Police Chief A. J. Panebianco and his officers celebrated what Town Administrator Semmes called, "completion of the most disruptive part of the Route 50 project" in the heart of Middleburg. With temporary traffic lights gone, two-way traffic moving, and the lingering effects of one of the worst hail-storms in living memory beginning to fade into history, Middleburg seems well on its way to returning to "even-better-than-normal" just in time for the annual Salamander Film Festival, Halloween, and Christmas in Middleburg.

Parking spaces and decisions about parking meters or other approaches to managing turnover in the town's parking spaces is next on the department's agenda.

Chief Panebianco's planning for Christmas in Middleburg, he reports, is already well underway. "We have a completely different plan this year that prioritizes safety, [and] will address resident complaints regarding 'stacked' and/or poor parking in the residential areas."

Barricades have already been ordered.

New distinctive vests have been ordered for use by the press and other accredited photographers. "Nobody will be permitted [to stand in] the parade route without a vest," the Chief said. "The vest will serve as the one and only "press pass."