Party at the Fire House
The Sterling Fire Company blog announces that the Fire Company's annual open house will be held Oct. 11 during the town's Sterlingfest. "Following the parade open house activities will include static displays of fire and rescue equipment and vehicles, a smoke house for kids, and information tables. Additionally, demonstrations such as a helicopter landing, vehicle extrication, and kitchen safety/oven fires will take place on Commerce Street throughout the day."

Bad News for Loudoun's Budget
The Loudoun Times-Mirror reports that county officials fear a budget shortfall next year of up to $176 million. The county's administrator, Kirby Bowers, blames the shortfall on additional school, fuel and healthcare coverage spending as well as a decrease in revenues.

Urban Chickens
Greener Loudoun blogs about backyard chickens, a new environmental movement to raise chickens in the backyard for a daily fresh supply of eggs. The blogger reports that a Hamilton family recently lost the battle to raise chickens on their property. Click here to read the full post.