Cansler Lawyer Calls for More Investigations into Rose Hill Taser Incident
Elton Cansler of Alexandria was arrested on Sept. 24 for committing larceny and assaulting a police officer, an incident captured on two independent witnesses’ mobile phones during which the Fairfax County Police Officer used a taser to force him to comply with orders.
“They’re Not Alone”
New domestic violence victims screening tool launches in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County is taking a step forward to reduce the deaths among victims of domestic violence. According to the police department, county domestic violence hotlines receive over 240 calls each month.
New Tolls on I-66: Will That Help?
New Tolls presented as the first step to reducing heavy traffic on I-66, some voice doubts.
On Oct. 5, VDOT held one of several ongoing meetings discussing a new Multimodal Project to reduce traffic on Route I-66, the only interstate in the country limited to HOV usage during rush hour.
Area Roundups
Events and happenings in Burke, Fairfax, Lorton and Springfield.
Burke: The Art of Driving 5K Enters Second Year
Robin Thompson’s daughter Ashley Renee was a sophomore at Lake Braddock Secondary School when she died in a car crash on June 10, 2003. She had borrowed a friend’s car to drive home from school and slammed into a tree after losing control of the vehicle.
Burke Residents Open Belle Jar Design Business in Clifton
Laura Jane Cohen and Heather Taylor’s business is a bit like the historic town of Clifton itself. They’re taking something that’s well-aged and restoring it for others to appreciate the character, charm and beauty of the piece.
Fairfax County: Candidates Meet on Fairfax Public Access
Clerk, Sheriff and Soil & Water incumbents and challengers answer questions.
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid wasted no time in bringing up the in-custody death of Natasha McKenna during her opening remarks. Kincaid said the loss of life, which occurred in February following an incident where a team of Sheriff’s deputies was attempting to transport McKenna to Alexandria police and deployed a taser on her four times, continues to weigh heavily on her.
Burke: Bruin Marching Band Shines at Oakton Classic
Featuring Latin repertoire, the band members gave an energetic performance at the 30th Oakton Classic competition.
The football field was filled with different kind of vividness: colorful costumes, beautiful sound of instruments, lively performance and cheers and a round of applause from the audience. Oakton Classic is the annual invitational marching band competition run by the band boosters of Oakton High School.
146 Fairfax County Schools Energy Star-Certified
New Auditor General also appointed at Sept. 24 meeting
In the last year and a half, Fairfax County Public Schools have been able to reduce the energy consumption in their buildings by 15 percent. That cut down resulted in savings of $4.5 million, according to a release Sept. 25 by the school system.
Burke: Law Enforcement Raising Awareness of Train Track Safety
Adil Gour has been crossing the Virginia Railway Express tracks in Burke for three years. “It’s convenient for me, instead of going all the way around,” Gour said. All the way around in this case means taking Guinea Road to Roberts Road and south.
Fairfax County NAACP hosts 70th Freedom Fund Awards
‘Your Vote, Your Power’
J.E.B. Stuart High School seniors Anna Rowan, Cassie Marcotty, Marley Finley, Abby Conde and Lidia Amanuel were bothered by the Confederate legacy of their school. Inspired by a history class with teacher Keith Bropst on the Massive Resistance anti-segregation policy, the girls set out to change Stuart’s name, mascot and colors.
Fairfax NAACP To Host Rally Seeking ‘Justice for Natasha McKenna’
Fairfax County NCAAP president Shirley Ginwright announced a rally will be held Sept. 27 to demand justice for Natasha McKenna, a 37-year-old woman with mental illness who died in February after she had been held in the Adult Detention Center.
Ending Bullying
Back to School: Local educators offer advice for parents on how to deal with bullying as school resumes.
When Carol Baker cried, no one heard her. She and a classmate were alone in the girls locker room, and as Baker, then an eighth grade student, tried to leave, her classmate grabbed her gym shirt and pushed her into a locker. They weren’t fighting over anything in particular and Baker didn’t sustain any physical injuries.
Burke: Used Book Sale to Benefit Cambodian Students
Teenager Melissa Toler, of Burke, is trying to give new life to old books and new hope to young students in Cambodia. Toler, a freshman at Robinson Secondary School, has organized a book sale to satisfy requirements for the Girl Scouts Silver Award, but the greater goal of the event is helping aspiring Cambodian scholars who are still struggling in the wake of the country’s mid-1970s genocide.
Burke-Based Author and Professor Launches First Book
When Burke resident and George Mason University English professor Art Taylor set out to enter The Washington Post short story cover contest, he never expected it would lead to his first book.