Prince William - Page 5 of 1229 - Potomac Local News

Prince William County launches first-ever Rippon Lodge Gingerbread House Contest

Published October 30, 2025 at 4:30PM

“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.

Alexandria man surrenders in fatal 2023 hit-and-run on I-95 in Prince William

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 30, 2025 at 4:05PM

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.

Prince William Residents Rage as County Passes ‘Weak’ Noise Ordinance

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 30, 2025 at 2:00PM

Village Place Technology Park in Gainesville, approved by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in 2022

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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Weems–Botts Museum group urges Town to preserve $1-a-year lease agreement

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 30, 2025 at 1:30PM

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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Prince William County invites residents to help shape future of local trails

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 29, 2025 at 10:40PM

Occoquan Greenway Bridge Offers New Trail Connection for Pedestrians and Bicyclists [Photo: Prince William County Parks and Rec]

The meeting will be held Wednesday, November 5, from 7–9 p.m. at the Pat White Center at Ben Lomond, located at 10501 Copeland Drive, Manassas. The Countywide Trails Master Plan aims to expand and connect Prince William County’s trail systems to support recreation, transportation, and community engagement.

Prince William police seek information in 2022 Woodbridge homicide

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 29, 2025 at 8:48PM

“PWCPD Violent Crimes Unit requests your assistance. If you have any information regarding Milton Humberto ESCALANTE ESCOBAR, please contact us. He was only 18 years old at the time,” Prince William County Police Department announced. “Detectives from the Violent Crimes Bureau are continuing to investigate this case. The Police Department is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in this death.”

On October 27, 2022, officers responded to the 13900 block of Richmond Highway in Woodbridge, where 18-year-old Milton Humberto Escalante Escobar was found suffering from a gunshot wound. He later died at a local hospital. Police say an altercation occurred in a wooded area behind a business before the suspect fled in a vehicle. No arrests have been made, and the case remains under investigation.

Planning Commission Approves 1,000+ Unit Development Along Vint Hill

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published October 29, 2025 at 1:00PM

The proposed Kettle Run development. [Map courtesy of Walsh Colucci Lubeley & Walsh]

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Interfaith leaders explore ‘The Concept of Peace in Religion’ at Masroor Mosque

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 29, 2025 at 8:55AM

Masroor Mosque

“Only by looking at the whole picture can we achieve peace,” said Anthony Solomon, president of Ner Shalom Temple in Woodbridge, during a discussion on peace and justice among faith leaders, InsideNoVa reported. “There can be no sustainable peace without justice.”

“When we talk about peace, we first have to conquer our own mind,” said Devinder Singh of the Sikh Center of Virginia. “It is the biggest issue that stands in the middle of peace.”

After 21 years, Bonefish Grill closes abruptly in Gainesville

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 29, 2025 at 8:53AM

“Closing a restaurant is never easy. This was a business decision and is not a reflection of the management or staff,” Bloomin’ Brands spokesperson Elizabeth Daly told the Prince William Times. “We appreciate the community’s support over the past 21 years and hope to see them in our Fairfax restaurant.”

The Bonefish Grill in Gainesville — known for its popular “Bang Bang Shrimp” — closed suddenly on Sunday, October 26, after more than two decades in business. Employees were seen packing up items the next day, and the restaurant’s signage was removed from its building at 7611 Somerset Crossing Drive.

Prince William County names Dr. Alicia Hart as Deputy County Executive for Government Operations, Performance and Innovation

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 29, 2025 at 8:40AM

Hart

“Dr. Hart brings an exceptional combination of operational expertise, strategic vision and a deep understanding of public service,” County Executive Chris Shorter said. “Her experience leading large organizations through transformation and her commitment to innovation and equity will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen government operations and deliver on our promise of effective, resident-focused service.”

County Executive Chris Shorter appointed Dr. Hart as Deputy County Executive for Government Operations, Performance, and Innovation, effective November 10, 2025. In her new role, Hart will oversee departments including Facilities and Fleet Management, Human Resources, Information Technology, Strategic Planning, Performance Management, and Procurement Services, advancing operational excellence and innovation across county government.