*Race for prosecutor leaves office short on staff

By Preston Knight -- pknight@nvdaily.com

WOODSTOCK -- Shenandoah County Commonwealth's Attorney Albert T. Mitchell is a walking "Help Wanted" ad.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys Ken Alger and Dragana McCleary are taking unpaid leaves of absences so they do not create any unnecessary distractions within the prosecutor's office as the race to find Mitchell's successor heats up. The leaves are effective Friday, said Mitchell, who is retiring at the end of the year.

"Both have stated ... it's in the best interest of the public and my office," he said. "Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to have them for a while."

Mitchell said he is seeking part-time, temporary help, and other commonwealth's attorney offices in the area have offered to assist. He and another assistant, Ryan King, will handle most cases.

Alger and McCleary's husband, Jeremy, are running for commonwealth's attorney. Jeremy McCleary is also Woodstock's mayor.

For further developments, visit nvdaily.com or read the print edition of The Northern Virginia Daily.