Ritchie is one of 136 schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia to earn the Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Award in the 2014 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards for advanced learning and achievement.

Fauquier County Public Schools is offering Foreign Language Experience (FLEX) programs to elementary students. Registration is underway. The FLEX program is open to public, private and home-schooled students. No prior language knowledge or experience is required.

The Fauquier Health Board of Directors and LifePoint Hospitals® have signed a definitive agreement to form a joint venture to jointly own and operate Fauquier Health, including the hospital and its related assets, subject to review by the Attorney General of Virginia.

Fauquier Hospital's Senior Supper Club offers fresh food choices for those 55 and older on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the hospital's Bistro in Warrenton, VA. The program started last November.

Virginia State Park personnel will teach the general public about camping outdoor during the Great American Backyard Campout that will be held this Saturday, June 23, at all 35 state parks. A special group camping experience will be held for novice or firsttime campers at two nearby locations. In Prince William County, the special program will be at Leesylvania State Park off US 1 in Woodbridge. In Fauquier County, the special camping program will be at Sky Meadows State Park off US 17 between I-66 and US 50.

Prince William County Police Department's crime report for May 25, 2011.

Farmers markets are open now, and others are opening soon, to provide locals with homegrown tomatoes, berries, corn and other produce. Some markets even have local vendors who sell their crafts and wares. Read all the details about local farmers' markets in the May 13 Manassas Observer. And, check out the list of area markets and when they're open.