Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

BREAKING: Former FCPD officer indicted for fatally shooting Timothy Johnson

Published October 12, 2023 at 2:45PM | Updated October 12, 2023 at 5:09PM

The Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 5 p.m.) A former Fairfax County police officer will face a court trial for shooting and killing Timothy Johnson outside Tysons Corner Center in February.

A grand jury indicted Wesley Shifflett today (Thursday) on felony charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless discharge of a firearm, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano’s office announced.

Countywide

Fairfax County launches survey to gauge state of recycling services for residents

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 12, 2023 at 1:15PM

Recycling bin (via Sigmund on Unsplash)

Fairfax County wants to know what trash collectors are telling residents about recycling.

In anticipation of Fairfax Recycles Day, which will fall on Nov. 15, the county’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is surveying residents throughout October about whether their hauler is sharing educational materials on recycling.

News

Fairfax County agrees to promote Potomac Heritage Trail

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 12, 2023 at 11:00AM

A Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail marker in Great Falls Park (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County will add its voice to the chorus of local governments touting the presence and benefits of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

The Board of Supervisors authorized staff on Tuesday (Oct. 10) to sign an agreement committing the county to developing, maintaining and promoting its segments of the trail, which spans almost 900 miles from the Allegeny Highlands in western Pennsylvania to the Potomac River’s mouth in Northern Neck.

News

With Election Day nearing, local candidates to debate in McLean and Vienna forums

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 12, 2023 at 10:15AM | Updated November 8, 2023 at 10:06AM

Voters fill out ballots in the 2023 Democratic primary at Cunningham Park Elementary School (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A pair of upcoming candidate forums will give McLean and Vienna residents a chance to get to know the people aspiring to represent them.

First up, the McLean Citizens Association is hosting a debate at 7:30 p.m. today (Thursday) between candidates for the Dranesville District’s supervisor and school board seats.

News

Senator makes case for casino in Tysons as part of future entertainment district

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 11, 2023 at 3:30PM

A train pulls into the Spring Hill Metro station in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

If Fairfax County were to get a casino, state Sen. Dave Marsden would prefer to see it in Tysons, not Reston, as has reportedly been proposed.

The prospect of a casino has drawn strong pushback from both residents and some elected officials, but Marsden argues that the county needs to consider all options to diversify its commercial tax base, as the office market continues to lag in the pandemic’s wake.

Countywide

D.C. area office cleaners win pay raises in contract agreement, avoiding strike

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 11, 2023 at 11:45AM

Del. Holly Seibold speaks at 32BJ SEIU's strike vote rally for Fairfax and Loudoun county office cleaners (courtesy 32BJ SEIU)

The workers who clean office buildings around Fairfax County won’t have to hit the picket lines anytime soon.

The union representing about 9,100 commercial office cleaners in the D.C. area reached a tentative agreement yesterday (Tuesday) for a new contract with property owners in the Washington Service Contractors Association (WSCA), averting a potential strike.

Around Town

Aerial dance studio set to open in Merrifield this fall

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 11, 2023 at 11:00AM

Aerial Candy owner Candy Cantu practices on a lyra at the new Merrifield studio (courtesy Aerial Candy)

An aerial dance studio based in Maryland will swoop across state lines this fall with an expansion into Merrifield.

Aerial Candy is transforming an industrial space at 2801 Merrilee Drive that was being used for storage into a studio where dancers can train with aerial silks, hoops and other specialized equipment.

News

Man dies weeks after three-vehicle crash on Fairfax County Parkway

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 11, 2023 at 9:30AM

Northbound Fairfax County Parkway approaching Loisdale Road in Newington (via Google Maps)

A three-vehicle crash on Fairfax County Parkway in Newington has taken a fatal turn, about a month after it occurred.

James Berry Gautier, an 83-year-old Burke resident, has died roughly four weeks after a van collided with his car near Loisdale Road, the Fairfax County Police Department announced yesterday (Tuesday).

News

New signs encourage Vienna pedestrians and drivers to see ‘Eye to Eye’

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 10, 2023 at 3:30PM

Members of the Vienna Transportation Safety Commission, which includes the Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and residents install a sign for the new "Eye to Eye" safety campaign (courtesy Vienna Transportation Safety Commission)

Some new traffic signs have popped up around Vienna, but unlike traditional stop or speed limit signs, these yellow, reflective placards are intended more for sidewalk users than road users.

Volunteers with the Vienna Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PAC) started posting the signs on pedestrian signal poles around town in late September for their “Eye to Eye” campaign, which encourages walkers to make eye contact with drivers before stepping into a crosswalk.

News

County leaders ‘in shock’ over violence in Israel and Palestine, board chair says

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 10, 2023 at 1:30PM

The flags outside the Fairfax County Government Center flags are at half-staff after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack against Israel (via Fairfax County/Twitter)

Family members of a Fairfax native and Woodson High School graduate are among the 150 people reportedly taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas when it attacked Israel on Saturday (Oct. 7).

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay acknowledged the violence that has now gripped Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory of Gaza for four days to open today’s board meeting.