If you have any information regarding a suspect or suspect vehicle in this incident, please contact the Crime Solvers Hotline at (540) 665‑TIPS (8477). Information leading to the arrest of a suspect may result in a reward of up to $1,000.

via Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Strong Armed Robbery – WInchester Va News.

The blasting is part of the I-81 truck climbing lane project in Rockbridge County. The work zone is along the northbound lanes from mile marker 195.6 to 202.5, which is just north of Lexington.  Blasting days will change weekly depending on project progress. Both northbound and southbound lanes will have a rolling mobile lane closure. Traffic will be slowed down so the blast area is clear of traffic during the actual blast period. Traffic will immediately resume through the area once conditions are deemed safe by crews at the site. Blasting operations are estimated to continue through November.

The I-81 truck climbing lane project valued at $74.2 million was awarded by Commonwealth Transportation Board on Feb. 5, 2009 to W. C. English Inc. of Lynchburg. Completion is scheduled for fall 2012.

via On Again Off Again Blasting in Rockbridge Set for Sept 7 & 9 – WInchester Va News.

Under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), a company in its application to the FDA must specify each intended use of a biological product. After the FDA approves the product as safe and effective for a specified use, any promotion by the manufacturer for other uses – known as “off-label” uses – renders the product misbranded.

Read full story via Botox Maker Agrees to Pay $600 Million -Cosmetic Surgery News.

See photos via  Serena Williams Nose Job – Cosmetic Surgery News.

At around noon the Conway Freight driver was attempting to back an approximately 40-foot trainer up to a building loading dock near the intersection of Main Street and the railroad. When the driver encountered difficulty negotiating the narrow service road that parallels the tracks his truck cab was temporarily positioned over the tracks.

Read full story via Truck Driver Narrowly Avoids Major Train Collision – Clarke Daily News.

Speaking about the declaration, Governor McDonnell noted, “The current forecast has Hurricane Earl passing east of Virginia later this week. However, a change in the storm’s path could bring hazardous weather conditions to eastern Virginia. This declaration is a precautionary move which will allow state agencies to be ready just in case resources are needed.”

In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources and manpower for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia. In anticipation of this weather system:

* The Virginia Emergency Operations Center is coordinating the state’s preparation for the storm at Increased Readiness condition with increased staffing.

* The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is holding conference calls with the National Weather Service, local governments and state agencies.

* The Virginia Department of Transportation is making sure storm drains are clear in the Hampton Roads region.

* The Virginia National Guard is preparing for possible post-storm response in the Hampton Roads region and the Adjutant General is now authorized to call up those resources he thinks are necessary to ensure it can fulfill its mission in the event the storm impacts Virginia.

* The Virginia Department of Social Services and Virginia Department of Health are on standby and prepared to open state-managed shelters if those are necessary.

Virginians, especially those in Hampton Roads or traveling to the coast, should pay close attention to local weather forecasts. Also, they should have an emergency plan in case the storm changes its forecasted path. A slight westward movement in the track of the storm will increase the risk of dangerous weather in eastern Virginia. We ask Virginians to remain vigilant. In order to be prepared, all citizens should ensure that they stock up on supplies.

via Loudoun News.

Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess repeatedly lock lips as they shoot a romantic scene in Paris for the forthcoming romcom One Day

See photo at  Salon Spa News.

A short time later after making contact with vehicle, the occupants were removed and searched. During the search of one occupant, identified as Edward Miles, a bag was located in his pants that contained approximately 20 smaller bags of marijuana. Also located on Mr. Mile’s person was $1,678 in currency. Mr. Miles was subsequently arrested and charged with Possession with intent to deliver Marijuana. He was then remanded to the custody of the Eastern Regional Jail for arraignment.

Arrested: Edward Miles

DOB: 01/23/92

1974 Pawlet Drive, Crofton MD 21114

via Winchester Va News.

“I forgot why I was there,” he told Lottery officials. “I forgot the milk.”

$120 Million Cash Blowout is one of dozens of Scratcher games offered by the Virginia Lottery. As the name says, the game started with more than $120 million in total prizes…

Read full story via Clarke Daily News.

“The opening of this 4.65 mile section will allow motorists to travel from Opequon Creek to Leetown Road, thus, allowing uninterrupted access from I-81 to Charles Town,” stated Secretary Mattox. “We are pleased with the continued progress of this important upgrade and know travelers and residents will feel its impact.”

While vehicles can begin traveling on the new road August 31, a ceremony celebrating its opening is being scheduled for the Fall.

via  Winchester Va News.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

“Today we are launching a first-ever National Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign that will provide a safe way for Americans to dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs,” said Michele M. Leonhart, Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration. “This effort symbolizes DEA’s commitment to halting the disturbing rise in addiction caused by their misuse and abuse. Working together with our state and local partners, the medical community, anti-drug coalitions, and a concerned public, we will eliminate a major source of abused prescription drugs, and reduce the hazard they pose to our families and communities in a safe, legal, and environmentally sound way.”

“With this National Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign, we are aggressively reaching out to individuals to encourage them to rid their households of unused prescription drugs that pose a safety hazard and can contribute to prescription drug abuse,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Gary G. Grindler. “The Department of Justice is committed to doing everything we can to make our communities safer, and this initiative represents a new front in our efforts.”

“Prescription drug abuse is the Nation’s fastest-growing drug problem, and take-back events like this one are an indispensable tool for reducing the threat that the diversion and abuse of these drugs pose to public health,” said Director of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske. “The Federal/state/and local collaboration represented in this initiative is key in our national efforts to reduce pharmaceutical drug diversion and abuse.”

Collection sites in every local community can be found by going to www.dea.gov . This site will be continuously updated with new take-back locations. Other participants in this initiative include the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy; the Partnership for a Drug-Free America; the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the National Association of Attorneys General; the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy; the Federation of State Medical Boards; and the National District Attorneys Association.

The forecasted path for Earl has changed several times so it is important for Virginians, especially those living in the Hampton Roads region, to pay close attention to the storm. Those in Hampton Roads should review their evacuation and shelter plans. Also, people should make sure they have their emergency supplies ready.

“A small change in Earl’s forecasted path could bring a major hurricane to Virginia,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Virginia state agencies are getting ready for the storm, and so should residents.”

The Commonwealth has activated the Virginia Evacuation Coordination Team for Operational Response to assess Earl’s potential impact and to take necessary actions. The Virginia Emergency Operations Center is now at Increased Readiness Condition.

VDEM and the Virginia Department of Transportation have created a series of online videos to help families understand storm surge (the reason for large-scale evacuations), and how an evacuation would work. The videos are available at http://www.youtube.com/vaemergency.

A list of needed emergency supplies and maps of storm surge areas and evacuation routes can be found at http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov

Do Clarke County’s AYP scores provide reason for concern? Do the scores reflect a school division in decline?

Nineteenth-century American statesman Henry Clay said ”Statistics are no substitute for judgment.” While AYP results are one indicator of the quality of education delivered by a particular school or school division, there are other considerations that must be taken into account in order to understand the complete picture. Here’s a closer look at just what Clarke County’s AYP scores demonstrate, what the scores do not demonstrate, along with some of the other considerations not reflected by statistics…

Read full article via  Clarke Daily News.

Rebecca was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital with life-threatening injuries; she died a short time later.

The 80-year-old, Alexandria-area man driving the Mercury remained on the scene. No charges have been placed. Speed and alcohol are not considered to be contributing factors in this crash. The investigation continues.

Parents, motorists, and children are all asked to remember that school starts next week and that it is everyone’s responsibility to keep the roadways as safe as possible in Fairfax County. The number of children walking and riding bicycles too and from school will dramatically increase.

via  Fairfax Daily-Monitor

The Eagles started the evening with a brief ceremony remembering their fallen teammate Aaron Shirley who was killed in a tragic car accident in June. In his memory, the team has dedicated the 2010 season to him and will retire his number 80 jersey for the next three seasons.

Clarke County Eagles 2010 Varsity Football team – Photo courtesy Clarke County Public Schools

Prior to the game Indians Coach Angelo Levara said that his team was glad to be in Berryville to open the football season and was excited to see how his team performs…

Read full story via Clarke County Sports – Clarke Daily News.

Loudoun County is the corporate home of the Washington Redskins and the department is encouraging business leaders and residents to take part in the events surrounding Redskins Week, which begins September 7, and ends with the opening game against the Dallas Cowboys on September 12.

Every day for the next two weeks, the department will post three daily questions on its Facebook page. The first person to answer all three questions correctly will win a Redskins Fan Pack. Check out the details of the contest at http://www.facebook.com/LoudounEconomicDevelopment.

via NOVA Business News.

“When I first came to Loudoun County, I never dreamed that I would be in this position for 22 years,” he said. “I have been honored to serve the people of Loudoun County, but now it’s time for me to take on a new challenge.” He said that while he is exploring new opportunities, he will do consulting work for the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA). He has served on 3CMA’s Board of Directors since 1997 and as its president in 2003-2004.

Barnes joined the Loudoun County government in January 1989 when he was hired as the county’s first Public Information Officer, with responsibilities including media relations and production of a quarterly county newsletter. Over the years, his responsibilities have grown to include the production of publications such as the county’s annual report and Guide to Services, social media, cable television programming, administration of the county’s cable television franchises, Freedom of Information Act requests, and community outreach programs such as Volunteer Loudoun and Leadership Loudoun.

Read full story via  – Loudoun News.

Currently the service runs between Purcellville and Lovettsville and also provides access to the MARC train in Brunswick, MD, with optional transfers to other fixed-route services. Since its inception in February 2009, ridership grew to nearly 350 one-way trips per month.

The service was expected to provide an increasing number of area commuters with easier access to employment and regional transit in response to new business growth in western Loudoun County. However, the economic downturn has slowed the anticipated increase in density which would have grown ridership for the service.

It is anticipated that future growth in the service area will generate the passenger counts required to support the allocation of limited transportation resources. VRT hopes to attempt the service again once the economic climate improves.

via - Loudoun News.

On July 18, NOAA data showed no oil in the area. Light sheen was observed on July 29, but none since. Trajectory models show the area is at a low risk for future exposure to oil, and fish caught in the area and tested by NOAA experts have shown no signs of contamination.

“Scientists, food safety experts, members of the fishing industry and local, state, federal officials, are working together every day to ensure that seafood from the Gulf is safe to eat,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “We will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and test seafood in reopened waters.”

Between July 26 and July 29, NOAA sampled the area for both shrimp and finfish, including mackerel and snapper. Sensory analyses of 41 samples and chemical analyses of 125 specimens that were composited into 14 samples followed the methodology and procedures in the re-opening protocol, with sensory analysis finding no detectable oil or dispersant odors or flavors, and results of chemical analysis well below the levels of concern.
At its closest point, the area to be reopened is about 185 miles west of the Deepwater/BP wellhead. The entire area is heavily fished by fishermen targeting reef fish, menhaden and shrimp.
“Because of our strict adherence to the reopening protocol agreed to by the states and the federal government we have confidence that seafood harvested from this area is free from harmful oil residues and can be enjoyed by consumers around the nation,” said Margaret Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

NOAA will continue to take samples for testing from the newly re-opened area, and the agency has also implemented dockside sampling to test fish caught throughout the Gulf by commercial fishermen. To view the fact sheet released today on the administration-wide effort to ensure Gulf seafood safety, click here.
Fishing closures remain the first line of defense to prevent contaminated seafood from entering the marketplace. NOAA continues to work closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Gulf states to ensure seafood safety. NOAA and FDA are working together on broad-scale seafood sampling that includes sampling seafood from inside and outside the closure area, as well as dockside and market-based sampling.

The closed area now covers 48,114 square miles, or about 20 percent of the federal waters in the Gulf, which was 37 percent at its height. On July 22, NOAA reopened 26,388 square miles of Gulf waters off of the Florida Peninsula, and on August 10 opened 5,144 square miles off the Florida Panhandle.
NOAA will continue to evaluate the need for fisheries closures and will re-open closed areas as appropriate.
NOAA has a number of methods for the public to obtain information or be notified when there is a change to the closed area:

• Sign up to receive Southeast Fishery Bulletins by e-mail at SERO.Communications.Comments@noaa.gov.

• Call 1-800-627-NOAA (1-800-627-6622) to hear a recording of the current coordinates in English, Vietnamese, and Spanish.

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for messages about the closure.

• Receive text messages on your cell phone about changes to the closed area by texting fishing@gulf to 84469 (visit http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/558107 for more information).

• Follow us on Twitter: @usnoaagov to get a tweet when the closed area changes.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit us on Facebook.

Why keep food cold? Harmful bacteria multiply rapidly in the “Danger Zone” — the temperatures between 40 and 140 °F. So, perishable food transported without an ice source won’t stay safe long. Here are safe handling recommendations to prevent foodborne illness from “bag” lunches.

Begin with Safe Food

Perishable food, such as raw or cooked meat and poultry, must be kept cold or frozen at the store and at home. Eggs should be purchased cold at the store and kept cold at home. In between, transport perishable food as fast as possible when no ice source is available. At the destination, it must be kept cold. Food should not be left out at room temperature more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature is above 90 °F).

Prepackaged combos that contain luncheon meats along with crackers, cheese, and condiments must also be kept refrigerated. This includes luncheon meats and smoked ham which are cured or contain preservatives.

Keep Everything Clean

Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food. Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to the next item. A solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water may be used to sanitize surfaces and utensils. Keep family pets away from kitchen counters….

Read full story via Open Access Healthcare.

Bobble features a carbon filter that is interchangeable and replaceable. The filter’s clever design removes chlorine and organic contaminants from everyday tap water, yielding a cleaner, crisper taste that rivals store-bought water. The filters come in six vivid colors: green, red, blue, magenta, black and yellow. They fit every size of bobble, allowing users to color-coordinate their bobble to match their style or mood. Bobble filters are recyclable and should be replaced after approximately two months of use, or after filtering approximately 40 gallons, or 150 liters, of water.

“We kept hearing from customers that bobble’s use has greatly increased their consumption of water, since they can refill bobble from the tap at their convenience, at no cost,” said Richard Smiedt, founder, Move Collective, LLC. “This spurred us to create a wider range of sizes, from a 13oz version that can fit neatly into a small bag, to a larger 34oz version that they can store in the refrigerator or take with them to a ballgame or to the park. With bobble, we set out to make water better. And now we’ve given our customers a wider range of ways to do so.”

Bobble is beautiful. Its iconic shape, great taste and stunning colors were designed to motivate consumers to choose an ecological alternative to single-serve plastic water bottles, which are pricey and damaging to the environment. Most single-serve plastic bottles end up forgotten in landfills, bobbing in the oceans or littering sidewalks. Each bobble filter equates to 300 single-serve bottles. Over the course of a year, a consumer can effectively remove thousands of bottles from the environmental equation by choosing a reusable, recyclable alternative such as bobble. Consumers can look good and do good simultaneously.

Bobble was launched to the U.S. market in February 2010, and immediately captured attention among consumers, journalists, environmental advocates and celebrities. The product’s stunning popularity was largely driven by word of mouth. It has been presented to attendees at such disparate events as 2010’s TED Global Conference, the Design Leadership Summit in Venice, Italy, and Fast Company’s Innovation Uncensored Conference.

“From the moment of launch we’ve been fielding inquiries from every corner of the world,” said founder Richard Smiedt. “Bobble is such an intuitive and clever concept that many wonder how it took this long to become a reality. We had the same feeling. It took us two full years to reach this point, and we were operating with a sense of secret urgency the entire time. But, thankfully, we’ve arrived and we have exclusive rights on the patent. And we believe bobble’s popularity is poised to explode.”

Bobble is made from recycled plastic and is free of BPA, Phthalates and PVC. The original 18.5oz/0.55 liter version retails at a recommended price of $9.95. The 13oz bobble’s recommended price is $8.95. The 34oz/1.0 liter bobble’s recommended price is $12.95.

Carbon filters are a proven, powerful chemical absorbent. As water passes over them, the negative ions of contaminants are drawn to the carbon granules, where they remain. The filter meets or exceeds NSF International Standard 42, the standard that governs public and private drinking water.

At first use, consumers should fill their bobble with water and squeeze it through one time. This gets rid of any loose carbon. The activated carbon filter requires no maintenance thereafter. Bobble should also be cleaned regularly to limit bacteria buildup.

Bobble is available at leading retailers including American Apparel, Bed Bath & Beyond, Bloomingdale’s, Bon-Ton, Chef Central, Container Store, Cracker Barrel, Earth Fare, GNC, Harris Teeter, JCPenney, Kitchen Collections, Kitchen Kapers, Macy’s, Roche Bros. and Wegmans. Many more are coming on board over the coming months. Bobble can also be purchased online, at www.waterbobble.com.