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Mike Salmon

Stories by Mike

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Virginia Room is Fairfax Library System’s Research Lab

Many family historical mysteries are uncovered here.

Virginia Room

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County Art Contest Focuses on Water Conservation

High school artists called on to explore “One Water” theme.

Art contest

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New FABB Official Provides a Look From Across the Pond

Biking experience in Denmark provides a different angle for local biking.

New FABB member

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Musicians and Artists Ease the Cancer Experience

Soothing sounds echo through the lobbies at the Inova cancer centers around Northern Virginia.

Inova treatment

Fairfax Skaters Made the Cut for the 2022 Olympic Games

Local spotlight shines on the speed track and figure skating rink.

Local Olympians

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Snow and Schools in Fairfax County

The communication and snow removal system continues to evolve to keep all the boxes checked.

Snow and school

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Paving and Warm Weather are in Tandem This Year in Northern Virginia

There is a map and system to where the paving goes.

August is hot, and the drivers trying to get back to a normal routine have probably hit a pothole or two out on the roads, but VDOT is out there with the paving crews, putting down pavement on 1,145 lane miles throughout the paving season, which goes until November.

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Streams Get a Lift from a County Program

‘Operation Stream Shield’ is called a win-win-win.

Operation Stream Shield

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Scooters Now Another Mode of Transportation in Fairfax County

County okays 600 of these “shared mobility devices.”

Fairfax Co Scooters

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‘Strategic Underground’ Throughout Fairfax County

Dominion Power is undergrounding wires.

During the frequent thunderstorms that are forecasted throughout the summer, flashlights and candles may have been the short-term answer in the past, but Dominion Energy has another option with a program they are offering called ”Strategic Underground,” so the lines won’t be exposed when lightning strikes and other mishaps.

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Fairfax County Police Armed with a High-Tech Dog Nose

New K-9 can sniff out thumb drives and cell phones that may be evidence.

The Fairfax County Police Department has a new tool to fight cyber crimes and it’s a black Labrador retriever named Browser, that specializes in sniffing out computer-related evidence like thumb drives, cell phones or laptop computers that may have been used by criminals, particularly in child exploitation.

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Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatalities Rise in the Fairfax County Area

Road design, speeds, lighting and negligence are factors.

This spring has seen several fatal pedestrian accidents, possibly signaling a warning to drivers, pedestrians and transportation engineers that more could be done to lessen these fatalities in Fairfax County.

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Biking and Trail Use Continues to Grow in Northern Virginia

Pit Stop gathering is out, but Bike to Work Day is still on for May 21.

It’s been 20 years since Bike to Work Day began, and it grows each year, showing that there is another side to commuting that uses no gas, has health benefits and is fun, even if it’s only one day a year for many.

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There’s More Than Meets the Eye at Traffic Signal Intersections

This technology dates back to an invention by the son of a former slave.

Traffic signals

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Bicycling in Fairfax County Looking to Expand

Meetings planned this month to develop the ‘Active Fairfax Plan’

With the warm weather approaching, Fairfax County is holding a series of meetings to hear thoughts about active transportation in the county, and this input will be used in their Active Fairfax Transportation Plan to integrate the existing Bicycle Master and Trails Plans.

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At Dog Parks, the Clean-Up Bag is a Must

Walks are important for the family dog, but so is scooping the poop.

Scooping the Poop

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Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Wins Eight Awards

The Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control wastewater treatment plant was recently recognized for their “Tertiary Filters Rehabilitation Project,” and “Rehabilitation of Three Equalization Basin and Ancillary Facilities,” by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) in its annual Mid-Atlantic Region awards.

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County’s Incident Alert System Helps Nab a Robbery Suspect

Phone calls and social media enable Fort Hunt residents to help in this case.

Incident alert

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Fairfax County Police Patrol on Bikes to Enhance Community Relations

Neighborhood Patrol Units are in every district.

The boots on the ground for the Fairfax County Police Department include the numerous bicycle squads cruising throughout the county, keeping communities safe while interacting with the public on a daily basis.

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Artifacts Tell the Nation’s Story at the New Army Museum

The display cases, first-hand accounts and newsreel footage showcased in the museum.

In 1861, when the Civil War was just starting, Capt. Josiah Sawell was attacked by a pro-secession mob while passing through Baltimore with the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer infantry.

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Celebrate Fairfax: Outlook Not Good

Outside or not, thousands gathered for rides, entertainment and food could be a super spreader.

Celebrate Fairfax plans in question

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Deer Hunting in Fairfax County Controls Herd Populations

Bow hunting program nets hundreds of deer each year.

Deer hunting

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The Work of Bees, Birds and Butterflies Officially Recognized

National Pollinator Week notes the importance of pollination to the food chain.

Pollinator week

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Four Road Projects Move Forward in Transportation Approval Chain in Fairfax County

Road projects are spread throughout County.

Transportation in Fairfax County got a boost lately when the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority moved forward on four projects in the county that are designed to help traffic congestion.

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In Fairfax County, Adopt-A-Road is a Hit

County has highest participation in Virginia.

With everyone concentrating on social distancing these days, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway is a possible option to clean the roadsides, get some sun, and practice social distancing while doing a good deed.

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Stay-at-Home Order Allows More Time for Road Construction in Virginia

When traffic is down, the crews extend time with lane closures, resulting in project progress.

The quarantine that seems to have no end is having some positive impacts. With most businesses closed and most people staying home most of the time, rush hours have been minimal, gas use is down, local streets are becoming the roads less traveled. For road crews, this is time to pick up the pace.

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Front Line Medical Staff Get New Tennis Shoes

Local athletic shoe companies donate special shoes to medical staff Impacted by COVID-19.

New shoes for medical workers.

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Mount Vernon Farmers Market To Open in May

It could pave the way for more as the county could gradually reopen.

Some Farmers Markets to open in May

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Reston, Mount Vernon and Burke Farmers Markets to Open in May

It could pave the way for more as county gradually reopens.

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Keeping the Chamber Boat Afloat in Northern Virginia

Various Chambers of Commerce are helping members to get through the pandemic.

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Electricity Blamed for Many House Fires in Fairfax County

Safety precautions can be taken before tragedy strikes.

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Virginia House Passes Bike, Pedestrian and Driver Bills Aimed at Safety

New Assembly makeup allows for more safety legislation.

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New Heliport for the Fairfax County Police Helicopter is in the Works

Upgraded facility will address the safety and efficiency of this county asset.

Police Helicopter

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Need for REAL ID Getting Real

Crowds at DMV impact wait times, but officials are looking for solutions.

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Fairfax County Long Term Plan Enters the Think Tank

A series of meetings with public participation is underway.

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Policing the River in Marine Patrol 1

Police boat plays many roles on local tidal waters.

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Tight Staffing Creates Cutbacks in Trash Service

Occasionally cans go untouched on trash day.

Trash Collecting

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Recycling Efforts Gain Steam in Fairfax County

Purple bins and increased efforts may be needed.

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Wish Lists for Northern Virginia Transportation

Spring transportation meeting brings out wish lists, examines smart scale rating system.

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Parking Comes in Various Forms for Holiday Shoppers

Focusing on convenience and security.

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If a Tree Falls on the Road …

Although drivers and trees avoid each other, a fall could be fatal.

Roadside trees

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Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters Unites Departments

Police and Fire are out of the Massey Building.

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Oktoberfests and Fall Celebrations Need Oompah

Music of Alte Kumpel captures the season.

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Area Interstates Have Toll Lane Options

Latest addition, 395 Express Lanes, are scheduled to be opened in 2019.

Area Interstates Have Toll Lane Options

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Community Gardens Are for Learning, Sweating and Reaping

Community Gardens Are for Learning, Sweating and Reaping

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Reston-Herndon Entertainment Calendar

Reston-Herndon Entertainment Calendar