Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families often qualify for special tax benefits. An IRS news release describes some of the most common deductions and exclusions and tells where to get more information.

Fourteen teachers have been nominated to become Fauquier County Public School’s 2013 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher. Parents, school employees and community members were invited to nominate teachers at the school level, and then each school selected one teacher to forward as a nominee. The Washington Post Company Educational Foundation established the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award to recognize teachers who exemplify excellence in their profession.

New technology-based displays in the Lake Anna State Park Visitor Center will be open to the public during a special preview Feb. 23-24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The new displays bring nature indoors and into the 21st century, a news release said.

Virginia Historical Society will give five free presentations around the state this month about how to use the Virginia slave name database. A Feb. 21 presentation will be held in Woodbridge.

Prince William County VA police department's crime report update

Manassas VA City Police Department's crime report for Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013.

As the ”Crossroads of the Civil War,” Spotsylvania County witnessed 30,000 casualties in the Battle of Chancellorsville. In remembrance of the 150th Anniversary of this pivotal battle, the County will host its largest ever heritage weekend on May 3-5, 2013.

John P. Grzejka, commissioner of the revenue for the city of Manassas for the past 14 years, has announced plans to retire at the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2013.

High school students interested in employment with the Prince William County VA Public Schools summer program must participate in one of two upcoming job fairs to be eligible.