Patients who checked their blood pressure at home with a pharmacist monitoring those readings over the Internet achieved better blood-pressure control than patients getting traditional care, research shows. 

The Fourth-Annual Spotsylvania Stars and Stripes Spectacular will be held at the Spotsylvania Courthouse from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Marine Corps 2nd Lt. William M. Barrett, son of Catherine M. and Michael W. Barrett of Stafford, recently reported for duty with Training Squadron 21, Naval Air Station, Kingsville, Texas.

Flash, a 2-year-old, male, West Highland White Terrier (westie) mix, is neutered. He is good with children, dogs and cats.

Diego is a stray, neutered male, domestic shorthaired, orange tiger cat. He is declawed, and very sweet and affectionate.

I am a handsome longhaired, affectionate, lovable, 1-year-old kitty. 

I am a 1-year-old shepherd/hound mix, that gets along great with cats.

Daniel A. Boyd, of Stafford, received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in mathematics from Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. 

The following babies were recently born at Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge:

STAFFORD — American Legion Auxiliary Stafford Unit 290 is sponsoring 16 students to attend 2008 American Legion Auxiliary Virginia Girls State.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. James Edward “Jim” Scoggins, 63, of Stafford County passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008, at his home.

Johanna Nissley, 82, died June 12, 2008 at Wilburn Gardens in Fredericksburg.

Emma Mae Horn Cotter, 82, of Stafford passed away peacefully in her home Friday, June 13, 2008 after a long battle with cancer.

Linor Reynolds Bledsoe, 74, died Friday, June 6, 2008 at Orange County Nursing Home. 

Alma Jean Banks 74, of Stafford, died Thursday, June 12, 2008 at her home.

Katheryne Crawley Browning Alfred, 94, of Hartwood died Thursday, June 12, 2008, at her home.

STAFFORD — In preparation for the day that marks the official end of slavery in America, one local pastor says the Civil War is still being fought today and that it needs to stop.

Licia is a nice beagle/corgi mix (the shelter also thinks she has sheltie in her), brown/white, and 3 years old.

Tut, captured in this photo having his belly rubbed, is a 1-year-old, white and brown Jack Russell.

Candy is a lovely domestic long-haired calico.

Hello, I am a 7-year-old cocker spaniel mix who adores anyone who gives me love and attention.

Hi! I’m an adorable 2-year-old kitty that is full of personality. 

You really don’t have any reason not to make your own salad dressings. 

The following were issued concealed weapon permits by Stafford County Circuit Court in May:

The following were granted divorces by Stafford County Circuit Court in May:

AQUIA — More than 20 Aquia Harbour residents gathered beside Aquia Creek and voluntarily worked most of the day Saturday to remove trees, logs and other debris from the waters upstream from the community’s vehicle bridge

STAFFORD — More than two years ago Brenda Thompson thought that her life was over when she collapsed at a shopping mall and couldn’t breathe. Today she has become the focus of a national television documentary and the proud owner of two new lungs.

STAFFORD — Rikki’s Refuge, a no-kill, all-species animal sanctuary in Orange, has enough love to go around for everyone. 

Lots of people talk about priorities: How they need to get them in order, how they’re out of whack and so on.

Rebekah Brown of Stafford graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in science and psychology from Regent University.