Woodbridge, Va. ––The tall emblematic sign of the one of the region’s largest shopping malls will make a comeback.
When high wind gusts of more than 50 mph prevailed across the region Saturday fanning brushfires and toppling the National Christmas Tree in Washington, they also tore part of the tall Potomac Mills sign from its 140 foot perch high above Interstate 95.
The south-facing portion of the sign, made of banner-like material, blew onto a guardrail on the highway.
Mall employees with help from Virginia State Police worked to recover the sign, said Potomac Mills mall spokeswoman Loren Horsley.
The sign is made of a material called Panaflex by 3M, and is considered to be industry standard, said Horsley.
Those looking at the sign Saturday night could see easily see the damage that had been done, as well as shards of the sign material that had once been connected to the sign post
“The process to fabricate a new sign has already been set in place, and we hope to have a replacement as soon as possible,” said Horsley.
Potomac Mills mall was built in 1985 and is now home to more than 200 factory stores and an 18-screen movie theater.
In recent years, the mall has strayed from its outlet feel and has attracted big-name stores like Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers and Bloomingdales – The Outlet Store.
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(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.
Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
At approximately 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, February 1st, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Aquia Creek Road, near Aquia Creek. Callers reported a neighboring residence on fire, and first arriving units marked the scene less than 10 minutes later and confirmed fire and smoke coming from the rear and roof of a single-family residence.
Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, crews had to utilize rural water operations to shuttle water to the scene. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and bring it under control in approximately an hour, despite the roof collapsing.
The residence was not occupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.
(AP) — Preliminary data from the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft, investigators said Saturday.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
