County roundup

By Cheryl Chumley

Published: August 10, 2008

Board of County Supervisors in recess

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has recessed for the remainder of August.

The next meeting of the Board of County Supervisors will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. in the Board Chamber of the James J. McCoart Administration Building.

Lake Jackson dam to be inspected in September

The Prince William County Department of Public Works will lower the water level in Lake Jackson to inspect the dam beginning Sept. 7 and ending on Sept. 13. Residents in the Lake Jackson area are advised to secure docks, boats and other structures directly on the shoreline.

The lake will be lowered approximately 10 to 15 feet below the normal water level. In addition, the lower lake level will affect levels in some parts of Cedar Run and Broad Run.

For more information about the Lake Jackson dam inspection project, contact the Department of Public Works, 5 County Complex Court, Suite 170, Prince William, 703-792-7070, or visit our Web site at http://www.pwcgov.org.

Animal Control honored as Employee of Month

The 26 men and women who work for the Animal Control Bureau of the Police Department, headed by Master Detective Sam Newsome, Animal Control Bureau Administrator, have been selected as Prince William County Government's Employees of the Month for August 2008. Sandra Sylvester, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, nominated them.

On May 5, a search warrant was carried out at the Assisi Animal Rescue and more than 100 animals were seized. All of the dogs and cats needed medical care, and personnel from the County's Animal Shelter came in from home to work throughout the night—and for many nights thereafter—cataloging, securing and de-worming the animals. Many hours of care were taken to ensure the animals were not re-infected after cleaning.

"Animal shelters are often criticized for being 'kill shelters,' " Sandra wrote in her nomination letter. "I was in awe of the dedication and concern all of the employees showed for the well being of these animals, even as the addition of more than 100 dogs and cats taxed the Shelter." She added that in the days following the enforcement action, bloggers had unfairly characterized those individuals who worked for the Shelter.

"These employees came in on their time off. Many adopted some of the animals from this investigation and they worked extremely long hours doing tasks that most of us would not want to do," Sandra wrote. "They really are heroes."

The employees selected for this award are Master Detective Sam Newsome, Laurie Thompson, Beate Begley, Barbara Wilfong, Pauline Shatswell, Linda Kauffman, Lorie Carter, Christine Cornwell, Anthony Midgett, Stephen Neff, Dan Hooper, Debra Jefts, James Zahand, Douglas Norman, Suzette Kapp, Kristina Spoon, Jillana McCauley, Linda Jo Nielsen, Lisa Howe and Lawrence O'Connor.

County hosts U.S. Air Force Silver Wings band

Prince William County is hosting the U.S. Air Force Silver Wings Band on the Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. This is a free concert open to the public. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the show.

Since its formation in 1993,the United States Air Force Band Silver Wings has been presenting the finest in country music, firmly establishing itself in the Washington-area music scene and beyond. From country's classics to the hot new sounds of today's artists, Silver Wings has excited audiences from The Nashville Network's "Prime Time Country" show, Opryland Theme park and the Grand Palace and Remington Theatres in Branson, Missouri. At home, Silver Wings is regularly featured at the U.S. Capitol, Pentagon and The White House.

The Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza is off Prince William Parkway at the County Complex, which is located between the James J. McCoart Administration Building and the Development Services Building. For more information about events on the Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza, visit http://www.pwcgov.org/plaza or call 703-792-8070.

Junior golf championship set for August

The Prince William County Park Authority is proud to host the Third Annual Junior Golf Championship at the premier General's Ridge Golf Course, on Thursday, Aug. 21.

The Junior Championship is open to all golfers 17 years of age and under. The tournament fee of 30 dollars includes 18 holes of golf, a tournament tee shirt, putting contest, and lunch. Trophies will be awarded to first, second, and third place contestants in each age group.

Tournament registration will be open until Monday, Aug. 18. All tee times will be after 11 a.m.; participants will be called or e-mailed with their individual time. In case of rain, the tournament will be moved to Thursday, Aug. 28.

The tournament will be individual gross stroke play, no handicaps, with a max 10 strokes per hole. Participants will be formatted into five groups, co-ed 10 years and under, boys 11-13 years. and 14-17 years and girls 11-13 years. and 14-17 years. The 11 years and up will play 18 holes, while 10 years and under will play 9 holes.

Parents are encouraged to accompany their children, and complimentary golf carts will be provided.

General's Ridge Golf Course is a premier golf course located at 9701 Manassas Drive Manassas Park, VA 20111. For any further information call 703-335-0777, or visit generalsridge.com.

Prince William Edition to feature top fugitive list

This week's Prince William Edition features Prince William's Top Fugitive List. It gives descriptions and information about wanted suspects in Prince William County. It also gives a phone number to call if citizens know any information. The show airs today through Sunday, Aug. 17.

Prince William Edition is a five-minute, weekly public affairs program featuring the latest news and information on Prince William County government. Prince William Edition airs on CNN Headline News, which is Channel 29 for Comcast Communications East subscribers and Channel 28 for Comcast Communications West subscribers. The program can be seen seven days a week at various times.