Publications by Dorry Samuels

Communication Concerns Continue About Raspberry Falls Water

After contacting the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on their own, concerned residents learned that Limestone Branch that flows in the area yielded very high levels of E. coli in the stream in June. A DEQ representative told them that the levels of E. coli in the stream reached 1,200 count per hundred milliliters – the standard for E. coli in water is 235, and anything above that considered high. Residents have not been informed about this spike in E. coli.

Residents of Raspberry Falls Question Response to Water Quality Concerns

Drinking water: something everyone needs to quench their thirst. However, many people do not acknowledge the potential danger of their drinking water, and that potential is even more elevated in the limestone karst area of Raspberry Falls.

At a community meeting in May 2008, Raspberry Falls residents requested that Loudoun Water update them frequently about the status and safety of their wells.

Celebrity Style Comes to Dulles Town Center

Rusty Wilson

His clients have included Madonna, Ashley Judd, NASCAR drivers and their families, and a number of Miss America contestants. Now patrons of Northern Virginia have access to the experienced hands and shears of stylist Rusty Wilson, who joined the staff of the Four Seasons Salon & Spa at the Dulles Town Center Mall three weeks ago.

Real Estate Agent Indicted for Falsifying Credit Documents

Real estate agent Diane Atari, an Ashburn native, has been indicted by the Grand Jury of Loudoun County for ten counts of False Statement to Obtain Credit, one count of Racketeering and one count of Money Laundering.

Funding for Dulles Rail Approved by House Subcommittee

Funding for the Dulles rail project passed another hurdle Monday night.

The House of Representatives’ Transportation Appropriations subcommittee approved the fiscal year 2010 transportation spending bill on Monday, July 13, which includes $85 million for the Dulles rail project.

Jonas Brothers Hit a Home Run for Charity at AOL's Dulles Campus

The Jonas Brothers graced Loudoun County with their presence on Monday, not with their vocal stylings, but with their softball skills.

The performers and their road staff took on staff members of AOL’s corporate office at the company’s celebrity softball game for employees and families of AOL’s Dulles campus as part of the company’s Summer Sizzle program.

Ashburn Woman Drowns at Virginia Beach

An Ashburn woman drowned on Friday while swimming with her family at Virginia Beach for the 4th of July holiday. A rip current pulled Sujana Umesh, 33, and her family away from the shore just after 8 p.m., officials said.

Lifeguards and other beach-goers tried to pull them out of the water, but could not get to Umesh in time, said police spokesman Adam Bernstein.

Umesh was pronounced dead at the scene by the time crews located her body.

Texting While Driving Ban in Effect

In drivers’ education classes, teenagers are taught to keep their hands at 10 and 2 on the wheel. But more and more frequently, teenagers – and many other drivers, for that matter – have been driving with one hand on the wheel and one hand on their cell phone, sending out a quick text message while driving.

Underbelly: Sex Offender Registration in Virginia

We know their names, ages, addresses and faces. They live and work among us. They are in regular contact with law enforcement long after their incarceration or probationary period. They cannot take so much as a vacation without going through the process all over again. Registered sex offenders are a part of the Loudoun County community, whether we know about it or not.

A Little Fun With Your Networking

Whenever Necoya Tyson, 28, of Ashburn wanted to go out at night, she found herself traveling to Alexandria or into Washington and was frustrated that there weren’t events happening right in Loudoun County for young professionals or families.

Creditors File Suit Against Loudoun Restaurateur

A group of creditors has filed an involuntary petition for bankruptcy against former Loudoun restaurant owner Osama El-Atari, who owned the Original Steakhouse in Ashburn, among other restaurants.

Suspect in 2008 Middleburg Murder Agrees to Plea Agreement

The suspect of a 2008 killing in Middleburg entered a guilty plea for first degree murder in the shooting of Jajuan “Murphy” Johnson.

Leesburg PD Rides "Poker Run" for Charity

On Saturday June 6, 2009, the Leesburg Police Department held the 13th Annual “Poker Run.” Almost 500 motorcycle riders from Virginia, D.C., Maryland and Pennsylvania rode over 100 miles to benefit Virginia Special Olympics. This year, the Run worked to raise $14,000 for the cause.

Fifteen Years for "One-Woman Crime Spree"

Helene Seabrook

A woman was sentenced for the burglaries and larcenies of six Ashburn homes in June and July 2008, following a criminal record almost as old as she is. Helene Yvette Seabrook, 45, will spend the next 15 years in prison following her 27-year criminal record. She may face more time as she still has 15 charges pending in Fairfax, Alexandria and in federal courts for burglaries, larcenies, credit card fraud, auto theft and possession of firearms.

Leesburg Today Parent Company Purchased

Following a bankruptcy claim filed in late April, American Community Newspapers, owner of the Leesburg Today, has been purchased for $32 million.

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