Fauquier County Department of Agricultural Development and the Fauquier Livestock Exchange Board of Directors have been awarded a planning grant to aid in the development of a new abattoir in Marshall. The $9,800 grant, from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Planning Grant Program, will help to establish a management structure and strategic plan for the operation of the new meat-processing facility

Patriot High School, in Nokesville, is ready to have students gracing its halls. Principal Dr. Michael Bishop is excited to welcome students. Patriot’s final orientation is scheduled for Aug. 31, 6-8 p.m. A pep rally is planned for Sept. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.; classes begin Sept. 6. Patriot High School, at 10504 Kettle Run Road in Nokesville, can be reached at 703-594-3020. Its website is patrioths.schools.pwcs.edu. Photo by Sudha Kamath

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to open universal field, designed for players of all abilities, including disabilities, at Hellwig Memorial Park included many dignitaries, including, from left: Wally Covington, Brentsville District supervisor; Richard Tami, director of Field of Dreams Inc.; and L. Scott Lingamfelter, delegate for the 31st District of the Virginia House of Delegates.

All city of Manassas voting precincts will be quiet on primary day, Aug. 23. There are no political contests affecting city voters.

Judy Cook stands outside the Henry Hill Visitor Center at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Inside, she presented an evening musical program called “Women of the Civil War” on Aug. 6. She told stories about women who had loved ones in the Civil War, and incorporated song by playing the English concertina she is holding.

Prince William County Police Department’s crime report for Aug. 9, 2011.

T. Nelson Elliott Dam owned by the City of Manassas VA is being upgraded to new stringent standards to withstand a 10,000-year flood. Five governments are paying part of the cost of the upgrade.

Ten days of homegrown contests, carnival rides & games, garden & home arts exhibits, business booths, nightly shows on the midway as well as fair food delights are on tap Aug. 12-20 at the 62nd annual Prince William County Fair.

Haymarket Gainesville Business Association holds Gainesville District supervisor GOP candidate forum.