News | FFXnow - Part 397

Morning Notes

Published April 29, 2024 at 8:15AM

A spring day on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax City Schedules Fireworks Test — “Fairfax City Parks and Recreation has arranged for a “test fire” of fireworks from the roof of Fairfax High School. The test fire, consisting of two 15-second bursts, will occur between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. April 30.” The test is planned in preparation for the city’s Independence Day Celebration, which is scheduled for July 4. [City of Fairfax]

Vienna Veteran Charged With Making Toxin — “A judge on Friday ordered a Marine Corps veteran and former militia member to remain jailed pending trial on charges he attempted to make ricin, a biological toxin.” The 42-year-old man was arrested about two weeks ago after “traces of ricin along with lab equipment and castor beans, from which ricin is derived,” were found in his home. [Associated Press/WTOP]

Former Langley coach inducted into Lake Braddock Hall of Fame

By GazetteLeader

Published April 26, 2024 at 6:00PM | Updated October 1, 2024 at 5:50PM

Mangan led Saxons’ teams to much success in his time there

Former Langley High School cross country and track and field head coach Mike Mangan recently was inducted in the track and field Hall of Fame at Lake Braddock Secondary School.

JUST IN: Driver convicted in fatal Oakton crash that killed two teens

By James Jarvis

Published April 26, 2024 at 2:50PM | Updated September 7, 2024 at 11:37AM

Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The driver behind a 2022 crash that killed two teenagers could serve up to four years in prison.

Earlier this week, 20-year-old Usman Shahid was convicted of two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the June 7, 2022 crash on Blake Lane, where he struck and killed two Oakton High School students while driving 46 mph over the 35-mph speed limit.

Lake Anne cooling service to launch ahead of expected heat wave

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 26, 2024 at 1:30PM

Residences along the Chimney House Road side of Lake Anne in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

RELAC Water Cooling will begin delivering air-conditioning services to residents and businesses in Reston’s Lake Anne area this weekend — ahead of its official launch date of May 22.

The volunteer-run utility announced today that it will “go live” tomorrow (Saturday) to test its services, providing chilled water from the artificial lake to cool 635 residential and commercial properties.

Metro board approves new budget, but Virginia funding remains a question mark

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 26, 2024 at 11:30AM

The Franconia-Springfield Metro station entrance (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The cost of riding Metro trains and buses will go up, starting July 1, when the transit agency’s new budget takes effect.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) board of directors approved a $4.8 billion fiscal year 2025 budget yesterday (Thursday) that will increase fares by 12.5%, including by ending the flat $2 rate for weekend and late-night rides introduced in 2021 and expanded in 2022.

Tysons Forest task force recommends steps for preserving 65 acres of woods

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 26, 2024 at 10:30AM

Volunteers assembled at Tysons Forest for an Earth Day nature walk and litter cleanup (via Fairfax County Department of Cable and Consumer Services)

The continued development of Tysons doesn’t have to come at the expense of its remaining natural green space, argues a recent report on ways to preserve 65 acres of forest in the urban center.

A community task force has recommended two dozen actions that could help preserve and even enhance wooded areas collectively known as Tysons Forest, including tree plantings and clean-up efforts. Dated March 24, the report was formally accepted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on April 16.

NEW: Reston library will close this summer for renovation

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 26, 2024 at 9:30AM

Reston Regional Library will be replaced by a new facility as part of the Reston Town Center North redevelopment (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Planned facility upgrades will require the Reston Regional Library to close for an extended period this summer.

Friday, June 28, will be the last day of public operations for the aging building at 11925 Bowman Towne Drive before construction on interim renovations starts on July 1, Fairfax County Public Library announced yesterday (Thursday).

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published April 26, 2024 at 8:15AM

A private boat dock on Lake Anne in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Sentencing of Driver in Fatal Oakton Crash Delayed — “The sentencing hearing in the manslaughter case of two Oakton High School students killed in a June 7, 2022, crash abruptly stopped Thursday morning after a member of the courtroom audience collapsed during the testimony of one of the victim’s mothers. A jury convicted Usman Shahid on two counts of involuntary manslaughter” on Wednesday (April 24). [Patch]

Affordable Housing Waitlists to Open — “Those interested in applying to affordable housing waitlists can do so beginning Monday, April 29, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. through Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. for select properties,” including family and senior housing complexes in Idylwood, Herndon, Lorton and Arlington. [Fairfax County]

Former Langley High standout player competes in PGA tourney

By GazetteLeader

Published April 25, 2024 at 6:00PM | Updated October 1, 2024 at 5:49PM

Berry shoots a second-round 67 to make the 36-hole cut

So far, of the many standout golfers who played at Langley High School in recent years, Brandon Berry is the only one yet to play in a PGA tournament and make the 36-hole cut, as well.

School board members, mayor collaborate to repurpose Clifton Elementary School sign

By James Jarvis

Published April 25, 2024 at 3:30PM | Updated April 25, 2024 at 4:26PM

Fairfax County school board members Kyle McDaniel and Sandy Anderson and Clifton Mayor Tom Peterson with the repurposed Clifton Elementary School sign (courtesy McDaniel's office)

Nearly 14 years after Clifton Elementary School shuttered, its sign has been repurposed.

The sign now serves as a bulletin for local organizations, businesses, and community groups to promote events such as farmers markets, cultural celebrations and educational workshops.