Air Force Airman Wayne Brown Jr. has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Jamey M. Long, author of the children’s book “A Possum’s Land Down Under,” will be signing copies of his book at the Books-A-Million at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle in Woodbridge on March 13 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The first-annual Middle School Battle of the Books will be held March 11th at Stafford Middle School. Representing Dixon-Smith in the battle are: Noah Karlovich, Emily Mussey, Gail Podlesny, Kamron Pottruff, Dylan Good, Joseph Gudyka, Emily Kreiter, Hayley Phillipart, Katy Strock, Olivia Haynes, Taylor Lisco and Stephanie Razza.

Ollie Stansbury Burton Sr., 92, of Stafford County, died Monday, March 8, 2010, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

STAFFORD — A Spotsylvania man was convicted March 4 in Fredericksburg Circuit Court of burglary with intent to commit assault.

STAFFORD — The 2010 Oyster Roast fundraiser, held at White Oak Equipment in Fredericksburg, raised $23,000 this year for Spotsylvania resident Steve Mitchell, who suffers from a spinal-cord injury that left him paralyzed from the mid-trunk down.

I love puppies! I love watching them learn, play and grow into well-adjusted, well-mannered and socialized adult dogs. However working with so many puppies throughout the year also brings the constant reminder of how fast time flies and how important it is to seize the opportunity to make the best of the various critical learning and socialization periods young dogs go through.

Blair is a female, yellow, young adult Lab mix. She was originally a stray.

Gypsy is a female, one-year-old terrier mix (supposedly with German Shepherd). She is a mix of browns and blacks. She is not housebroken but is good with children. She is not current on her vaccinations, but is otherwise ready for a loving new home.

Pistachio is a big guy who would love an adult-only home. He is very affectionate on his terms! Pistachio will sit on your lap and loves head scratches, but he is not fond of being picked up.

Hannah is an active, friendly dog that has lots of love to give.

HOLLYWOOD — In some circles the movie was considered a dark horse. But “The Hurt Locker” walked away with six Oscars, including Best Picture.

WOODBRIDGE — Maybe the draw was the blue skies and the moderate temperatures after a long snowy month that kept most hunkered down inside their homes.

It certainly was for a good cause.

Hi! My name is Lucky. I’m a nice kitty that is looking for a forever home — preferably a family with children 10 years old and up.

Jordan is a loving girl who likes everyone. She loves playing with people and getting attention.

Lucky is an adult tri-color, neutered male Jack Russell terrier mix at the Stafford Animal Shelter.

Sampson is a 3-and-a-half-year-old, neutered tri-colored male American Foxhound at the Stafford Animal Shelter.

The Northumberland County Animal Shelter’s Northern Virginia Representatives and a group of adorable puppies will be at the Petco store on Rt. 610 in Stafford, from noon to 4 p.m., on March 6.

Dee Boutchyard

Deloris Ann “Dee” Boutchyard, 67, of Falmouth died Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

STAFFORD — The Stafford County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Stafford County Board of Supervisors announced their full support of a public-private partnership with the Stafford Area Soccer Association, Inc. at a meeting of the commission on Feb. 18.

I receive many inquiries from couples expecting their first child and apprehensive about how their “four-legged child” will adjust to the new family member.

CENTREVILLE — Top sales advisors at lia sophia jewelry company were recently announced, with respect to the Centreville area.

STAFFORD — Actress Kim Fields the keynote speaker at Fredericksburg event. February is Black History Month, and as part of the celebration, actress Kim Fields will visit the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center on Saturday as the keynote speaker of a formal dinner to be held there. 

Hilda is a dashing Tortie who is waiting for the perfect family to come calling.

Honey is a sweet girl. She is very energetic and needs a home where she will get plenty of exercise.

Howard Lee Sullivan
Howard Lee Sullivan, 82, of Stafford County, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

STAFFORD — A funeral was held Saturday for Elnora A. Pondexter, a local community leader who once led a local branch of the NAACP.

Luke is a tri-colored Jack Russell mix. He’s a neutered male who is good with older children. He hasn’t been around cats. Luke’s owners were unable to care for him—come see him soon.

Zach, a Dalmation/lab mix, is about 14 months old. The white-and-black dog has been kept outside, and his owners recently relocated to a place that doesn’t allow dogs. Come visit with Zach at the shelter soon.

NEW YORK — A Scottish terrier took the Best in Show title at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday night.