GAINSWave Therapy in Sterling, VA

Some Washington County residents along with others in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle and other parts of Maryland got a surprise Thursday night when a fine white dust fell from the sky, coating cars and outdoor furniture.

Comments spread across social media, including some Hagerstown area residents reporting seeing unusual-colored hues around vehicle headlights as the material fell.

Sean Flaherty, who lives on McKee Avenue in Hagerstown's North End, said the dust was falling at his house about 10 p.m.

"I checked my security camera and it looked like it was snowing outside," said Flaherty. He provided The Herald-Mail with a video clip which shows particles flashing by in the light from his house.

Emergency officials, weather forecasters and environmental authorities on Friday were trying to determine what the dust was. Meanwhile, residents on social media theorized everything from pollen to chemicals from a train derailment in Ohio.

What's being done to analyze the dust?

Maryland Department of the Environment spokesman Jay Apperson said Friday that the agency was aware of the situation and believes that it's likely dust that was carried aloft from Texas and New Mexico. It settled to the surface in Maryland on Thursday night in connection with a weather front passing through, he said.

Meterologists with the National Weather Service office in Sterling, Va., on Friday weren't saying anything definite.

They were not sure what the dust was, and meteorologist Chris Strong said his office was in contact with its headquarters to to determine if there is another agency that might be able to track the material and "get a handle" on its origin.

"I guess it's uncertain at this point," Strong said.

He said it's possible the dust could have come from the West.

The Texas Tribune on Friday said state residents in the Lubbock area are used to wind and dust. But an ongoing drought and recent tropical-storm level winds up to 69 mph were creating "epic dust storms" there, the news organization said in an online story.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection said on its website Friday that it's working with state and local agencies to investigate "large amounts of dust" in the Eastern Panhandle.

The agency said it sent inspectors to gather samples and test them to determine if it could be dust from the West.

"No obvious sources have been identified at this time," the agency said. It said no shelter in place advisories had been issued.

Where was the dust reported?

Strong said his office received a lot of calls about the dust, mainly from Eastern West Virginia and into Western Maryland, although he said it appears some also came from the Westminster, Md., area.

The Daily Times of Salisbury, Md., also part of the USA TODAY Network like The Herald-Mail, said residents on the Eastern Shore also reported finding the dust.

Tom Brown, director of emergency management for Washington County, said the county 911 center got a handful of calls about the dust Thursday night. Officials there then contacted Brown. He said it appears a lot of the dust dropped in the southern part of the county.

Brown said Friday afternoon that he had not received any information from the state. He dug around himself and talked to others who believe it might have been the dust from the West.

The theory is that the dust was being carried by warm southerly winds that pushed temperatures into the 70s in the Hagerstown area Thursday, Brown said.

Could it have been from the East Palestine, Ohio train wreck?

The wind flow likely would not have carried any air from the East Palestine, Ohio, area, where a train crash on Feb. 3 derailed dozens of cars and released toxic chemicals, Brown said. Some local residents were wondering if the dust could have been toxic substances from the crash.

More:Ohio officials say East Palestine's water is safe. But where's the full data?

Brown emphasized that he is no authority on the dust, and added he knows of no testing being done on it.

"I haven't seen the dust. I haven't seen any data to determine what it is," he said. "We're still monitoring it."

Apperson, with the state Environment Department, said particulate matter of small size poses the greatest health risk in situations such as the derailment.

"Smaller particles were not elevated during the event," Apperson said in an email, and he added that air monitoring Friday by MDE "showed good air quality."

MDE urges Marylanders to follow the department’s air quality forecasts, Apperson said. They are available online through AirNow, Clean Air Partners, the National Weather Service and on MDE’s website.

Military veterans across all generations who have been impacted by toxic exposures while serving their country could now be eligible for federal health care and other benefits under the historic PACT Act, according to a press release.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) started processing claims under the historic law at the start of the year. The PACT Act is the biggest expansion of VA benefits in 30 years and could benefit nearly a third of U.S. veterans and their families, including many of 53,284 veterans who live in Oakland County. The county has the second largest population of veterans in the state, after Wayne.

Officially known as the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, the PACT Act of 2022 expands eligibility of VA health care and benefits for veterans with toxic exposure from the Vietnam, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras. It covers many existing and new presumptive conditions stemming from Agent Orange, burn pits and other toxic exposures.

Veterans are encouraged to reach out to a Veteran Service Officer to help them file a claim. There are many accredited Veteran Service Officers located throughout Michigan and their services are free of charge.

To find a Veteran Service Officer near them, local veterans can contact Oakland County Veterans’ Services at www.oakgov.com/veterans, call the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) at 1-800-MICH-VET or use the MVAA’s county locator map, www.michigan.gov/mvaa/county-filter-search-locations.

Veterans can also contact the MVAA at 1-800-MICH-VET for any other needs, including locating their DD-214 discharge papers, applying for emergency financial assistance, getting connected to employment or education resources, and more. All MVAA services are confidential and complimentary.

Learn more about PACT Act on the VA website, www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits or call the VA at 1-800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).

Mission BBQ announces $369,590 donation to Wreaths Across America

Mission BBQ has announced the donation of $369,590 to national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA). This contribution was made possible thanks to the generosity of Mission BBQ customers and their support of Mission BBQ’s special American Heroes Cups. The donation will help sponsor over 24,000 veterans’ wreaths to remember our fallen U.S. service members at 101 participating locations during the 2023 holiday season, according to a press release.

Mission BBQ co-founder Bill Kraus presented this donation to Wreaths Across America Executive Director Karen Worcester.

“We remain proud and humbled to stand with Wreaths Across America and the amazing work they continue to do to Remember, Honor and Teach,” said Bill Kraus, co-founder for Mission BBQ.

“In 2022 Wreaths Across America’s theme was ‘Find a Way to Serve,’ and Mission BBQ is a company who has committed to doing just that,” Worcester said.

The impact they make in the communities they serve, through the generous support of their customers, is significant. They go above and beyond to not only support our yearlong mission, but so many other important programs in communities where their employees and customers live and work.”

American Heroes Cups are available year-round, retailing at $4.99 with $2 of every cup purchase donated to a charity supporting national military charities and local first responders. Customers are encouraged to bring back their American Heroes Cup on return visits to the restaurant and receive $.99 refills.

Mission BBQ currently has four locations in Michigan, including one at 890 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy. Other cities with locations include Northville, Sterling Heights and Grand Rapids.For more information, visit www.mission-bbq.com.

For more information about Wreaths Across America, visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.

Upcoming events

• Miracle Quilts for Our Wounded Troops to host a meeting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at Independence Village, 701 Market Street, Oxford, and from 9:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at UAW Local 5960, 180 Silver Bell Road, Orion Twp. New volunteers are needed. Volunteers are asked to bring a sewing machine, extension cord and basic sewing supplies, and stay for an hour or spend the day, or take the kits home and return at a later date. Pre-cut kits are available. For more information, call Carole 248-321-8669.

• Highland-White Lake-Milford VFW Post 9914 to host and a Steak and Rib Dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 10, and a Country Breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon, Sunday, March 12, at 3200 N. Duck Lake Road, Highland Twp. The post would like to increase its membership. For more information, call 248-887-9914.

• Lapeer American Legion Post 16 to host Annual Hippies Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at 1701 Genesee St., Lapeer. Tickets are $6.50 at www.peacelovehippiesfest.com/tickets. For more information, call 810-664-9312.

• Holly American Legion Post 149 to host All-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 12, at 408 S. Saginaw, Holly. Adults pay $9, children 12 and younger, $5. For more information, call 248-634-3822.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info. in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.

PARKERSBURG — Little Kanawha Conference wrestling programs won’t have it easy during the 76th annual West Virginia state wrestling tournament set to get underway at 6:30 p.m. today inside Huntington’s Mountain Health Arena.

Tyler Consolidated head coach Paden Morris’ team qualified five through the always tough Region I tournament, which included 175-pound runner-up Sean Winfrey.

The junior, who was named the Andrew Davis Outstanding Wrestler at the Single-A Challenge where he helped his team to a runner-up finish behind expected state champ Greenbrier West, is looking to place for a third time.

The Silver Knights were ranked second and just ahead of Ravenswood in the last wvmat.com/W.Va. Coaches Association poll.

Six-time defending LKC champion Braxton County is eyeing a top-five effort in Class AA for mat boss Sterling Beane.

The Eagles had a quartet of Region II top of the podium finishes thanks to Paxton Smith (132), Blayne Jarvis (144), Logan Bennett (157) and Jackson Davis (175). Jarvis, a two-time state placer, joins Clay County 215-pound, two-time, state runner-up Noah Casto as the lone top-ranked LKC grapplers.

Doddridge County crowned a pair of champions in Region III thanks to 190-pounder Trenton Huffman and 138-pounder Riley Curran, who earned LKC MOW honors and was state runner-up last winter at 132. Huffman placed third at 160 each of the past two seasons at Tyler Consolidated.

Like Casto, heavyweight Ethan Morris and 126-pounder Zane Minger bested their respective weight classes in Region II for the Panthers. Minger is the only other LKC wrestler who has vied for a state crown. After placing sixth at 106 as a freshman, Minger was runner-up at 120 in 2022.

Four other LKC grapplers enter the final weekend of the season as regional champs. Roane County’s Levi Holbert (106) and Tyson Pena (120) from Region II as well as Ravenswood’s Jake Bowling (150) and Wirt County’s Chase Lowe (165) in Region IV.

Although third-year Williamstown head coach Tyler George didn’t have any regional champions, five Yellowjackets qualified for state. Leading the way is 190-pounder Brayden Buckley, who was the Region I runner-up.

“We’re excited for Brayden, though he got kind of a tough pill draw,” admitted George, whose team qualified six last year and placed one after placing two and qualifying three his first season.

“He’s in a tough weight class. He took second at the Single-A Challenge.

“You got to beat someone if you want to finish in the top six. He’s the perfect guy for that. He’s got a couple tricks in his bag that could work out for us. If he has a mindset of a senior with nothing to lose I think he can beat one or two guys to be able to place.”

WHS also had a pair of regional runner-up efforts from sophomores Cayden Blankenship at 120 and heavyweight Jensen Burge.

“I think they are both set up really well with the pill,” added the coach. “I think they got great draws and good matchups. I think we can win our first two and sit in the semis, and that guarantees us top six.

“Looking at the pill as a whole, I think we lucked out pretty good for those two guys. They still got to beat guys they aren’t supposed to beat. On common opponents and how they are wrestling, I think they are ready to step up and shock some people.”

Coach George also was pleased to have the freshman duo of 106-pounder Waylon Barniak and 120-pounder Holden McComas advance.

“I wouldn’t say shock,” the coach said of the pair qualifying for Huntington. “With Barniak, we had an idea that he could. The wrestler we got back in December to the wrestler we got now is a completely different guy.

“McComas was a JV backup all year until the LKC and he stepped up for us. We had a kid quit on us and he did well, comes in and ultimately qualifies third at the regional. Definitely didn’t see that one coming.”

There are a dozen opening round matchups pitting Mid-Ohio Valley wrestlers and that includes Barniak facing Holbert, McComas squaring off with Roane County’s Chase Beckner as well as Buckley colliding with Tyler Consolidated’s Kendall Huffman.

Jarvis will open his tournament for the Eagles against Calhoun County’s Haiden Staton. At 106, Wirt County’s Xzavier Wells faces Doddridge County’s Trey McDonough while Ravenswood’s Levi Blackhurst takes on Braxton County’s Cody Stout.

The other six matches are at 113 with Clay County’s James Sears vs. Tyler Consolidated’s Kaden Huffman, at 132 with Ritchie County’s Tristen Ginanni facing Magnolia’s Lucas Zombotti, at 157 with Rebel Dalton Settle taking on Blue Eagle Jordan Davis, at 165 with Braxton County’s Tyler Cox vs. Wahama’s Andrew Roush, at 215 with the Panther Casto taking on Calhoun County’s Levi Stump and at heavyweight where Braxton County’s Ryder McLaughlin tangles with Raustyn Wade of Tyler Consolidated.

“I think we are ready to go,” added coach George. “End of the day, as coaches we can hope and wish and go through the bracket and go through every scenario, but at the end of the day you have to show up and wrestle. Everyone has to show up and there are upsets everywhere. We have to hope a little luck is on our side and we have to go out and work for it.”

Contact Jay Bennett at jbennett@newsandsentinel.com

NEWSLETTER

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A new Salvadoran snack shop specializing in sweet drinks like “mangonadas” and horchata, as well as desserts, opens today in Sterling. It’s called MangoLina and this is the brand’s fourth location in the region.

The Burn told you about MangoLina back in December when we learned it was taking a vacant spot in the Cedar Lake Plaza center.

That’s off Route 7 near the intersection with Lakeland Drive. The main store in the center is a Cocos Food grocery store.

MangoLina got its start in 2019 in Woodbridge and has since opened stores in Springfield, Virginia and Hyattsville, Maryland.

Besides all types of dishes inspired by mangos and other fruits, there are savory items on the menu as well — such as variations on elote, a type of street corn.

[Editor’s Note: The restaurant officially opened on Friday, February 3 after getting its final permit.] An eagerly anticipated new restaurant in Sterling is on the verge of officially opening its doors. Local Provisions bills itself as a neighborhood “hearth & grill” and it’s getting ready to welcome the community.

We say eagerly anticipated in part because of the location Local Provisions has chosen. They are opening in the Cascades Marketplace shopping center off Palisade Parkway in Sterling.

The center is one of the older retail centers in Loudoun County and has lost more tenants in recent years than it has added. New management is planing to revitalize the center — and the announcement of Local Provisions was seen as a harbinger of things to come.

We’ve got a look at the Local Provisions menus and it’s chock full of easily approachable comfort food — but with a bit of a “foodie” element as well.

There’s a hearty Rigatoni Bolognese, but there’s also a Char-Grilled Octopus. There’s a dish called Chicken Under a Brick served with coal roasted potatoes and there’s also a Lamb Burger.

Fresh baked bread is one of their staples as well. Plus there is a full bar with a variety of cocktails, wines by the glass and beers. You can see the full menu at the bottom of this story.

You may hear some folks raving about the meals they have had at Local Provisions. The restaurant held a few practice dinners in recent days. But right now, they are waiting on their final permits before they can officially open to the general public.

That could happen as soon as tomorrow — Friday, February 3 — so keep an eye out. And fingers crossed Local Provisions is the first of many good things for Cascades Marketplace.

China Will Continue to be the Market Leader

STERLING, Va., March 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Over six hundred and fifty thousand hydrogen fuel cell buses will be sold globally by 2037, according to Information Trends. In a study, Global Market for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses, the company says a robust ecosystem for the rollout for hydrogen fuel cell buses is finally in place in most major markets.

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Until year-end 2022, less than 4,000 hydrogen fuel cell buses had been sold globally, the study said. However, in 2023, the hydrogen fuel cell bus market is registering significant traction. The Asia-Pacific region has taken the lead, followed by Europe.

China has seen the fastest growth in the deployment of these buses, said Ms. Haani Kambrani, the lead author of the study. Other Asian countries witnessing growth include Japan and Korea.

According to Ms. Kambrani, Germany and France are leading the market in terms of deployments in Europe. In the Americas, the U.S. state of California and the Canadian province of British Columbia are in the forefront of deploying these buses.

The study says that hydrogen fuel cell buses are currently more expensive than battery-electric buses, but they offer shorter fueling time as well as longer range on a single fueling. This gives fuel cell buses a distinct advantage over battery-electric buses, particularly over longer routes.

By 2030, hydrogen fuel cell buses will reach a price parity with battery-electric buses, which will propel their rapid rollout. By that time, an extensive fueling infrastructure for buses will be widely available in most major markets. In addition, the price of hydrogen will be competitive with other fueling options.

About Information Trends

Information Trends is a reputable market research, consulting, and advisory firm based in the Washington D.C. metro area. The company publishes in-depth market studies and provides annual subscription services to meet its clients' ongoing needs for actionable market intelligence.

Media Contact:Samy Sabharwal703-424-9400348177@email4pr.com

SOURCE Information Trends