Dumfries celebrated its 275th anniversary with a grand Gala held at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on May 10, 2024. The event, emceed by Guy Lambert, a radio news anchor now with WTTG-TV in Washington, D.C., drew an attendance of approximately 150-200 guests, falling short of the advertised 350-person "sold out" crowd advertised by town officials.
Despite the anticipation, the room was noticeably less crowded than expected, with ample space for movement. Attendees were treated to a menu of food, though leftovers were abundant. Complimentary water and iced tea were available, while a bar offered additional beverage options. However, hors d'oeuvres were notably absent from the menu.
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- Exit 130 (Route 3) to Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton): Sunday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Alternating single and double lane closures at 10 p.m. at the four bridges over the Rappahannock River at mile marker 132 for bridge washing.
- Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton): Sunday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Alternating single and double lane closures at 10 p.m. at all the bridges over Route 17 at the exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) interchange for bridge washing.
- Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway): Sunday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Alternating lane closures at the bridges over Potomac Creek near the exit 136 (Centrport Parkway) interchange for bridge washing with double lane closures at 10 p.m.
- Exit 140 (Courthouse Road): Sunday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Alternating lane closure at the bridges over Courthouse Road at the interchange for bridge washing with double lane closures at 10 p.m.
- Exit 143 (Garrisonville): Sunday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Alternating lane closure at the bridges over Aquia Creek with double lane closures at 10 p.m. at mile marker 145 near the exit 143 (Garrisonville) interchange for bridge washing.
I-95 Northbound: Exit 126 (Spotsylvania): Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Bridge work. Single lane closure at 9 p.m. followed by double lane closures at 10 p.m. between mile markers 125-126. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Construction of a new overpass of I-95 at Route 17 (Mills Drive).
- Exit 130 (Route 3) to Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway): Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Single lane closures between mile markers 129 to 134. for the I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing.
- Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. and Friday, 10 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Alternating single and double lane closures at 10 p.m. on I-95 northbound in the local and through lanes. Crews installing rumble strips and pavement markings for the I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing project.
- Exit 130 (Route 3) to Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton): Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Single lane closure on both the local and through travel lanes on I-95 northbound at mile markers 129-134 for final construction activities for the I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing project.
I-95 Southbound: Exit 148 (Quantico) to Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville)
Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 10 a.m. and Thursday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Single lane closure between mile markers 148-146 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension work.
- Exit 140 (Courthouse Road): Monday – Thursday, 4 a.m. – 10 a.m. Single lane closure for slope repair.
- Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) to Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton): Monday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 10 a.m. and Thursday – Friday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Single lane closure on I-95 southbound at mile markers 136-134 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension work.
- Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) to Exit 130 (Route 3): Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Single lane closure starting at 9 p.m. on the local lanes followed by double lane closures at 10 p.m. Milling and paving work.
- Exit 126 (Spotsylvania): Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Bridge work. Single lane closure at 9 p.m. followed by double lane closures at 10 p.m. between mile markers 125-126. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Construction of a new overpass of I-95 at Route 17 (Mills Drive).
- Exit 126 (Spotsylvania) to Exit 118 (Thornburg): Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Single lane closure starting at 9 p.m. followed by double lane closures at 10 p.m. between mile markers 125-120. Milling and paving work on the travel lanes.
Spotsylvania County: Route 1 Northbound at Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road): Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mudd Tavern Road northbound right turn lane at Route 1 intersection will be closed for utility work.
- Route 1 Southbound: Monday – Wednesday, 7 p.m. – 6 a.m. Single lane closure between the I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway for barrier wall removal work.
- Route 3 (Plank Road) at Route 621 (Orange Plank Road): Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Single lane closure at the intersection for construction.
- Route 601 (Lewiston Road): Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Alternating lane closures with flagging for surface treatment and pavement marking work near Mica Mine Road.
- Route 601 (Arrit Road): Tuesday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Alternating lane closures with flagging for surface treatment and pavement marking work near Greenes Corner Road.
- Route 646 (Stanfield Road): Wednesday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Alternating lane closures with flagging for surface treatment and pavement marking work between White Angel Lane and Long Acres Lane.
- Route 649 (Seays Road): Monday – Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Milling and paving. One-way, alternating traffic directed by a flagging crew between Post Oak Road and Robert E. Lee Drive.
- Route 655 (Ridge Road): Monday – Wednesday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Alternating lane closures for cape seal surface treatment between Courthouse Road and Lawyers Road. One-way, alternating traffic directed by a flagging crew and pilot truck.
- Route 674 (Chancellor Road): Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Milling and paving. One-way, alternating traffic directed by a flagging crew between Old Plank Road and Gordon Road.
- Route 711 (Southpoint Parkway): Monday – Wednesday, 7 p.m. – 5:30 a.m. Single lane closure between Route 1 southbound and Pacific Drive for barrier wall removal work.
- Route 721 (Grand Brooks Road): Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Alternating lane closures for cape seal surface treatment between Lawyers Road and Stubbs Bridge Road. One-way, alternating traffic directed by a flagging crew and pilot truck.
- I-95 Southbound Exit 126 Off-Ramp and Route 1 Southbound: A second right turn lane is under construction from the I-95 southbound off-ramp at exit 126 onto Route 1 southbound. Route 1 southbound is being widened from the off-ramp to Southpoint Parkway with an additional turn lane. A second right turn lane is being added from Route 1 southbound to Southpoint Parkway. Traffic islands will be installed along Southpoint Parkway as a safety improvement to allow left turns into driveways but restrict through and left-turning traffic exiting from side streets. Additional right turn lane added to Southpoint Parkway to Route 1 southbound. Project completion in Aug. 2025.
- Route 3 and Orange Plank Road: Construction started Wednesday, May 8 to modify the intersection of Route 3 and Orange Plank Rd. to a new traffic pattern to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce conflict points. Project completion in summer 2024.
- Route 17 (Mills Drive) Overpass Replacement and Widening: Construction started in Dec. 2020 to replace the existing two-lane interstate overpass on Route 17 with a four-lane bridge. Route 17 is being widened to four lanes until just east of the Hospital Boulevard/Germanna Point Drive intersection. A shared-use path, sidewalk, and pedestrian crossing equipment will be added as part of the project. Project completion was scheduled for late Feb. 2024. The project is now anticipated to be completed in Summer 2024.
- Route 208 (Courthouse Road) and Hood Drive: Hood Drive is reduced to a single lane between Route 1 and Route 208 (Courthouse Road), carrying only northbound traffic. Southbound traffic should follow the posted detour along Courthouse Road and Route 1 southbound. New right and left turn lanes are under construction at an entrance to a future Veterans Health Administration clinic. Additional turn lanes will be built on northbound Hood Drive approaching Courthouse Road. A raised median on Hood Drive will separate northbound and southbound traffic between Courthouse Road and McGowan Drive. Additional sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian crossing equipment will be installed at the intersection. Project completion in June 2024.
- Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road) Widening: Mudd Tavern Road is being widened to four lanes between I-95 and Route 1. A new secondary access route, Route 2092, will be built parallel to Mudd Tavern Road, and will connect with South Roxbury Mill Road and Dan Bell Lane. Project completion in May 2025.
Stafford County: Route 17 Northbound: Sunday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. – 6 a.m. Alternating single lane closures on Route 17 northbound between Short Street and Sanford Drive for I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing construction.
- Route 17 Southbound: Sunday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. – 7 a.m. Alternating single lane closures on Route 17 southbound between Sanford Drive and Short Street for I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing construction.
- Augustine North Subdivision: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Milling and paving on various routes throughout Augustine North subdivision between Courthouse Road and Mountain View Road. Flaggers will direct traffic through the work zone.
- Berea Church Road: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Alternating lane closures with flagging between Truslow Road and Warrenton Road for utility work for the Berea Church Road construction project.
- Brent Point Road: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Alternating one-way traffic on Brent Point Road for cape seal surface treatment between Arkendale Road to end of the state maintenance. Flaggers and pilot truck will direct traffic through the work zone.
- Decatur Road: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Alternating one-way traffic on Decatur Road for cape seal surface treatment between Indian View Road and Norman Road. Flaggers and pilot truck will direct traffic through the work zone.
- Richland Road: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Alternating one-way traffic on Richland Road for cape seal surface treatment between Route 17 and Hartwood Road. Flaggers and pilot truck will direct traffic through the work zone.
- Rosehaven Street: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Alternating lane closure for pipe replacement work with flaggers directing traffic through the work zone.
- Sanford Drive: Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Alternating one-way traffic on Sanford Drive between Route 17 and Simpson Drive for pavement marking work.
- South Gateway Drive: Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Alternating lane closures on South Gateway Drive near the Route 17 intersection for pavement marking work.
—Virginia Department of Transportation
FREE Leadership Sessions will be conducted at the George Mason University –Arlington Campus for High School Latinas. The program runs from Monday 7/15 through Friday 7/19 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM EST each day (1-week).
Las sesiones de liderazgo GRATUITAS se llevarán a cabo en el campus de George Mason University – Arlington para latinas de secundaria. El programa se desarrollará desde el lunes 15 de julio hasta el viernes 19 de julio, de 10:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. EST cada día (1 semana).
Our goal is to equip students with the fundamentals of self-promotion and guide them in shaping their personal brand for future success. What sets this program apart is its integration of self-awareness activities and mentorship by seasoned professionals.
Sessions begin with a thorough assessment of leadership dynamics on July 15th, participants delve into the intricacies of personal branding and etiquette on July 16th, followed by practical guidance on crafting compelling LinkedIn profiles and resumes on July 17th. July 18th emphasizes the art of storytelling through personal statements, while July 19th culminates in portfolio presentations, allowing participants to showcase their newfound skills. The program concludes on July 20th with a memorable graduation ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of the ELITE Academy’s graduates and their journey towards leadership excellence.
Two people inside a box truck tried to force their way onto Quantico Marine Corps Base.
After being pressed by Potomac Local News, base officials today said that in the early morning hours of Friday, May 3, 2024, the two men drove a truck up to the base’s main gate on Fuller Road, just outside Dumfries, told guards that they were contractors for Amazon and were making a delivery to Quantico Town’s post office. The town is located inside the military base.
The men did not provide any approved access credentials, and police determined the vehicle had no affiliation with the base, so officers directed the truck to a holding area for standard vetting procedures. “One of the military police officers noticed the driver, ignoring the direct instructions of the officers, continued to move the vehicle past the holding area and attempted to access…Quantico,” said base spokesman Capt. Micheal Curtis.
Officers then used vehicle denial barriers, or roadblocks that were used to keep out cars, which prevented the two men from traveling further onto the base. The occupants were detained and eventually turned over to ICE, and no one was injured, said Curtis.
Multiple sources report one of the individuals inside the truck is a Jordanian foreign national who recently crossed the southern border into the U.S., and that one of the occupants is on the U.S. terrorist watch list. Quantico did not confirm this information.
Potomac Local News requested more information from ICE, and we’ll update this post as soon as we receive it.
Sources also tell us security on the base has been heightened since the incident, and that a mass email was sent to base personnel urging them to be on high alert.
The Quantico incident mirrors others at military installations across the U.S. and the White House, which have raised concerns about security protocols and the safety of personnel following three separate incidents involving unauthorized vehicle access.
Two days after the incident at Quantico, a vehicle crashed into an outer perimeter gate of the White House in Washington, D.C., resulting in the death of the driver. President Joe Biden, who was away for the weekend in Delaware, was not present during the incident, and the Secret Service confirmed that there was no threat to the White House.
The driver, a male whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was found deceased in the vehicle following the crash, which took place shortly before 10:30 p.m.
The Secret Service promptly enacted security measures, assuring the public that there was no immediate threat to the White House. Both the Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the incident to determine its cause and any underlying factors.
Tragedy struck at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story in Virginia on Sunday, April 28, when a driver attempted to breach security protocols at the installation’s gate and crashed into a hydraulic barricade. Despite attempts by the base’s fire company to extinguish the resulting fire, the driver succumbed to the crash. According to a public affairs officer, the vehicle disregarded security checks and barreled through the gate at high speed.
On April 3, at Naval Base San Diego, an internal security vehicle triggered chaos at the Norman Scott Gate. The unmarked vehicle, belonging to the base’s security team, breached the gate without stopping, prompting the activation of emergency barricades. The ensuing collision injured three occupants, including two civilian officers and one active-duty military member.
On March 27, 2024, at Twentynine Palms, California, a Chinese national made a brazen attempt to gain access to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. Despite being informed by military police that he lacked authorization, the individual proceeded past gate guards, prompting immediate intervention by law enforcement. The suspect was swiftly detained and transferred to Customs and Border Patrol custody.
Kelly Sienkowski is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News. If you’re not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!
In light of Shenandoah County’s recent decision to rename Mountain View High School Stonewall Jackson High School and the restoration of the Confederate name, should Prince William County Public Schools follow suit and restore Stonewall Jackson’s name to Unity Reed High School, located near Manassas?
Here’s a quick recap:
- In 2020, Prince William County Public Schools changed the name of the high school from Stonewall Jackson High School to Unity Reed High School.
- Shenandoah County’s recent vote reflects a shift in sentiment, with a 5-1 decision to reinstate Confederate names in schools.
- The decision in Shenandoah County was prompted by concerns of ignoring popular sentiment and due process.
Howdy, folks! It’s that time of year again when the good folks over at OmniRide and Prince William County are dusting off their bikes and gearing up for Bike to Work Day! Yeehaw!
Partnering up with the sharpshooters at Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, this annual hootenanny aims to rustle up some awareness about pedaling to work instead of hoofing it in your trusty automobile.
Now, listen up, cowpokes! The first 15,000 riders who mosey on over to one of their pit stops scattered across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia will nab themselves a free T-shirt and some grub to fuel their journey. Ain’t that a deal sweeter than a slice of homemade apple pie?
Roundin’ up the local pit stops for ya:
- Dumfries – Swing by the Simpson Community Center on Main Street from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- Manassas – Head on down to George Mason University, Freedom Center Boulevard & University Boulevard, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- Manassas – Swing by the Manassas VRE station on West Street, bright and early from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Manassas Park – Don’t forget the Manassas Park VRE Station on Manassas Drive, open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Woodbridge – If you’re in Woodbridge, hit up the Rippon Landing VRE station or the Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center, starting at 6 a.m.
- Woodbridge – Or hitch your wagon to the Woodbridge VRE station, Tackett’s Mill Park & Ride Lot, or Minnieville Rd, all from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
OmniRide’s hitchin’ their wagon to the Rippon Landing Pit Stop, and their folks’ll be hanging around the Downtown Manassas VRE station, ready to lend a hand.
But hold onto your hats, folks, ’cause the fun don’t stop there. OmniRide’s rustlin’ up a whole month of Bike Exploration! Throughout May, they’re spreadin’ the word about mixin’ bikes and buses like peas and carrots.
They’re showin’ folks how to hitch their trusty steeds to an OmniRide bus and roll into work with the wind at their backs. Them buses even come equipped with bike racks, so you can keep your wheels close by at no extra cost.
Hosted by the City of Manassas and Manassas City Public Schools, the event encourages guests of all ages to stop by and take home some free books.
The pavilion is located at 9201 Center Street, Manassas. The event will include various special guests, such as authors, school representatives, and student volunteers.
Live book readings, crafts, and library card registration will take place throughout the morning. Attendees are welcome to take as many books as they like, but they should consider other book lovers.
The books were provided by numerous local sources, including community citizens, staff, businesses, and organizations.
Organizers for the Manassas Reads Festival say the event aims to promote literacy among community members by providing free books for all. Make sure to stop by this Saturday!
Prince William County Schools press release: For some Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) employees, the time has come to bid farewell to their classrooms and offices—their retirement from the school division marks the end of an era as well as a stepping stone toward their next grand adventure.
Nearly 300 employees—educators, support staff, and administrators who have dedicated years of their lives in service to our students will be celebrated in a retirement ceremony on May 21. Through their crucial work and irreplaceable efforts, they have provided a safe and welcoming environment for all students to learn the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind necessary to create a thriving future for themselves and their community.
See the full list of retirees.
Rescue crews pulled a man to safety after he fell near the Lake Jackson Dam near Manassas.
On Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 5:53 p.m., emergency response units were dispatched to attend to an injury incident near the shoreline of the Occoquan River, close to the Lake Jackson Dam.
Upon arrival, responders recognized the necessity for additional units equipped for high-angle rescues, given the challenging terrain required to safely extricate the injured individual from the riverbank.
Supplemental support from both Prince William County and the Manassas Fire Department swiftly arrived at the scene to assist. Meanwhile, crews already on the scene administered essential emergency medical treatment for the injuries suffered by the patient, who had fallen while attempting to cross the river.
Eventually, crews placed the patient was carefully secured onto a stretcher. Employing a haul system, emergency personnel pulled the victim from the riverbank. Following the successful extraction, the patient was taken via medevac helicopter to a nearby trauma center for further evaluation and medical attention.
