Press Release - Page 22 of 119 - Potomac Local News

Police Blotter: Dangerous Driver Detained After Pursuit, Body Found in Car

Published February 13, 2025 at 10:56AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:15PM

Updated 2:45 p.m. – On February 12, law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions worked together to apprehend Gideon Owusu, Jr., 31, after a high-speed chase spanning Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties. Owusu, wanted for the malicious wounding of two Prince William County Police officers, was taken into custody after a dramatic pursuit on Interstate 95.

The series of events began on February 11 at 4:12 p.m., when Prince William County Police responded to Summerhouse II Condos on Gableridge Turn in Woodbridge to investigate a stolen vehicle. Officers learned that the suspect had taken an acquaintance’s vehicle without permission earlier in the day in Dumfries. Upon arrival, officers found Owusu with a different stolen vehicle, belonging to another acquaintance.

Prince William County Postpones State of the Parks Event

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 10:15PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:15PM

Prince William County Parks executives take questions from residents at the inaugural State of Prince William County parks event.

Prince William County’s State of the Parks event, initially scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Forest Park High School, has been postponed due to weather conditions and other considerations.

The State of the Parks event, set to feature insights from Prince William County Parks and Recreation Director Seth Hendler-Voss, will be rescheduled, with a new date and time to be announced soon.

Stafford Parents Push for School Funding as Board Eyes No-Tax-Increase Budget

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 1:11PM | Updated February 17, 2025 at 10:14AM

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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering a zero-tax-increase budget for 2025, which has drawn community members’ support and concern. During the February 4, 2025, meeting, parents and education advocates urged the board to fund Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) fully, emphasizing the need for higher teacher salaries, facility repairs, and student resources.

Parents Demand More Investment in Schools

Winter Storm Blankets Northern Virginia with Heavy Snow, More Wintry Weather on the Horizon

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 11:05AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:15PM

Drivers stalled on Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge as heavy snow began to fall about 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025. [Photo: Gary Earles]

Median Snow Totals by Region:

The heaviest snowfall totals were recorded in Manassas and parts of Stafford County, where accumulations neared 9.5 inches. Many roads across the region remain snow-covered and hazardous, prompting school closures and delays for Tuesday.

Take the Polar Plunge this Saturday

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 5:30AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:15PM

Polar plungers rush into the Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge on Saturday, February 19, 2022, to raise money for Special Olympics. [Photo: Prince William police]

The Prince William and Manassas police departments are rallying the community to join the effort. Brave individuals and teams of family, friends, co-workers, and organizations are encouraged to participate by taking the plunge, making a donation, or simply attending to cheer on participants.

Ways to Participate:

Marine Corps Mascot Chesty XVI Featured at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in Celebration of Marines’ 250th Anniversary

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 11, 2025 at 10:13PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:16PM

On Monday, February 10, 2025, the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden featured a special appearance by Chesty XVI, the United States Marine Corps’ bulldog mascot. This presentation was part of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s (MCHF) celebration of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. Chesty XVI was accompanied by his handlers and MCHF President and CEO, retired Maj. Gen. James Lukeman, from the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, now in its 149th year, remains one of the most prestigious dog shows in the United States. This year, more than 2,500 dogs from across all 50 U.S. states traveled to New York City to compete for Best in Show, a title that comes with recognition, prestige, and a trophy.

Winter Storm Forces Widespread Closures and Delays Across Northern Virginia

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 11, 2025 at 9:58PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:17PM

Winter Weather Closures for Wednesday, February 12, 2025

As winter weather conditions are expected to impact the region, several government offices, school systems, and institutions have announced closures and delays for Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Below is a list of confirmed updates:

Police & Fire Blotter: Incidents Reported Across Prince William, Stafford, and Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 11, 2025 at 9:41PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:17PM

Law enforcement and emergency responders in Prince William County, Stafford County, and the City of Manassas handled multiple incidents over the past several days, including a house fire that displaced a family in Woodbridge, two shooting investigations, drug-related arrests, and a series of disturbances and crimes.

On February 10 at approximately 8:30 p.m., fire crews responded to a house fire on the 3000 block of Fillmore Drive in Woodbridge. Flames broke out in the home’s laundry room, causing moderate damage. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported. The home was deemed unsafe for occupancy, and two adults and one child were displaced. The Red Cross is providing assistance. The Fire Marshal confirmed the fire started in the laundry room, though the cause remains under investigation.

Manassas City Council Extends Tax Incentive for Micron Amid Questions of Mayor’s Relationship with Company Executive

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 10, 2025 at 11:28PM | Updated September 3, 2025 at 10:15AM

The Manassas City Council has voted to extend a lucrative tax incentive for Micron Technology Inc. through 2035, solidifying the semiconductor company’s continued presence in the city. The agreement, approved during the February 10, 2025, council meeting, ensures that Micron’s annual tax payments will increase by 4% while maintaining a lower tax rate than other manufacturers.

However, the decision has sparked concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Multiple sources indicate that Davis-Younger is in a relationship with Delbert Parks, Vice President and Site Director at Micron’s Manassas facility.

Prince William Supervisors Approve Data Center Near Unity Reed High School Amid Opposition

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 10, 2025 at 10:53PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:17PM

Correction: This new data center is near Unity Reed High School, near Manassas. An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported Patriot High School.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.