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Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued

Published August 16, 2016 at 3:25PM

Arlington County and much of the D.C. area is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through 11 p.m.

Storms are currently forming to the west and are expected to make their way through the metro area later today, though the storms may be scattered.

Severe T'storm Watch until 11pm tonight! Tracking a line of severe storms now in Frederick County to Loudoun pic.twitter.com/81So7Vhkxd

— Doug Kammerer (@dougkammerer) August 16, 2016

Sprint Customers May Get Busy Signal When Trying to Call 911

By ARLnow.com

Published August 16, 2016 at 12:35PM

Sprint mobile phone customers may get a busy signal in Arlington and other parts of the D.C. region when they try to make an emergency call.

The Arlington Alerts system issued the following notice shortly after noon today.

Sprint cellular service is affected throughout the area. If you receive a busy signal when you call 9-1-1, you should attempt to text to 9-1-1, use a landline phone or use a cellphone covered by another provider.

The problem is also affecting Sprint customers in Fairfax County, the Washington Post reports.

Worker Falls at Crystal City Construction Site

By ARLnow.com

Published August 16, 2016 at 11:55AM

A worker fell 20-25 feet at a construction site in Crystal City this morning.

The incident happened around 10:30 a.m., reportedly at the m.flats construction site at 505 18th Street S.

The worker was transported to the trauma center at George Washington University Hospital with what were reported to be non-life-threatening injuries. State occupational safety officials are investigating the incident.

Construction is nearing completion at m.flats, which replaced a former Post Office.

D.C. Area Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fans Finally Have a Local Bar to Call Their Own

By ARLnow.com

Published August 16, 2016 at 10:30AM | Updated November 18, 2016 at 2:40PM

(Updated at 12:05 p.m.) There are various lists for D.C. area football fans, telling them where they can watch their favorite NFL team. There is but one team that’s missing across all of those lists: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Even Reddit can’t figure out a decent place to go out and watch a Tampa Bay game with like-minded fans, save a couple suggestions for suburban bars that show every NFL game.

Sure, the Bucs have the worst all-time winning percentage in the league. But the NFL has some of the most fervent fans of any sports league in the country — heck, the local Browns Backers bar packs it in losing season after losing season. One would think in a melting pot city like D.C., there’d be a bar — just one bar — that a Bucs fan can call (mostly) their own.

Enter Brent Robson.

When he moved to the D.C. area three years ago, he immediately joined the alumni organization for his Florida Gators. Every Saturday in the fall, he’d head to Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill (2424 Wilson Blvd) in Courthouse to cheer on the team.

Then, on Sunday — nada.

“I was hoping to find the same type of setup and atmosphere for my Tampa Bay Buccaneers of which I am also a big fan,” Robson told ARLnow.com. “Many other big name teams, such as the Patriots, Steelers, Cowboys, and Packers, have official designated watch party bars, yet the Bucs do not.”

This year, Robson decided to take matters into his own hands.

“I went to the owner of Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill and pitched the idea of becoming the official D.C. Bucs bar on Sundays,” he recounted. “The owner has had such success with the Gator watch parties and is such a big supporter of the Florida sports fans, he immediately got on board with the idea.”

Arlington Rooftop’s Scott Porter said Robson’s enthusiasm, and the success of his deal with the University of Florida alumni, helped to convince him.

“The Gator fans pack this place from top to bottom!” Porter said. “Brent and his colleges were interested in getting the majority of the Gator fan base back here on Sunday to enjoy the NFL games and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So we said yes! We are excited to be the official host bar, and if it’s anything like the Gators game on Saturdays it’s going to be a great time and season.”

Robson is now focused on getting the word out and drumming up support among other Bucs fans. If being able to watch the game with other Tampa Bay diehards wasn’t enough to get people to show up, he’s hoping some hometown flavor can seal the deal.

“[Arlington Rooftop] has agreed to offer special food and drink discounts specific for Bucs gamedays,” Robson said, “as well as imported kegs of Cigar City beer straight from Tampa.”

The Buccaneers regular season opener against Atlanta is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published August 16, 2016 at 9:15AM | Updated August 16, 2016 at 9:36AM

Arlington Mansion Party Led to Shooting — Two people were shot in McLean early Sunday in what was described as a drive-by shooting following a party in Arlington. It turns out that the party was at a multi-million-dollar mansion overlooking the Potomac on tony Chain Bridge Road. The home has been the scene of numerous police incidents over the past couple of years, mostly robberies and various disturbances, and lately neighbors have said it’s become a “party house.” [NBC Washington]

Heat Advisory Today — Arlington is again under a Heat Advisory, with dangerous heat index values up to 109 expected. “Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” forecasters warn. [National Weather Service]

Standoff With Suicidal Man Ends Peacefully — There were some tense moments in a neighborhood just off of Columbia Pike yesterday. Between about 4-5 p.m., there was a police standoff with an armed, suicidal man at a home on 9th Street S. Roads were blocked and some neighbors were evacuated. The standoff ended peacefully and the man was taken into custody.

Arlington’s InfoSec Jobs Are Low Paying? — A compilation of city-level data from job search site Indeed suggests that Arlington has the lowest-paying average salary for information security specialists of 15 large cities. Adjusted for cost of living, Minneapolis had the highest average salary. Arlington’s COLA-adjusted salary is 72 percent below that of the Minnesota city. D.C. also ranked low on the list, placing just three spots above Arlington. [Indeed]

Arlington Rapper Releases Single — VA Prime, an Arlington-based rap artist who hails from the Nauck neighborhood and formerly attended Washington-Lee and Wakefield high schools, has released a new single. “School” encourages young listeners to “stay in school, plan it out, get your grades up.” The rhyme further encourages hard work and hustle: “Keep grinding, we going to raise up,” it says. [Soundcloud]

Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf

Chili’s Has Closed in Crystal City

By ARLnow.com

Published August 15, 2016 at 6:15PM

The Chili’s near the corner of Jefferson Davis Highway and 23rd Street S., in Crystal City, has closed.

As of this afternoon, the store’s awnings had already been taken down and a sign was posted on the door.

“After many years we are sad to say that we have closed this location,” the sign says. “Please be sure to visit one of our other local Chili’s restaurants.”

The sign lists two Chili’s locations in Alexandria and another on Route 7 in Bailey’s Crossroads.

S. Joyce Street Closed Due to Downed Tree

By ARLnow.com

Published August 15, 2016 at 4:15PM

A road is closed in the Arlington Ridge neighborhood due to a downed tree and power lines.

The large tree fell this afternoon during calm weather, taking power and utility lines down with it. Thirty-five Dominion customers are without power in the area, according to the power company.

A Dominion repair crew is on scene, but the intersection of S. Joyce Street and 28th Street S., near Glebe Road, is closed. The tree and numerous wires are down in the intersection.

Two Shot in McLean After Arlington Party

By ARLnow.com

Published August 15, 2016 at 1:45PM

Two people were shot during a drive-by shooting in McLean early Sunday morning, following a fight at a party in Arlington.

The shooting occurred on Dolley Madison Boulevard (Route 123), near the entrance to the GW Parkway, around 4 a.m.

“Preliminary information suggests that this incident stemmed from an altercation between several people at a party somewhere in Arlington County earlier in the night,” Fairfax County Police said in a press release. “One group left the party in a vehicle and when they reached Dolley Madison Boulevard and Kirby Road, another vehicle pulled alongside and fired several shots, striking two occupants in the first vehicle. The unidentified suspect vehicle then fled the scene.”

“Little is known about the two victims at this point, other than they drove themselves to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” the press release continued. “There is no suspect or vehicle description at this time.”

The Fairfax County Police helicopter assisted with the response to the shooting, but was unable to locate the suspects. Police are asking that anyone with information about the shooting call them at 703-691-2131 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-8477

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published August 15, 2016 at 11:15AM

NAACP Wants War Memorial Plaque Changed — The Arlington chapter of the NAACP wants a plaque on the war memorial in Clarendon updated. The plaque lists Arlingtonians killed in World War I, but separates two “colored” military members from the rest of the local war dead. The NAACP says it would like to get the plaque removed and replaced. “We owe it to those who fought and died,” said local NAACP president Karen Nightengale. [InsideNova]

Two Restaurant Chains Coming to Arlington — Two regional franchise operators have signed agreements that will bring two expanding restaurant chains to Arlington. A former Domino’s Pizza franchisee is planning to open an Arlington location of Wisconsin-based Toppers Pizza, in addition to locations elsewhere in Northern Virginia. Meanwhile a Five Guys franchisee says it will be opening 10 Newk’s Eatery locations in Arlington and Fairfax counties. The Mississippi-based soup, salad, sandwich and pizza chain is big in the Southeast U.S., with more than 100 locations in 13 states and an aggressive expansion plan. [WTOP, Washington Business Journal]

Arlington Hotels Hacked — Two Arlington hotels have reportedly had their payment systems compromised by hackers. HEI Hotels and Resorts says malware was found on its systems at 20 hotels, including the Le Meridien in Rosslyn and the Sheraton Pentagon City on Columbia Pike. The hack potentially exposed the credit card information of hotel guests and customers. [Associated Press]

Pokemon Go at the Pentagon — Department of Defense officials have put the kibosh on DoD employees playing Pokemon Go on government phones, citing concerns about the game tracking the movement of its employees. The DoD has also reportedly told Pentagon employees to only play the game outside of the building. A Pokemon “gym” inside the Pentagon has been removed. [The Guardian, Twitter]

Bethesda Man Bought $1 Million Lottery Ticket in Arlington — The $1 million-winning Powerball ticket that was sold at a Ballston 7-Eleven store last month was sold to a Bethesda resident. Larry Elpiner says he plans to “share his winnings with family and friends,” in addition to paying for his daughter’s college education. [WUSA 9]

Photo courtesy Noah Kaufman

Contract Groundskeepers Striking Again at Arlington Nat’l Cemetery

By ARLnow.com

Published August 15, 2016 at 10:30AM

For the second time in a month, contract groundskeepers at Arlington National Cemetery have gone on strike.

The Laborers’ International Union says 30 of its members are striking to protest delays in negotiating a new contract, and for firings and discipline related to an ongoing labor dispute with Davey Tree and Greenleaf Services, which provide contract services to the cemetery.

Two Arlington County Board members joined the LiUNA’s first strike at the cemetery, in July.

From a press release:

In the second strike in as many months, Arlington National Cemetery grounds-keepers walked off the job today to protest extensive delays by their employers in negotiating a contract and the firing and discipline of workers who refused overtime.

The 30 members of Local 572 of the Laborers’ International Union have been seeking a contract for nine months with their joint employers, Davey Tree Expert Co. and Greenleaf Services.

The workers are asking for modest wage increases and paid sick leave. On August 1, workers engaged in concerted action, refusing to work overtime to protest perceived favoritism in the assignment of hours. The workers complain that only anti-union employees get steady hours throughout the work season, while the pro-union employees see their hours rise and fall depending on whether the employers needs them. The employers placed derogatory write-ups in the files of 15 workers and fired one, even though their action is protected under federal labor law.

“Arlington National Cemetery is a symbol of our nation’s strength and determination to stand for what is right,” said Larry Doggett, Business Manager of Local 572 and U.S. Marine Corps veteran himself. “It is shameful that the workers who care for the grounds are being treated with disregard for their fundamental rights and freedoms and subject to illegal actions for joining together.”

In addition to a contract, the workers are now seeking reinstatement of the fired employee and repeal of disciplinary action against the others.

The workers have won the support of Arlington County Board members, who joined them on their picket line when they struck on July 19.

Since May 2015, when the workers voted to join the union, they have been seeking to negotiate a boost to their average $13 an hour wage and for paid sick leave, but bargaining sessions have been repeatedly delayed or cancelled.

Davey Tree Co., based in Ohio, touts itself as the largest tree care company with 2014 revenues of $790 million.

Another Heat Advisory Issued as Sweltering Weather Continues

By ARLnow.com

Published August 15, 2016 at 9:45AM

After an absurdly hot and humid August weekend, this week is kicking off with a fresh Heat Advisory.

The advisory is in effect from 1-7 p.m. today. Forecasters warn that dangerous heat index values of up to 105 are possible as temperatures climb into the mid-90s.

It’s expected to be even hotter and more humid on Tuesday, before things begin to cool off a bit mid-week.

From the National Weather Service:

HEAT ADVISORY FROM 1PM EDT MON UNTIL 7PM EDT MON

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY… WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING.

* HEAT INDEX VALUES… UP TO 105 DUE TO TEMPERATURES IN THE MID 90S… AND DEWPOINTS IN THE LOWER 70S.

* IMPACTS… RISK OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS FOR THOSE WITHOUT AIR- CONDITIONING OR THOSE OUTDOORS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE, RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.

A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HIGH TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HIGH TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE.

TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK, THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY – CALL 911.

#heat