WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County is mourning the loss of one of its most respected business leaders. Demetrios “Dimitri” Boosalis, founder of Boosalis Properties and a lifelong supporter of local businesses, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025.
Dimitri’s life was a true American success story. Born in the village of Niata, Greece, he arrived in the U.S. with just $20, no English, and a sixth-grade education. From those humble beginnings, he built Boosalis Properties into one of the largest independent commercial real estate companies in Woodbridge. The company owns and manages several landmark properties, including The Woodbridge Shopping Center and Station Plaza Shopping Center, both home to dozens of long-standing local businesses—many of which have remained tenants for more than 40 years.
In addition to his work in real estate, Dimitri was known for his leadership in the restaurant and hospitality industry, opening several popular spots over the years, including Georgetown Station, Demetri’s Restaurant, Hector’s, Chicken Fantastic, and Colonial CafĂ©.
One of his most impactful efforts came during the Route 1 and Occoquan Road widening projects in the 2010s. Dimitri helped protect dozens of family-owned businesses by working with state and local leaders to adjust road designs—efforts he led quietly, never seeking recognition.
Dimitri’s commitment to community ran even deeper during tough times. During economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic, he stood by his tenants, providing help when they needed it most. His office became a gathering place for people to share their appreciation for his unwavering kindness and support.
Always looking ahead, Dimitri was also the driving force behind the vision for Riverside Crossing, a proposed town center in Woodbridge designed to bring new life to the area for generations to come.
He is survived by his wife, Loula Boosalis, his daughter Eleni, and his son George Boosalis, who continues the family’s work through Boosalis Properties.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The Prince William County Police Department has announced the completion of the criminal investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting that happened on December 5, 2024, outside Fire & Rescue Station 26 on Davis Ford Road in Woodbridge.
According to a press release from the department, the investigation was conducted by the Northern Virginia regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), which is made up of investigators from multiple area agencies. Their findings were presented to Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth, who concluded that no criminal charges will be filed against the officer involved.
This incident made headlines last December when a man reportedly approached police officers outside the fire station armed with a knife and ignored multiple commands to drop the weapon. Officers ultimately shot the man, who later died at the hospital. No officers or bystanders were injured in the confrontation.
With the criminal review now complete, the department says an internal administrative review will begin. The Office of Professional Standards will examine the incident to ensure it complied with department policies. The department’s Use of Deadly Force Review Board will also conduct a final assessment to determine whether the officer’s actions were justified under agency guidelines.
The police department has provided additional information on its website about how critical incidents like this are investigated.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A new 28,000-square-foot event venue in Manassas is preparing to open its doors to the community this weekend.
Magnoliya Grand, located at 6991 Infantry Ridge Road near the Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, will hold its Grand Opening and Open House on Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include an opening ceremony at 11 a.m., live performances from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and an open house from 1 to 4 p.m., according to the venue’s announcement.
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DUMFRIES, Va. – In the 1984 movie Footloose, a small town famously banned dancing, sparking pushback from teens who just wanted to have fun. This week in Dumfries, a similar debate surfaced over whether the small town is going too far with proposed new rules for music festivals.
During its May 6, 2025, meeting, the Dumfries Town Council held a public hearing on a proposal to revise the town’s Musical and Entertainment Festivals Ordinance. Among the proposed changes is a requirement that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult at outdoor concerts and festivals.
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RICHMOND, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) students have once again claimed top honors at the 47th Annual Model Judiciary Program Supreme Court Round, marking their third consecutive victory at the state level.
According to a PWCS release, Battlefield High School students Anandya Sampath, a senior, and Sakshi Gowda, a sophomore, were named overall winners after presenting appellate arguments before justices from the Virginia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Their performance topped the competition, which simulates real court proceedings.
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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Damien and Quadrell Sylvester have been named Prince William County’s 2025 Foster Parents of the Year, honored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) for their outstanding commitment to children in care.
The Sylvesters, who currently care for a sibling group of three, have repeatedly stepped up, offering emergency, respite, and long-term placements, often on short notice. County officials say the family consistently provides nurturing and stability, even under challenging situations.
One example: Over the holidays, the Sylvesters invited the children’s biological parents into their home so the kids could wake up and open gifts with them—a gesture made possible through “Bridging the Gap,” a program designed to support shared parenting and family reunification.
The COG Foster Parents of the Year program recognizes dedicated foster families from ten area jurisdictions, including Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, and the District of Columbia. The annual award highlights how foster parents play a critical role in supporting children when they cannot remain with their biological families.
“Every community needs committed foster parents,” said Fairfax County Supervisor and COG Board Chair Rodney Lusk, “and our region is privileged to have a strong network of caring, supportive, and dedicated individuals.”
MANASSAS, Va. – Drivers traveling on northbound Prince William Parkway near Balls Ford Road in Manassas should expect overnight lane closures later this week.
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, crews plan to close the parkway’s right lane on Friday night, May 16, and Saturday night, May 17, to make repairs to the Balls Ford Road overpass.
The scheduled closure times are:
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10 p.m. Friday, May 16, to 8 a.m. Saturday, May 17
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10 p.m. Saturday, May 17, to 9 a.m. Sunday, May 18
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Backup date, if needed: 9 p.m. Sunday, May 18, to 5 a.m. Monday, May 19
VDOT reminds drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians to stay alert, watch for changing traffic patterns, and limit distractions while traveling through active work zones.
For real-time traffic updates and work zone information, visit 511Virginia, download the 511Virginia app, or call 511.
MANASSAS, Va. – Hundreds gathered last night at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas to honor nearly 300 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) employees who are retiring this year.
According to PWCS, 278 educators, administrators, and support staff were recognized during the ceremony for their years of dedication to students across the county. The honorees included those who officially submitted retirement notices between April 2024 and April 2025.
“These employees have spent their careers creating safe spaces for students to learn and grow,” the division stated in an announcement. “Their impact on our schools and community will be felt for years to come.”
The full list of 2025 retirees is available on the PWCS website.
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.
Today, get to know Steve Austin, the director of Criminal Justice Services for more than 15 years. Before coming to Prince William County, Austin worked in the National Institute of Corrections, as director of Community Corrections in Fredericksburg and as a state probation and parole officer for the Virginia Department of Corrections.
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BRISTOW, Va. – The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue just celebrated a major milestone for its newest recruits. On Wednesday, May 7, Recruit Class 2024-3 officially graduated in a ceremony held at Grace Life Community Church in Bristow.
According to a press release from the department, the ceremony was led by Battalion Chief Scott Arft and honored 26 individuals who completed 30 weeks of demanding training. Their preparation included over 1,500 hours of instruction in fire response, emergency medical services, and specialized rescue techniques at the Public Safety Training Center in Nokesville.
