“Kaytie’s extensive operational experience and decades of service in Prince William County make her uniquely qualified to lead Public Safety Communications into its next chapter,” County Executive Chris Shorter said. “Her leadership, innovation and institutional knowledge will ensure that our emergency communications center continues to set the standard for reliability, professionalism and service to residents.”

“It’s an incredible honor to lead the department where I began my career more than three decades ago,” said Carroll. “Public Safety Communications is built on teamwork, trust and service to our community. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and look forward to continuing to ensure that every call for help in Prince William County is answered with professionalism and care.”


A 19-year-old Manassas man died Thursday night after his motorcycle collided with a car at a busy Bristow intersection, Prince William County Police said.

Officers responded just before 8 p.m. on November 1 to the area of Linton Hall Road and Nokesville Road. According to police, an officer was conducting speed enforcement nearby when he saw a 2004 Kawasaki ZX-6R traveling southbound at a high speed on Nokesville Road. As the officer activated his emergency lights, the motorcyclist turned off his headlights and sped off toward Linton Hall Road.


“Each year, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our schools that go above and beyond to foster a culture of support, understanding, and resilience for our military-connected students,” shared Kimberly Simpson, PWCS military achievement specialist, as Prince William County Public Schools announced the recognition of 18 schools as 2025 Virginia Purple Star schools. “The Purple Star designation is a powerful acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts that ensure every student, regardless of background or mobility, can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”

The Virginia Department of Education recognized 18 PWCS schools—including four first-time honorees and 14 renewals—for their continued support of military-connected students. With this recognition, 51 PWCS schools now hold the Purple Star Designation, representing 53% of the division’s total schools.


“When former Alexandria City Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Alicia Hart resigned in late September to take a high-ranking government job in Prince William County, her duties were temporarily split between two directors — including Ayanna Harrison,” The Alexandria Times reported. “Weeks later, Harrison was found to have secretly been working full-time in Atlanta as the chief operating officer of The Kindezi Schools.”

“An anonymous employee said human resources was warned in early October about Harrison’s dual employment,” the paper continued. “But by the time the issue surfaced publicly, Hart had already departed for her new role as Prince William County’s deputy county executive overseeing government operations and innovation.”


Prince William Water has launched a new quarterly video podcast called “Behind the Tap,” offering residents a behind-the-scenes look at the county’s largest water and wastewater utility. The podcast will feature interviews with staff, answers to frequently asked customer questions, and tips on how to protect local water resources.

The debut episode includes an interview with Deputy General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer Ari Nelson, who discusses the national “Imagine a Day Without Water” campaign and the utility’s emphasis on reliability and infrastructure. The podcast aims to raise awareness about the systems that deliver clean water and treat wastewater for over 380,000 people in Prince William County.


“Do you want to show off your gingerbread architect skills?” the Prince William Office of Historic Preservation announced. “Enter the First Annual Rippon Lodge Gingerbread House Contest and celebrate the holidays by creating a gingerbread masterpiece for all to see.”

The contest features Amateur, Family, and Professional categories, with winners chosen by popular vote. Entry forms are due by December 5, and houses must be dropped off at Rippon Lodge by December 8 for display during the Holidays Through the Ages event. Winners will be announced December 12, and entry is free.


James A. Puryear, 50, of Alexandria, turned himself in Thursday morning, October 30, 2025, at the Prince William – Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center. Puryear is charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred nearly two years ago on Interstate 95 southbound in Prince William County.

The crash happened at 5:05 a.m. on November 19, 2023, near the 158-mile marker. Investigators say a 2005 Infiniti G35 sideswiped a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer, causing it to leave the roadway, hit a guardrail, and strike a support column. The truck driver, Trenton E. Schnakenberg, 31, of Caret, died at the scene. The driver of the Infiniti fled before authorities arrived.


After three years of study, public debate, and technical review, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted 5–2 Tuesday night to adopt a new C-weighted noise ordinance regulating sound from data centers and other industrial sources.

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The nonprofit that operates the Weems–Botts Museum and Merchant Park told the Dumfries Town Council it hopes to keep its $1-a-year lease intact through 2038, stressing that the agreement has allowed local volunteers to preserve one of Virginia’s most historic homes for five decades.

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