Prince William

Governor Youngkin Announces Historic Virginia Lottery Profits

By Kelly Sienkowski
Shevan Collier of Stafford County won in May 2024 (Photo: VA Lottery)

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that the Virginia Lottery’s fiscal year 2024 profits exceeded $934 million, the highest in its 36-year history. All profits from the Lottery go towards supporting K-12 public education in the Commonwealth.

Since 1999, Virginia Lottery profits have generated over $12 billion for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. 10% of the Virginia K-12 education budget comes from the Lottery. The record profits in FY24 were driven by over $5.5 billion in sales, the highest ever. Tickets were purchased at over 5,300 businesses and online, and retailers earned $142 million in commissions and bonuses. Of that $5.5 billion, players received $4.2 billion in prizes, with 77 cents returned for every dollar spent. The Lottery also recorded a low administrative cost rate of 3.8%, which will be finalized after a standard audit by the Auditor of Public Accounts.

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Updated: Two Dead in Dumfries Shooting

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Death Investigation – On August 7 at 9:56PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 1900 block of Fort Monroe Cr in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a death. When officers arrived at the home, two individuals, a 33-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, were located inside the residence suffering from gunshot wounds. Both parties were known to one another and pronounced dead on scene. At this time, the incident appears isolated to the residence and there is no active threat to the community. The identities of the deceased will be released pending next-of-kin notification. More information will be released when available. Anyone who may have information that can aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police. The investigation continues.

Original post 11:58 p.m. — A shooting occurred in the 1900 block of Fort Monroe Court in Dumfries, resulting in the deaths of two people in Williamstown. Police were called to the scene at 9:56 p.m. Upon arrival, authorities pronounced the victims dead.

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Classroom Cell Phone Ban to Take Effect in Prince William County Schools

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Prince William County Public Schools

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) will implement new guidelines restricting the use of cell phones and wireless communication devices in classrooms for the 2024-25 school year. The guidelines aim to create an environment conducive to focused learning, minimize distractions, and promote face-to-face social interactions among students.

Under the new guidelines, all wireless communication devices, including earbuds, must be silenced and stored away during the school day for students in middle, traditional, and K-8 schools. Dual-purpose watches may be worn, but wireless and cellular features must be turned off. High school students must be silent and store their devices during instructional periods. However, they may use their devices during lunchtimes and passing periods, with usage prohibited in restrooms and locker rooms.

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Local Cities, Counties Rank Low in ‘Healthiest Communities’

By Caitlyn Meisner
Photo by Mizuno K

This one’s for the people who really care about local news. Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts. Think that’s you? 👉 Join Locals Only Already a member? Sign in

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Town Hall Meeting Tonight to Discuss 300 New Homes in Belmont Bay

By Uriah Kiser

A town hall meeting is scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, August 6, 2024, to discuss the proposed development of 300 new homes at Belmont Bay in Woodbridge. The conference, hosted by developer Miller & Smith, will occur at 7 p.m. at The Osprey Community Building, 401 Belmont Bay Drive, Woodbridge.

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson and Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin will attend the event to inform residents about the development project and offer a platform for community feedback.

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Events Around Prince William County in August

By Caitlyn Meisner
Ringmaster Jimmy Earhart shows off the talents of his animals during the Sea Lion Splash show at the Prince William County Fair on Aug. 15, 2022.

August will be a busy month around Prince William County with several events and activities scheduled. The Board of County Supervisors won’t be meeting this month due to the month-long recess; their first meeting back will be Sept. 3.

Take a look at some highlighted events.

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Van Buren Road Project Approved near Dumfries

By Uriah Kiser

The Van Buren Road project in Prince William County has received approval from the Board of Supervisors.

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Prince William Police Report: Body Found; Man Urinates Inside Car at Jiffy Lube Live

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Death Investigation – On August 3 at 2:11PM, officers responded to the 17100 block of Wayside Dr. in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a death. The investigation revealed a Good Samaritan located a body inside of a vehicle parked near the above location. The body was in a decomposed state and transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to confirm the identity and determine the cause of death. At this time, there is no threat to the community concerning the death. More information will be released as necessary. The investigation continues.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On August 3 at 3:08PM, officers responded to the Sheetz located at 3300 Noble Pond Way in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed shots were fired in the parking lot before a man walked away from two vehicles, a black Audi Q3 and silver Chevrolet Impala, which also quickly left the area. No injuries or property damage were reported. Shell casings and a bullet were located in the parking lot near where the vehicles were parked.

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Volunteers Provide Backpacks to Students in Stafford and Prince William Counties

By Uriah Kiser
A back-to-school festival held at Unity Reed High School near Manassas. [Photo: Prince William County Community Foundation]

Stafford County teachers returned to school today, August 5, 2024, to prepare for the new school year. The morning began with volunteers from Mount Church providing backpacks to students. They donated over 300 backpacks filled with supplies and sorted through all donations from the recent Collect for Kids event.

A representative from Stafford Public Schools expressed appreciation for the volunteers’ efforts, saying, “Thank you to the Mount Church Volunteers for starting the morning with a heart of service for our students coming BackToExcellence. None of this is possible without the continued support of the Stafford community.” Stafford Public Schools students will return to class on Tuesday, August 13.

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