Manassas's Stonewall Stonewall Jackson Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad held a 110-story stair climb to remember the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Proceeds from the climb benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. More than 100 volunteer and career firefighters spent the morning climbing so people never forget that day and the people who died. Before the actual climb began, participants and planners gathered together for a prayer and a moment of silence to remember the men and women who died a decade ago trying to save others. Photo by Kathy Sansone

September is National Preparedness Month. Emergency coordinators in the City of Manassas advise setting aside emergency supplies, making a family emergency plan and staying informed about local conditions. Here's how.

American Red Cross says local blood donors are urgently needed because 60+ blood drives have had to be cancelled due to the impact of Hurricane Irene.

Prince William County Schools requires parents and students to attend concussion training before students can even try out for sports, regardless of whether they are contact or noncontact sports.

Nurses from Prince William Health System banded together to raise funds, which they donated to Head Start programs in Prince William County, Manassas City and Manassas Park schools.

Nonprofit SERVE is in need of donations during the summer months, which is a time when donations typically fall off a bit.

Getting to work is a breeze for some and a hard slog for others. If you’re lucky enough to work from home, it may just be a matter of walking from one room to another. You may not even bother getting dressed or putting on makeup or shaving. Others who have to drive to work may be lucky to live close by or they have timed their departure and picked the best route to make it easier. Four locals, chosen at random, shared their driving experiences in the area.

Man, it's hot. High temperatures in Manassas area cause NOAA to issue heat advisory on May 31, 2011. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration issued a heat advisory and the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue advises locals to watch out for heat stroke.