Prince William

George Mason University Science Center Seeks Funding for New Dock and Boat

By Uriah Kiser
Dr. Chris Jones, the academic director of the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center, shows a boat that, if purchased, will help get students study conditions in the lower Potomac River.

George Mason University’s Potomac Science Center in Woodbridge is raising funds for a new dock and a boat to enhance its environmental research and education efforts. Dr. Chris Jones, the academic director of the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center, discussed the initiative at The Health of Our Waterways Gala event on June 28, 2024, held at the science center in Belmont Bay.

The new dock will enable students and researchers to access the Potomac River for hands-on learning experiences. Dr. Jones emphasized the importance of fieldwork, stating, “Rather than just giving lectures or showing videos about sampling and studying aquatic organisms in their habitat, we go out and collect them, experience them, make measurements in the field, and demonstrate the concepts that they’ve learned in lab and lecture in the real world.”

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Ogle Harris Way unveiled in Occoquan

By Uriah Kiser

Led by Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta, the ceremony included remarks by Representative Abigail Spanberger, read by a staff member, in addition to a tribute by Tamika Joy Harris-Russell, a descendant of Ogle Harris. Members of the Harris family were also invited to share stories and memories.

“Ogle Harris and his extended family were a cornerstone of Occoquan’s commercial and social community, and at the heart of the town’s African-American community, for the first 75 years or more of the 20th century,” said Mayor Porta. “It was an honor and pleasure to be able to recognize them for their contributions to our history,” he continued.

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Dale City man headed to prison after he raped, drugged victims

By Uriah Kiser
Oritz Guardado

Balmore Ortiz Guardado, 36, of Dale City, will spend at least 35 years in prison after Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Kimberly A. Irving sentenced him to a life sentence. Guardado was charged with drugging and raping women and girls.

From Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth’s office:

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Prince William To Participate in Operation Dry Water Over Fourth of July

By Caitlyn Meisner
Prince William County Police Department's patrol boat is commonly used to guard the Potomac and Occoquan rivers.

The Prince William County Police Department is partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the United States Coast Guard over the July Fourth weekend to combat boating under the influence.

According to a press release, the county will actively participate in Operation Dry Water, a year-round campaign focused on awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Since the upcoming Fourth of July has a heightened public presence on the water, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices.

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Victim Sprayed in Face with Caustic Substance

By Uriah Kiser
Corum Hill

On Wednesday, June 26, at 9:07 p.m., officers responded to a domestic dispute at the Elevations One Apartments in the 14300 block of Bellona Road in Woodbridge.

The investigation revealed that a 26-year-old man and an acquaintance were involved in a verbal altercation in the parking lot. The situation escalated, and during the encounter, the woman sprayed the victim in his face and upper body with an unknown substance before driving away.

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Fatal Crash Investigation in Lake Ridge

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Both drivers and passengers in the vehicles were taken to the hospital. On June 27, crash investigators were notified that the male passenger who was injured in the Edge died as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. All other involved parties are expected to survive. Investigators determined that speed, alcohol, and drugs were not factors for the driver. At the time of the collision, the driver of the Edge, identified as Doris Ann Grosskopf, was charged. The investigation continues.

Doris Ann Grosskopf, 82, of the 12100 block of Clipper Drive in Woodbridge, is charged with failure to follow a traffic signal. She is due in court on August 26, 2024, and was released on a court summons.

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125-Unit Housing Project Presented to Dumfries Town Council

By Sarah Romero
A rendering included in the Dumfries Town Coucnil meeting agenda.

The Town Council of Dumfries received details of a new housing project presented by Reginald Tabor, the town’s planning director.

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Poilce report: Two shot with BBs inside car at Tacketts Mill

By Uriah Kiser
Tacketts Mill, shopping center, plaza
Takett's Mill shopping center in Lake Ridge, Virginia.

On Tuesday, June 25, at 10:40 p.m., officers responded to Tackett’s Mill Shopping Mall in the 2200 block of Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge. The response was to investigate a shots fired call.

The investigation revealed that two victims, a 22-year-old male and a 21-year-old female, were in the parking lot when a black SUV drove by and fired BB or other pellet-type rounds from the vehicle, striking both victims. No injuries were reported. No additional injuries or property damage were reported.

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