AstraZeneca, a global pharmaceutical giant, has chosen Virginia for its largest-ever single manufacturing investment—but officials have yet to say exactly where in the state the facility will be built.

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GAINESVILLE, Va. – Bob Weir, the Gainesville District Supervisor on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors and a longtime fixture in local politics, died July 20, 2025, after a short but aggressive battle with colon cancer. He was 62.

Weir was known across Prince William County not just for his deep policy knowledge and procedural rigor, but for his fiery style, unfiltered commentary, and devotion to public service. State Senator Danica Roem, who covered Weir during her years as a journalist before entering politics, described him as “a curmudgeon in the most loving sense of the word.”

“Only Bob Weir is Bob Weir,” Roem said in an interview on Monday. “Don’t try to be Bob. Don’t even think you’re Bob.”

Weir’s last public appearance was on July 8, when he participated remotely in a Board of Supervisors meeting. Roem said the illness progressed quickly, and although Weir hadn’t looked well recently, the final days came swiftly.

Before joining the Board of County Supervisors in a 2022 special election, Weir served for decades on the Haymarket Town Council and Planning Commission. Residents knew him as a mainstay at public meetings and a constant presence during Citizens’ Time, where anyone can speak directly to county leaders for three minutes.

“He would speak at the board members,” said Potomac Local News Publisher Uriah Kiser. “Not to them—at them. Then he’d step outside, light a cigarette, and keep talking to anyone who’d listen.”

Roem remembered Weir’s mastery of budget documents, legislative rules, and local government operations. He was known to invoke Jefferson’s Manual or Robert’s Rules of Order during public comment. His speeches were often laced with biting humor and cutting analysis.

“He could flame you one day and then have a beer with you the next,” Roem said. “He cared deeply about transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the public knowing what was really going on.”

Although he was a Republican, Weir frequently won support from voters across the political spectrum, particularly in western Prince William County, where opposition to industrial-scale data centers grew in recent years. Weir positioned himself as a staunch critic of the Prince William Digital Gateway project, a mega-development near Manassas National Battlefield Park, which was tied up in legal red tape.

“If you want to memorialize Bob Weir,” said Roem, “defeat the Digital Gateway. That was his issue.”

Weir’s approach to politics was as nonpartisan as it was combative. Roem noted that during his time in office, Weir intentionally avoided plastering his name or party affiliation on materials from his district office.

“The tent at Haymarket Day didn’t say ‘Bob Weir,’” she said. “It said ‘Gainesville District.’ That’s how he operated—this wasn’t about him.”

Weir’s death marks the second time in recent memory that a sitting Prince William County Supervisor died in office. In 2019, longtime Neabsco District Supervisor John Jenkins passed away and was honored with a formal public funeral. Roem said Weir likely wouldn’t have wanted the same.

“Bob had no interest in pageantry,” Roem said. “He was more likely to be remembered over scotch and stories at Giuseppe’s than at a state funeral.”

In lieu of a formal service, friends and colleagues are expected to gather informally to share memories. Plans are also underway to plant a crabapple tree in his honor at Long Park in Haymarket, near another tree planted for late Planning Commissioner John Liver.

“He did so much with public service,” said Roem. “You might not have agreed with him—but you always knew he’d done his homework, and he wasn’t afraid to tell you exactly what he thought.”

Weir is survived by his wife and three children, close friends and staff, including his longtime aide and confidante Rebecca Bare, whom Roem credited as “the patron saint of Haymarket” for guiding him through his final weeks.

Plans for filling the vacant Gainesville District seat have not yet been announced.

Listen to the full conversation and read Roem’s complete statement about Weir posted to Facebook:

Annaburg Manor was recently rezoned and designated a historic structure and city landmark at the July 14 Manassas City Council meeting.

The city was requesting approval to rezone the Manor — which was built in the early 1890s as a summer residence for Robert Portner in the Neo-Classical Revival style — to add a historic overlay district.

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MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas City School Board will meet Tuesday, July 22, to review progress on key projects ahead of the new school year, including construction of the new Jennie Dean Elementary School, changes to the division’s Code of Conduct, and strategies to address bullying in schools.

Jennie Dean construction update

Crews are continuing to make progress on the $46.7 million replacement for Jennie Dean Elementary School, with the project still on schedule and within budget. The main building’s concrete slab is nearly complete, and masonry walls are now in place in the administrative, first, and second grade wings.

Mechanical trades are working ahead of finishing crews to ensure infrastructure is in place, and an exterior façade mockup will be assembled next month. Sitework this summer includes utility connections and construction of the new side parking lot, which is expected to reopen in time for the first day of school on August 12.

The future of the original Jennie Dean school building remains undecided, as city officials and community advocates continue to debate whether it should be demolished or repurposed.

Updated Code of Conduct for 2025–26

The board will also review the final draft of the updated Student Code of Conduct, which includes several major policy changes:

• Stricter cell phone policy: A new “Cell Phone-Free Education” initiative will restrict student use of personal electronic devices during the school day.
  • PreK–4: No devices allowed
  • Grades 5–6: Devices must be turned off and stored, not used at all
  • Grades 7–12: No device use from first bell to dismissal, including lunch and between classes
    Violations involving cyberbullying, sexting, or filming fights will lead to disciplinary action.
• Gang-related discipline: A formal re-entry conference will now be required following a 10-day suspension for gang-related activity.
• OTC medication misuse: The code adds new language clarifying disciplinary procedures for the misuse of over-the-counter medications such as cold remedies.
• Expanded use of restorative practices: Conflict mediation, behavioral interventions, and counseling are encouraged as alternatives to traditional discipline.

Focus on bullying prevention

The meeting will also include a presentation titled “Culture of Caring: Strategies for Addressing Bullying,” led by school administrators and counselors. The presentation will outline how bullying is defined and addressed under school policy, as well as the supports in place for students.

Key components include:

• Clear definitions of bullying, hazing, and cyberbullying, including the requirement that bullying involves a power imbalance and causes harm or emotional trauma.
• Investigation protocols: School administrators are responsible for gathering evidence, notifying parents, and applying appropriate consequences, which may include restorative practices or law enforcement referrals.
• Prevention programs: MCPS incorporates classroom lessons, peer mediation, individual and group counseling, and the division-wide “Sources of Strength” program to promote mental health, mentorship, and positive peer relationships.

Students and families are encouraged to report bullying to a trusted adult, with concerns escalated to the Director of School Leadership, Betty-Jo Wynham, if necessary.

The School Board meeting begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Manassas City Hall, 9027 Center Street, and is open to the public. It will also be livestreamed on the division’s website.

STAFFORD, Va. – A Stafford County woman is charged with second-degree murder after deputies say she shot and killed her ex-boyfriend at a home on Rocky Run Road. This is the second homicide in Stafford County this week, and the second time authorities have withheld the victim’s name, following a separate deadly shooting in an England Run apartment earlier this week.

Press release:

A 32-year-old Stafford female has been charged with second degree murder after a shooting in South Stafford.

On July 19th at approximately 12:40 p.m. deputies responded to a person shot report. The caller advised she “thinks” she had shot and killed her ex-boyfriend. The caller further advised she was at the Giant parking lot, located at 550 Celebrate Virginia Parkway, awaiting deputies. The shooting occurred at a residence on Rocky Run Road.

Deputies responded to the location of the caller and the residence in question. At the residence, deputies located a 31-year-old male with apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Simultaneously, deputies made contact with the caller and she was detained. The firearm believed to be used in the incident was in the possession of the caller at the time of her detainment.

After a thorough investigation, it was discovered the shooting was domestic related. The caller, identified as Ashlynn Blair, was charged with second degree murder, as well as, the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. She was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victim. Out of respect for the victim’s family, the victim’s name is not being released at this time.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Two separate house fires on Sunday displaced multiple families in Prince William County and left two people hospitalized, according to fire officials.

The first fire occurred at 8:46 a.m. on July 20 in the 2300 block of West Longview Drive in Woodbridge. Crews arrived to find fire showing from the front of the home. All occupants had exited the house after being alerted by working smoke detectors.

Two adults, who lived in the basement where the fire originated, were transported to a local hospital for treatment. In total, five adults and three children were displaced by the fire, which caused moderate damage to the home. A building official has deemed the residence unsafe to occupy. The Red Cross is assisting those affected, and the Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause.

Later that day, at 3:23 p.m., firefighters responded to a second house fire in the 12300 block of Lavender Flower Court in the Bristow area. Flames and smoke were visible upon arrival, and fire crews quickly worked to extinguish the blaze. All occupants evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.

The Bristow fire displaced four adults and two children. Damage was significant enough that the house was also declared unsafe to occupy. The Red Cross is providing assistance, and the Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the cause of the fire.

Officials emphasize the critical role of smoke detectors in both incidents. “The outcome could have been much different if not for the home being equipped with working smoke detectors,” fire officials stated. Residents are encouraged to check their devices and contact their local fire station or the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-792-6360 if they need help obtaining smoke detectors. Landlords are required by law to provide working smoke detectors in rental properties.

“Smoke detectors save lives,” the Fire Marshal’s Office stressed.

9 p.m. update – The Office of Supervisor Bob Weir confirmed his passing on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from metastatic colon cancer. In a statement, his family and staff remembered him as a devoted public servant, husband, and father who deeply valued transparency, community service, and the people of Gainesville District.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Prince William County Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir, who died on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from Metastatic Colon cancer.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, and public servant. He graduated from the University of Virginia. He spent most of his life in the Commonwealth and was proud to call the Gainesville District home. He and his wife of 34 years, Diane, raised their three children — Sam, Michael, and Megan — in the very community he later represented on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors.

He began his public service as a Haymarket Town Council member, where he established himself as a thoughtful, principled leader. His work on the Board was marked by a no-nonsense approach, a deep commitment to transparency, and a steadfast focus on the residents he served.

Among his many contributions, Bob was widely known for his dedication to constituent services. He personally followed up with residents, sought practical solutions, and consistently prioritized the day-to-day concerns of the people in his district.

His passing is a profound loss to Prince William County, and his legacy of quiet strength, integrity, and public service will not be forgotten.

At this time, the family respectfully requests privacy to grieve. Details regarding services and opportunities for the public to honor Supervisor Weir will be shared in the coming days.

7:18 p.m. update – The Prince William Board of County Supervisors released a joint statement mourning the loss of Supervisor Weir, calling him “a respected leader” whose legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the policies he helped shape.

Full statement:

It is with deep sadness and profound respect that we mourn the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Supervisor Robert “Bob” Weir. He served with unwavering dedication and integrity.

Bob was certainly a character – underneath his tough façade was a heart of pure gold who cared deeply about our community. He was not only a respected leader but also a neighbor, a mentor, and a friend to many. Bob served with humility and purpose, always guided by his belief in good governance and civic responsibility. His contributions to our county reflect a vision rooted in preserving the character of our neighborhoods while preparing for the future.

Bob’s legacy will endure in the lives he touched, the policies he helped shape, and the example he set for future generations of public servants.

We extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends, staff and all who were inspired by his leadership. And we are honored to have had the privilege of working alongside him.

He will be deeply missed.

Signed,
Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-Large
Tom Gordy, Brentsville District Supervisor
Yesli Vega, Coles District Supervisor
Victor Angry, Neabsco District Supervisor
Kenny Boddye, Occoquan District Supervisor
Andrea Bailey, Potomac District Supervisor
Margaret Franklin, Woodbridge District Supervisor

Original post – Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir has died, sources tell Potomac Local News.

Weir participated remotely in the most recent meeting of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors on July 8, 2025. Sources say he had been battling an aggressive form of colon cancer.

Before joining the Board of County Supervisors, Weir served on the Haymarket Town Council. He was elected Gainesville District Supervisor in a special election in February 2023 following the resignation of former Supervisor Peter Candland. He was later elected to a full four-year term in November 2023.

The Board of County Supervisors is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A group of curious and creative 10-year-olds is spending the summer building robots, learning to code, and discovering new passions at a hands-on STEM camp in Prince William County.

Held this at Mullen Elementary School near Manassas, the First LEGO League Camp gives rising fourth and fifth-graders a chance to build and program robots while learning valuable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance.

“We’ve already seen so many of these kids say, ‘Hey, I’m really good at this,’” said Ryan Goetz, a counselor at the camp. “They really like the hands-on part of it. They can interact with the robots, interact with the mechanisms, and learn things like physics and coding along the way.”

The five-week camp is a pilot program that accommodates 30 students per week. Each week is held at a different elementary school, allowing students across the county to participate. We spoke with campers in week three, while later camps were scheduled to be held at Bristow Run Elementary, followed by John Jenkins Elementary in Dale City.

Students rotate through four activity stations:

• Innovation Station, where they invent a product designed to help others.

• Robot Challenge Station, featuring official First LEGO League missions that test robot attachments and movement.

• Design Station, where campers build custom add-ons for their robot base.

• Coding Station, where they program robots to complete tasks like navigating a maze.

Mae and Cucil, both 10 years old and entering fifth grade at Buckland Mills Elementary School, said the most challenging part is when the coding app glitches. “We’d press the button, and it’d just do its own thing,” said Mae. Their fix? Restart the app or turn the robot off and on again.

Despite the occasional tech hiccup, both girls said they want to keep working with robots when they grow up. “Because they’re fun,” said Cucil.

According to Goetz, that’s exactly the point. “You can’t learn everything from a textbook. These kids are learning real skills—coding, critical thinking—and gaining confidence in themselves.”

Organizers hope to expand the camp next year, offering more seats to meet growing interest. For now, a waitlist is in place as word spreads about the program’s engaging approach to STEM education.

 

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