The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
BULGE IS SOCK, LEADS TO BUST AT COURTHOUSE
Bulge in sock leads to pot charge in Stafford.Police say Naquan A. Philip came to the Stafford Judicial Center Monday to pay a fine. A bulge a deputy found in his sock may cause him to pay another. Sheriff's Maj. David Decatur said Deputy Paul Chastian was working at the entrance when the 41-year-old Spotsylvania man came through the magnetometer. (Fredericksburg.com)
YEAR-ROUND SCHOOLS CUT
A Fairfax County experiment with extra-long school years will come to an end this spring, targeted by the district's severe budget cuts. Seven of the county's elementary schools, all but one of them among the county's poorest, operate on a "45-15" model, meaning 45 days, or nine weeks, in school, followed by 15 days off. The setup allows for several two-week "intercessions," when the schools offer (Examiner)
PRESS BOX SET FIRE
Investigators believe a fire that destroyed the press box at a Gaithersburg high school baseball field Tuesday morning was deliberately set. Firefighters got to the Gaithersburg High School field, located behind the school at 314 S. Frederick Avenue, about 4 a.m., said Capt. Oscar Garcia, spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue. Damage to the press box is estimated at $20,000, he said. (Gazette)
DOG NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Detective Mario Lugo didn't have much to say except "thank you very much" after he and his police dog Brutus were named Manassas Park employees of the year for 2009. Brutus didn't attend the Manassas Park City Council meeting Tuesday, but Lugo accepted a box of dog treats and a plaque in the shape of a dog biscuit on behalf of his canine partner. Lugo, who was nominated by his peers, got a standard issue, rectangular recognition plaque. (Insidenova.com)
