At 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 14, the Virginia Department of Elections (ELECT) launched its new Citizen Portal. This will allow Virginia voters to apply for an absentee ballot online. The secure online system will take voters through the application process step by step and allow users to sign the application using their Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) credentials, building on the success of ELECT’s online voter registration system.

The Internal Revenue Service today issued a consumer alert about possible fake charity scams emerging due to severe flooding this month in South Carolina and neighboring states. "When making donations to assist flood victims in South Carolina and elsewhere, taxpayers should take steps to ensure their hard-earned money goes to legitimate and currently eligible charities,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.

Prince William County VA Police Department's crime report for Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015.

Due to the threat of heavy rain and possible severe weather, the State Fair of Virginia closed at 7 p.m. on Oct. 1 and will not reopen for the remainder of the 2015 season. Unused tickets can be exchanged for 2016 tickets. Details below.

The Virginia Department of Transportation urges motorists to plan for difficult travel and prepare for hurricane-like impacts Oct. 1-4. Northern Virginia VDOT crews are on alert, checking drains and making preparations for the coming storm. More than 500 crewmembers plus 300 contract employees are ready to clear roads from expected heavy rains, fallen trees and other debris.

Due to the anticipated rainfall expected in the coming days, the Manassas Park Department of Public Works is currently preparing sand bags for distribution to Manassas Park residents only. The sandbags will be available on October 1st.

The new on-time graduation rate of 91.4 percent for students who entered Prince William County high schools in the fall of 2011 and graduated in 2015 continues a steady climb from 83 percent seven years ago, and again outpaces statewide results, according to a news release from Prince William County Schools.

Prince William County Police detectives are currently on the scene of a shooting in the 4300 block of Wrangler Ln., Woodbridge, and are conducting an investigation. One victim has sustained a gunshot injury to the lower body. Altercation is believed to have taken place prior, according to Sergeant Jonathan L. Perok of the Prince William County Police Public Information Office.