Traffic

Update 5 p.m.
The driver of the logging truck that crashed on Interstate 95 this afternoon was not injured, but crews are still working to clean up the mess.

A tractor trailer loaded with logs crashed on I-95 south prior to Exit 130, Va. 3, just after 3 p.m., said Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller.


Traffic

Virginia Railway Express announced today its trains have been arriving on time more this year than any previous year in the system’s 19-year-history.

VRE’s on time train rate has been clocked at 92.6 percent between the months of January and November 2011, breaking the previous 89.9 percent on time record set in 2009.


News

S.E.R.V.E is a nonprofit organization that provides free assistance to individuals and families by providing clothing, food, school supplies, and other items to improve their lives. The members of the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department are accepting donations that will ensure S.E.R.V.E can continue providing for those in need. The donated items range from clothing, books, paper, pens, backpacks, and non-perishable food.

Donation boxes are located at the Aquia Harbour Fire and Rescue, Station 1001 Washington Drive; Garrisonville Fire Station, 53 Shelton Shop Road; Berea Fire and Rescue Station, 20 Sebring Drive; and Fire and Rescue Headquarters at 1225 Courthouse Road. Please help us make a difference in someone’s life simply by donating the items that we do not use or would like to provide for others in need.


News

Officials warn cracks in chimneys that could have been caused by the August quake could allow dangerous gasses and heat to escape into homes.

After the quake, chimney fires were a big concern for officials at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, said spokesman Bob Speildenner. The agency, however, has does not track instances of chimney fires caused by earthquake-related chimney cracks.


Prince William

By Stephanie Tipple

Occoquan, Va. — Residents gathered Sunday night at the Ebenezer Baptist Church on the corner of Washington and Commerce streets in Occoquan to attend the annual Town Blessing. This blessing, held by the church’s Reverend Lundy, was a chance for residents to come together to ring in some Christmas cheer and give thanks.


Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ken Cuccinelli, Attorney General of Virginia; and James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.

Pierre was convicted by a federal jury on Sept. 8, 2011. According to court documents, Pierre was the office manager and office administrator for First Call Home Health, a home health care business that provided home health aides and private duty nursing care to individuals so they may remain at home rather than in a hospital or nursing facility. First Call received payment for its home health services provided to Medicaid-eligible individuals through the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), which is responsible for paying medical service producers for care and services received by Medicaid recipients in Virginia.


Traffic

The Virginia Department of Transportation sponsors the patrols which help stranded drivers with tire changes, jump starting cars, water for overheating radiators, and can give up to one gallon of gas for those who’ve run out of fuel.

The marked VDOT trucks also assist emergency responders with managing traffic congestion when incidents occur, said VDOT spokeswoman Kelly Hannon.


Prince William

The minor league baseball team has partnered with ACTS in Dumfries to collect canned goods and toys for residents in ACTS temporary shelter in Dumfries. Those who bring five or more items will receive a discount in the team store also located at the stadium.

Children who come will have a chance to get a photo with Santa Slam, who serves as the team’s mascot during the regular season and normally goes by Uncle Slam.


Prince William

Manassas, Va. — The Christmas tree in Old Town Manassas will once again be lit up for the holiday season with the help of New York City firefighters.

The tree lighting will take place tonight at 6:30 outside the Manassas Museum, but the festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with holiday music and the arrival of Santa Claus, according to city officials.


The 23-year-old victim was riding in the area of Prince William Parkway and Liberia Avenue at 7:42 p.m. Wednesday when a car pulled up and the occupants inside began telling racial slurs at the rider, said police.

Two of the three occupants inside the car got out and assaulted the man, said police. The rider suffered minor injuries and the attackers fled as soon as police arrived.


View More Stories