Prince William County's Department of Historic Preservation reports that it submitted the "1902 Brentsville Colored and White Poll Books" to the Virginia Association of Museums Top 10 Most Endangered Artifacts list, "to bring awareness to these unique and important pieces of history." The poll books were selected as part of the Top 10. There will be public voting for up to $5,000 in funds that would go to preserve the 116-year-old books. Voting is Jan. 15-24 at http://www.vamuseums.org/?page=top10

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced Jan. 16 the estimates for crop production in 2017 and the earlier forecast for high yields for soybeans and peanuts held up. Both crops had the highest yields on record. Corn did not meet farmers’ expectations. Information is based on surveys by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS.

Freedom High School "Soul Squad" Marching Eagle Band participated in the Virginia Governor's Inaugural Parade in Richmond on Saturday, Jan. 13. Only four bands across the commonwealth were selected this year, and Freedom was one of two high school bands participating.

By virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor, I hereby declare that it is the firm and unwavering policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia to ensure equal opportunity in all facets of state government. The foundational tenet of this Executive Order is premised upon a steadfast commitment to foster a culture of inclusion, diversity, and mutual respect for all Virginians.

Virginia House of Delegates leaders congratulated Ralph Northam Saturday, Jan. 13, on his inauguration as the 73rd Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Owners of woodlands large and small can learn how to maximize their property’s potential at the 14th annual Woods and Wildlife Conference put on by the Virginia Department of Forestry. This educational event will be held Saturday, Feb. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Germanna Community College’s Daniel Technology Center in Culpeper.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Jan. 9 opened a new office of Virginia Dept. of Veterans Services to serve veterans and transitioning servicemen and women and their families who work in the headquarters of the US Department of Defense. The new VDVS Pentagon location marks the 30th office location in the state. In addition, 30,000+ veterans have been hired through our Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program since its inception five years ago.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) will host the Virginia Pavilion at the 43rd annual Winter Fancy Food Show, Jan. 21-23 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA. At least 11 Virginia specialty food companies will exhibit at the show