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Look Back, Look Ahead: Fairfax County News to Know
Raises for teachers, money for flood prevention and other stories from across Fairfax County.
Here’s a look at some of the top Patch stories of the past week from across southern Fairfax County and a look at what’s coming up:
Schools Budget
Raises for teachers stayed alive in the final Fairfax County Public Schools budget. The Fairfax County School board narrowly approved a $2.4 billion budget Thursday night that will give teachers a 1.25 percent market-scale adjustment, add positions to handle unprecedented student growth and add $2.5 million more for extended learning time for at-risk students while phasing in the beginning of costly new state retirement system requirements.
Crime
After a long investigation, a Tae Kwon Do instructor was arrested and charged with crimes related to allegedly using his position as the head of a Burke martial arts school to convince the female students to have inappropriate contact with him.
A grand jury in Fairfax County Circuit Court this week indicted Benjamin Luke Walker, of Centreville, in connection with the murder of his roommate, Ryah Leslie. Walker's jury trial is set for Aug. 23. Leslie's murder was the first in Fairfax County in 2012.
Police responded to the Fairfax County Courthouse just before midnight Thursday for a report of a man with a gunshot wound.
Fire officials have determined that a fire at Kohl’s Department Store in Herndon was intentionally set.
Bond Referendum for Flood Prevention
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a plan to put a $30 million bond referendum for flood prevention measures in Huntington on ballots this November.
Community Services Board Budget
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a provisional plan Tuesday to help the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board close some of its budget gap. Without the help, it would leave some residents without crucial social services.
Can You Hear Me Now?
The leadership of Heritage Presbyterian Church in the Fort Hunt area has opted not to install a cell phone tower on church property after the idea created sharp divisions in community opinion. For years, residents have complained about poor cellular reception in southeastern Fairfax County.
Look Ahead: Memorial Day Events and More
The National Memorial Day Concert is Sunday evening starting at 8:30 p.m. The line-up includes rock band Daughtry, Grammy Award-winner Natalie Cole, country singer Trace Adkins, American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez and the National Symphony Orchestra. Check the Patch events calendar for Memorial Day events in your area.
Weather
High temperatures this week may be at 80 or above, with chances for scattered showers or thunderstorms throughout the week. Forecasters are calling for a “near normal” hurricane season in 2012. Virginia’s tax holiday on hurricane supplies continues through Thursday.