News

Defensive Driving Campaign Launches on Virginia Express Lanes

By Jazbia Chaudhry
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.

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Features

Slideshow: 2024 Nokesville Tree Lighting

By Caitlyn Meisner
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.

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Manassas Park

Charges Upgraded in Missing Manassas Park Mom’s Disappearance

By Alan Gloss
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].”

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Event

World of Travel Show 2027

Event location

BlackRock Center for the Arts

12901 Town Commons Dr

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Add to Calendar

Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for the World of Travel Show 2027 on Saturday, February 6, 2027, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in The BlackBox at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.

Meet representatives from 13 respected travel brands covering family and adults-only cruises, premium and luxury ocean voyages, European river cruises, expedition and Galápagos adventures, small-ship sailing, guided land tours, and customized vacations.

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News

Additional Suspects Indicted in Woodbridge Murder-For-Hire Case

By Uriah Kiser
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.

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Features

Free Presentations Offered for Seniors at Hylton Performing Arts Center

By Caitlyn Meisner
[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.

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Manassas

Domino’s is Collecting Toys for Tots in Stafford, Woodbridge

By Aya Karouane
[Image: RiverNorthPhotography

Press Release:

Domino’s stores across Greater Woodbridge are teaming up with Ghostbusters Virginia to collect Toys for Tots from now through Dec. 8 at participating locations. Domino’s hopes to help bring the joy of the holiday season to children in need through donations from community members.

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Virginia

Chased, Cornered, and Caught: Alleged Armed Robbers Sniffed Out by Stafford K-9 Titan

By Kelly Sienkowski
Jermaine Koonce, 32, of Callao. left, and Dion Parker, 24, of Burgess.

On December 1st, Stafford deputies pursued and apprehended two suspects connected to an armed robbery in Fredericksburg. A red pickup truck, identified in a BOLO alert, was spotted by Deputy D.S. Jett. The driver refused to stop, leading to a chase through multiple roads until the truck was cornered in a residential area. The driver, Jermaine Koonce, 32, was detained after deputies deployed pepper balls. He admitted to driving under the influence and resisting arrest to smoke a cigarette.

The passenger, Dion Parker, 24, fled on foot but was tracked by K-9 Titan and located using a drone. He was apprehended in nearby woods. Both suspects were confirmed as those suspected to be involved in the robbery. Koonce faces multiple charges, including felony eluding and DUI, while Parker is charged with eluding, property destruction, and public intoxication. Additional robbery charges will be filed in Fredericksburg. Both are held without bond.

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Features

Registration is Still Open for the 2025 Polar Plunge

By Aya Karouane
Polar plungers take a dip in the Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. [Photo: Mike Beaty]

Press Release from Prince William County:

Are you brave enough to weather the February elements in support of a worthy cause? If so, registration has opened for the 2025 Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Virginia. This year’s event is at Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge (22191) on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.

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