By LAURA CIRILLO

A new tool will allow drivers to access new toll lanes on the Capital Beltway without being charged.

The Virginia Department of Transportation announced the launch of EZ-Pass Flex, a new transponder that gives drivers the ability to switch between toll-free and toll-paying travel on the 495 Express lanes, which will open later this year.

Commonly known as High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes, the project, when complete, will give drivers 14 miles of new lanes from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road. Every vehicle in the lanes will need an EZ-Pass transponder.

“When it comes to reaching important destinations in Virginia, travelers now have choices,” said VDOT Chief Deputy Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick. “Travelers can take the bus or Metro, drivers can take the 495 Express Lanes or Capital Beltway general purpose lanes, and with the flip of a switch on the E-ZPass Flex and two passengers, choose to carpool toll-free on the Capital Beltway.”

The E-ZPass transponder eliminates the need for toll booths or cash, as the project is designed to make the lanes an all-electronic tolling facility.

Drivers who already have a standard E-ZPass transponder will be able to access the lanes, however, only the E-ZPass Flex transponder offers users the option to choose between a toll-paying mode as a driver, or High Occupancy Vehicle mode (three or more occupants in the car).

By switching to the HOV mode, carpoolers will have the option to access the 495 Express Lanes without paying the toll. Commuter and transit buses will also be able to use the lanes for free.

Also coming soon, the Dulles Metrorail is expected to open in 2013, with new stations in Tyson’s Corner.

The opening of the Express Lanes will be the first time Capital Beltway travelers and public transportation will have the opportunity to use carpool lanes along Interstate 495.

Currently, the HOV-3 lanes on Interstate 95 run just north of the Montclair/Dumfries exits, through the Springfield Interchange and along Interstate 395 to the 14th Street Bridge.

In addition, there are HOV-2 lanes on Interstate 66, located both inside and outside the Beltway.

Drivers can visit 495expresslanes.com to learn how to obtain an EZ-Pass Flex transponder.

 

PotomacLocal.com has not only reached but exceeded 60,000 page views in a single month for the first time since its launch in June 2010.

A website with a hyperlocal focus on the community it serves, PotomacLocal.com was viewed 63,416 times in July by 23,366 unique visitors who trusted PotomacLocal.com as their source for breaking news and events in Dumfries, Stafford, and Woodbridge. The previous high for the website set in May, 2012 was 50,291 page views by 20,285 unique visitors.

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Daniel Rimkus has played his fair share of basketball games at the Manassas Boys & Girls Club. But what happens when you are too old to play?

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UPDATE 6:30 p.m.

A flat tire was the culprit when a large dump truck ran off Va. 234 in Dumfries and into the embankment at a gas station Tuesday.

The driver lost control of the 1993 Ford dump truck about noon and crashed into some shrubbery at a Shell gas station casing $2,500 damage, said Dumfries police Chief Robert Forker.

No one was injured. The truck is registered to Branscome Paving of Manassas, added Forker.

Charges are pending in the case.

ORIGINAL POST 1:15 p.m  

DUMFRIES, Va. — Rescue crews were called this morning to a Shell gas station near Va. 234 and Interstate 95 after a dump truck apparently drove onto an embankment.

Details on this one are scares, and we don’t have reports of any injuries in this crash.

We are checking with Dumfries police who responded to the crash scene for an update.

 

 

SPONSORED POST

Coach George Logan lives by one motto: “You play how you practice; if you practice hard, you will play hard.”

Logan is President of GTeam Sports, Inc. where he coaches student athletes, helping them to strive for excellence in every aspect of their respective sport.

Logan is a disabled veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps where he was actively involved for four years. Since his retirement, he wanted to get involved in an occupation that he was not only passionate about but also one where he could give back to his community, and share a love of sports with the youth who live there.

GTeam Sports, Inc. became the business catalyst to facilitate that vision.

Currently, 14 youths between nine and 14-years-old privately train with Logan. Of the youth he’s trained, seven are in college or are college-bound.

“It’s very important for them to remember the value of giving and not just receiving; giving back to the community who helped to give to you,” said Logan. “Many people I know have afforded me the opportunity to have GTeam Sports grow and flourish, and I want to teach that concept to young people and demonstrate the same behavior.”

GTeam Sports specializes in working with young people on the fundamentals of their athletic sport while giving them the tools necessary to enhance their play and become elite. Whether training current or future athletes, Logan is often called “Coach Logan” by the ladies he coaches at Potomac Senior High School for the Varsity Girls’ Basketball program. As an assistant coach at the Woodbridge school, he helps to instill the values of hard work and educational focus.

In keeping with his mission of giving back to his community, and teaching the youth he mentors the same, Logan also volunteers at youth-serving organizations like the Prince William /Manassas Boys & Girls Clubs, and their signature fundraiser events Breakfast with Santa and the Steak ‘N Stake Charity Dinner.

To find out more about GTeam Sports, Inc., adult recreation leagues and personal training availability, visit gteamsports.com or contact Logan at 703-980-2782.

 

 

FROM POLICE REPORTS: 

Rape – On July 28th, detectives from the Special Victim’s Bureau responded to investigate a sexual assault which was reported to have occurred in the 2900 block of Lexington Ct in Woodbridge (22193). The victim, a 22 year old woman of Great Falls, reported to police that she and a friend were visiting the accused, a known acquaintance, at his residence in the above area. The victim reported that she fell asleep and awoke to the accused assaulting her. The victim was able to get away and contact police. Following an investigation, the accused was subsequently arrested.

Arrested:

Alex Yamil VELASQUEZ-RUBIO, 25, of 2949 Lexington Ct in

Woodbridge

Charged with rape

Court date unavailable, held WITHOUT bond

Malicious Wounding / Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm – On July 28th at 2:27AM, police responded to investigate a shooting which was reported to have occurred at the Denny’s restaurant located at 13775 Jefferson Davis Hwy in Woodbridge (22191). The investigation revealed that the victim, a 25 year old man of Woodbridge, was involved in a fight with a group of unknown suspects in the parking of the above location. The encounter escalated at which point the victim attempted to leave. As the victim was in his vehicle, an unknown person fired at the vehicle, striking the victim in the head. Following the shooting, the victim drove himself to an area hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. This incident does not appear to be random. The investigation continues.

Aggravated Malicious Wounding – On July 29th at 1:06AM, police responded to the 14300 block of Potomac Mills Rd in Woodbridge (22192) for a fight. The victim, a 29 year old man of Woodbridge, reported to police that he was involved in a fight with several other people in a parking lot of the above area. During the encounter, an unknown man, later identified as the accused, displayed a knife and stabbed the victim. The accused fled the scene prior to police arrival but was located in the 14100 block of Franklin St where he was arrested without further incident. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Arrested:

Leo Seth CORUM, 22, of 8307 Sunset Dr in Manassas

Charged with malicious wounding

Court date set for August 31, 2012, held WITHOUT bond

Residential Burglary – On July 28th at 10:52AM, police responded to the 3100 block of Chesapeake Dr in Dumfries (22026) for a burglary in progress. A neighbor reported to police that he had heard a loud breaking noise and observed two unknown men entering a lower level apartment. Police arrived and located a rear window which had been broken out. Officers were able to locate the men in the apartment complex. Following an investigation, both men were subsequently arrested.

Arrested:

Jermel Dontae MEDLEY, 27, of 3107 Chesapeake Dr #101 in Dumfries

Charged with burglary and grand larceny

Court date and bond information unavailable

Andrew Antonio RAND, 20, of 10731 West Dr #107 in Fairfax

Charged with burglary

Court date and bond information unavailable

Sexual Assault – On July 28th at 4:40PM, police responded to the 12400 block of Dillingham Sq in Woodbridge (22193) in reference to an assault. The victim, a 49 year old woman of Woodbridge, reported to police that she was approached by an unknown male suspect in the parking lot of the above location. During the encounter, the suspect allegedly grabbed the victim’s chest prior to fleeing the area in an older model grey vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Lookout:

Black male, between 18 & 25 years of age, 5’9” / 160 lbs, brown eyes, long black

dreadlock style hair, thin build

No clothing description

Armed Robbery – On July 29th at 2:15AM, police responded to the 2500 block of Sedgewick Pl in Dumfries (22026) for a robbery. The victim, a 30 year old man of Dumfries, reported to police that he was walking in the area above when he encountered an unknown man. The man displayed a handgun and demanded the victim’s property. At this point, the suspect struck the victim in the head with the handgun and took the victim’s phone and wallet, containing an undisclosed amount of U.S. Currency, before fleeing on foot. Minor injuries were reported. The victim was unable to provide officers with a description of the assailant.

Attempted Armed Robbery – On July 28th at 1:45AM, police responded to the area of Waterway Dr and County Club Dr in Dumfries (22025) for a robbery. The victim, a 27 year old man of Woodbridge, reported to police that he was walking in the area above when he was approached by an unknown man. The man allegedly displayed a handgun and demanded the victim’s money. The victim was able to get away from the man who then fled the area on foot. No injuries were reported and no property was taken. The victim was unable to provide police with a description of the suspect.

Residential Burglary – On July 29th at 2:29AM, police responded to the 12300 block of Aztec Pl in Woodbridge (22192) for a burglary in progress. Homeowner reported to police that while in the basement area of his residence he heard a loud noise coming from the main level. Upon checking the noise, the homeowner encountered an unknown man in the kitchen area of the residence. The man fled from the residence when he was discovered. There were no signs of forced entry into the residence Entry is believed to have been made through an unsecure front door. A laptop, valued around $450, was reported missing.

Lookout:

Black male, between 25 & 30 years of age, 5’9”, heavy build with black hair, a beard and mustache

Last seen wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and black boots

Residential Burglary – On July 26th at 3:11AM, police responded to the 2000 block of Mayflower Dr in Woodbridge (22192) for a burglary. Homeowner reported to police that the burglary occurred between 12:45Am and 2:30AM. There were no signs of forced entry into the residence. Entry is believed to have been made through an unsecured rear sliding glass door. A handgun, valued around $250, was reported missing.

Attempted Residential Burglary – On July 29th at 3:57AM, police responded to the 12800 block of Island House Lp in Woodbridge (22193) for a burglary in progress. Homeowner reported to police that she hear d a loud noise coming from the rear of her residence. Upon checking on the noise, the homeowner observed an unknown man attempting to force open the door. Upon being seen, the man fled the area. No entry was gained into the residence and no items were reported missing. The homeowner was unable to provide officers with a description of the suspect.

Vandalism to a School – On July 27th at 9:27AM, police responded to Godwin Middle School located at 14800 Darbydale Ave in Woodbridge (22193) for a vandalism. Staff reported to police that between 3:30PM on July 26th and 8:00AM on July 27th, an unknown person(s) used a blunt object to damage a sign located in front of the school. Damage was estimated around $500. No other damage was reported.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will close the I-95 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes overnight starting on Wednesday, August 1 and Thursday, August 2, from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m., and again on Friday, August 3 from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m., for traffic shifts.

Wednesday night August 1, and Thursday night, August 2, the I-95 HOV lanes will be closed from Exit 152, Dumfries Road (Route 234) to Exit 169, Franconia Road /Keene Mill Road (Route 644) from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. On Friday night, August 3, this closure will be in place from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m.

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By URIAH KISER

LORTON, Va. — The first time the Workhouse Arts Center held a comedy show, a massive derecho storm hit after the performance leaving hundreds of thousands without power.

Now, about a month later and power back on, they thought why not hold another comedy show?

A sold-out crowd packed the theater at the Workhouse on Friday night to see Jason Weems, a Baltimore County, Md. kindergarten teacher by day, and comedian of Washington, D.C. Improve and NBC’s Last Comic Standing fame by night.

“I may be the only black man who voluntarily walked into a prison,” Weems said as he opened his joke set. He referred to the Workhouse’s past as once being a correctional facility.

Weems tackled political humor, laid on jokes about his day job working as a school teacher, and uncannily interacted with the audience – many of whom were not ready for his fast wit.

“The people down here in the front row are the ones that normally don’t sit so close because they’re afraid the comic is going to pick on them. But they’re the only ones with comfortable seats. The rest of you guys are sitting on those bleachers that look like recycled coolers,” said Weems.

The plastic bleacher seats that rise above the floor-level stage were the butt of many jokes that night. Comedy show organizer Rahmein Mostafavi, of Fredericksburg, jokingly promised to install new seats in time for the next show and got some affirmative reactions from the audience. He quickly batted them back.

“OK, Lorton, it’s not that bad. There wasn’t even a comedy show here until a month ago,” said Mostafavi.

Featuring Weems as the headliner and comedian Mike James who warmed up the crowd, the comic show clearly packed some unexpected moments for some audience members. An admittedly rated R show for language, not all of the jokes played well to the entire crowd.

Weems on several occasions noted one side of the room laughed more often than the other (full disclosure: I was on the laughing side of the room), and he returned to several jokes played well earlier in the set when a new one didn’t get as many laughs as he’d clearly hoped.

There were, however, several well deserved applause breaks throughout the evening as Weems mixed outrageous humor, acting, and connected with audience members when he spoke about being a teacher.

Tickets for Friday night’s comedy show sold for $10 each. Mostafavi’s Cool Cow Comedy plans a third show at the Workhouse for August. Information for chowtimes and tickets can be found on his website.

 

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — One person is charged with intentionally setting a fire in Woodbridge on Saturday.

Fire crews were called to an apartment in the 15700 block of Tassleford Lane off Cardinal Drive about 5:56 a.m. Saturday for a report of a fire.

As crews arrived, they saw light smoke at the four-story apartment complex. The fire, which occurred on the first floor, was contained by a sprinkler system, said Prince William fire and recue Battalion Chief Curt Brodie.

With the fire out and building ventilated, the fire marshal’s office investigated the blaze and determined the fire was intentionally set.

Timothy Michael Smith, of Woodbridge, is charged with arson in connection to the blaze. He is scheduled to appear in court August 22.

No injuries were reported in the fire, and the damage is estimated to be $5,000.

This fire comes as investigators were still looking into what caused a fire at a townhouse in Dumfries on July 16. Investigators have offered little information on the case, but so far no one has been charged.