🌱 Alexandria Neighbor Tries To Posion Dogs + ACPS Budget + Safe City

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Some sun; breezy in the p.m.. High: 65 Low: 37.
• Wednesday: Cooler; a little p.m. rain. High: 49 Low: 43.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Del Ray who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Del Ray:

1. An Alexandria couple told police that their neighbor attempted to poison their dogs on Feb. 6. Heather Dinsmore, her husband, and their three dogs were visiting family in New Jersey when a neighbor threw chunks of meat over the fence into the Dinsmore's yard. The husband drove home immediately after the couple saw what happened on the security camera. Animal Control tested the meat and told the couple it contained rat poison. The neighbor left an apology note in the Dinsmore's mailbox after police took their statement. The crime is considered a misdemeanor in Virginia but would have been a felony if the dogs had eaten the poisoned meat and died. (NBC Washington)
2. The Alexandria City School Board recently voted to approve the $359.9 million Combined Funds Budget for the 2023-24 school year for Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). The budget includes increased funding for English Learner instruction positions, Grades K-4 literacy, high school math, school security services, and athletic program planning and supports. It also includes staff compensation, the August 2023 opening of the new Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, and the renovation of the 1703 N. Beauregard St. building. (The Zebra)
3. Alexandria ranked number six in the top 20 safest large cities in the United States in 2022, according to research by SmartAsset. In 2022, Alexandria had 207 violent crimes, 3.9 vehicular deaths, 10.9 drug poisoning deaths, and 1,671 property crimes. (Greater Alexandria Patch)

Today and tomorrow in and around Del Ray:

Tuesday, February 21

• Stories and Songs At James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library (11:00 AM)
• The Unseen Art Exhibit At Del Ray Artisans (12:00 PM)

Wednesday, February 22

• St. Elmo's Open Mic Night At St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Alexandria Police arrested a suspect in connection with the "sudden death" of a victim on Friday, Feb. 18, at a home on East Reed Avenue. The suspect has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. (Del Ray Patch)
• Congratulations to Del Ray Tacos! Their Duck Confit Enchilada with Chocolate-Cherry Mole won the best appetizer in the GW Cherry Challenge. (Visit Del Ray via Facebook)
• Congratulations to Pat Miller, founder and manager of the Del Ray Farmers Market! Pat won the Heart of Del Ray award. (Del Ray Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Yates Automotive — (Visit website)
• VIDA STYLE Consignment Shop — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Old Town Alexandria Civil War Roundtable (February 25)
• XP League Open House (February 25)
• 2023 Alexandria Sister Cities Scottish Social and Whisky Tasting (February 25)
• Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show (February 26)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.