News

Stafford County Schools are equipped with multiple lockdown activation points that allow staff to immediately secure a campus in the event of a potential threat. When triggered, these points activate alarms throughout the school and simultaneously notify both Stafford Schools’ Safety and Security personnel and local law enforcement.

The activation was quickly confirmed by the on-duty School Resource Officer at Mountain View High School, who responded to the auxiliary gym after receiving unclear school radio traffic referencing that location. A large-scale law enforcement response followed, including members of the Stafford Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team who were still on duty after an unrelated earlier operation. Other law enforcement agencies with ties to the school also chose to respond to assist.


Police Blotter

NORTH STAFFORD, Va. – A standoff in the Garrison Woods subdivision ended late Friday night with the arrest of a wanted woman and a second man who was also wanted out of Fairfax County.

Deputies spotted a 33-year-old woman in the kitchen of a home during a routine foot patrol around 10:42 p.m. When deputies tried to make contact, she allegedly turned off the lights and ignored commands to surrender. Three men inside complied and exited, but the woman continued to shout obscenities at law enforcement.


Prince William

GAINESVILLE, Va.  – MercyFest is almost here, and this is your last chance to get tickets at $15 online before prices go up. It’s happening Saturday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at House of Mercy, 8170 Flannery Court, Manassas, and it’s shaping up to be a massive day of food, fun, and community.

MercyFest is the annual fundraiser put on by House of Mercy, a nonprofit that helps families across Northern Virginia with its food pantry, thrift store, and donation center. It serves over 100 families every day, and last year provided groceries, clothing, and other basics to thousands—impacting more than 50 zip codes in the region.


Event

High school students from across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region are invited to participate in Dialogue for Democracy at George Mason University!

Hosted by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, this event offers high school students an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about democracy, civic engagement, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.


Police Blotter

MANASSAS, Va. – A suspicious death on the 8800 block of Liberia Avenue in Manassas led to a heavy police presence on Monday. Authorities began their investigation shortly before noon and later confirmed the Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine the cause of death.

Police say there is no immediate threat to the community, and the area has since been cleared. Details about the individual involved or the circumstances surrounding the death have not been released. The investigation remains ongoing.


Business

STAFFORD, Va. — The Stafford County Department of Economic Development has been recognized with a 2025 Achievement Award from the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) for its groundbreaking Business Events Initiative, a program designed to strengthen and empower local small businesses.

The award honors Stafford’s innovative approach to economic development through a quarterly business events series that provides entrepreneurs with practical tools, knowledge, and connections to grow their businesses. Rooted in extensive business climate survey data and built through strong partnerships, the initiative offers free workshops focused on core areas of business success, including government procurement, funding, networking, and marketing.


Business

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Several members of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce have been named to the 2025–2026 Virginia Business Magazine Power List.

This prestigious honor reflects the caliber of leadership within our business community. Please join us in recognizing the following individuals for their exceptional contributions and well-deserved recognition:


Breaking News

DUMFRIES, Va. – Police are investigating after a man was shot during an exchange of gunfire in Dumfries on Monday evening.

Prince William County police said officers were called at 5:33 p.m. to the area of Old Triangle Road and Kearsage Drive, where they found an adult male with a gunshot wound. His injuries are considered non-life-threatening.


News

MANASSAS, Va. — To honor the legacy of the courthouse square and bring our community together, residents of all ages are invited to attend an afternoon of celebration at the first-ever Courthouse Fair on the Square from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Judicial Center, 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110.

Courthouse squares have long served as a symbolic heart of American counties. Their design and evolution reflect centuries of civic tradition, from colonial governance to modern community identity.


Prince William

OCCOQUAN, Va. – Occoquan Mayor Ernie Porta used his latest Occoquan Radio Podcast to recap recent community events, recognize local award winners, and preview the town’s biggest weekend of the year.

Porta thanked those who attended the Celebrate Occoquan fundraiser for the nonprofit Visit Occoquan, held last week at the Mill Street Draft Garden. The event featured live and silent auctions and drew strong support from the community.