Senate Debate Set
<bt>Patricia Phillips and John Andrews, opposing Republican candidates in the 33rd Senate District, will hold a debate on the issues Thursday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m., at Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn. The debate will be hosted by the College Republicans at Patrick Henry College. Although Phillips and Andrews have appeared concurrently before other groups, this is the first, and only, scheduled debate between the two Republican candidates. The event is free and open to the public.
Stone Bridge High School is also the polling location in the Republican primary, May 19, for Loudoun County voters residing within the 33rd Senate District.
<sh>MWAA Public Hearing
<bt>The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority will hold a public hearing April 23, at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Drive, Dulles, at 7 p.m., concerning the issuance of tax-exempt revenue bonds, refunding bonds or other obligations of the authority and its airport facilities. The hearing is required by the Internal Revenue Service before the authority can issue bonds to fund airport facilities that will be used by the airlines and for other private activities.
For more information about the hearing, read the full Public Notice on the Web site at www.mwaa.com and click on "Public Notices."
<sh>Honoring Victim's Rights
<bt>During the week of April 22-28, agencies across America will observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. In Loudoun County, the Loudoun County Victim/Witness Program will be giving out information regarding Crime Victims’ Rights and keepsake items such as magnets, blue and orange ribbons and bookmarks.
On April 27, from 2-4 p.m., an open house to be held in the Loudoun County Victim Witness Office in the Loudoun County Courthouse, 18 East Market St. Beginning at 3 p.m., the Loudoun County Victim/Witness Program will hold its Annual Victims’ Services Award Ceremony with state Sen. Mark Herring (D-33) as guest speaker. This year the program will present awards to Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney David Dischley, and Stefani Hendrick from Loudoun County Mental Health in appreciation of their service and dedication to victims of crime. In addition, a Certificate of Appreciation will be presented to Lindsay Thomas, a teacher at Park View High School, for going above and beyond to support a student in their time of need. Open house is open to the public. For additional information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, or crime victim assistance, contact the Victim Witness Program at 703-777-0417 or visit www.loudoun.gov/vwp.
<sh>Second Arrest
<bt>A second Sterling woman involved in the theft of the identities of approximately 500 victims was apprehended after being on the run for more than two weeks.
According to the Sheriff's Office, Zakai White, 30, was located at a Sterling residence early Saturday and is charged with credit card fraud and six counts of identity theft. According to the Sheriff's Office, Chandra Greene, 38, was charged last month after the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office was contacted by the Discover Card Corporation regarding a possible skimming operation. Greene is facing charges of credit card theft, credit card fraud and six counts of identity theft.
The investigation has now expanded into New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida. The women allegedly obtained stolen credit card information and used an encoder to encode victim's credit card numbers on other cards. A search conducted on two homes earlier this month in the Sterling area recovered identification information and account numbers of numerous victims. The investigation continues as to how the credit card and identification information was obtained.
White was being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond. Greene was released on a $100,000 secured bond.
<sh>Mapping Survey
<bt>The Loudoun County Office of Mapping and Geographic Information has posted a survey asking for opinions about its Web-based mapping site.
The survey can be found by following the links from the office's home page at http://www.loudoun.gov/omagi/. The survey information will be used to assess the usefulness of the current Internet mapping site in order to develop a new and improved site.
Both casual and business users are encouraged to take the survey to help the office guide the development process. The survey will be available until Monday, April 30. It should take about 15 minutes to complete.
<sh>Saved By Sprinkler Systems
<bt>Twice in the past several days, fire sprinkler systems have successfully contained rapid spreading fire resulting in saved property, according to the Fire-Rescue Department. Both sprinkler systems were properly maintained and functioned as designed.
The first fire occurred April 8, in the 45300 block of Catalina Court of Sterling at 6 a.m. The accidental fire caused approximately $15,000 in damages and started due to discarded smoking materials in surrounding mulch. The mulch fire traveled to the wooden structural members into the attic space where it was contained by a single sprinkler.
The second fire occurred April 10, in the 20800 block of Wallingford Square of Sterling at 8:14 a.m. The accidental fire caused approximately $10,000 in damages and started due to combustibles being stored too close to the cooking stove elements. The fire was extinguished by a single sprinkler head located in the kitchen.
The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind everyone about the importance of having properly inspected and maintained fire alarm and suppression systems. Lives and property can be saved when these systems function properly.