News

Tuesday’s announcement by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder that a plot to kill the Saudi Arabian and Israeli Ambassadors to the United States had been stopped could mark a major victory for two Law Enforcement agencies that have significant ties to our area. The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration were credited with foiling the planned assassinations. The plot also involved plans to blow up the Saudi Arabian and Israeli embassies here and in Argentina.

Both the Attorney General and FBI Director Mueller pointed the finger at Iran, saying the special operations element of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, known as the Qods Force, was behind the plot.

According to a recent survey, only 30 percent of American households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. While those Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, less than half of them have practiced it.

One-third of American households, who made an estimate, thought they would have at least 5 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8 percent said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out.

In stark contrast to Stafford County’s recent recognition as having the 7th median household income in the United States, Sierra Leone, Africa is perpetually at the bottom of the United Nations Human Development Index, ranking low in indicators such as malnutrition, infant and maternal mortality, and life expectancy.

“This is really an area where the church can bring the community together to help others,” stated Lisa Jones, race committee volunteer. “One hundred percent of the proceeds from this race will go to helping the children at the Child Rescue Centre and Mercy Hospital in Bo, Sierra Leone.”

OWL VFD, usually known for putting out fires and responding to 911 calls, put on pink tee shirts for the month of October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

During the Month of October all OWL VFD crews will switch from their normal dark blue shirts to pink tee shirts to show solidarity for those fighting breast cancer, those that have survived breast cancer or for loved ones lost to breast cancer. “Cancer has touched almost everyone’s life, including members of our own department. We want to remind them that they are not aloane, that we care.” said Department Chief Jim McAllister. OWL VFD has a history of supporting cancer research with their annual St. Baldrick’s event that they hold every March to raise money for Children’s cancer research. “This is one more way we can give back and raise awareness.”

The agency will be performing system maintenance along with the Social Security Administration, according to a press release.

All DMV offices across the state will be closed Monday in observance of Columbus Day.

The planetarium will hold its “Fright Lights” show this month in Woodbridge starting Friday, Oct. 14.

The 45 minute laser show is synched to music indicative of Halloween, said Planetarium Director Tony Gilmore. The music includes Michael Jackson songs, music from Pink Floyd, Metallica, The Who, Will Smith and others.

The killing of the American-born Yemeni terrorist Anwar al Awlaki on Sept. 30 continues to show how broadly integrated U.S. military operations and intelligence have become. According to media reports, two Predator drones fired Hellfire missiles at al Awlaki as he and three others were traveling in a car. Also killed was Samir Khan, a naturalized U.S. citizen who was the editor of the al Qaeda magazine Inspire.

The deaths of al Awlaki and Khan were the culmination of an intensive effort to track down and eliminate the threat these people posed to America and its citizens. But our ability to conduct such operations depends on accurate and timely intelligence, as well as a robust communications architecture to help choreograph and synchronize the effort.

To schedule an appointment go to redcrossblood.org and type in zip code 22554 to find the blood drive. You can also call the Aquia Episcopal Church office at 540-659-4007.

Remember to drink plenty of water, eat a good meal, and bring a photo ID.

Woodbridge, Va. — Today is the day for Prince William County residents to pay their personal property taxes.

A website has been created to include information about paying the taxes and a special hotline will be open until 6:30 p.m. if you have questions about your tax bill.

It’s been a decade since the Lorton prison was transformed into the Potomac Communities premiere arts centers, The Lorton Workhouse.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, a cocktail reception will be held at the center from 7 p.m. to midnight. Dinner will be served, music and dancing will take place along with both silent and live auctions, according to Workhouse spokeswoman Camela Speer.