NEWS BRIEFS
Tax holiday helps parents with back-to-school costs

Parents will be able to save a little cash on back-to-school purchases this weekend during the state's annual sales tax holiday. During Aug. 3-5, sales tax will not be charged on school supplies costing $20 or less per item and on clothing and footwear costing $100 or less per item.

For more information on the tax holiday and qualifying items, visit www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=STHoliday.

Man hit by car while chasing dog

A 60-year-old Midlothian man was flown to VCU Medical Center by helicopter last week after he was struck by a car while chasing his dog across Robious Road.

According to reports, Tyler W. Hancock was buying ice cream from a store in the 11400 block shortly after 9 p.m. on July 22 when his boxer darted out of the car. Hancock was struck while attempting to flag down traffic so he could catch the dog. He sustained life-threatening injuries.

The dog was later recovered unharmed at a nearby construction site.

System to reduce nutrients in James River

Philip Morris USA has announced plans to build a new $6 million treatment system at its tobacco processing facility in Chesterfield County. The Park 500 Natural Treatment System will reduce nutrient levels in wastewater discharged into the James River. Comprised of 48 acres of manmade wetlands, the system will supplement an existing treatment plant by providing an additional natural filter for treated wastewater before it returns to the river. It is expected to reduce nitrogen levels by 13 percent and phosphorous levels by 34 percent. The system should be operational by next summer.

"The Park 500 Natural Treatment System underscores our company's commitment to reducing our environmental impact," said Mike Szymanczyk, chairman and CEO for Philip Morris USA. "We meet this challenge by proactively seeking innovative approaches, talking with stakeholders and making investments for our future and the commonwealth's future."

Robbery suspects arrested in Henrico

Henrico police arrested two suspects last week wanted in connection with several robberies in Chesterfield and Henrico counties.

According to police, Michael Lynwood Copes, 39, and Nikeya Shanawnna Choate, 32, both from the 1400 block of Newell Road in Richmond, were arrested in Richmond on July 19 after allegedly robbing two businesses in Henrico County. The arrests came after a police pursuit through three jurisdictions.

Copes and Choate have been linked to 14 robberies in Chesterfield since January including those at Subway on Carmia Way, Payless Shoe Source at Chattanooga Plaza, Blockbuster Video on Midlothian Turnpike, and Little Caesars Pizza on Midlothian Turnpike. Police believe the pair may be responsible for as many as 10 robberies in Henrico.

Both suspects are currently being held without bond in Henrico.

Construction underway on new bookstore

Construction crews began demolition of the former movie theatres at Chesterfield Towne Center last week to make way for a new 33,000-square-foot Barnes & Noble. The new location will feature a Starbucks café and wireless Internet access, and is expected to open next spring. The current Huguenot location will close before the new location opens.