(The Center Square) — The Senate Transportation Committee set aside Thursday a bill expanding Virginia’s speed camera program, which generated over $19.9 million in paid citations last year.
The Prince William County Police Department is expressing gratitude to the community after another successful Polar Plunge event, which raised $130,000 for Special Olympics Virginia.
The event, held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Leesylvania State Park, saw strong participation from local residents, law enforcement personnel, and sponsors. Funds raised during the Polar Plunge will support Special Olympics Virginia, providing athletes with opportunities to compete and receive essential services.
The police department highlighted the role of community members, businesses, and sponsors who contributed by joining teams or making donations. Team PWCPD also took part in the plunge to show their support.
The Polar Plunge is part of a nationwide initiative, with law enforcement agencies across the U.S. and 45 countries backing Special Olympics programs.
The Prince William County Sheriff’s Office, Manassas, and Manassas Park police departments also participated in the event.
Sentara Lake Ridge, a standalone emergency facility, is now accepting ambulance patients as of February 4, 2025, expanding emergency medical access in eastern Prince William County. Previously, emergency medical service (EMS) vehicles were required to take patients to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, a Level III Trauma Center.
This expansion aims to address the region’s growing healthcare needs and alleviate pressure on SNVMC’s emergency department, which treated over 50,000 patients in 2024. SLR, which served more than 23,600 walk-in patients last year, has invested in staff training and medical equipment to support this transition.
More in a press release:
Sentara Lake Ridge (SLR), a standalone emergency facility on Minnieville Road in the Lake Ridge community of Woodbridge, is now accepting patients via ambulance, expanding access to high-quality emergency medical care for residents in eastern Prince William County.
The new service began on February 4, 2025, and is designed to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community while continuing Sentara’s established partnership with Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue.
“We’re experiencing growth in this part of Prince William County and the demand for timely and efficient emergency care has never been greater,” said SNVMC President Jeff Joyner. “Expanding access to our stand-alone emergency department, Sentara Lake Ridge, helps alleviate the burden on the emergency department at our main medical center campus while ensuring patients receive prompt medical attention.”
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) opened the Sentara Lake Ridge ambulatory emergency department in 2012 to help meet growing demands for emergency care services in Prince William County beyond the emergency department on the SNVMC campus on Opitz Blvd.
In 2024, SLR served more than 23,600 people who came to the facility for care on their own. Up until now, emergency medical service vehicles were not authorized to bring patients to this location but would take patients to the SNVMC emergency department.
SNVMC is a Level III Trauma Center and cared for more than 50,000 people in 2024.
“The ability for EMS personnel to bring patients to SLR via ambulance provides greater options for this growing community,” said Battalion Chief Robert Moreau of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue.
To support this initiative, Sentara has made key investments, including acquisition of additional medical equipment, enhancing staff training to ensure seamless patient care, and strengthening relationships with Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue personnel.
“By welcoming ambulance patients, we are taking an important step toward improving timely access to emergency care within our expanding community in Prince William County and supporting our local first responders,” noted Joyner.
A blue heron in distress received a helping hand from local law enforcement.
On Saturday, February 8, Deputy O.J. Martins responded to Argyle Hills after receiving a call about an injured bird that was unable to fly. Upon arrival, she located the heron trapped in a backyard, unable to take flight.
Nicknamed “Tony Stork” by rescuers, the bird lacked the endurance to leave the ground—unlike his namesake, Tony Stark, in his Iron Man suit. Officials suspect the ongoing bird flu outbreak may have contributed to the heron’s condition.
Tony Stork was transported to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center for further care. Wildlife officials hope the bird will make a full recovery and return to its natural habitat in “beak performance.”
The rescue was conducted with the assistance of Stafford County Animal Control, which works to protect animals and educate the public on responsible wildlife and pet care. Residents can learn more about their services, including animal rescue and adoption, by visiting Stafford County Animal Control’s website.
Looking for something fun to do? Shake off the winter blues and check out a pop-up vinyl shop from @bumrushvinylshop, Fredericksburg’s newest record store opening soon. Enjoy great brews, dig through crates of vinyl, and grab some delicious bites from Cocinita Mexicana.
- Saturday, February 22
- 4-7 PM
- Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, Fredericksburg.
Want to get the word out about your own event? Submitting your event is FREE and easy! Just fill out this form. Let your community know what’s happening.
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The Northern Virginia real estate market is experiencing an increase in home listings, with notable pricing and inventory level changes across Fairfax, Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties. This shift comes amid large-scale federal job cuts, prompting some government employees to list their homes out of economic uncertainty.
Federal Job Cuts and Housing Market Impact
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Thousands of residents in Prince William and Stafford counties are without power as Dominion Energy and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) report widespread outages amid a high wind warning.
As of Sunday evening, Dominion Energy has reported 7,496 outages in Prince William County and 8,363 outages in Stafford County. NOVEC has also reported power disruptions, with 3,322 customers affected in Prince William County and 1,031 in Stafford County.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will vote on significant changes to its bylaws governing appointments to local and regional boards and commissions during its meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
The proposed changes come in response to the controversy surrounding the removal of a Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees member and the subsequent censure of Supervisor Monica Gary.
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This limited-time offer is perfect for bringing home a loving companion while ensuring they receive essential veterinary care. Whether you’re looking for a playful pup or a cuddly cat, your future best friend awaits you.
Prince William County Animal Shelter
Contact: 703-792-6465
More Information: pwcva.gov/department/animal-services
Help give a shelter pet a second chance—spread the word and find your perfect match today.
