Stafford, Va. — A former school principal in Manassas will take over at Colonial Forge High School in Stafford, the school now infamously known for the Banana Man controversy.

Michael Byers will begin his duties at the school Jan. 3, after relocating from his current position as assistant principal at Briar Woods High School in Loudoun County, said Stafford schools spokeswoman Valerie Cottongim.


Stafford, Va. — The first African American elected to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors ended his term Tuesday night amidst controversy.

Robert “Bob” Woodson who’s represented the Griffis-Widewater District in North Stafford since 2008 left the Board Chambers without the approval of two fellow supervisors, Aquia District Supervisor Paul Milde and Rock Hill District Supervisor Cord Sterling.


Sheriff’s deputies were called to the Kohls department store at Stafford Marketplace in North Stafford on Saturday after a man walked into the store, picked up three coffee makers – each valued at $200 — sitting in the front of the store and then unsuccessfully tried to return them, said Stafford sheriff’s spokesman Bill Kennedy.

The man then took the coffee makers and left the store and went to his car outside, but and employee followed him outside, questioned him and asked the man to come back inside, said Kennedy. The man refused and placed the coffee makers on the ground, got in his car and left.


Fredericksburg, Va. — Actress Vivica A. Fox is scheduled to appear in Fredericksburg as the keynote speaker for the Virginia Black History Month Association’s Formal Dinner.

The actress, who’s appeared in films like Independence Day, Kill Bill, and Soul Food, will speak at the annual dinner scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 at the Fredericksburg Expo Center.


Woodbridge, Va. — Leesylvania State Park will feature the Manassas Chanticleers singing holiday favorites popular during the 1860s.

Singers will be at the park’s visitor center in Woodbridge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18, with performances at 11 a.m., noon, and 1:15 p.m.


Stafford, Va. — Changes are coming to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, and some outgoing Board members on Tuesday will be commended.

Board Chairman and Garrisonville District Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer (R), Griffis-Widewater District Supervisor Bob Woodson (D), and George Washington District Supervisor Harry Crisp (D), all be out at the end of the month. Crisp and Woodson chose not to run for reelection and will see their terms expire Dec. 31. Dudenhefer was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates to represent the 2nd District which includes portions of eastern Prince William and Stafford counties.


Flags over the state capitol and other government buildings in Virginia will be lowered at sunrise and remain at half-staff until sunset to honor Officer Derek Crouse who was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop Thursday. Also killed that day was the man police believe pulled the trigger – 22-year-old Ross Truett Ashley, of Spotsylvania County – who was found dead from a self-inflicted gun wound shortly after the Crouse was killed.

“I am deeply saddened by today’s news of another tragedy affecting the Virginia Tech community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those impacted by these shootings. Since this news first broke we have been monitoring the situation closely and I have made available all requested state resources to Virginia Tech, including the Virginia State Police. I have also spoken to Virginia Tech President Charles Steger earlier this afternoon,” McDonnell said in a statement.


“The exhibition is a teaching and learning experience,” Gallick said. “For example, we give assignments based on the show, such as asking students to select three artworks and discuss art techniques used. The show is also a gathering spot where faculty, staff and students share ideas on art and other discussions that may unfold.”

Gallick’s latest celebrity portraits were inspired by Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” Her artworks range from an unfinished rendering of Woody Allen on canvas to highly embellished, mixed-media portraits of Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh.


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