A family of five was displaced this morning when fire broke out on the rear deck of a Lake Ridge townhouse on Tatiana Way and extended up into the attic and minimal damage to one adjoining home.

Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) has introduced H.R. 3792 to repeal the provision in the Bipartisan Budget Act, H.J.Res. 59, affecting military retirees and has written a letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman McKeon, asking for his commitment to address this issue before it goes into effect at the end of 2014.

Santa will be traveling in his fire sleigh throughout the Haymarket area on Sunday, Dec. 22 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. He will be stopping at various spots to visit with children who come out to talk with him.

The entire third floor of the Manassas Candy Factory was filled recently with a striking model train exhibition by the National Capital Trackers "O" Gauge Model Railroad Club.

Prince William County VA crime report for Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

The Internal Revenue Service announced plans Dec. 19 to open the 2014 filing season on Jan. 31 and encouraged taxpayers to use e-file or Free File as the fastest way to receive refunds.

Virginia Megaprojects will continue funding Saturday bus service between eastern Prince William County and the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station through mid-May 2014.

Although the year is almost over, you still have time to take steps that can lower your 2013 taxes.

Delegate David Ramadan (87th) announced Dec. 18 that funding he requested for a groundbreaking new Lyme disease test developed by George Mason University has been included in Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s proposed 2015-2016 budget.