When snow is forecast for our region, Prince William County Schools has a "snow patrol" team of five headed by Ed Bishop, transportation director. They drive the roads in various sections of the county, determining road conditions so they are able to make a recommendation to the superintendent in time for him to make a decision on school closing or delay and have it disseminated to TV and radio stations for broadcast by 5 a.m.

Staff of Prince William County's Department of Fire and Rescue were recently promoted during a ceremony held at C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge. In all, 41 career personnel from the county's Department of Fire & Rescue and seven support personnel from the Office of Public Safety Communications received job promotions and recognition during the ceremony.

If needed, pet masks in three sizes are ready for use on two City of Manassas VA medic units.

In an effort to minimize congestion and increase safety on area roads, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Prince William County transportation office work to improve roads and intersections. However, sometimes these changes take time and can impede traffic flow and add a few minutes, and perhaps a few headaches, to our commutes.

Local Gainesville area drivers may want to stay off US 29 and Linton Hall Road this weekend. The traffic pattern is being changed to allow for new construction.

The year 2011 will go down in the record books for its weather highs and lows. From deadly tornadoes, droughts, wildfires, flooding and high winds in different parts of the country – to a hurricane and an earthquake in the same week in our area!

Prince William Health System offered a seminar on sleeping better. Dr. Kevin Glass presented.

Tranquility Day Spa & Salon moved to Haymarket in the spring. In 2012, the business, owned by Gloria and Wayne Harding, will celebrate 15 years of business.