Prince William - Page 13 of 1216

Prince William Chamber Backs George Mason’s President Amid Federal Scrutiny

Published July 24, 2025 at 7:00AM

Dr. Gregory Washington became the eighth president of George Mason University on July 1, 2020. [Photo: George Mason University]

The chamber is one of several signatories to a public letter released July 23 by the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), urging business groups across the state to rally behind Mason and recognize its essential role in the region’s economic future. The statement calls on the university’s Board of Visitors to reaffirm its support for Dr. Washington’s leadership.

“Mason is a cornerstone of Northern Virginia’s economic strength, and its students are the future of our workforce,” said NVTC President and CEO Jennifer Taylor. “We support Dr. Washington because his vision aligns with the needs of our business community.”

What Police Found on the Water: Boaters Faced Citations, Arrests, and Safety Checks

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 23, 2025 at 11:15AM

OCCOQUAN, Va. – Boaters across Prince William County saw an increased law enforcement presence on local waterways over the Fourth of July weekend as the Police Department’s Marine Unit took part in “Operation Dry Water,” a national effort to reduce boating under the influence and promote safe water recreation.

The Marine Unit patrolled busy spots including the Occoquan and Potomac rivers, Leesylvania State Park, Lake Jackson, and the Occoquan Reservoir. The Fourth of July is traditionally one of the busiest times on the nation’s waterways, often leading to a spike in boating incidents and fatalities.

Dumfries Woman Dies After Crash on Four Seasons Drive, Police Suspect Medical Emergency

By Potomac Local News

Published July 23, 2025 at 11:00AM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Officers responded to the scene at 7:41 p.m. on July 18 in the area of Four Seasons Drive near Dumfries Road (Route 234) after a report of a single-vehicle crash. According to police, a 2011 Toyota Highlander was traveling westbound on Four Seasons Drive when it veered off the road to the left, entered the median, and struck multiple trees before coming to a stop.

Investigators believe the driver, 60-year-old Diedra Adare White, of Dumfries, suffered a medical emergency just before the crash. Police noted White was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she died on July 20.

Belmont Bay HOA Calls for Permanent Freeze on $100M Flyover as Survey Shows Overwhelming Opposition

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 23, 2025 at 10:00AM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The president of the Belmont Bay Homeowners Association says a clear majority of residents oppose a proposed $100 million flyover interchange at the intersection of Richmond Highway (Route 1) and Gordon Boulevard (Route 123).

In a message sent to residents and shared with Potomac Local News, KP Lau, president of the Belmont Bay HOA, detailed the results of two surveys showing overwhelming community opposition to the project.

Meet Prince William: Q+A with Matt Villareale, Facilities and Fleet Director

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published July 23, 2025 at 9:00AM

Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”

We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

VRE Proposes 5% Fare Hike for FY2027 Amid Rising Costs and Slower Ridership Recovery

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 22, 2025 at 1:15PM

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

The VRE Operations Board is expected to review the proposal in September 2025 as part of the draft FY2027 budget. The plan would trigger a public participation process in fall 2025 before any final vote.

Current Fares and Impact

VEA Imposes Emergency Trusteeship on Prince William Education Association

By Potomac Local News

Published July 22, 2025 at 8:30AM | Updated July 22, 2025 at 11:53AM

[Photo: Prince William Education Association Facebook page]

In a letter sent July 21 to PWEA members, VEA President Carol Bauer wrote that the state union had found “gross financial mismanagement,” including altered board minutes meant to obscure the absence of authorized spending controls. VEA claimed PWEA officers ignored financial rules, failed to document expenditures properly, and reimbursed each other without proper oversight.

“You deserve the truth,” Bauer told members in the letter, promising to rebuild PWEA into “the strong, honest union you deserve.”

‘Merry Christmas’ and Three Minutes of Fury: The Lasting Legacy of Bob Weir

By Potomac Local News

Published July 21, 2025 at 11:30AM | Updated July 21, 2025 at 4:32PM

"In true Bob Weir fashion — serious about policy, not about posing. This light-hearted snapshot was taken during official portrait day, capturing Supervisor Weir’s trademark wit and unapologetic style.

GAINESVILLE, Va. – Bob Weir, the Gainesville District Supervisor on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors and a longtime fixture in local politics, died July 20, 2025, after a short but aggressive battle with colon cancer. He was 62.

Weir was known across Prince William County not just for his deep policy knowledge and procedural rigor, but for his fiery style, unfiltered commentary, and devotion to public service. State Senator Danica Roem, who covered Weir during her years as a journalist before entering politics, described him as “a curmudgeon in the most loving sense of the word.”

Two House Fires Displace Multiple Families in Prince William County

By Potomac Local News

Published July 20, 2025 at 7:25PM

A firefighter uses a ladder truck to extinguish flames from the upper level of a Bristow-area home on Lavender Flower Court. The fire displaced six people and left the house uninhabitable. [Prince William Fire & Rescue photo]

The first fire occurred at 8:46 a.m. on July 20 in the 2300 block of West Longview Drive in Woodbridge. Crews arrived to find fire showing from the front of the home. All occupants had exited the house after being alerted by working smoke detectors.

Two adults, who lived in the basement where the fire originated, were transported to a local hospital for treatment. In total, five adults and three children were displaced by the fire, which caused moderate damage to the home. A building official has deemed the residence unsafe to occupy. The Red Cross is assisting those affected, and the Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause.

Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir Dies

By Potomac Local News

Published July 20, 2025 at 5:58PM | Updated July 20, 2025 at 9:00PM

Weir

9 p.m. update – The Office of Supervisor Bob Weir confirmed his passing on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from metastatic colon cancer. In a statement, his family and staff remembered him as a devoted public servant, husband, and father who deeply valued transparency, community service, and the people of Gainesville District.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Prince William County Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir, who died on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from Metastatic Colon cancer.