GAINESIVILLE Va. – The Oak Valley Homeowners Association is sharply criticizing a Virginia Court of Appeals decision that upholds the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ approval of a controversial land use amendment—despite what residents say was a deliberate disregard for public input.

The July 22, 2025, ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Oak Valley HOA and neighboring property owners challenging the Board’s 2022 vote to adopt the Prince William Digital Gateway Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA). The amendment clears the way for thousands of acres in the county’s Rural Crescent to be developed into one of the largest data center corridors in the world, adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park.

The court ruled that while residents had legal standing to bring the challenge, Virginia law does not require local elected officials to consider or respond to citizen input during a public hearing. The ruling cites state code—specifically Virginia Code §§ 15.2‑2204 and 15.2‑2229—which requires that a public hearing be held, but does not dictate what governing bodies must do with the input received.

“This ruling sends a clear and chilling message: under current law, elected officials in Virginia are not required to listen to the people they serve,” said Mac Haddow, President of the Oak Valley Homeowners Association. “It confirms that a public hearing can be a performative exercise — a box to check — rather than a meaningful forum for citizen participation.”

Haddow pointed to a November 1–2, 2022, public hearing that lasted nearly 14 hours and drew more than 240 speakers. The Board of County Supervisors began the meeting at 7:30 p.m. and voted just before 9 a.m. the following morning to approve the CPA. The vote came with no discussion and was taken using a resolution that had been drafted before the hearing began.

“They didn’t spend a minute. They just immediately went to a vote,” Haddow said. “The chair at the time refused to allow any comments to be made or questions asked.”

The Board’s decision followed months of heated public debate, which included a recommendation against the CPA from the Prince William County Planning Commission. Nonetheless, the Board moved forward with the plan, which was championed by then-Board Chair Ann Wheeler and multiple data center developers with business interests in the corridor.

The Oak Valley neighborhood is located near the intersection of Catharpin Road and Heritage Farms Drive in Gainesville. The community includes 254 homes and is managed by Sequoia Management. It sits just outside the area targeted for development, bordering conservation lands and the historic battlefield. With homes averaging close to $1 million, residents there have voiced concern about environmental impacts, rising noise levels, and threats to the area’s rural character.

While the appellate court decision applies specifically to the CPA, a separate case—Oak Valley HOA et al. v. Prince William Board of County Supervisors et al.—is still pending in Prince William County Circuit Court. That lawsuit challenges the validity of a subsequent rezoning vote that took place on December 12, 2023.

In that case, Haddow and others allege that the county failed to properly publish a required public notice in The Washington Post ahead of the meeting, as required by state law. Haddow said he obtained a November 30, 2023, email from County Attorney Michelle Robel acknowledging the publication error and recommending the county re-advertise and hold a new hearing. According to Haddow, the email also stated that the data center developers were “willing to accept the risk” of litigation if the vote proceeded.

Despite that claim, records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show that the county has paid nearly $1 million to outside legal counsel since the litigation began, said Haddow.

“The county is using taxpayer money to fight its own citizens,” Haddow said. “All we’re asking for is to rehear it—just re-advertise, hold the hearing, and vote again.”

Oak Valley HOA now plans to take the issue to the Virginia General Assembly. The group is advocating for new legislation that would require governing bodies to consider and document public input before making land use decisions that fundamentally alter communities.

“The citizens of Prince William County were given just days to review a finalized proposal, while developers had open access to county staff and Board members for months,” Haddow said. “This is not a level playing field. It’s manifestly unfair.”

Oak Valley and its partners say they will continue to press for policy changes that make public hearings more than just a procedural formality.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has determined that Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is among five Northern Virginia school divisions found to be in violation of Title IX, a federal civil rights law, due to policies allowing students to access restrooms and participate in sports based on gender identity.

In a press release, Youngkin said the school divisions—Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William, and the City of Alexandria—“have been violating federal law, deliberately neglecting their responsibility to protect students’ safety, privacy and dignity, and ignoring parents’ rights.”

“Commonsense is back, with biological boys and girls in their own locker rooms and bathrooms, and boys out of girls sports,” Youngkin stated.

The federal Office for Civil Rights (OCR) claims the school divisions’ policies have contributed to unsafe and uncomfortable conditions for students, including female students avoiding restrooms and witnessing inappropriate behavior in locker rooms. The department has issued a proposed Resolution Agreement requiring school divisions to reverse policies allowing restroom and locker room access based on gender identity and instead use biology-based definitions of “male” and “female.”

OCR has given school systems 10 days to voluntarily agree to the changes or face potential enforcement action from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Prince William County Public Schools responded Friday, stating it had only recently received the proposed Resolution Agreement and would “conduct a thorough review of the document and respond appropriately through the proper channels.”

“PWCS remains firmly committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students and staff,” the division said in a statement posted to its website. “Our policies and practices are guided by our core values and by applicable federal and state laws.”

The school division said it continues to uphold its nondiscrimination policy, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics.

“PWCS will continue to work collaboratively with OCR and all stakeholders to ensure compliance with Title IX and to support the well-being and dignity of every student,” the statement concluded.

The PWCS policy under scrutiny, Regulation 738-5, allows students to use restrooms and locker rooms corresponding with their gender identity. It defines “transgender” broadly and includes recognition of nonbinary identities.

Youngkin credited the federal government’s actions as a victory for parental rights and student protection, also praising former President Donald Trump and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos for their roles in shaping the federal Title IX policy direction.

Attorney General Jason Miyares added, “Concerned parents have the right to speak their minds and demand accountability from their local schools, and our daughters should have the same opportunities as our sons. The safety, privacy, and dignity of every student in Virginia is an absolute non-negotiable.”

PWCS has not indicated whether it intends to challenge or comply with the federal directive.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Police are searching for a woman accused of leaving her 2-year-old son unattended outside a home on Dawson Beach Road. Officers responded to the home around 9:17 p.m. on July 23 after a child was found alone and in poor condition. Authorities say the boy’s mother, 37-year-old Alexandra Anna Granruth, had arranged for someone to look after the child earlier that afternoon but never returned.

When police tried to contact Granruth, she allegedly refused to come back. The child was not injured and was released to known parties. Warrants have been issued for Granruth, who is now wanted for felony child neglect.

Here’s the full press release:

Felony Child Neglect – On July 23 at 9:17PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 4000 block of Dawson Beach Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) for a found child. The investigation revealed the victim, a 2-year-old boy, was left unsupervised for an extended period of time by his mother, identified as the accused. Earlier that afternoon, at approximately 2:00PM, the accused contacted an acquaintance who located the victim in an unkempt state unaccompanied outside of the residence. The accused initially arranged for the care of the victim until later that evening. When the accused did not return to the area, the acquaintance contacted the police. When officers attempted to contact the accused, she refused to return to the area. The victim appeared uninjured and was turned over to known parties. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Alexandra Anna GRANRUTH. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.

Wanted: [Photo from April 2024]
Alexandra Anna GRANRUTH, 37, of the 4000 block of Dawson Beach Rd. in Woodbridge
Described as a white female, approximately 5’9”, 165lbs., with blond hair and blue eyes
Wanted for felony child neglect

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Cat Left Behind Pet Store Dumpster—Now Safe in Shelter

STAFFORD, Va. – A cat was found left behind a pet store in Stafford during the heat of summer—inside a carrier next to a dumpster with only a bag of dry food covered in ants. Stafford County Animal Control responded to the Pets Plus store on Richmond Highway on July 16 after staff found the abandoned animal.

The cat, named Arkansas, was frightened but unharmed and is now safe at the Stafford County Animal Shelter. Authorities were able to identify a suspect using surveillance footage. Warrants have been issued for animal abandonment and inadequate care.

Here’s the full press release:

Pets Plus Pet Found:
During a hot summer day, a cat was abandoned in less than favorable conditions. On July 16th, at approximately 11:26 a.m., Animal Control Officer K.L. Busch responded to Pets Plus, located at 2610 Richmond Highway, for an abandoned animal. Staff advised a cat was found abandoned behind the business. Animal Control Officer Busch arrived on scene and made contact with staff. It was discovered the cat was left in a carrier near the dumpster with nothing but a bag of dry cat food that was covered in ants. Upon locating the abandoned cat, staff brought it into the business to care for it. Despite being a bit scared, Animal Control Officer Busch confirmed the cat was unharmed. The cat, named Arkansas, was transported to the Stafford County Animal Shelter. There, it will be cared for until a resolution in the case can be reached. Using nearby security cameras, Animal Control Officer Busch was able to identify the individual who abandoned Arkansas. Yesterday, warrants for abandonment of an animal and inadequate care of an animal were obtained. Thank you Animal Control Officer Busch for your hard work in this case. The Stafford County Animal Shelter has a pet surrender program for those who can no longer adequately care for an animal.

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Nearly $200K Fraud Stopped by Manassas Detectives

MANASSAS, Va. – A quick-thinking detective stopped nearly $200,000 from being stolen in a wire fraud scheme. On July 1, a Manassas resident reported their email had been hacked and a transfer of $194,120.43 was about to be sent to an unknown account.

Detectives worked with banks to freeze the transfer just in time. The case has since been referred to the U.S. Secret Service for further investigation. Manassas Police say the rapid coordination prevented major financial harm.

Here’s the full press release:

Fraud Investigation
On July 1, 2025, the Investigative Services Division received a report of fraud involving a compromised email account and an attempted unauthorized wire transfer. Detective Armas promptly initiated an investigation and determined that the victim’s email had been hacked, with $194,120.43 set to be transferred from the victim’s bank account to an unknown account. Thanks to the swift actions of Detective Armas and the critical support of Detective Urey, investigators were able to work with the financial institutions involved to halt the wire transfer before the funds were lost.
The case has since been referred to the United States Secret Service for continued investigation. The department commends both detectives for their rapid response and effective collaboration, which prevented a significant financial loss and protected the victim from further harm.

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DUMFRIES, Va. – A proposal to name a new public park after Delegate Luke Torian (D-24, Prince William County) and his wife, Clarice, was removed from the July 1, 2025, Dumfries Town Council agenda — delaying what many community members hoped would be a celebratory vote.

The park, which sits atop the town’s former landfill site, is part of a major transformation that’s turning more than 80 acres of reclaimed land into a public green space overlooking Quantico Creek. The site is adjacent to the Rose Gaming Resort and represents one of the most visible symbols of the town’s revitalization.

The resolution that was scheduled for council consideration would have named the property “Luke & Clarice Torian Overlook Park.” The draft resolution outlines Luke Torian’s pivotal role in securing over $400 million in public-private investment projects for Dumfries during his time in the House of Delegates from 2008 to 2024. It also credits him with pushing for state tax reforms expected to double gaming revenue by 2026 and securing funding for Quantico Creek flood mitigation, which directly impacted the park’s viability.

Clarice Torian is recognized in the resolution as a long-time educator and administrator who served as Director of Student Services for Prince William County Public Schools, leading efforts in student wellness, school safety, and counseling initiatives aligned with the values the park is intended to represent.

But despite the accolades, the item was formally removed from the agenda by a split council vote. Councilmembers Caetrina Peterson, Shaun Peete, Brian Fields, and Vice Mayor Monaé Nickerson voted in favor of removing the resolution entirely. Mayor Derrick Wood, Chair Pro Tem Selonia Miles, and Councilman Russell Young voted against removing it.

During citizens’ time, multiple residents passionately urged the council to honor the Torian family by approving the name. Resident Carolyn Woodson called the couple “steadfast pillars in this community,” while Margie Oden and Tyrone Brown cited Delegate Torian’s role in helping bring the Rose project to fruition and transforming the former landfill into usable community space.

“Dumfries has its own pioneers who deserve to be noted in the history books,” Oden told the council.

Joanne Bagner Rise, speaking in support, said the naming was an appropriate tribute to “decades and decades and decades” of service.

Though the measure did not move forward on July 1, council members indicated they may revisit the resolution at a future meeting, potentially giving supporters another opportunity to advocate for the name.

Mayor Wood acknowledged the significance of the naming during his comments.

“It’s more than a designation,” said Wood. “I believe it would have been a tribute to their legacy of leadership, compassion, and tireless service.”

No timeline has been set for when the naming proposal may return to the council agenda.

Correction: Luke Torian is currently a member of the Virignia House of Delegates and is seeking re-election.

BRISTOW, Va. – The Prince William County Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve two new battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities—one on University Boulevard in Bristow and the other on Bethlehem Road near Manassas. The proposals, submitted as Public Facility Reviews (PFR), will move forward without a vote from the Board of County Supervisors unless appealed. Both sites are already zoned M-1 Heavy Industrial, meaning the battery facilities are permitted by-right. The Commission’s role was to determine whether the facilities’ location, character, and extent are substantially in accord with the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

Gainesville BESS (PFR2025-00007)

The Gainesville Battery Energy Storage System will occupy a 3.06-acre site at 13149 University Boulevard in Bristow, next to NOVEC’s Linton Hall Substation and a data center. The site lies within the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District, though it is designated Parks and Open Space in the Comprehensive Plan.

Manassas BESS (PFR2025-00010)

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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Retired Prince William County Police Major Kevin Hughart, a highly respected and decorated officer with a 36-year career in law enforcement, died Tuesday, July 23, 2025. He was surrounded by close family at the time of his passing, according to a statement released by the Prince William County Police Department.

Hughart joined the department in 1989 after serving four years in the U.S. Army with the elite 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” He began his police career in Eastern District Operations as a patrol officer and later worked as an auto theft detective. Over the years, he rose steadily through the ranks, becoming a sergeant in 1998 and a major in 2014. He most recently served as the department’s Assistant Chief of Operations before retiring in May 2025.

“Major Hughart served the department with great distinction,” police officials said in their statement. “Today we honor his memory and remember his contributions and commitment to our agency and his law enforcement family.”

During his decades of service, Hughart took on assignments across multiple divisions, including Patrol, the Criminal Investigations Division, and the Chief’s Office. He also served on specialty teams like the Honor Guard and Search & Rescue, and he contributed to numerous internal committees that helped shape agency policy and operations.

Hughart earned a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University and was a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session #227.

He is remembered not only as a leader and mentor but also as a father. Two of Hughart’s sons currently serve as officers in the Prince William County Police Department. “My legacy is leaving policing in the hands of my sons to carry on from here,” Hughart said in May when he retired.

As of Thursday afternoon, police have offered no additional details regarding Hughart’s death.

MANASSAS, Va. – Prince William County Police executed a search warrant at the Sunrise BP & Two Brothers Chicken Express convenience store and gas station at 9745 Liberia Avenue on July 24, 2025.

Police spokeswoman Officer Renee Carr confirmed the department was conducting an active search at the property but declined to provide further information. Officers at the scene blocked off the premises, though nearby businesses remained accessible.

The store’s business license is registered to Haroon Sheikh and opened in June 2022. According to public records, its business license was automatically terminated in October 2023 for failure to pay required fees or submit documentation mandated under Virginia law. Despite the termination, the store continued operating until the day of the raid.

Haroon Sheikh is to be the brother-in-law of Raheel Sheikh, who represents the Occoquan District on the Prince William County Planning Commission and was a former Democratic candidate for the Coles District seat on the Board of County Supervisors in 2019.

Attempts to reach store management were unsuccessful. A phone number listed for the business returned a busy signal, and an email was not immediately returned.

 

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Woodbridge is raising a glass one last time as Brew Republic Bierwerks prepares to close its doors for good after nearly a decade in business.

The beloved brewery, located at 15201 Potomac Town Place in Stonebridge Town Center, will host its “Closing Time Party” from Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27 — a weekend-long celebration filled with live music, karaoke, trivia, and farewell toasts. The brewery invites the community to stop by for one final round of fun, food, and memories.

This weekend’s lineup includes bands from past years, karaoke nights, trivia contests, and plenty of beer specials. It’s a final opportunity to celebrate the role Brew Republic has played as a community hub and nightlife staple in eastern Prince William County since opening in 2016.

As previously reported, the closure follows the termination of Brew Republic’s lease by a new landlord. Citing the high cost of relocating and ongoing challenges in the restaurant and brewery industries, the owners said the current environment made it unlikely for the business to resurface elsewhere.

Brew Republic will officially close to the public at the end of the day on Sunday, July 27.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A 22-year-old man has been charged with felony homicide following the death of his 4-month-old son, authorities announced Wednesday.

Prince William County police say Gianni Romero-Coreas, of the 14300 block of Jeffries Road in Woodbridge, just off  Route 1, was arrested July 24 by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Manassas. He is being held without bond.

The charge follows a child abuse investigation that began on July 16 when emergency responders were called to Elevations One Apartments on Jeffries Road. According to police, the infant lost consciousness and was transported to a local hospital. Medical personnel determined the baby had sustained life-threatening injuries while in the care of his father.

Romero-Coreas was arrested the next day, July 17, and charged with felony child abuse. Four days later, on July 20, the child’s condition deteriorated, and he died. The body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

On July 22, after consulting with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, detectives filed the additional felony homicide charge.

A court date is pending. No photo of the suspect has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

OCCOQUAN, Va. – Christmas will come early to the riverside town of Occoquan as businesses and visitors gear up for a festive summertime celebration packed with holiday spirit, exclusive deals, and creative twists on winter traditions.

The town’s Christmas in July event returns on Friday, July 25, offering a full day of holiday-themed shopping, refreshments, and activities from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nearly two dozen local shops, galleries, and eateries are participating in the event, each putting a unique spin on Christmas during the summer heat.

“This is such a fun way to bring the community together and give visitors a reason to explore everything Occoquan has to offer,” said event organizers on the town’s tourism website.

Downtown businesses are getting into the holiday spirit:

• Madigan’s Waterfront will serve themed drinks like the Tipsy Elf and host a Best Christmas Attire Contest at 6 p.m.

• Graffiti Cat Pizza will feature hand-doodled Christmas scenes on pizza boxes.

• Hitchcock Paper Co. will offer deep discounts—up to 75% off—on holiday items during a special sidewalk sale.

• Gift & Gather and Glory Be are offering storewide discounts, with gifts with purchase and holiday surprises.

• To Bee will debut a new handmade jewelry collection called the “Christmas Collection” and give away a free gift while supplies last.

In true Christmas fashion, Hello Jackson Home Fragrance will give shoppers a free room spray with their purchase, and Leaf & Petal will offer 25–75% off merchandise and samples of their holiday tea.

It’s not all about shopping, either. Occoquan Optical will host a frame swap and potluck from 4 to 8 p.m., and artists at Local Colour Gallery and the Loft Gallery will showcase holiday and winter-themed art, some available for commission.

Even before the main event, the town will host a free concert by the 257th Army Band on Saturday, July 12 at River Mill Park as a prelude to the festivities.

From holiday puzzles to summer plant sales, scented gifts to chocolate bars sprinkled with candy cane bits, Occoquan’s merchants are blending holiday cheer with summertime fun in ways that celebrate both seasons.

Christmas in July is free to attend, and all are welcome to stroll through the historic town, enjoy the festive decorations, and check off a little holiday shopping list—six months early.

For more information and a full list of participating businesses, visit visitoccoquanva.com/christmasinjuly.