took him a month to realize he had a winning ticket. “I’m still in … Continued
FCPD expands use of drones as first responders
The Fairfax County Police Department is expanding its use of drones as first responders in coordination with the Fire and Rescue Department. A pilot-test launched last year on using drones as first responders has been successful in improving public safety and reducing response times, Maj. Hudson Bull of FCPD’s Major Crimes Bureau, told the Board … Continued
Police believe burglaries at Asian American homes might be linked
Fairfax County Police are investigating eight residential burglaries that targeted Asian Americans, most of whom are local business owners. One of the burglaries, on Jan. 12, occurred on the 3200 block of Holly Berry Court in Annandale. When the victim returned home, she noticed her jewelry was missing. There were no signs of forced entry. … Continued
Lane closure on Backlick Road tomorrow morning
The right southbound lane on Backlick Road will be closed between Wimsatt Road and Rhoden Court/Hechinger Drive in Springfield on Friday, Feb. 27, from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the Virginia Department of Transportation reports. The closure is being done so the bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks can be inspected. Drivers should expect … Continued
Casino bill clears House committee with significant changes
The General Laws Committee in the House of Delegates voted 12-8 on Feb. 24 to pass a heavily amended version of legislation to allow a casino in Fairfax County. The bill (S756) now goes to the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Agriculture & Natural Resources. The original bill, introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Mount … Continued
Radley Acura proposes adding a carwash to a future garage
The Fairfax County Planning Commission on Feb. 25 recommended approval of a proposal to add a carwash facility at Radley Acura in Bailey’s Crossroads. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a hearing on the proposal on March 17. In 2022, the BoS approved a rezoning application to allow the dealership, located at 5823 … Continued
Police identify victims killed in bloody stabbing incident
Fairfax County Police have identified the victims killed in a bloody stabbing incident on Feb. 23 and the perpetrator killed in a police-involved shooting. Mamta Thapa, 33, and Binda Thapa, 52, were stabbed shortly before 5 a.m. at Margate Manor in the 3900 block of Persimmon Circle in the Mantua area of Fairfax. When police … Continued
Pedestrian improvement projects proposed
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation seeks feedback on potential bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects for the next round of funding. FCDOT has previously set a goal to invest $100 million in active transportation projects between 2021 and 2027. So far, $82.12 million has been committed, with the remaining $17.88 million expected to be allocated … Continued
High school crossing guards could be eliminated
The Fairfax County Police Department wants to eliminate crossing guards at high schools and replace the use of police officers with crossing guards provided under contract by a private vendor. That would help with two issues – the high cost of overtime for police officers and the difficulty of recruiting enough crossing guards, Assistant Police … Continued
The repair shop at Ravensworth Shell has closed
Demolition is expected to start in about two weeks on a project at the Ravensworth Shell service station to convert the auto repair shop to a convenience store. The auto repair business closed on Feb. 22. The project, at 8011 Braddock Road at the Ravensworth Shopping Center, was approved by the Board of Supervisors in … Continued
Man who stabbed family members to death killed by police
A Fairfax County police officer shot and killed a suspect on Feb. 23 in the Mantua area who was in the process of stabbing members of his own family with a dagger. The man’s daughter and wife died from their injuries, and his son-in-law is in the hospital in a life-threatening condition, said Police Chief … Continued
Pizzato Pizza opens at Landmark Plaza
Pizzato Pizza, a brand-new casual eatery at Landmark Plaza, offers some innovative pizza varieties, such as butter chicken pizza, vodka crispy chicken pizza, and chicken tikka pizza. It’s located in a former Pizza Hut at 6226 Little River Turnpike, Lincolnia. In addition to pizza, the menu includes mac & cheese, several pasta dishes, salads, wings, … Continued
Exhibit at Beanetics features artworks by local pastor
By James Albright, chair of the Mason District Arts Council Artopolis and Beanetics Coffee Roasters welcome new works by acclaimed local artist Casey Wait at an opening reception on March 6, 5-7 p.m. The opening offers a chance to meet the artist and learn about her art and process. Wait’s exciting and dynamic work will … Continued
Schools, government offices closed tomorrow
After previously announcing a two-hour delay, Fairfax County Public Schools now says schools will be closed on Monday, Feb. 23. School Age Child Care Centers and FCPS central offices are also closed. All extracurricular activities, sporting events, team practices, after-school programs, adult education classes, and school use by outside groups are canceled on Feb. 23. … Continued