Held at the school driver’s education range, the event was meant to “inspire students to consider careers in public service and skilled trades,” a county press release stated.
FFM showcased various vehicles in the fleet and its maintenance equipment. The Prince William County Police Department also brought some emergency vehicles to show URHS students how to manage and maintain the vehicle during an emergency.
Opitz Boulevard Ramp Ribbon Cutting
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 11 a.m. to noon, local leaders will officially open the Opitz Boulevard ramp on the 95 Express Lanes. This $70 million project, funded by Transurban and executed in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Shirley Contracting Company, provides a dedicated northbound access point for morning commuters, connecting directly to a busy area that includes Sentara Medical Center, Potomac Mills, and the new Neabsco-Potomac Commuter Garage. This new entry to the Express Lanes is the first stand-alone ramp integrated into the 95/395 Express Lanes network, and it is expected to relieve congestion for drivers heading northbound during peak hours.
Press Release from Prince William Police:
Assault & Battery – On November 7, the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Freedom High School located at 15201 Neabsco Mills Rd in Woodbridge (22191) began an investigation into an assault by a school staff member against a student that reportedly occurred on October 8. The investigation revealed the victim, an 18-year-old female student, was on a bus in the parking lot of the school when she encountered a school security officer, identified as the accused. During the encounter, the accused pinched the victim’s cheek while he engaged in an inappropriate conversation. No injuries were reported. The incident recently came to the attention of school officials who notified the police. Following the investigation, the SRO obtained a summons for the accused, identified as Pedro S. CHIRINO who was served on November 8.
Because the county, the City of Manassas and Manassas Park receive $3 million in federal funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the county is administering this survey to best determine where the highest needs are in the community.
Some of the questions on the form are:
At the November 6, 2024, Prince William County School Board meeting, multiple parents addressed the board with concerns and feedback about the district’s pilot cell phone policy, which restricts student phone use during school hours.
The policy, which affects both middle and high schools, allows limited cell phone use for high school students during lunch and hallway transitions, while middle school students follow a stricter “off and away for the day” rule.
The ARTfactory’s transition marks a significant one for the area, as it is the only professional theatre company in the Greater Manassas area.
Talya Conroy, CEO of the ARTfactory, said paying actors is part of the organization’s mission and the nonprofit was ready to take the leap.
In a rare move, following Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency, the Virginia House of Delegates Privileges and Elections Committee has scheduled a surprise meeting to review three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution.
The meeting, set for 11 a.m. tomorrow, November 13, 2024, will take place in House Committee Room C—206. It will catch the public’s attention ahead of the General Assembly’s regular session in January 2025.
COG suggests water-saving tips such as limiting lawn watering, reducing shower time, fixing leaks, and washing full loads of laundry. While water supplies are currently adequate, COG emphasizes monitoring of the Potomac River and is prepared to release water from reservoirs if needed. For more water-saving guidance, residents can visit mwcog.org/wisewater.
Washington, DC (Nov. 7, 2024) – Metropolitan Washington remains under a Drought Watch, following several months of low rainfall with dry conditions expected to continue throughout the fall and winter months. The Drought Watch was enacted in July by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG). Area city and county managers were advised yesterday, November 6, that officials on COG’s Drought Coordination Technical Committee met last week and recommended keeping the region under the Drought Watch.
From the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department:
A 27-year-old Woodbridge man who “stalled” his arrest with a bathroom barricade, was enticed out after a dose of pepper spray potpourri. Spoiler alert- you won’t find this scent at Bath & Body Works. Deputies responded to Stafford Market Place for a disturbance with a weapon.
Press Release:
On Nov. 15, Prince William County will join communities nationwide to celebrate America Recycles Day (ARD). ARD, an initiative of Keep America Beautiful, has been an annual awareness campaign dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States since 1997.
