Prince William

The Town of Dumfries has promoted Joseph R. Vines III to deputy town manager, effective June 1, 2026. He will work alongside Town Manager Tangela Innis to support Town Council priorities, strengthen operations, and advance community engagement and sustainable growth.

Vines most recently served as the town’s director of recreation and civic engagement, a position he took on April 29, 2024. He brings more than 25 years of public sector leadership in parks, recreation, tourism, civic engagement, and community development. His experience includes strategic planning, facility and project management, capital improvements, and budget administration.

Prince William County Fire Marshals responded to a reported structure fire at the Sleep Inn on March 18 at 9:07 p.m. The hotel is located at 14080 Shoppers Best Way in Woodbridge (22192).

Investigators determined the suspect entered the building, discharged a liquid and ignited it, causing damage to the occupied dwelling. The probe identified two Arlington men.

Prince William County NAACP announced that 1st Vice President Nijiama Smalls will step into the role of branch president after Rev. Dr. Karl Brower departs. The transition takes effect immediately and continues the organization’s work on civil rights and social justice across the country.

The branch thanked Rev. Dr. Brower for his dedicated service and the strong foundation he built. Smalls, founder and executive director of The Black Girl Healing Project, brings deep experience in community leadership, mental health advocacy and empowering Black women and girls. She is also a published author, a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and active in local groups, including Mocha Moms.

“Data centers at this location would put an industrial facility at the headwaters of Quantico Creek and at the edge of one of the most ecologically significant forests in the Mid-Atlantic,” the Prince William Conservation Alliance reported. “Was it not enough to have one of our two National Parks under threat? You’ve got people all over the county saying, ‘We don’t want to see industrialization near our National Parks, next to our state parks and next to our homes and schools. Read the room.’”

“It obviously raises questions. It’s not a good look at all,” Prince William Times reported. “Even if it’s not a legal conflict of interest, … it raises questions about his ethical participation in everything data-center-related.”

Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye, who serves on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, works as director of government affairs for Reston-based Ryan Stuart Development. The firm bought a 235-acre West Virginia property in April for $2.3 million and is marketing it for data centers. Boddye briefed the Charles Town Utility Board on the project last month, discussing water use and mitigation measures. Legal experts say no Virginia conflict of interest exists without a direct tie to county projects, though some residents question the ethics and perception.