NEWS BRIEFS
Midlothian soldier loses life during service in Iraq

Forrest D. Cauthorn, 22, of Midlothian, lost his life on Apr. 5 while serving his country in Iraq. According to the Defense Department, Cauthorn died in Hawijah from combat wounds after his unit came under fire from small arms and grenades.

Cauthorn was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Two injured in Jeff Davis crash

Two people were hospitalized on Apr. 12 after a van collided with a tractor trailer on Jefferson Davis Highway. According to reports, the van struck the tractor trailer from behind while it was attempting to turn left onto Pine Forest.

The driver and the passenger in the van were taken to VCU Medical Center with severe injuries.

This crash remains under investigation.

Meadowdale Library comes down

The former Meadowdale Library came crashing down last week as construction crews made room for a new facility. The library closed in January to prepare for demolition, and a temporary facility has been opened at 4003 Cogbill Rd.

The new $5 million library will be 20,000 square feet - twice as large as the former location - and will house up to 100,000 items, three times the number of computers and meeting rooms.

The new library is expected to open late next year.

Elderly woman scares burglar

A would-be burglar got a surprise on Apr. 12 when an 85-year-old woman caught him in the act.

According to reports, Judy Danford, of Sylvania Road, discovered a young man standing at her window with a crowbar. When he noticed Danford was looking at him through the window, the burglar ran from the scene.

Danford was apparently tipped off of the burglary in progress when she heard a strange noise outside. The burglar had attempted to enter her home through the front door, and when he couldn't gain entry, he moved to the window.

If you have any information about his incident, call Crime Solvers at 748-0660.