Fairfax County Public Schools will receive money to support student wellness after settling its portion of a class action lawsuit against the vaping company Juul Labs.
The Fairfax County School Board reached a settlement on Aug. 31 with Altria Group, which owns several tobacco companies — including cigarette maker Philip Morris USA — and has a 35% ownership stake in Juul, FCPS announced on Sept. 19. The news was previously reported by DC News Now.
The school system had already agreed to settlements with the other defendants in the lawsuit, which was filed on July 26, 2022 in California and accused Juul of intentionally marketing its flavored, nicotine-based e-cigarettes to a younger audience, fueling a surge in vaping among teens.
Other D.C.-area school systems involved in litigation against Juul include Loudoun, Prince William, Anne Arundel and Prince George’s County, which is using a $2.3 million settlement to combat youth vaping and nicotine addiction, according to the Washington Post.
“We are pleased that there has been an acknowledgment of the potential for harm that these products can cause our students,” School Board chair and Dranesville District representative Elaine Tholen said in a statement. “The settlement will be carefully allocated to support our students’ health and wellbeing.”
According to an FCPS spokesperson, the school system can’t disclose how much money it’ll receive under terms of its settlement agreement, but it will publicly release a plan outlining how the funds will be spent “at a later date.”
FCPS says the funds will be allocated to “student wellness programs across the division.”
Juul didn’t return a request for comment by press time. When contacted by FFXnow, Altria said the FCPS lawsuit was among those addressed in a May announcement that it had agreed to resolve over 6,000 Juul-related cases.
“While we continue to believe the claims against us are meritless, we believe this settlement avoids the uncertainty and expense of a protracted legal process and is in the best interest of our shareholders,” Altria Executive Vice President and general counsel Murray Garnick said. “This settlement brings to a close the vast majority of our pending JUUL-related litigation.”
Launched in 2015, Juul quickly came to dominate the U.S. e-cigarette market by selling flavored pods that became popular among teens, though the company said its products were intended for adult smokers as an alternative to traditional cigarettes.
As of 2022, nearly 85% of underage e-cigarette users reported using flavored products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
After the Food and Drug Administration launched an investigation in 2018, Juul halted sales of most of its flavored vapes, and it has since settled thousands of lawsuits from individuals, schools, local and state governments, and Native American tribes.
Virginia is receiving $16.1 million over a decade as part of a settlement agreement from last year that involved more than 30 states. Juul also agreed to pay $462 million in April to six states and D.C. that filed a separate lawsuit.
Vaping is banned in FCPS, which reported in 2020 that an uptick in vaping reversed progress in students being drug-free. The school system recently tested vape detection sensors in some school bathrooms, but Superintendent Michelle Reid told the school board in May that the pilot had “mixed results so far.”
In recent months, Tysons Corner Center visitors have likely encountered a “coming soon” sign for a store that promises a hodgepodge of toys, games, gifts, slides, “schmutz” and “farts.”
Details about the incoming retailer have at last emerged, though flatulence doesn’t appear to be a planned offering.
Instead, the family-oriented company CAMP will open an interactive, “Encanto”-themed toy and entertainment store next to H&M during the first week of December — just in time for the upcoming winter holidays.
Described as “part toy store, part party venue, part immersive theater space,” the 10,730-square-foot store will feature 5,000 square feet of attractions inspired by the 2021 animated movie from Disney, which collaborated with Camp to create the experience.
“Families will climb up and around Antonio’s rainforest, spin through Isabela’s flower-filled room, slide down into the Courtyard and more,” a press release said. “Live Counselor-led singalongs to the film’s favorite tunes like ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ and ‘Surface Pressure’ happen throughout the show.”
In a replica of the film’s town square, vendors will sell custom-made “Encanto” merchandise that isn’t available anywhere else, according to the website, where tickets are now available for purchase.
Unlike other “experiences” that have visited Tysons Corner Center, Camp will have a permanent presence in the form of a 5,000-square-foot “Canteen” selling toys, clothing and accessories. Also included are a “Schmutz Bar” where visitors can create slime, a “CAMPitheater” for live events and two party rooms available for birthdays.
“I can’t wait to see the smiles on faces when stepping into our newest CAMP location at the preeminent Tysons Corner,” Camp co-CEO Jenica Myszkowski said in a statement. “Our CAMP Canteen will be the ultimate holiday gifting destination this holiday season with the best selection of toys and books and so many playable moments for kids to enjoy while grown ups shop!”
Co-founded by entrepreneur and former Buzzfeed marketing chief Ben Kaufman, Camp opened its flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City in December 2018. The company will expand to nine stores with its Tysons location, which represents its first foray into the D.C. area.
The stores rotate through different themes, from the popular kids’ TV shows “Bluey” and “Paw Patrol” to “The Little Mermaid” — another Disney partnership. The “Encanto” show is currently at the New York City shop, where it’s scheduled to stay until Oct. 14.
Disney Encanto x CAMP will then stay in Tysons “for a limited time before moving” on to another location, the company says, though an end date hasn’t been announced.
“We love the Camp experience, and we know that our guests who come from all over the country and the world to spend time at Tysons Corner Center will adore this singular retail + theater + entertainment concept,” Doug Healey, senior executive vice president of leasing for mall owner Macerich, said in the press release. “Macerich focuses on bringing exciting, fresh experiences to our top-performing regional town centers, including Tysons Corner Center, and we know that Camp will be huge hit with families here.”
Fairfax County has officially updated its parking standards for the age of telework and transit-oriented development.
After a public hearing on Tuesday (Sept. 26) that drew dozens of speakers, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a slate of off-street parking regulations intended to steer away from the car-centric impulses that governed the suburb as it grew post-World War II.
Launched in fall 2021, the Parking Reimagined initiative was the county’s first comprehensive review of its off-street parking and loading requirements since 1988.
At that time, the Berlin Wall was still standing, the Fairfax County Government Center hadn’t been built, and the county was designed to avoid the possibility that “somebody could show up and have to circle a few minutes to find a parking spot,” Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw observed.
“The county’s changed. We all know that. A diverse and urbanized county needs a variety of approaches to parking,” said Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith, who oversaw the effort as chair of the board’s land use policy committee. “…Providing dedicated parking is still necessary in Fairfax County, but the dedicated parking must be right-sized to address current and future land use development.”
Set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2024, the approved amendment establishes a tiered framework that imposes different minimum parking requirements based on a development’s density and proximity to transit.
For multifamily residential developments, most of the county will fall under the base rate of 1.45 spaces per unit, as recommended by the Fairfax County Planning Commission. That’s lower than the existing rate of 1.6 spaces but higher than the 1.3 spaces that staff proposed.
Projects in more urbanized areas, including suburban centers, revitalization areas, transit station areas, transit-oriented districts, and the Planned Tysons Urban Center (PTC) District, face lower requirements.
“Reducing the influence of parking in high-density areas creates opportunities to build compact developments with quality pedestrian infrastructure that allows people to travel by non-vehicular modes to access goods, services, and employment, resulting in reduced overall vehicle emissions,” county staff said.
No changes were proposed for single-family detached housing, but single-family attached and stacked townhouses will now be required to provide visitor parking in common areas, rather than confining those spaces to the driveways or garages of individual units. Read More
Developer Hosts Political Fundraisers at Possible Reston Casino Site — “Perhaps to bolster its efforts to build a casino at or near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station, Comstock scheduled fundraisers for two Democratic Party candidates who may be leading the Virginia General Assembly during the 2024 Session.” [Patch]
County Takes Over Volunteer-Based Nonprofit — “The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is pleased to announce it will assume administrative and programing responsibilities for GrandInvolve, a non-profit organization that places older adults as volunteers in Title I schools, effective Nov. 1, 2023.” [NCS]
Warner: Virginia Would Be Most Hurt by Shutdown — “Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., like many in Congress, has growing concerns about the potential impact of a government shutdown on federal workers, military personnel and contractors…He said he believes his constituents in Virginia will feel it more than any other part of the country, if the government shuts down this Saturday at midnight.” [WTOP]
Vienna Council Stumped by Tree Conservation Proposals — “The Vienna Town Council on an unusual 3-3 tie vote declined to set an Oct. 23 public hearing regarding proposed town-code amendments pertaining to tree canopy,” citing fear they may not have the authority to enact some measures. The planning commission still held a public hearing yesterday (Wednesday). [Gazette Leader]
Input Wanted on GW Parkway Changes — A plan released for public comment on Monday (Sept. 25) details proposed improvements to the Mount Vernon Trail and the southern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway from Mount Vernon to Alexandria. “Residents have until October 24 to weigh in on the National Park Service’s ideas,” including a road diet and trail widening. [DCist]
Fair Lakes Apartments Acquired — The real estate company GID “has announced the acquisition of Arbors at Fair Lakes, a 282-unit, community located in Fairfax, VA, which will be rebranded as Windsor Fair Oaks…This acquisition enhances GID’s portfolio within the bustling DMV submarket of Fair Lakes,” which has over 3,000 multifamily and condominium residences. [Multifamily Biz]
Fort Belvoir Staffing Shortages Raise Concerns — “Job vacancies have been an ongoing issue on base, particularly filling positions that are essential to base operations. The base has struggled to match wages offered elsewhere in the county, leading locals to seek employment elsewhere.” Last year, Fort Belvoir closed a gate to GW Parkway due to the lack of personnel. [Inside NoVA]
FCPD to Present Foot Pursuit Policy Soon — Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis is scheduled to present the department’s new policy dictating when officers can engage in foot pursuits to the Board of Supervisors at a safety and security committee next Tuesday (Oct. 3). Davis is also expected to respond to a report of reforms proposed by a county working group. [The Connection]
It’s Thursday — Expect a chance of showers later in the day, primarily after 2 pm, with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures reaching a high of around 68°F. There will be a 30% chance of precipitation. At night, the chance of showers increases to 50%, and conditions remain mostly cloudy with a low temperature of around 60°F. [Weather.gov]
Drivers will now have to pay more if they exceed the speed limit on Linway Terrace in McLean.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors gave its support yesterday (Tuesday) to an additional $200 fine for speeding on the residential street between Birch Road and Kirby Road, a half-mile stretch that includes the entrance to Linway Terrace Park (6246 Linway Terrace).
“The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has verified that a bona-fide speeding problem exists on Linway Terrace from Kirby Road to Birch Road,” states the resolution, which was endorsed by the board without discussion.
With the board’s approval, county staff will now work with the Virginia Department of Transportation to install signage notifying drivers of the added penalty.
Virginia authorizes localities to impose an additional $200 fine for speeding on residential streets with an official speed limit of 35 mph or less and “an existing speeding problem,” according to county staff.
The speed limit on Linway Terrace is 25 mph, according to VDOT. However, it’s classified as a “major collector road,” per the resolution, providing an alternative route between Kirby Road and Old Dominion Drive.
According to county staff, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust’s office confirmed to FCDOT on July 14 that the additional fine has community support. The new road signs will cost $500 total, an expense that will come out of VDOT’s secondary road construction budget.
The 10-acre Linway Terrace Park features soccer and lacrosse fields, tennis and basketball courts and a playground. The Fairfax County Park Authority approved a $20,000 grant contribution in July to support a project by the McLean Little League to convert the park’s baseball field into artificial turf.
Image via Google Maps
(Updated at 2:50 p.m.) Operations at the McLean Community Center (MCC) are starting to look a lot more like 2019 — at least as far as its budget is concerned.
The center’s governing board will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Wednesday) to gather community input on its proposed budget for fiscal year 2025, which will begin July 1, 2024 and end on June 30, 2025.
The draft funding plan will represent MCC’s return to full operating levels after a few years of reduced capacity and programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, before that, a full renovation of its facility at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.
“Due to various circumstances, the past several years’ budgets have been anomalies,” MCC Executive Director Betsy May-Salazar said by email. “…It wasn’t until the second half of FY23 that MCC began to see a recovery in operations and programming. FY24 (the current budget year) is picking up to pre-Covid levels of program revenue and FY25 is budgeted, and expected to be, a full year of return-to-normal operations.”
Maintaining the current tax rate of 2.3 cents per $100 of assessed value that has been in place since 2015, the proposed budget projects that the community center will bring in $7.5 million in revenue, a 9.5% increase over the final fiscal year 2023 numbers. More than 82% of that will come from the real estate tax, but over $1 million is expected from programs and events.
The $8.3 million in anticipated expenditures includes $800,000 for capital projects.
In addition to carrying over $557,023 for upgrades to The Alden theater from the current year, the draft budget has added a $800,000 request to make the Old Firehouse Center entrance and bathrooms accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. That amount will be reduced after the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved $500,000 for the project yesterday (Tuesday) in a carryover package.
MCC has also proposed reallocating $50,000 that had been set aside for an electric vehicle charging station to instead fund an overall energy study.
(Correction: The story originally stated that the full $250,000 placeholder for the EV charging station had been reallocated to the energy study. Just $50,000 is reallocated, while the remaining funds have been removed from the budget, MCC says.)
The governing board has suggested undertaking a study in accordance with the prioritization of sustainability in MCC’s five-year strategic plan and its involvement in the county’s Interagency Climate Team, according to May-Salazar.
“The intent of the study is to explore and make a full assessment of the center’s facilities to see how they can become more energy efficient,” May-Salazar said. “We expect to receive a report with recommendations of best practices for MCC to adopt and/or maintain.”
A timeline for the study hasn’t been set yet. It’s slated to be approved by the governing board when it meets tonight, May-Salazar said.
Other planned projects include $40,000 to improve stormwater drainage behind the community center, $50,000 for an OFC sensory room, $25,000 for new signage, and a $50,000 contribution to the campaign for a new McLean Central Park playground.
Led by a group of volunteering parents, the McLean Central Park Playground Team is seeking to raise $400,000 to replace the existing playground and tot lot at 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd with more modern and accessible equipment.
Since launching this spring, the campaign has raised $260,000, according to team member Jenny Gregory.
“Our fundraising team was very excited to learn that MCC included a contribution to the playground in their proposed budget,” Gregory said. “MCC has been supportive of the playground renovation, both by wanting to donate toward the project, but also by inviting us to their community events happening now through December, so we can continue getting word out to the public.”
The playground upgrades will be part of a larger renovation of McLean Central Park by the Fairfax County Park Authority, which adopted a master plan last year that calls for an amphitheater and updates the tennis and basketball courts, among other improvements.
MCC is working with the park authority to replace the park’s existing signage with a new digital sign, according to the draft budget, though the amount of funding needed for that project remains to be determined.
Written comments on the fiscal year 2025 budget will accepted through Friday, Oct. 6. The draft will go to the governing board for a vote on Oct. 25, but a final approval will come from the Board of Supervisors in spring 2024.
Where to See Fall Foliage in Fairfax County — “Autumn is officially here and our estimated 44 million trees will be putting on a spectacular show of colors lasting a few weeks in October (though this year’s drought-like conditions may impact some colors)…Check out Visit Fairfax’s best locations for leaf peeping” [Fairfax County Government]
Metro Shares Options to Address Budget Gap — “Metro said Tuesday it is considering three options for addressing a $750 million budget shortfall next summer, but all would require additional money from D.C., Virginia and Maryland to prevent service cuts that transit leaders say would irreparably harm its rail and bus networks.” [Washington Post]
Arlington Assists With Route 7 BRT Funding — The Arlington County Board recently approved $70,000 in funding over two years for the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission’s Envision Route 7 planning study, which is evaluating the potential for bus rapid transit service from Tysons to Alexandria. The proposed route includes a stop at the East Falls Church Metro station. [ARLnow]
How Developers Come Up With Project Names — “The process of naming a condo building in nearby McLean was similar. Its developer, JBG Smith, called on Grafik to craft a moniker that felt ‘high end’ and ‘elegant.’ They wanted the name to conjure how it would feel to walk through the front entrance into luxury.” [Washington Post]
Hybla Valley Residents and Police Address Parking Issues — “For a couple of community members from the Mount Vernon Square Townhouses in Hybla Valley, the truck parking issue struck a chord. For many months, truck cabs and other vehicles had been parking along both sides of Arlington Drive near the 7-Eleven and Mount Vernon Square Apartments, significantly impeding visibility for drivers trying to exit the shopping centers and apartment community.” [On the MoVe]
More Secure Great Falls Mailbox Considered After Theft — “The drive-through mailbox at the Great Falls Post Office was pried open and its contents removed sometime on Aug. 26 or 27, Great Falls Citizens Association leaders said in an e-mail to members in September.” In response, the Postal Service may replace the existing collection box “with a new high-security version.” [Gazette Leader]
Herndon Cybersecurity Firm Acquired — “For the second time in just over three years, Herndon cybersecurity compliance company Exostar LLC is about to come under new ownership. Chevy Chase private equity firm Arlington Capital Partners LLC announced Tuesday that it has agreed to acquired Exostar from the Chicago private equity firm Thoma Bravo LLC in a deal that’s expected to close by the end of the year.” [Washington Business Journal]
Wolf Trap Leader Strives to Expand Park’s Reach — “As a queer man and the son of Indian immigrants, it’s not surprising that [Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts CEO Arvind] Manocha has spent the past 10 years broadening Wolf Trap’s offerings and audience. He wants locals to know not only that they are invited to the venue but also welcomed.” [Washington City Paper]
It’s Wednesday — The weather forecast shows a partly sunny day with a high temperature near 65 degrees. As night falls, expect mostly cloudy skies with the temperature dropping to around 54 degrees. [Weather.gov]
The new signs planned for Chesterbrook Shopping Center in McLean won’t point to their corresponding businesses with big, flashing arrows, but that’s essentially the effect property owner Federal Realty hopes to achieve.
The developer got the Fairfax County Planning Commission’s support on Sept. 14 for a special exception that would allow more signage space at the shopping center on Old Dominion Drive.
Specifically, Federal Realty hopes to add signs on the back of the building at 6242 Old Dominion Drive that’s occupied by the recently opened South Block, Chesterbrook Barber, Chesterbrook Cleaners, Kosmo Nail Bar and Potomac Pilates.
“The application is to create better identification for the tenants of this building and ultimately supporting the enhanced viability of those buildings,” McGuireWoods land use planner Mike Van Atta told the planning commission as the developer’s representative.
Located at the western corner of the shopping center, the building currently only has signage across its front, facing the parking lot. Its rear facade faces Old Dominion Drive, backing up against an elevated drive-thru for the TD Bank in neighboring Chesterbrook Plaza.
That elevation puts tenants in the building at a “disadvantage,” making it difficult for passersby to see their signage, county staff said.
The waiver requested by Federal Realty would double the amount of space permitted for signage from just under 202 square feet to almost 404 square feet.
“There’s limited visibility for the subject building, given that it’s located on the curve of Old Dominion Drive and because the building is oriented with the front of the building facing away from the street and below the grade of the main right-of-way,” Van Atta said. “So, these collective circumstances create a special and unique challenge for the tenants of this building.”
He added that the property owner worked with county staff to ensure the proposed building-mounted signs are “appropriately located, sized and lighted to not have any adverse impacts on adjacent uses.”
The special exception application will go to the Board of Supervisors for a public hearing and vote on Oct. 24.
More tenants on the way?
The sign revisions are part of an $8.5 million renovation of Chesterbrook Shopping Center that has been underway since last fall. Storefront and facade updates are expected to finish this year, and new outdoor amenity spaces will be completed in 2024, according to Federal Realty.
After emptying in the lead-up to the renovation, the shopping center has been gradually filling its tenant roster back up. Recent additions include the clothing store J. McLaughlin, home decor outlet Le Village Marché and a food truck from the popular deli Call Your Mother.
The only confirmed upcoming tenant right now is a Small Door Veterinary clinic, but a merchandising plan on the shopping center’s website suggests a leasing deal is in the works with Bluemercury.
According to the brochure, the cosmetics company has a letter of intent to lease 2,236 square feet in between the Tutoring Club of McLean and a 1,405-square-foot, brick-and-mortar storefront for Call Your Mother. Bluemercury didn’t respond to a request for comment.
The merchandising plan also shows several vacant spaces being designated for restaurants, a salon and an apparel store. The building where Call Your Mother’s truck is currently parked appears to be destined for a bank.
The property owner didn’t comment on the merchandising plan, but it confirmed Starbucks is renovating its coffee shop. Starbucks didn’t return an inquiry from FFXnow by press time.
“Federal Realty is actively transforming Chesterbrook and will have additional new store announcements over the upcoming months,” Senior Vice President of Asset Management Deirdre Johnson said. “The positive response from the community as it frequents our newly opened stores is amazing. Look for Starbucks to complete an in store renovation the first of 2024.”
Hat tip to Mike Whatley
German-owned grocery chain Lidl is almost ready to unveil its brand-new location in the heart of Tysons.
Next week, the chain is opening a new store in Pike 7 Plaza (8387 Leesburg Pike) with a pair of events.
An “open house” is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 5-7 p.m. The event will be open to all ages, with face painting for children and a chance for community members to tour the store and sample wares.
Lidl officially opens on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The store will launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:45 a.m., followed by special offers on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The first 100 customers in line before the store opens at 8:00 a.m. will receive a special gift card ranging from $5 to $100 each,” Lidl said in a release. “Shoppers can also sample Lidl’s award-winning assortment and take advantage of special giveaways.”
The store will be open from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. every day.
Lidl is also pushing its “myLidl” membership program. The release said $1 will be donated to the nonprofit Capital Area Food Bank for every new member who signs up and sets the new store as their home page.
Lidl has been expanding its presence in Fairfax County recently, adding locations in Chantilly, McLean and Lorton over the past two years. The grocery store can also be found in Merrifield, Fairfax, Burke, Springfield and Lincolnia.
Elsewhere in Pike 7 Plaza, construction has begun on a new, standalone building for Shake Shack in the southeastern corner of its parking lot. The restaurant will feature a “drive-up” window and support curbside pickups.
Get Prepared for Flu Season — “The Fairfax County Health Department is encouraging everyone six months and older to prepare for flu season by getting a flu vaccine and reminding yourself of the steps to take to help avoid flu…September through October is typically the best time to get a flu vaccine.” [FCHD]
Car Shot on I-66 Near County Border — “Virginia State Police are investigating a reported shooting on Interstate 66 in Northern Virginia on Monday morning when a car driving on the interstate was struck by a bullet…Police said it happened around 10:30 a.m. near the 47-mile marker near the Prince William County and Fairfax County line.” [WTOP]
Reston Office Building Bought by New York Developer — “TF Cornerstone…has purchased 1881 Campus Commons Drive in Reston for $25.1 million…TF Cornerstone plans to combine 1881 with 1900-1902 Campus Commons Drive, creating an 18-acre urban campus with modern spaces and amenities [in a] mixed-use neighborhood surrounding the Wiehle–Reston East Metro.” [Patch]
N. Va. Population Drop Brings Down State Income Levels — “The changing demographics of Virginia are unlike the ones we’ve been accustomed to. The region whose economy should be of most concern right now is Northern Virginia, while the region with the most hopeful positive changes is Martinsville and Henry County.” [Cardinal News]
Fair Oaks Fire Station Welcomes New Truck — “On Friday, Fire Station 21 (Fair Oaks) B-shift held a push in ceremony for their new Rescue 421. It is a fire service tradition to push new apparatus into their station…Shout out to Sully Supervisor Kathy Smith for stopping by.” [FCFRD/Facebook]
Inova to Screen Firefighters for Cancer Risks — “A Northern Virginia hospital is preparing to launch a new pilot program aiming to increase early cancer screening for firefighters in the D.C. area. The pilot study will be run by Inova’s Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center and Inova Occupational Health.” [WTOP]
County Backpack Drive Declared a Success — “The Fairfax County Department of Family Services has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of community donations of backpacks and school supplies this year. We are so appreciative for the support that our donors and partners provided to the children and families we serve.” [DFS]
Oakton Resident Who Worked for Park Service Dies — “Following his military service during the Vietnam War, Oakton resident John Byrne enjoyed a long National Park Service career and remained active in environmental matters…Byrne died at his Oakton home Aug. 31 at age of 82 after suffering from multiple ailments, said his wife, Linda Byrne.” [Gazette Leader]
It’s Tuesday — There is a 30% chance of rain before 8am, followed by possible showers and cloudy skies, with temperatures reaching a high of 62°F. For Tuesday night, expect a slight chance of showers before 2am and mostly cloudy conditions with a low of 55°F. The chance of precipitation is 20%. [Weather.gov]
