One of the first Sheetz gas stations in the region, located at 4021 Prince William Parkway in Dale City, is facing the prospect of demolition

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Thursday, February 1, marks the deadline for applications to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) specialty programs, excluding the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, which closed in December. PWCS offers diverse and talent-driven opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school students, wrote Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade.

In Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), students across different grade levels can choose specialized programs tailored to their interests and strengths:


To streamline public engagement and avoid lengthy meetings, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors is set to review its policy on public comment during a two-day meeting at the Old Hickory Golf Club on Monday, January 29, and Tuesday, January 30.

Supervisor Victor Angry spearheads the proposed changes, aiming to reduce individual public comment time from three to two minutes per person. His proposal also seeks to cap the total time allocated for public comments at three hours, encompassing in-person and comments made via online video.


Sentara sponsors Play4Kay Pink Game

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) is set to sponsor the George Mason University women’s basketball Play4Kay Pink Game for the fifth consecutive year. The event, part of the #Play4Kay initiative by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, aims to combat cancers affecting women. The GMU women’s basketball team will face Saint Joseph’s University at EagleBank Arena on Thursday, February 8, with tip-off at 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by Sentara, the game includes activities to raise awareness and celebrate female cancer survivors.


According to the scholarship website, the scholarship is an award of $200 allocated for each age-appropriate child in the household. Sarah Smith, recreation senior manager in the Prince William County Parks & Recreation Department, said a range of ages is typically awarded.

“It’s a wide variety,” Smith said. “[Applicants] go from preschool age all the way [up to 18]. I would say our oldest applicant is around 15.”


Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade has earned the title of Region IV Superintendent of the Year. The district covers school divisions in Northern Virginia: Prince William, Stafford, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier, and west to Orange.

Region IV Chair Dr. Shannon Grimsley, Superintendent of Rappahannock County Public Schools, admired Dr. McDade’s inspirational leadership and commented on her unanimous nomination. “This award is a testament to Dr. LaTanya McDade’s exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. She is an inspirational leader very much admired by her colleagues, and she will represent Region IV well in the running for Superintendent of the Year of the state of Virginia.”


The incident unfolded when the driver of a 2013 Nissan Juke lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the roadway and roll onto its roof.

Upon arrival at the scene, Good Samaritans acted swiftly, extracting the driver and providing first aid until fire and rescue personnel arrived. Despite the prompt response, the driver, identified as 39-year-old Demetria Yvette Lee of Woodbridge, succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision on January 24.


Police have apprehended the suspect wanted in connection to the murder of 51-year-old Patricia Kathlean Belgin. The arrest of Karen Nicole Pollard , 37, of no fixed address, was carried out in Prince George’s County, Md., following an incident involving Virginia State Police.

The Prince William County Police Department received notification of Pollard’s arrest on January 23, 2024. The suspect is accused of being involved in an altercation with the victim on December 28, 2023, in the 1200 block of Easy Street in Woodbridge. During this incident, Belgin suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body and was pronounced dead on the scene, Prince Willian police said.


Volunteer firefighters and EMS responders reported 46,246.98 operational hours volunteered, while administrative volunteers had 6,900 hours.

“The commitment of both our operational and administration members at OWL VFD is truly remarkable,” said President Wayne Haight of OWL VFD. “Our volunteers are fully trained and certified, capable of handling various emergencies, and our administration members work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our operational efforts. Together, they embody the spirit of service that defines our organization.”


The suspect, identified as Donald Antonio Barahona Quinonez, 28, of no fixed address, faces charges including three counts of murder, one count of aggravated malicious wounding, four counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and four counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling.

The incident, initially reported as a quadruple shooting on Birchdale Avenue, left three men dead and a fourth man seriously injured. The victims have been identified as Edwin Geovanny Salmeron, 37; Luis Alonzo Salgado-Rivas, 41; and Kevin Josue Vallencillo Mendoza, 23, all of Woodbridge.


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