The following was taken from calls to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office from July 21-28:

People who are feeling a little financial pinch can catch a break between Friday and Sunday when they can purchase certain items tax-free, according to the Virginia Department of Taxation.

CHARLOTTESVILLE — The ravenous gypsy moth is back.
The pest has defoliated 112,340 acres of Virginia’s forests this year, which is more than the combined acreage defoliated from 2004 through 2007.

Volunteer lawyers may not be used to help find and notify people convicted of crimes decades ago that potential DNA evidence has been discovered in old state investigative files.

RADFORD — Radford University psychology professor Mike Aamodt has spent years compiling a list of serial killers, and, after subtracting competent hitmen and bloodthirsty pirates, he reckons there have been at least 1,900 since the beginning of the 14th century.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine declined today to issue a “Shermanesque” statement that he would turn down Sen. Barack Obama’s request to be his vice presidential running mate

Buying a sport utility vehicle seemed like a good idea at the time. It was big, and with all that room, you could take long trips and carry just about anything.
But with gas hovering around $4 per gallon, you want to get out of the SUV and buy something smaller and more economical.
You are not alone

STAFFORD — On Wednesday between 9 and 10 a.m., U.S. Senate candidate Mark Warner made a visit to Stafford to discuss foreclosure issues with the people who have dealt with them directly, either by actually facing foreclosure or counseling people dealing with this dire threat.

STAFFORD — After what many say was a 30-year-delay, Stafford High School is finally getting a new softball field and just in time for the 2009 season.
The school board unanimously approved construction of the field and other amenities at a cost of $766,193 during their regular meeting Tuesday night.

CULPEPER — Culpeper police have charged four Stafford County men with mob assault after a fight erupted early Saturday morning outside the Depot.
Antwan Jaquez Morehead, 20, and John Quincy Richardson, 19, each face two charges of felony assault by mob and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

FREDERICKSBURG — The University of Mary Washington is offering a reward for information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of a man who attempted an armed assault on a community member jogging at the institution’s athletic fields July 10.

The following was taken from calls to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office from July 14-21:

GARRISONVILLE — A house in the 300 block of Waterside Terrace was vandalized between 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. on July 15, reported Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Bill Kennedy the next day.

FALMOUTH — Regional Republican leaders were out in force for the opening of their new election offices located in south Stafford.

STAFFORD — ABC’s television show, “Primetime Crime” is set to air a program on area resident Justine Swartz Abshire, who was killed in Novermber 2006.
Abshire was a teacher at Emerald Hill Elementary School in Culpeper, and was found along a road in Barboursville. Police originally said it was a hit and run.

STAFFORD — A brief discussion of the Parks and Recreation facilities plan was brought up by department director Chris Hoppe at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission on July 17 at the Rowser Center.

STAFFORD — A Fredericksburg man was arrested Sunday after appearing naked in public in the Mayfield area, according to the Fredericksburg Police Department.

So after more than 20 years, the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services wants a snappier autograph, and it’s seeking public input on four choices.

Openly frustrated at the heavy news coverage of Barack Obama’s trip to the Middle East, the John McCain campaign is responding with a public relations offensive, including a new web video that accuses television news reporters of being “in the tank” for Obama.

Some of the deepest secrets about Seung-Hui Cho’s killing rampage at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, may never be made public.

STAFFORD — Despite steady increases in ridership, operators of the Fredericksburg Regional Transit bus system are telling Stafford residents to expect less service.

STAFFORD — A Maryland woman was arrested following a fight with an employee at the Positive Image Salon in Stafford.

STAFFORD — First Lady Laura Bush has designated Stafford County as a Preserve America Community.

STAFFORD — The fifth-annual cardboard boat regatta will be held Saturday at Aquia Landing. Children and adults with a penchant for sailing are expected to flock to the tiny beach at the end of Brooke Road beginning at 11:30 a.m. to kick off the festivities.

MANASSAS — A Stafford man pleaded guilty Monday to statutory burglary in connection with a December fire at a Dumfries townhouse.

STAFFORD — Stafford Crime Solvers is working on the case of Jason Shane Plaster, who has reportedly not made known contact with family or friends in the immediate area since July 2007.

FALMOUTH — Three all-terrain vehicles were stolen from Fredericksburg Motor Sports on Kings Highway, between 4:30 p.m. July 14 and 9 a.m. the next morning, reported Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Office Bill Kennedy on Tuesday.

The following was taken from calls to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office from July 7-14:

STAFFORD — A candlelight vigil was held Saturday for Yong Hui Zhang on Charles Street in Fredericksburg.

ABC’s “Primetime Crime” will air the mysterious story of slain kindergarten teacher Justine Swartz Abshire on July 30, according an announcement from her family.