As the mortality rate for horses with West Nile Virus is 30 percent and up to 90 percent for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages equine owners to contact their veterinarian to schedule vaccinations for these diseases.

The 150th Civil War anniversary was commemorated July 21-24 in Manassas and Prince William County.

Thousands of young men from the north and south converged on the fields of Manassas 150 years ago to see who would be the victor on July 21, 1861. The battle, known as the first major land battle of the 1861-1865 Civil War, or the First Battle of Manassas, resulted in a Confederate win. The war lasted longer than expected; more than 620,000 casualties occurred before Lee finally surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1865.

Prince William County Police Department’s crime report for July 21, 2011.

Reenactors and Civil War history lovers John McAnaw, Mark Trbovich and color guard members pause for a moment of silence on July 18 to remember the 34 men who died 150 years ago at the Battle of Blackburn’s Ford at the Prince William-Fairfax county border.

Prince William County Police Department’s crime report for July 20, 2011.

Ali Krieger, 26, who played in the 2011 World Cup Soccer match against Japan used to play for Prince William County high schools Forest Park and Hylton. Watch for an upcoming issue of the Observer to highlight her.

Prince William County Police Department’s crime report for July 19, 2011.

Some Civil War commemorative events scheduled in Manassas close some Prince William County offices on Thursday, July 21