The Stafford County Animal Shelter is experiencing a significant increase in pet surrenders as residents struggle with rising pet care costs. The shelter has seen unprecedented number of animals, leading to capacity issues.
Stafford County Sheriff’s Capt. Joseph Bice, who oversees the shelter, explained the situation. “In the two and a half years I’ve been here, the number of dogs we’re taking in is extraordinary. We’re getting dogs at a rate of three to one compared to the rate of adoption.”
August will be a busy month around Prince William County with several events and activities scheduled. The Board of County Supervisors won’t be meeting this month due to the month-long recess; their first meeting back will be Sept. 3.
Take a look at some highlighted events.
Dreaming about your next vacation? Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for an inspiring day devoted to ocean and river cruises, guided tours, luxury travel and unforgettable destinations!
Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.
The mayoral campaign in Manassas has begun, and Democrats have launched their first attack, focusing on the shirt color of the Republican candidate, Xiao Yin “Tang” Byrom.
Byrom knocked on doors and talked with voters on Sunday, August 4, 2024. She posted a photo of herself wearing her campaign colors, pink and green, on Facebook.
Death Investigation – On August 3 at 2:11PM, officers responded to the 17100 block of Wayside Dr. in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a death. The investigation revealed a Good Samaritan located a body inside of a vehicle parked near the above location. The body was in a decomposed state and transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to confirm the identity and determine the cause of death. At this time, there is no threat to the community concerning the death. More information will be released as necessary. The investigation continues.
Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On August 3 at 3:08PM, officers responded to the Sheetz located at 3300 Noble Pond Way in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed shots were fired in the parking lot before a man walked away from two vehicles, a black Audi Q3 and silver Chevrolet Impala, which also quickly left the area. No injuries or property damage were reported. Shell casings and a bullet were located in the parking lot near where the vehicles were parked.
Stafford County teachers returned to school today, August 5, 2024, to prepare for the new school year. The morning began with volunteers from Mount Church providing backpacks to students. They donated over 300 backpacks filled with supplies and sorted through all donations from the recent Collect for Kids event.
A representative from Stafford Public Schools expressed appreciation for the volunteers’ efforts, saying, “Thank you to the Mount Church Volunteers for starting the morning with a heart of service for our students coming BackToExcellence. None of this is possible without the continued support of the Stafford community.” Stafford Public Schools students will return to class on Tuesday, August 13.
SweetFrog Frozen Yogurt, located at 10077 Market Circle in Manassas, is now open for business. The grand opening was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, welcoming the community to enjoy a variety of frozen yogurt options.
Lulu Trotter, the owner of SweetFrog, shared her journey to opening the new location. “My husband and I initially were going to buy the Ashburn location, but we ended up driving down to see the Manassas one and just fell in love. So we bought it.”
Chiquita Pena is set to compete in the Miss Veteran America competition in Orlando this October.
Pena, of Woodbridge, has been a Virginia resident for 13 years, originally hailing from North Carolina. “The military is how I found my way to Virginia,” Pena said. She served as an Army reservist, working in banking and later as a financial specialist and public affairs professional, with deployments to Afghanistan twice. “I served for 16 years,” she added.
