The Prince William Human Rights Commission is calling on county high school students to enter an essay contest discussing how the Civil Rights Movement has impacted today’s society. Original, unpublished papers must be submitted by close of business Jan. 8, 2014.

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 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.

The Drive Thru Living Nativity scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14 has been rescheduled to Sunday, Dec. 15 from 5:30-8:30 PM. This is a FREE event for the community. 8899 Sudley Road, Manassas VA 20110.

Due to the inclement weather anticipated for tomorrow, December 14th, the Manassas Park Light Parade will be cancelled.

Detectives will be posted at Cotton Mill Drive and Griffith Ave and at Cotton Mill Drive and Hedges Run Drive at around 3 p.m. today--passing out flyers and seeking the community's help with information which can aid in this homicide investigation.