Press Release

Governor Youngkin signs 18 bills to support Virginians with developmental disabilities

By Kelly Sienkowski
Governor Youngkin signs bills on June 25, 2024 in Roanoke (Photo: governor.virginia.gov)

On June 25, 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed 18 bipartisan bills aimed at enhancing support for individuals with developmental disabilities. These laws improve accessibility in education, recreation, law enforcement, and transitional services. The governor also signed a biennium budget allocating $247 million for 3,440 priority one waiver slots, increasing the total under his administration to 4,540 slots.

“I’m pleased this legislative package and our?Right Help, Right Now?plan has instituted life-changing impacts that will benefit Virginia families, this community, and transform our level of care for Virginians with developmental disabilities for decades to come,” said Governor Youngkin.

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June 27 is National PTSD Screening Day – VA offers online screening tool

By Kelly Sienkowski

June 27 is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screening Day. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers an online screening tool for those who may be experiencing symptoms.

The VA website says it is the world’s leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress, and explains “PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event.”

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Prince William County’s 57th Criminal Justice Academy graduation

By Kelly Sienkowski
Members of the Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement 57th Session are pictured at Gainesville High School on Friday following their graduation.

The Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement 57th Session graduated on June 21, 2024, at Gainesville High School.

Prince William County Police Department: The class consisted of nine Prince William County Police officers and two Prince William County Sheriff’s deputies. They completed a 24-week training course covering firearms, use-of-force decision-making, driver training, legal training, patrol techniques, criminal investigation, and crash investigation.

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New Farm Use Tag Requirement for Virginia Vehicles Takes Effect July 1, 2024

By Kelly Sienkowski

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Virginia State Police (VSP) urge farmers to ensure their farm-use vehicles comply with a new law effective July 1, 2024. The law mandates unregistered farm-use vehicles display a DMV-issued permanent farm-use placard on the front and back of panel trucks, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating under 7,500 pounds.

Unofficial tags will be unacceptable starting July 1, 2024. “As farm vehicles are key to agricultural productivity, it is important that Virginia farmers can continue to use them in their operations while preventing farm use tags from being used on other vehicles inappropriately,” said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie. “We hope those who have not already done so will apply for their DMV-issued permanent farm use tag today.” A first violation is punishable by a fine of not more than $250, a second or subsequent violation shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of $250.

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Prince William opens historic marriage license archives

By Amelia Breeden

The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Historical Online Portal (HOP) now includes marriage licenses from the Civil War era to the early 1900s, making historical documents more accessible for research. Funded by a technology grant, this initiative provides genealogists, academics, and residents worldwide with access to pre-20th century court records at no cost to taxpayers.

Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk: The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Historical Online Portal (HOP) now contains marriage licenses recorded from Civil War times to the early 1900’s. This is part of the Clerk’s ongoing initiative to make historical papers more easily accessible for research. The HOP, which launched in early 2023, also offers access to Deeds, Wills and Lists of Heirs.

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City of Manassas celebrates Bee City USA designation with mural

By Kelly Sienkowski
A new wall mural at Kerbobble Toys will celebrate the Bee City USA designation of Manassas.

Manassas Town Council press release: Theresa Coates Ellis, Patron Manassas City Council Member of Manassas Bee Festival (June 22); Patricia Kouttab, Owner of Kerbobble Toys; Sherry Day, building owner of 9216 Center St.; Mark Olsen, Chair and Kristen Kiefer, Executive Director, Historic Manassas Inc., proudly announce the launch to create a new wall mural at an entrance to Historic Manassas on the wall of  Kerbobble Toys celebrating the Bee City USA designation for the City of Manassas.

On May 2021, the Manassas City Council voted unanimously to become a Bee City USA, initiated by Council Member Coates Ellis, a trained master gardener and beekeeper. With that designation, the City must hold public awareness activities to plant native and to save our pollinators, including bees. The 4th annual Manassas Bee Festival fulfills this requirement with a free family fun and educational event held on Saturday, June 22nd from 10am to 2pm.

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Memorial Day 2024 Events, transportation, and closings

By Amelia Breeden

Memorial Day Events

Prince William County: On Friday, May 24, members of the community are invited to join the Board of County Supervisors and others in a commemoration to honor and remember those who served in our nation’s armed services. The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. at the Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza, located at the Prince William County Government Center, 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge.

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Leadership Fredericksburg Graduates 17th Class

By Amelia Breeden

The Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg program graduated its seventeenth class during a May 17th ceremony at the Stevenson Ridge in Spotsylvania.

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Stafford Schools Recognizes Business Partners at Appreciation Breakfast

By Amelia Breeden
Stafford School partners of the year 2023-2024

Stafford County Public Schools: Stafford County Public Schools proudly recognized seven outstanding community partners during its annual Partner Appreciation Breakfast, held on Wednesday, May 15 at Ebenezer United Methodist Church. These esteemed partners have demonstrated exceptional dedication and support to students, staff, and school community throughout the academic year.

The Partner Appreciation Breakfast serves as a platform for the school district to express gratitude and celebrate the collaborative efforts of the community that enhance educational opportunities and enrich the lives of students. This year’s event was marked by a spirit of camaraderie and appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by our partners.

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