October 21-27 is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and on Thursday, Oct. 25 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host two free webinars - one for contractors and another for property owners - on the hazards of lead and lead-based paint.

Members of an honor society at Northern Virginia Community College's Manassas VA campus recently collected 786 diapers and baby items for needy families–more than any other of the honor society's Virginia chapters.

Prince William County VA Fire Marshal’s Office investigators are working to determine the origin and cause of an Oct. 14 fire that heavily damaged or destroyed about 80 storage units and brought in firefighting units from Fauquier, Loudoun and Fairfax counties to supplement Prince William County's firefighting force. No one was injured and no fire loss estimate is yet available.

VA 28 traffic in the area south of the 234 interchange, at Residency Road, is down to one lane due to a water main break. Repairs are expected to be completed after the evening rush hour.

The HOV ramp that takes eastbound drivers on Interstate 66 to the inner loop of the Capital Beltway (I-495 north) will close after rush hour this Friday, Oct. 12 for paving and other roadwork. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) plans to reopen the ramp by Dec. 31, 2012 as a new dedicated 495 Express Lanes ramp.

A historic house for rent near Manassas VA could grab the attention of any history buff. The house at Bloom Hill Farm, with origins in the late 1700s, and a little over an acre are available for lease. According to information from the RELIC Room at Bull Run Library in Manassas, Bloom Hill was part of the land holdings of Rutt Johnson, an immigrant farmer from New Jersey who purchased approximately 100 acres in 1770 from Patrick Hamrick.

Fire and rescue units from the city of Manassas VA, the city of Manassas Park VA and Prince William County VA quelled a blaze that broke out in a middle of the row townhouse with heavy fire on the first floor on New Britain Circle. Seven adults and a child exited the structure before rescue units arrived. One resident was treated and transported to Prince William Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Damage was estimated at $150,000.

Prince William County Public Schools has cancelled all after school and evening events Sept. 18 due to potential severe weather.