School Board Votes to Ban Guns — The Fairfax County School Board voted Tuesday to ban firearms on all school properties, including those leased by a school system. [WTOP]
Herndon Fire Caused by Electrical Event — A fire in a home on the 12100 block of Eddyspark Drive in Herndon was caused by an electrical event in the AC disconnect. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
No injuries were reported in Herndon house fire that happened over the weekend.
Creative Ways to Fill Substitute Shortage — WTOP chronicles how the son of an elementary school principal wound up filling in as a long-term substitute. [WTOP]
Reston Firms Buys Student Financial Aid Firm — Reston-based education technology firm Ellucian has acquired CampusLogic, a Minnesota-based company. [WTOP]
Sunset at a snowy Lake Thoreau (photo by Marjorie Copson)
Snow Closes Schools Again — Fairfax County Public Schools are closed again today (Friday) as the school system anticipated snowfall overnight into this morning. This is the last allotted traditional snow day of the year. The National Weather Service projected snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches for the D.C. region. [NWS]
Firefighters rescued two residents from the top floor of an apartment building during a fire early this morning.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded around 1:18 a.m. to the 2300 block of Freetown Court in Reston and used a ladder to reach the residents.
Case Surge Prompts Changes to Contact Investigation Process — Case investigators will prioritize contact tracing and investigation for high-risk scenarios, including children who are in school, people infected through an outbreak and people who live and work in settings like group homes or long-term care facilities. The effort is part of an attempt to use staff and resources effectively. [Fairfax County Government]
Reston Student Amps Up Volunteering — Aaron Letteri, a Reston resident who studies at the Lab School of Washington, has been volunteering in many different capacities. His latest effort includes collecting coats for Cornerstones. [Fairfax County Times]
The opening of a new fire station on Wiehle Avenue has been delayed again.
Ashley Hildebrandt, a spokesperson for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, said Station 25 is looking at a potential move-in date in mid-January.
New School Vaccine Clinics in Reston — The county and the school system have added new school-based clinics for COVID-19 vaccines in the area. A school-based vaccine clinic is scheduled for Dec. 11 and Jan. 6 at Hunters Woods Elementary School. [Fairfax County Government]
County Adopts New Redistricting Plan — The county has adopted a new redistricting plan. Seven precincts were shifted to new districts. The Virginia Attorney General will certify the new map. [Fairfax County Government]
With giving Tuesday on the horizon, the season of charity and gift-giving has arrived.
A number of local organizations have launched year-end campaigns and donations drives. We’ve rounded up some ways to help your neighbors and local nonprofit organizations.
Juvenile Arrested in Connection with Robbery — A 16-year-old was arrested on charges of robbery and weapons offenses in connection with a robbery that happened on Nov. 16. Police said the suspect allegedly demanded a victim’s backpack while displaying a gun and then left the scene on the victim’s bike. The incident happened on the 800 block of Ferndale Avenue. [Herndon Police Department]
Reston Association Receives Award — The association was recognized for excellence in programming for its parks and recreation department’s camps in a box program. The award recognized innovative programs that contributed to the betterment of the community. [RA]
A Warning About Building Fires — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is encouraging residents to take an active role in practicing and promoting safe behavior during Get in STEP, which stands for Safety Takes Every Person, with FCFRD this week. This week’s highlight is heating safety. [FCFRD]
Plastic Bag Tax Goes into Effect Soon — A five-cent tax on disposable plastic bags provided by retailers in grocery stores, convenience stores, and drugstores will go into effect on Jan. 1. The county’s board passed the tax on Sept. 14. [Fairfax County Government]
Reston-based Company Makes Acquisition — CACI International, a Reston-based company, has acquired a California-based company for $275 million. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year for SA Photonics Inc. [Virginia Business]
Reston Next Moves Forward — Boston Properties has officially delivered the first 285,000 square feet of its Reston Next development, which is anchored by Fannie Mae. The project is 85 percent leased overall. [Washington Business Journal]
Freeze Warning In Effect — A freeze warning is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday while a frost advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. today. [National Weather Service]
Toys for Tots is On — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is taking part in the annual toys for tots campaign. Stations will accept donations through Dec. 12. This year, collection boxes will be placed outside the front door of every fire station each morning. Residents have until 8 p.m. to drop off today every day. [FCFRD]
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue’s Station 25 should be complete and occupied by the end of this year.
That’s the most recent timeline for the project (1820 Wiehle Ave.), according to the department’s director of public information, Ashley Hildebrandt.
Cornerstones Celebrates 50 Years — The nonprofit organization will celebrate its 50th anniversary at Reston Community Center tonight. The event begins at 6 p.m. [Cornerstones]
Reston Community Players Launches New Program — The organization has launched a new apprenticeship program for students between the ages of 12 and 18. The opportunity involves 10 performances at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage. [Reston Patch]
