News - Page 73 of 1914 - Potomac Local News

Prince William County Offices Honored for ‘Outstanding’ Initiatives

Published December 5, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated December 5, 2024 at 10:41AM

[Anna Tarazevich via Pexels]

Founded in 1934, VACo aims to monitor state and national laws that will impact local governments and recommend actions at the annual conference in November. According to its website, VACo often represents local governments in the Commonwealth at both the state and national levels.

“These VACo awards exemplify Prince William County’s dedication to preserving our rich cultural heritage and creating meaningful career pathways for our youth,” County Executive Chris Shorter said. “They reflect our ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant, resilient community where history is honored, and opportunities are accessible to all.”

Naresh Bhatt Waives Speedy Trial Rights as Murder and Defilement Charges Mount

By Alan Gloss

Published December 5, 2024 at 8:32AM

The Judicial Center for Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

In front of Prince William Circuit Court Judge Kimberly A. Irving on December 4, 2024, prosecutors read the additional charges of First Degree Murder and Defiling a Dead Body to the defendant Naresh Bhatt.

He was indicted on First Degree Murder and Physically Defiling charges in the disappearance of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, 28, in August.

Potomac High School Senior Places At National Business Competition

By Aya Karouane

Published December 4, 2024 at 6:32PM | Updated December 5, 2024 at 10:41AM

Juliocesar Flores [Image: Prince William County Public Schools]

Juliocesar Flores, a senior at Potomac High School, achieved success in regional and state FBLA competitions and earned second place at the National Leadership Conference. He attributes his accomplishments to the guidance of his teacher, Felix Sandy, and the skills gained through FBLA as he prepares to pursue a career in business.

Press Release from Prince William County Public Schools:

Greenbrier Shopping Center Faces Redevelopment: Mixed-Use Plan Includes 173 Townhouses

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published December 4, 2024 at 1:21PM

The Fredericksburg Free Press reports a developer plans to demolish a portion of the Greenbrier Shopping Center and put in mixed-use buildings.

The shopping center was formerly home to Burlington Coat Factory, now in Central Park, and Big Lots, which closed and has not been replaced. Several small businesses, including Taj Indian and Two Times New, still reside there. In March, Taj owner Sandeep Singh said he was not aware of any plans to develop the center that would affect the long-standing restaurant, and as of November 13, he had not been notified of any plans.

Community Interfaith Concert Scheduled for December 15th in Gainesville

By Dalila Conde

Published December 3, 2024 at 7:48PM | Updated December 5, 2024 at 10:42AM

[Image: Pixabay]

The program will feature music from the Little Zion Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Gainesville High School Ensemble, and the Gainesville Virginia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, among others. Traditional carols and seasonal favorites will be performed.

Brief messages reflecting on the Christmas season will be shared by Pastor George Carlisle, Pastor James McCray, and President Hans Carlson, who is hosting the event for the first time. Carlson expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the concert’s focus on community and holiday spirit.

Defensive Driving Campaign Launches on Virginia Express Lanes

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published December 3, 2024 at 5:41PM

Looking south along the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes near Springfield. [Photo courtesy of Transurban]

Transurban North America, operator of the 95, 395, and 495 Express Lanes, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia State Police (VSP) are partnering to launch an innovative defensive driving safety campaign targeted to motorists traveling along interstates 95, 395, and 495.

The campaign uses messaging that urges motorists to drive defensively due to the hazards posed by other travelers’ unsafe behavior, such as speeding, texting, and aggressive driving. The partnership is using results from an initial pilot campaign initiative aimed at Express Lanes users on I-95 and I-495, which showed that positive changes in motorists’ behavior can be achieved through communicating the risk of other drivers’ actions.

Slideshow: 2024 Nokesville Tree Lighting

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published December 3, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated December 5, 2024 at 10:42AM

Santa and Mrs. Claus spoke to and greeted children who attended the tree lighting. [Photo by Mike Beaty]

The Nokesville Community Christmas Tree Lighting took place on Friday evening following Thanksgiving, officially welcoming in the Christmas holiday.

Coordinated by the Nokesville Community Christmas Parade — which will take place on Dec. 14 — dozens attended to see the neighborhood’s tree lit up for the first time this holiday season. One of those attendees was Virginia State Del. Ian Lovejoy (R-22), who represents parts of western Prince William County.

Charges Upgraded in Missing Manassas Park Mom’s Disappearance

By Alan Gloss

Published December 3, 2024 at 10:54AM | Updated December 8, 2024 at 6:24PM

Members of the community held a vigil for Mamta Kafle Bhatt in August 2024. Kafle Bhatt was last seen July 27, 2024 (Photo by Alan Gloss)

A Prince William County Grand Jury returned an indictment of First Degree Murder and Physically Defiling the body of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, 28, against her husband and Manassas Park resident Naresh Bhatt.

In a Dec. 2 press conference, Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo said, “I feel we have a strong case despite not having a body,” His department has been working closely with prosecutors to develop the case despite Bhatt not cooperating. “Based on the evidence at the crime scene, we knew early on we were dealing with a murder,” Lugo added, “all the evidence points to one person, and that is [Bhatt].”

Additional Suspects Indicted in Woodbridge Murder-For-Hire Case

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 3, 2024 at 10:35AM | Updated December 3, 2024 at 1:31PM

Carter

Four individuals have been indicted in the murder of 23-year-old Egypt Zapporah Carter, and all suspects are now in custody, the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney and county police announced on December 2.

The case stems from a February 2 shooting in the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in Dale City, where Carter was ambushed and fatally shot while sitting in her vehicle.

Free Presentations Offered for Seniors at Hylton Performing Arts Center

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published December 3, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated December 5, 2024 at 10:43AM

[Graphic courtesy of Lifelong Learning Institute]

The programs are both being held at George Mason University’s Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The programs focus on different topics and presented by two experts in their own right.

LLI offers two programs each year in the fall and spring for adults aged 50 and over, drawing on members, local college faculty and residents’ expertise. Classes are typically held at the Hylton Center, as well as local churches, mosques, the Manassas Park Recreation Center and the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Community College.