News - Page 118 of 1913 - Potomac Local News

Traffic Alert: Lane Closure on Opitz Boulevard Overpass for Ramp Construction

Published October 1, 2024 at 1:00PM

A pedestrian fence. Photo: Transurban

Commuters and residents in Woodbridge should prepare for a planned lane closure that will impact traffic on the Opitz Boulevard westbound overpass at Interstate 95. The closure, scheduled from 6 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, until 5 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, is necessary to construct a new ramp linking the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes to Opitz Boulevard.

This infrastructure project aims to enhance traffic flow and accessibility to key destinations in the area, including Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and nearby commercial centers. However, as the construction enters a critical phase, disruptions are anticipated. The specific lane closure will allow workers to safely implement parts of the new ramp directly above the Opitz Boulevard overpass.

Local Artist Completes Colorful Mural for Sentara Medical Center

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published October 1, 2024 at 12:30PM

The ribbon-cutting was completed by the three longest-tenured employees. L to R: SNVMC President Jeff Joyner, Janice Carneal, Tania Brown, Shirley Conley and Sentara President and CEO Dennis Matheis surrounded by team members. [Photo: Courtesy of Sentara]

On Sept. 25, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) in Woodbridge celebrated the new mural recently completed by a local artist, Alethea Marie Robinson.

SNVMC President Jeff Joyner had the idea to have a mural throughout the hallway entering the north side of the hospital from the employee parking lot. Instead of a regular hallway, this one is now adorned with vibrant colors, flowers and butterflies.

Stafford County’s National Night Out is Tonight, October 1, 2024

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 11:30AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Originally moved to the fall during the pandemic, Stafford continues to hold this event in October, unlike other jurisdictions that celebrate in August.

The event will be held at Stafford Marketplace in North Stafford and provides an opportunity for neighbors to meet and connect outside. Registration opened on June 21. The opening ceremony will begin at 5 p.m., and the event is free to the public. Attendees are reminded to leave pets at home unless they are service animals and to refrain from smoking. Weather conditions are monitored, and updates will be provided on the sheriff’s Facebook and X accounts if necessary.

Dumfries Woman, Prince William Foster Parent, Appears on Today Show

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 10:15AM

ARLnow.com: “An Arlington business owner and veteran was featured on NBC’s Today Show this week for a life of service to others…Cheeks, of Dumfries, has fostered over 20 children since the late 2000s. In July, she earned the title of Foster Parent of the Year in Prince William County.”

Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Recognized for Excellence at Virginia Conference

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published October 1, 2024 at 10:00AM

The City of Fredericksburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Events received four awards at the 71st Annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society in Norfolk, Virginia. Over 400 delegates, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers from across the state attended the event, which highlights excellence in parks and recreation programs.

Out of 140 applications across 16 categories, Fredericksburg was recognized in four areas:

Man Charged after Attempted Carjacking at Potomac Mills

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 9:45AM

On the night of September 29, police were called to the 13500 block of Langtree Lane in Woodbridge to address an attempted carjacking. The incident occurred between a 30-year-old woman and an acquaintance, during which a verbal altercation escalated. The suspect tried to forcibly take the woman’s keys, leading to a brief physical struggle before they separated. The suspect was arrested the following day without any injuries being reported from the incident. He is now facing charges of attempted carjacking and is being held without bond.

Police Fire at Aggressive Dog After Multiple Attacks in Gainesville

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 9:30AM

The dogs had bitten two people and attacked another man despite police commands. An officer discharged their firearm, grazing one of the dogs, which then fled with the other dog. Both were later contained at Hillwood Camping Park, where they and their owner were found. Animal Control took custody of the dogs pending further investigation. Minor injuries were reported in the incidents.

From Prince William police:

Body Found at Belmont Bay

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 9:15AM

Officers responded to a report of a death in the 500 block of Harbor Side Street in Woodbridge on Saturday, September 28 at 10:20 p.m. The deceased, a 46-year-old man, was discovered by a fishing vessel crew floating in the water. Fire and rescue teams retrieved the body, confirming the death. Initial investigations indicate no signs of foul play, with the exact cause and manner of death awaiting determination by the Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as needed.

From Prince William police:

OmniRide Reports Steady Growth in Ridership, Despite Challenges

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated October 5, 2024 at 2:57PM

The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has announced a sustained increase in ridership through August 2024, reflecting a growing reliance on public transit amid various operational challenges, including service reductions and fare adjustments.

In August 2024, PRTC experienced an average daily ridership of 2,753 passengers, a 22% increase compared to last year. This rise comes despite significant service cuts implemented at the end of July and a $2 fare increase at the start of the month. Even a tropical storm at the beginning of August failed to significantly deter passengers, underscoring the essential role of PRTC in the daily lives of many in the region, said OmniRide CEO Dr. Robert A. “Bob” Schneider.

It’s Almost Time! Volunteer Prince William’s Fall Reverse Raffle & Dinner on October 19 to Support Untrim-A-Tree – Grand Prize $10,000!

By Aya Karouane

Published October 1, 2024 at 8:00AM

Greetings, Prince William: Happening in 3 weeks – Volunteer Prince William’s Fall Reverse Raffle & Dinner in support of Untrim-A-Tree, October 19, 6:30 p.m. at Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112! Doors open at 6pm, the raffle begins at 7pm. Tickets are $100, and include dinner for 2, two drink tickets per ticket and the opportunity to win prizes leading up to the Grand Prize of $10,000! It’ll be a fun evening of good food, networking, and a chance to win the Grand Prize, all to support a cause which will guarantee vulnerable children in our community have a Merry Christmas on December 25! Tickets can be purchased on our website, www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.