John Stirrup, who has been Gainesville supervisor for eight years, introduced Peter Candland, who will take Stirrup's seat and Dick Black, against whom Stirrup ran for state senate, among other newcomers and old hands in the political arena at a Dec. 5 meeting at Haymarket's Battlefield High School. This was Stirrup's last town hall meeting, which started at 7:30 p.m. After the candidates spoke at the lectern, they participated in a question-and-answer session with audience members.

John Cole will again be Santa's helper at the Town of Haymarket's annual holiday festivities on Dec. 3 in front of town hall on Washington Street.

Job growth in Prince William County from March 2010 to March 2011 rose 4.3 percent, compared with the national average of 1.3 percent.

This Osbourn High School senior filled out her voter registration information in time for the next election. Many Prince William County high schools in the area offer voter registration for students who will turn 18 in time to vote. The Prince William County voter registration office is at 9250 Lee Ave. in Manassas. It can be reached at 703-792-6470. Its website, which offers voting information, is at http://www.pwcgov.org/vote

Plan to build new Gainesville library in the works; it will come after the new planned library in Montclair.

Local registrars and Va. Department of Motor Vehicles offices will register Virginia residents to vote until Oct. 17.

Haymarket Gainesville Business Association holds Gainesville District supervisor GOP candidate forum.

With a donation of $10,000, Wally Covington put his money where his mouth is to support the Greater Prince William County Communities, Healthy Youth Council.