IN BRIEF

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Fuel Spill on Route 15

About 300 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from a tanker truck Tuesday afternoon on Route 15 south of Leesburg, authorities said.

The Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management received a 911 call shortly after 3 p.m. for a fuel spill just north of the highway's intersection with Harmony Church Road. Fire and rescue officials from Leesburg and Hamilton were sent to the scene.

Authorities said a truck offloading diesel fuel at a gas station at 19503 James Monroe Hwy. spilled the fuel, which went into a storm drain and then into the Sycolin Creek, flowing toward Gleedsville Road.

Fire officials worked to contain the spill and soak up the fuel. The Loudoun Fire Marshal's Office issued a correction order to the truck's owner, Holtzman oil company, to clean the spill.

Boy Reports Seeing Weapon

A 12-year-old boy told authorities Wednesday that as he was riding a skateboard in the Lansdowne area, he saw a motorist brandish a weapon.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said the incident was reported about 7:30 p.m. near Vestals Place and Kipheart Drive.

The boy reported hearing someone yell from a vehicle, then seeing a man raise a firearm into the air. The vehicle was described as silver or light gold, possibly a Toyota Corolla.

Authorities searched the area but did not find the car.

Open-Burning Ban to Start

A ban on open burning in Loudoun County takes effect next Sunday, the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office said.

The burning of leaves, grass and brush will be prohibited through Aug. 31. The ban does not apply to outdoor grills, free-standing outdoor fireplaces, covered outdoor fireplaces and campfires.

Violating the ban is a Class 1 misdemeanor that could result in a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail.

For information, call 703-737-8600 or visit http://www.loudoun.gov/firemarshal.

Road Marks, Flags to Go Up

The Town of Purcellville is installing flags, road markings and improved signage over the next few weeks at Hirst Road and Hatcher Avenue, the town's Public Works Department said.

The changes are designed to increase awareness of traffic signals and improve public safety at the intersection, town officials said.

Hurricane Items Tax Free

The 2008 Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will occur in Virginia through Saturday.

Certain supplies and equipment purchased for hurricane preparedness will be exempt from sales tax, including batteries, flashlights, duct tape, smoke detectors, bottled water and first-aid kits.

For a full list and information on the tax holiday, visit http://www.loudoun.gov/oem.

Home-Improvement Grants

Loudoun County's home-improvement grants for low- and moderate-income families will be the topic of a seminar at 6:30 p.m. June 10 at the Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St.

The grants help preserve and rehabilitate affordable housing in Loudoun. A representative from the Loudoun County Department of Family Services will discuss the county program, which offers forgivable and interest-free loans, and the Eastern Loudoun Revitalization Program, which offers 10- to 20-year low-interest loans.

The seminar is free, but space is limited. To register, call 571-258-3819.

Police Camp Registration

Registration is open for the Leesburg Police Department's Junior Police Camp, which runs July 7-18 and July 28 to Aug. 8.

The purpose of the camp is to provide law enforcement education to young people. Lessons will include team building, conflict resolution, fingerprinting and evidence collection. Campers will also take field trips to the Loudoun County Courthouse and the magistrate's office. A graduation ceremony will be at the Leesburg Police Department's headquarters, 65 Plaza St. NE.

The camp is free, but space is limited. To register, visit http://www.leesburgva.gov/services/police/jpa. The deadline is June 17. For information, call 703-771-4583.

Loudoun Museum Camp

Registration is open for the Loudoun Museum's Archaeology Camp and Dig, July 28 to Aug. 1 in Leesburg.

The camp is from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. It is open to ages 11 to 18. Campers will participate in activities with professional archaeologists and historians.

The cost is $175 and includes snacks and materials. To register, call 703-777-7427 or e-mail education@ loudounmuseum. org.

-- Compiled by ARIANNE ARYANPUR