Prince William - Page 103 of 1252

Emergency Housing Program Receives Over 500 Applications in One Week

Published October 22, 2024 at 1:38PM

At the October 15, 2024, Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting, pressing housing issues took center stage as the county faces an unprecedented demand for emergency housing assistance and a growing crisis of affordability for senior citizens.

The county’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program received an overwhelming number of applications in just one week, with over 500 households seeking support. Joan Duckett, Director of the Office of Housing, reported that this surge in applications reflects the mounting challenges faced by low-income and at-risk populations, including those threatened with homelessness. This rapid influx underscores the urgency of the housing crisis in Prince William, where increasing rent prices have made stable housing out of reach for many residents.

Prince William County Supervisors Address Panhandling Concerns with New Communication Strategy

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 22, 2024 at 12:30PM

In its October 15, 2024, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors announced a new initiative to improve community engagement and communication regarding panhandling. The board issued a directive to the county’s communications office, asking for a comprehensive plan to address the growing concerns about panhandling across the region.

Panhandling has been an ongoing topic in Prince William County, with residents expressing concerns over safety and the visibility of people asking for money at busy intersections. Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry raised the issue during the meeting, emphasizing the need for a clear communication strategy to educate the public about the county’s response to the problem.

Prince William County Schools Grapple with Overcrowding: Covington-Harper Elementary Faces Redistricting Proposal

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 22, 2024 at 10:00AM

Prince William County School Board is addressing a growing concern about student overcrowding, particularly at Covington-Harper Elementary School near Dumfries, where eight trailers are being used to accommodate the rising number of students. During the October 16, 2024, school board meeting, board member Justin Wilk proposed beginning the redistricting process to manage the school’s overflow of students, but the motion failed to gain unanimous support.

Covington-Harper Elementary, located in the rapidly expanding Potomac Shores development, is already facing significant capacity challenges. The growth continues to grow, with an estimated 300 additional housing units expected to be completed within the next year, adding further pressure on the school’s resources.

Prince William Police Investigate 3 Separate Armed Robberies

By Aya Karouane

Published October 22, 2024 at 8:59AM

Several armed robberies occurred recently in Prince William. On October 20, a 27-year-old man was assaulted and robbed in Gainesville, resulting in injuries and property loss. The day before, a 56-year-old man was threatened with a firearm at a Motel 6, and on October 18, two 17-year-old boys were approached by three armed suspects near Woodbridge.

House Explosion: Dog Rescue from Debris 5 Days Later

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 21, 2024 at 1:25PM | Updated October 23, 2024 at 10:50AM

From Prince William fire and rescue:

The family dog has been rescued. Earlier this morning, units were dispatched back to the scene of last week’s horrific house explosion for a report of a barking dog in the debris. Crews arrived to hear the dog under a portion of the collapsed structure. Firefighters were able to free the animal after about 20 minutes of deploying structure collapse stabilization shoring techniques and some good old coaxing by the home’s owner. She appeared to be in good shape and showed her happiness of being freed by rapid tail wagging.

58th Session of Criminal Justice Academy Graduates 17

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published October 21, 2024 at 1:00PM

The 58th session of the Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement graduated on Oct. 17. [Photo courtesy of Prince William County]

Following a 24-week course of training, the 16 police officers and sheriff’s deputy attended a graduation ceremony at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas to celebrate their achievements.

The course included training in all aspects of police work, including classes in firearms, use-of-force decision-making, driver training, legal training, patrol techniques and investigative work.

Dual Credit Program Coming to Prince William County Schools

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published October 21, 2024 at 11:00AM

Northern Virginia Community College Woodbridge Campus

Inside NOVA: “Some Prince William County students will soon be able to earn college credits at Northern Virginia Community College after the launch of the Collegiate High School program.

The program allows high school students to take college courses on NOVA’s college campus and earn credits while completing their high school education, according to a Prince William school system news release.”

Town of Dumfries Hosts its Second Annual Pink and Purple Brunch to Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence

By Aya Karouane

Published October 21, 2024 at 10:07AM

Dumfries is Virginia's oldest continually chartered town.

The Town of Dumfries will host the Pink and Purple Brunch on October 27, 2024, at the Clyde Washington Community Center to raise awareness about breast cancer and domestic violence. This free event will feature local advocates and healthcare professionals, and attendees must register by October 23, 2024, as seating is limited.

Press Release:

Quantico Station to Celebrate Major Upgrades with November Ribbon Cutting

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 21, 2024 at 9:00AM

A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

During the October 18, 2024, VRE Operations Board meeting, it was announced that invitations have been sent out for the event, with all necessary travel details, including train schedules, provided to ensure smooth participation. The excitement surrounding the completion of these upgrades was evident, with board members and VRE staff expressing their enthusiasm for what the improvements will mean for the station and the surrounding community.

“I’m very excited about the upcoming ribbon-cutting at Quantico. This project has been in the works for quite some time, and we’re thrilled to see it finally come to fruition,” said Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey, who sits on the VRE Operations Board.

Fall Festival Happening Saturday at Pat White Center

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published October 18, 2024 at 1:00PM

[Graphic courtesy of Prince William County]

Formerly known as the Ben Lomond Community Center until 2015, the building has been a community hub for many years in providing programming and events. The festival will have activities for all ages, food trucks, STEM projects, musical instrument demonstrations, giveaways and much more.

Here’s some history on the center from Prince Willam County: