Old Town | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published May 17, 2021 at 5:00AM

Jollibee to open first Alexandria restaurant — “The Filipino chicken restaurant Jollibee is bringing its signature Chickenjoy to Alexandria. Jollibee will open in Lincolnia at the intersection of Beauregard Street and Little River Turnpike. The building was previously occupied by Boston Market. Jollibee has about 40 restaurants in the United States — primarily in California — and more than 1,300 restaurants worldwide.” [Alexandria Living]

Bishop Ireton seniors win honors — “Congratulations to senior Mary Kate Mull who was named the Commonwealth of Virginia Young Woman of the Year by the Knights of Columbus! She is the first BI student to win this statewide prestigious honor. Mary Kate and senior Critter Johnson were named Young Woman and Young Man of the Year by the Knights of Columbus, Fitzgerald Council #459. Seniors Madeleine Klunder and Aidan Fedorochko received the same honors from the Knights of Columbus, Springfield Council #6153. Bravo to these amazing students!” [Facebook]

News

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published May 14, 2021 at 3:30PM | Updated May 14, 2021 at 4:21PM

What a week in Alexandria.

Our top story this week is on Gregory Elliott, a special education teacher at T.C. Williams High School. Elliot also goes by the name of “Sugar Bear” for the D.C.-based go-go band Experience Unlimited, and their song “Da’ Butt” from the Spike Lee movie “School Daze” was featured at the Oscars, along with actress Glenn Close dancing to it.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 14, 2021 at 5:00AM

Deadline today for Alexandria Trauma & Resiliency Summit — “A free community-wide event on May 20 focusing on the pillars of equity and resilience with three workshop tracks. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/121863.” [Twitter]

Alexandria Old Town Art Festival on May 15 and 16 — “After the festival had success despite the pandemic in September 2020, a springtime festival will be held on May 15 and 16, 2021. The festival features thousands of art pieces across various mediums, including sculptures, paintings, jewelry, pottery, textiles and more. The event used to be held along King Street, but it is now held at John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, and it is free and open to the public, but visitors are asked to reserve a time slot.” [Patch]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 13, 2021 at 5:00AM | Updated May 13, 2021 at 9:17AM

Fuel shortage hits Alexandria gas stations — “A Shell station on Duke Street in Alexandria had run out of all grades of gasoline. The Mobil station next door “got lucky,” an employee said, and received a shipment of fuel overnight after running out late Tuesday. The line at Mobil spilled out onto Duke Street just west of Telegraph Road.” [Alexandria Living]

Alexandria’s COVID-19 percent positivity falls to lowest level — “We continue to watch the percent positivity of COVID-19 tests. Alexandria’s 7-day average positivity is now 2.9%. This is our lowest rate ever. Only 3 other Virginia health districts are lower. Wear your mask, get your vaccine and let’s be done with this.” [Twitter]

News

UPDATE: Woman arrested for firing gun near Alexandria Courthouse in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published May 12, 2021 at 4:25PM | Updated May 13, 2021 at 9:25AM

King Street shut down between St. Asaph and Washington Streets after a woman allegedly fired a gun in the street at another car, May 12, 2021. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated at 9:10 a.m. on May 13) Virginia State Police have arrested a woman after she allegedly fired a gun outside near the Alexandria Courthouse on King Street. One shot was allegedly fired, and no one was injured in the incident.

The area of King Street between Washington Street and St. Asaph Street was shut down for hours in the late afternoon. A VSP special agent was walking out of his vehicle near the courthouse when he heard the shot.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2021 at 5:00AM

The sky over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Old Hat Bar to open soon in Old Town — “Gastropub opening May 21 in Old Town may teach some new dogs in the hospitality industry some old tricks.” [Alexandria Living]

ACPS opens summer/fall learning choice form on Tuesday — “The decision you make now is important to our comprehensive planning. The Learning Choice Form will be sent to families by email on May 11, 2021. May 24, 2021 is the last day for families to inform ACPS of your selection for the 2021-22 school year. If a family does not make a selection before the deadline, then their child will automatically be enrolled in in-person learning for the first quarter of the school year.” [ACPS]

News

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published May 7, 2021 at 3:30PM

What a week in Alexandria. Here are some of the highlights.

The Alexandria City Council on Wednesday approved its Fiscal Year 2022 $770.7 million budget on Wednesday, and it includes a 2 cent real estate tax reduction. It’s the first time that’s happened in 15 years, and the budget also fully funds Alexandria City Public Schools’ request and includes a 1% raise for city and state employees.

News

Girlfriend of murder suspect arrested for breaking into home and beating up witness

By James Cullum

Published May 7, 2021 at 10:45AM | Updated May 7, 2021 at 11:45AM

A 20-year-old Gainesville woman was arrested last month after allegedly breaking into a home in Old Town and fighting with a witness who is set to testify against her boyfriend in a murder trial.

Essence Amir Heard was arrested on the early morning of April 9 after allegedly breaking into a home in the 800 block of Montgomery Street in the Braddock area. Hours before, the murder suspect called the victim, who has a child with him, after he was informed that his trial would be moving forward after court delays due to COVID-19, and that she would be subpoenaed as a witness.

News

Knife pulled on woman who chases would-be thieves in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published May 5, 2021 at 9:35AM

Alexandria police (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria Police are investigating an incident where a knife was brandished against a woman outside the La Madeline restaurant in Old Town.

The incident occurred at around 1 p.m after the victim was eating lunch with her son at the restaurant at 500 King Street. The woman noticed that the strap to her purse, which was on the back of her chair, was moving. When she turned around, her purse was no longer on the back of her chair and her wallet was gone. There were two unknown men sitting at the table behind her, and she saw one of them fumble with her wallet.

News

Two injured in hit-and-run in Old Town, driver leaves car and flees on foot

By James Cullum

Published May 4, 2021 at 9:15AM | Updated May 4, 2021 at 3:01PM

Alexandria Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash at the intersection of S. Patrick and Franklin Streets in Old Town on Tuesday morning, May 4, 2021. (Image via Alexandria Police/Twitter)

(Updated at 2:50 p.m.) Traffic is reopening as Alexandria Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash at the intersection of S. Patrick (Route 1) and Franklin Streets in Old Town on Tuesday morning (May 4).

Two of the drivers were injured and transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries and the third driver left his car at the scene and ran away on foot, according to police.

News

These Alexandria businesses are offering deals for Teacher Appreciation Week

By James Cullum

Published May 3, 2021 at 2:15PM | Updated May 3, 2021 at 4:53PM

A new group of Alexandria businesses has launched an effort to support local teachers with discounts, perks and donations in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week.

From May 3-8, discounts will be posted on the new ALX Business Gives Back Facebook page.