Prince William

Prince William County is simplifying the permitting and inspection process for temporary tents to save residents and businesses time and money. Starting July 1, 2026, building inspectors will handle routine fire code checks during their regular visits, ending the need for separate inspections by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

The change eliminates the FMO 149 inspection fee, previously set at $303.45 for the next fiscal year. The initiative came from frontline county employees who spotted overlapping work between departments. Officials say it reduces bureaucracy while keeping safety standards intact.

“The foundation’s attorneys filed a subsequent response in early May denying the majority of the allegations in the suit, admitting that the parties never signed a final operating agreement or ground lease as the museum plaintiffs alleged but denying the remainder of the allegations in that section,” InsideNoVa reported. “Yet, the Museum persisted in its efforts, continuing to refine site plans, engage with engineers, conduct environmental studies, and expand its fundraising base to support the planned buildout.”

A Prince William County Circuit Court judge denied the Hylton Foundation’s motion in April, and a discovery hearing is expected in June. The National Museum of Americans in Wartime is seeking at least $50 million or restitution after the foundation promised in 2012 to fund development on 67 acres in eastern Prince William County near Dale Boulevard.

Officers also responded to a fraud case in Stafford County involving a common Publisher Clearinghouse sweepstakes scam. No injuries were reported in either case.

Here is the daily police blotter roundup for May 28-29:

“Virginia American Water is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague,” Virginia American Water insidenova.com reported. “We are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances. Our primary focus right now is supporting our employee’s family and our Virginia employees.”

A 35-year-old employee fell from a boat on May 19, around 11 a.m., in a service pond at the Virginia American Water facility in the 14400 block of Delaney Road in Dale City. He was hospitalized and died three days later on May 22. Prince William County police said no foul play is suspected and the incident appears accidental.

“Cory knew from an early age that he wanted to protect and serve others,” April Orel said. “He chose the Marine Corps because he wanted to enlist ‘with the best.’”

Sgt. Cory Orel, a Marine Corps veteran who trained at the Rescue Fire Academy in Prince William County and later served with Prince William County Fire and Rescue, died in 2025 from service-connected cancer. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation paid off the family’s mortgage in Richlands, North Carolina, as part of its Gold Star Family Home Program.