Good morning, Leesburg.

A Leesburg duplex experienced a fire on Oct.

3 when an overheated extension cord from a space heater sparked the blaze—three residents were displaced while no one was injured.

Instacart data from last Halloween shows that Virginia residents bought Hershey’s Milk Chocolate more than any other candy while other states chose different treats such as Reese’s and candy corn.

The report also found that many shoppers began ordering Halloween décor as early as August 24—indicating that the spooky season started sooner than in past years.

The School Board’s Specialized Programs and Centers Committee discussed joining the Eastern Loudoun Performing Arts Center project on Tuesday as staff suggested building the center with a school—allowing a larger auditorium and more versatile space for events.

Board members said the partnership could remove the need for holding large graduation ceremonies elsewhere as planning continues amid rising cost estimates.

The Loudoun County School Board is considering new rules that would let parents request a school change only between the first business day in February and April 30—rising fifth graders could also renew their special permissions.

The Student Services Committee will review the changes later this week and simplify the appeals process for denied requests.

A study by the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition shows that groundwater levels have dropped and recharge rates have fallen by 5% to 10% over 50 years, raising concerns that the water supply may become unsustainable.

The report calls for new monitoring wells and better data collection — actions that could help protect water for local farms and rural businesses.

On Oct. 2, a fish count on Goose Creek by the Goose Creek Association and George Mason University’s Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center documented over 700 fish and 20 species along a 100-meter stretch.

The one-year pilot project funded by Loudoun County will continue monthly water tests — guiding future conservation efforts for the local ecosystem.

The Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development will host free virtual lunch-and-learn sessions about fair housing law for renters, buyers and housing professionals from October through December—each session running from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday with topics covering domestic violence on October 22, homeless youth on November 12 and HIV/AIDS rights on December 17.

Residents from Paeonian Springs, Waterford and along Clarkes Gap Road are invited to a community meeting on October 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Rust Library in Leesburg—county officials and Loudoun Water will explain the new interconnected water and wastewater system project and answer questions about its design and future plans.

An application by Tuscarora Landbay 3 LLC to build a new substation along Crosstrail Boulevard near Tuscarora Crossing was deferred indefinitely by County Chair Phyllis J.

Randall amid opposition from nearby residents—Board members were split on the proposal and a final vote was postponed when the applicant requested its removal from the meeting agenda.

At a Monday night public meeting in Hamilton, officials explained a utility rate restructuring proposal that could raise average homeowners’ bills by 56% while easing rates for large water users.

The town council will review two models at its Oct. 20 meeting—one that adjusts charges based on water use and one that raises rates overall.

Inova Loudoun Hospital celebrated its new Level II Trauma Center designation on Oct 7th — fulfilling a longtime goal to improve trauma care — with community leaders, marking an important step for Leesburg's emergency services.

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

7-10 AM — Tally Ho Theater — Cost info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of a tribute to one of rock's beloved bands.

Mamma Mania - ABBA Tribute

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Tally Ho Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying hits of ABBA in a vibrant tribute show that captures the essence of the 1970s.

The Rush Experience Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Tally Ho Theater — Ticket details not specified — Enjoy an authentic tribute performance to RUSH by a dedicated trio from the Baltimore/Washington area.

Pumpkin Chunkin’ Festival

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Great Country Farms — Cost varies — Bring your leftover jack-o-lantern to smash and enjoy exciting pumpkin-launching activities.

DCD Connect Conference

8 AM – 5 PM — Lansdowne Resort — Registration required — Explore the latest technologies to future-proof data centers.

So Fetch - 2000s Tribute Band

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Tally Ho Theater — Ticket prices vary — Relive the 2000s with a live tribute band performance.