April 26, 2012 | ARLnow.com

EXCLUSIVE: Brandon Meriweather Arrested by ACPD

Published April 26, 2012 at 4:40PM | Updated April 26, 2012 at 8:34PM

Meriweather was initially stopped for speeding on westbound I-66 in the area of N. Ohio Street at 2:54 a.m., according to Arlington County Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. Officers detected an odor of alcohol on his breath and performed a field sobriety test, which Meriweather failed, Sternbeck said.

The two-time Pro Bowl strong safety refused a breathalyzer test, was arrested and spent the night in the Arlington County jail, according to Sternbeck. Police say Meriweather claimed he was driving home from a club in D.C., but couldn’t remember the name of the club.

Around Town

Canned Food Structures on Display for Architecture Competition

By Katie Pyzyk

Published April 26, 2012 at 3:45PM

There’s a lighthouse inside the Ballston mall right now, but it’s probably not what you think. It’s one of the many structures on display made entirely of canned food, all for a good cause.

The American Institute of Architects Northern Virginia Chapter and the Arlington Food Assistance Center have teamed up for the ninth year to present the Canstruction competition. Teams of architects build structures made entirely out of canned food. All the food donations, which typically add up to tens of thousands of pounds, are then donated to AFAC.

News

Arlington Responds to Route 1 Transit Controversy

By ARLnow.com

Published April 26, 2012 at 2:55PM

The two jurisdictions have been cooperating on a transit project that will bring bus rapid transit and, ultimately, a streetcar to the Route 1 corridor of Crystal City and Potomac Yard. But today Connection Newspapers reported that Alexandria officials were upset because Arlington supposedly withdrew from an agreement to pay $2.4 million of the $3.4 million cost of an environmental analysis.

In reality, says Arlington County spokeswoman Mary Curtius, the environmental analysis is currently underway and Arlington County is paying its $1.78 million share of the $3.56 million cost. The Arlington county manager and the Alexandria city manager signed an agreement to split the cost of the analysis in 2010, she said.

Around Town

Turn in Unwanted Prescriptions at Drug Take-Back Day

By Katie Pyzyk

Published April 26, 2012 at 1:30PM

Expired and unwanted prescriptions can be brought to sites throughout the county to prevent drug abuse and theft. It’s also an effort to prevent hazards from the improper disposal of these drugs, such as in the trash or flushing down a toilet. The service is free and there are no questions asked.

There are several sites throughout Arlington collecting the drugs from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., in addition to those announced by the Arlington County Police Department last week. Here is the full list:

News

Police, Fire Departments Holding Career Fair

By Katie Pyzyk

Published April 26, 2012 at 12:00PM | Updated April 26, 2012 at 3:02PM

There will be a career fair on Saturday aimed at anyone interested in working for one of the county’s law enforcement or fire fighting agencies.

Recruiters will be on hand from Arlington County Fire Department, Police Department, Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Communications Center. Candidates can learn about public safety jobs, get information about available positions and sign up for hiring notifications.

Traffic

Lane Closures on the Pike Due to Medical Emergency

By ARLnow.com

Published April 26, 2012 at 11:24AM

Columbia Pike is down to one lane in each direction near S. Glebe Road due to a medical emergency.

Initial reports suggest an 82-year-old woman passed out in her car, possibly while waiting for a traffic light. Passersby tried to assist her, but by the time medics arrived she was not breathing and CPR was being performed.

Events

‘Family Fun Day’ to be Held at Bluemont Park

By Katie Pyzyk

Published April 26, 2012 at 10:45AM | Updated April 26, 2012 at 11:07AM

The Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation is joining up with PBS Kids to provide the event. Activities include art projects, a nature treasure hunt, relay races, moon bounces and bingo. There will also be an opportunity to get up close and personal with live snakes, turtles and lizards.

Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy together. There will also be a $3 lunch available for purchase, which includes a hot dog, chips and a drink.

Around Town

Fro.Zen.Yo Moving into Smoothie King Space in Ballston

By Katie Pyzyk

Published April 26, 2012 at 9:50AM

On Tuesday, we told you that Rosslyn is going to be getting a Fro.Zen.Yo store. Now, we can tell you that Ballston will be getting one as well.

A spokesperson for the frozen yogurt chain confirms that the long rumored Ballston location is going to become a reality. It will move into the old Smoothie King space at 850 N. Randolph Street, across from the Ballston mall.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published April 26, 2012 at 8:40AM

County Urges Residents to Buy CO Alarms — Arlington County Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Fitch is urging residents to buy, install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms. The recommendation, in the form of a press release, came one day after five people died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Oxon Hill, Md. [Arlington County]

Route 1 Transit Corridor Tension — Arlington and Alexandria are at odds over the proposed transit corridor along Route 1, reports Michael Lee Pope. Arlington has, for some reason, backed off a promise to kick in $2.4 million for an environmental analysis for the project, according to Pope. [Arlington Connection]