Features

Virginia State Parks: “Construction is complete on Sky Meadows State Park’s Lost Mountain Trail, bringing it up to sustainability standards. The 2.2-mile trail, designed for hikers and equestrians, is one of six located in the park’s 248-acre Lost Mountain area, which opened to the public in the early ‘90s.”

“Due to several factors, including regular traffic and improper drainage, Lost Mountain Trail was suffering from significant erosion, making it difficult to traverse. Sky Meadows hired Ironwood Outdoors to address the issue, the third project at the park for the full-service trail building company since 2018.”


Prince William

Prince William County Government: “Prince William County Personal Property taxes for 2023 are due on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. If you have not received a tax bill, contact the Taxpayer Services Office at (703) 792-6710 or by email at [email protected]. Office and Call Center hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Office hours will be extended to 6 p.m. on Jan. 2 and Jan. 3. To pay online, visit tax.pwcgov.org.

“In September 2023, the Board of County Supervisors unanimously voted to extend the due date for the vehicle classification of tangible personal property from Oct. 5, 2023, to Jan. 3, 2024, to provide temporary relief to taxpayers by providing additional time to accumulate funds for the payment. More information about the Board’s action can be found here.”


Politics

“The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is facing a looming budget shortfall, and Virginia Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner and Maryland Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen are hoping to ease operational costs related to national security and counterterrorism efforts, reports Sarah Roderick-Fitch at The Center Square. “The four congressmen penned a letter to President Joe Biden requesting his administration include at least $30 million in the FY25 budget to offset expenses stemming from supporting counterterrorism and national security concerns.”


News

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents:

“Intersection of Warrenton Road and Melchers Drive, 12/25, 3:10 p.m. Deputy C.T. Richardson responded to an indecent exposure call. The caller advised they observed what they thought to be two people having sex in a Prius. When Deputy Richardson arrived on scene, he observed a female bottomless shaking her hips towards Warrenton Road. After putting her clothes back on, she attempted to leave despite being informed she was detained. Deputy Richardson observed several signs of her being under the influence. While before the magistrate, the suspects less than cooperative behavior continued when she assaulted a jail staff member. She was charged with indecent exposure, public intoxication, obstruction of justice, and assault and battery on jail staff. She was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.”


Prince William

“Shooting Investigation – On December 26 at 5:07PM, officers responded to The Landings at Markhams Grant Apartments located in the 15700 block of Tassia Ln in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed a 22-year-old man was shot inside a vehicle while in the parking lot of the complex. Officers arrived and provided first-aid to the man who was treated at an area hospital with serious injuries. The investigation continues.”

“Shooting Investigation | Hit & Run – On December 24 at 12:38AM, officers responded to the 13600 block of Kingsman Rd in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22- year-old man, exited his home after hearing his car alarm sound and observed the window to his vehicle smashed. The victim then confronted a possible suspect walking down Kingsman Rd who turned and shot towards the victim. The victim then returned to his vehicle and attempted to locate the suspect before his vehicle was struck from the opposite direction by the driver of another vehicle, later determined to be the same suspect. The suspect then exited the vehicle and shot towards the victim’s vehicle multiple times before fleeing the area. Officers located the suspect vehicle unoccupied nearby and determined it was previously reported stolen on December 15. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspect who was not located. No injuries were reported. The suspect was only described as a black or Hispanic male with a heavy build wearing dark-colored clothing.”


News

Manassas re-hired its former public works director, Steve Burke.

The City of Manassas is pleased to announce the selection of Steve Burke as the City of Manassas Public Works Director after Scott Horan retires on Jan. 1, 2024. Steve Burke previously served as Public Works Director from 2016 – 2018 until he was hired as Town Manager at the Town of Luray, Virginia.


News

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “A repeat trespasser was discovered to be trespassing once again and attempted to avoid his fate. On December 22nd at approximately 8:13 p.m. Deputy X.D. Bates was in the area of Garrison Woods when he observed Trevor Sutphin, 23, of Orange, driving a vehicle. Deputy Bates was familiar with Sutphin and knew he was trespassed from the area.”

“Deputy Bates began following the vehicle when he observed him make several traffic infractions. As the vehicle entered Northbound I-95, Deputy Bates turned on his emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop. While Sutphin pulled over, it wouldn’t take him long to jump out of the vehicle and flee into the woods. A perimeter was established, but deputies were unable to locate him.”


Fairfax

Fairfax Connection: “Two juvenile suspects have turned themselves in for their involvement in the Franconia shooting that left a Woodbridge man dead.”

“On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Fairfax County Police officers were notified of two juvenile suspects who turned themselves in to Arlington Police. Both juveniles were transported to Fairfax County and charged. One juvenile is charged with Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. The second juvenile is charged with Principal in the Second Degree. Both juveniles are currently being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.”


Prince William

Greetings, Prince William – Are you looking for a project to do with the kids during their holiday break? Manassas City Animal Shelter is in urgent need of donations of items such as dog/cat food, dog/cat treats, dog/cat toys, cat litter, bleach, wipes, Dawn dish soap, trash bags and more! You can collect these items and drop them off at the shelter, 10039 Dean Drive, Manassas 20110. What a wonderful way to being 2024, knowing you’re providing homeless animals with much-needed supplies! Please call 703.257.2420 to learn more.

· You can help fight food insecurity! The hard-working staff at ACTS is in Urgent need of volunteers to support their Food Donation Center, 17958 Dr. David Cline Lane, Dumfries 22026 on weekdays. Flexible schedules! Jobs include accepting and weighing donations and complete receipts when requested. Volunteers will also shelve donations, pre-fill grocery bags, and assist NOVA Food Rescue Heroes with loading their vehicles for Home Deliveries. You’ll feel awesome knowing you’re helping this organization provide food to over 2,000 people each month! Please fill out an online volunteer application at www.actspwc.org, be prepared to download proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Questions? Please email [email protected] to learn more.


News

The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk: “Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline Smith is planning civil celebrant weddings and vow renewals for her 6th Annual Valentine’s Day Bash. Couples can exchange vows in an intimate ceremony surrounded by friends and family on February 14, 2024, at the Art Factory, a contemporary art hub located in the refurbished historic Hopkins Candy Factory building in downtown Manassas, Virginia.”

“Every year, Clerk Smith hosts a Valentine’s Day Bash to provide couples with special civil celebrant ceremonies. The Bash is intended to be a full day of elegant courthouse-style weddings and vow renewals. Clerk Smith’s annual Valentine’s Day Bash brings together couples and the community to celebrate love.”


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