Is Fairfax County’s Co-Responder Program the Right Fit?
Advocates, public cite concerns.
It has been over three years since Fairfax County initiated its pilot co-responder program intended to help police respond to mental health emergency calls. Some county residents are raising multiple concerns about the program.
County Honors Its Former Planning Commission Chairman
Peter F. Murphy: ‘Not driven by ideology or politics’
Planning award
Coat Donations Needed Now
Coat Donations Needed Now
Wait, Halloween Didn’t Originate in the U.S.?
Born of telling tales and rooted facts as seen in Fairfax County, Va
Born of telling tales and rooted facts as seen in Fairfax County, Va
Police Fatally Shoot Woman During Welfare Check
Welfare check went deadly in three minutes. What happened?
For 459 days, the Fairfax County Police Department maintained a record free from incidents involving the shooting and killing of an individual by one of their officers. On Monday, Oct. 14, the department released the body-worn camera (BWC) video footage from a police wellness check in Reston conducted on mid-morning Sept. 16, which escalated into a fatal police shooting of a woman within three minutes.
Seven Corners Pedestrian Dies Weeks after Crash
Marks 17th pedestrian fatality, year to date in Fairfax County.
Sunday, Oct. 13, marked the 17th pedestrian fatality in Fairfax County in 2024.
Eight Local Children Are Missing
Could a CODI Alert have helped return them home?
The Virginia State Police launched its "Critical Operation for a Disappeared Child Initiative," (CODI) Alert Program nearly a month ago, on Sept. 26.
Junk Fee Warning: Rent at Your Own Risk
Are the 2024 Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act updates on your lease?
In Virginia, tenants, prospective tenants and landlords should know that the 2024 General Assembly introduced several bills to amend the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). The following story is the first in a series addressing tenant-related bills in Virginia that were enacted on July 1, 2024.
Jury Convicts Former Officer In Death of Unarmed Suspect
Guilty of reckless handling of firearm; not guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
On Friday, Oct. 4, a jury made up of eight women and four men convicted former FCPD Sergeant Wesley Shifflett, 36, of reckless handling of a firearm, related to the shooting death of Timothy McCree Johnson, 37, on February 22, 2023. The jury found him not guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Historical Marker Unveiled and Dedicated
Celebrates the legacy of Robert Gunnell and Gunnell’s Chapel.
Celebrates the legacy of Robert Gunnell and Gunnell’s Chapel.
Don’t Miss It, Great Falls Oktoberfest this Friday
Benefits Cornerstones and Great Falls Grange Foundation
The Great Falls Grange Foundation and the Rotary Club of Great Falls will present the Great Falls Oktoberfest on Friday, October 4, from 6 to 10 p.m.
Former Fairfax County Deputy Sentenced to Over Six Years in Prison
Provided contraband and info to inmates; drugs for cash.
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office announced on Sept. 19 that former deputy Robert T. Sanford Jr., 37, received a 78-month prison sentence for smuggling drugs and contraband into the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
‘Boosted Is Better’
Protect yourself against the next waves of viruses, says Inova and FX Health District.
Infectious disease specialists at Inova and the Fairfax Health District emphasize the importance of updated COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccinations, including flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and pneumonia for everyone, especially vulnerable populations.
Governor’s Use of Power & Authority Questioned
Sparked by Executive Order establishing cell phone-free education
Cell phones
Criminal Trial Underway for Ex-Fairfax County Officer
On-duty shooting and killing of unarmed shoplifting suspect
Trial
Cornerstones Seeks Cook Volunteers and Donors
Small act of kindness makes big impact.
Small act of kindness makes big impact.
Centreville Immigration Forum 2024 Honorees
Celebrating diversity at annual dinner.
Celebrating diversity at annual dinner.
USGS Headquarters in Reston Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Where and what USGS studies may surprise you.
Where and what USGS studies may surprise you.
Great Places According to Dogs
Volunteers and staff of Fairfax County Animal Shelter share their favorite dog-friendly places
Great Places According to Dogs
Fairfax County Is Doggone Friendly
Our county seen through the eyes of our dogs.
Our county seen through the eyes of our dogs.
Herndon’s Mayoral Candidates To Face Off at Forum
On Monday, Sept. 30, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Cornerstones and the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the Town of Herndon Mayoral Candidate Forum at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 651 Dranesville Road.
Herndon Armors Up Amendment for Downtown Redevelopment
Did 7-year agreement merry-go-round leave town unprotected?
The original Comprehensive Agreement on Nov. 1, 2017, between the Town of Herndon and developer Comstock Herndon Venture LC “had notable gaps that heavily favored Comstock,” said Herndon Councilmember Pradip Dhakal on Sept. 15.
Supervisors Approve New Requirements for Data Centers
Stricter standards elicit reactions during and after vote.
On Sept. 10, following extensive community engagement efforts that helped shape the final recommendations presented to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors, the Board approved the long-awaited Data Center Zoning Ordinance by a vote of 8-2.
County Executive Reviews Taxing Authorities, Including Meals Tax
County Executive Reviews Taxing Authorities, Including Meals Tax
Can U.S. Citizens Experiencing Homelessness Vote?
Registering with no fixed address.
Registering with no fixed address.
County Clears Two Homeless Encampments
Addressing encampments humanely to address needs.
Addressing encampments humanely to address needs.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Hosts ‘Clear the Shelters’
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Hosts ‘Clear the Shelters’
FCPS Superintendent Attempts to Unwind Misrepresentations
Dear Governor: FCPS outperforms state averages in all state-mandated subjects.
FCPS Superintendent Attempts to Unwind Misrepresentations
Reston Encampment To Be Shut Down Sept. 10
County officials don’t answer the tough questions.
County officials don’t answer the tough questions.
Reston Community Center 2024 Preference Poll
Reston Community Center (RCC) announced it is seeking interested candidates to run for this year’s Preference Poll to fill three three-year term position seats on its nine-member Board of Governors responsible for oversight of RCC.
Providing Students Opportunities To Register To Vote
FCPS students advocate for the national High School Voter Empowerment Act.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) highlighted their July 31, 2024, TeacherDirect Bulletin with a reminder of the April 2, 2020, Code of Virginia amendment that added the provision, § 22.1-203.4 Public high schools; mandating that students have access to voter registration.
Herndon Eagle Scout Candidate Completes Service Project
On June 29, one week before his 18th birthday, Anthony Sasso of BSA Troop 1081 completed his Eagle Scout service project.
12.5 Percent Fare Hike Hits Fairfax Connector Riders July 29
On Monday, July 29, fare increases for riding the Fairfax Connector began. Riders will pay 12.5 percent more.
USDA’s Free Summer Meal Services Ending
Where to turn? New USDA program SUN Bucks and local help available.
Where to turn? New USDA program SUN Bucks and local help available.
Virginia’s Tax-Free Sales Holiday August 2-4
Hurricane preparedness, school supply and certain energy saving products and more eligible.
Hurricane preparedness, school supply and certain energy saving products and more eligible.
Fairfax County Awarded $50.5 Million for New Low-Emission Buses
Federal grant paves the way.
Federal grant paves the way.
12.5 Percent Fare Hike Hits Fairfax Connector Riders July 29
Not small change, given increased consumer costs and decreased dollar buying power.
Not small change, given increased consumer costs and decreased dollar buying power.
School Board Changes Boundary Policy
Changes to boundary policy emphasize capacity, removes concern for impact on students.
Poised to observe its annual summer recess from July 19 to Aug. 19, 2024, during its meeting on the evening of July 18, the Fairfax School Board voted 9 to 2 on the main motion that the School Board amend Policy 8130 on Local School Boundaries, Program Assignments, and School Closings, as amended and detailed in the agenda item attachment.
Supervisors Defer Decision on Data Center Zoning
Public hearing confirms, ‘The devil is in the details.’
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 10-0 to defer their decision on a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment regarding data centers until their July 30 regular meeting. This unexpected move occurred late Tuesday evening, July 16, after a staff presentation, Q&A between the board and staff, and four-and-a-half hours of public testimony. The record would still be open for written testimony.
National eCYBERMISSION Competition Winners Hail from Fairfax County
Status update local STEM-In-Action Grant recipient team, the biodegradable and affordable diaper.
Status update local STEM-In-Action Grant recipient team, the biodegradable and affordable diaper.
Good Shepherd Housing School Supply Drive Underway
Monetary donations are also crucial.
The Good Shepherd Housing School Supply Drive is underway, a crucial initiative that will directly impact the lives of children in need. The nonprofit organization is collecting backpacks and school supplies for the 2024-2025 school year and would like to receive all donations by Aug. 1.
Sheriff’s Office, ICE Square Off
Springfield rapist of Herndon child sentenced; found to possess child sexual abuse material says U.S. Attorney’s Office.
A June 27 press release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia, reported that a “Honduran national who raped a 13-year-old victim was sentenced to five years in prison for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and assaulting a federal officer.”
Virginia League of Conservation Voters 2024 General Assembly Conservation Scorecard Released
Fairfax’s state legislators sweep the Scorecard’s honor roll.
Of the 22 elected officials in the Virginia General Assembly who represent all, or a portion of, the citizens of Fairfax County, 19 achieved a perfect score of 100 percent, earning the honorary title of "Legislative Hero” from the Virginia LCV. The remaining three achieved a near-perfect score of 95 percent, earning them the title of "2024 Legislative Leader."
Highlights of Virginia LCV’s Scored Legislation Patroned by Lawmakers of the Fairfax County Delegation to the General Assembly
LCV’s positions and governor’s actions.
Gov. Youngkin vetoed 201 bills in 2024, including bipartisan environmental protection legislation. Virginia LCV classified scored legislation into five categories: energy and climate, good government, land conservation, land use and transportation, and water quality. Virginia LCV provided its position, whether supporting or opposing the bills, and compared such against Gov. Youngkin’s actions, whether he signed the bills into law or vetoed them.
Community News at a Glance
News Briefs
Schools: Community News at a Glance
School Board To Update School Boundary Policy Later This Month
Schools
Winners of A. Heath Onthank Award
Three employees receive the county’s highest government honor award.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized Tajweer Beaufort, Leila Gordon, and Kim Young with the A. Heath Onthank Award, the highest government employee honor.
School Board To Update School Boundary Policy Later This Month
The Fairfax County School Board scheduled action to amend Policy 8130 on adjusting school boundaries at its meeting on July 18, 2024. The revised draft policy, Policy 8130.8, is subject to updates. Updated policy will focus more on capacity, staff discussions indicate.
COMMUNITY NEWS AT A GLANCE
County’s Sheriff’s Office Is Recruiting.
County’s Sheriff’s Office Is Recruiting.
StarKist, Cornerstones and Feed the Children Partner to End Hunger
2024 Summer Food and Resource Rally
On June 6, Cornerstones, StarKist, and Feed the Children gathered for the third annual summer food and resource rally at Cornerstones Food Rescue Empowerment Enterprise in Sterling. Three Fairfax County nonprofits — LINK Against Hunger, South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry, and Fellowship Square — and two in the Dulles corridor, Dulles South Food Pantry and Community Lodgings, participated.
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