A new chapter is unfolding at the former Tin Cannon Brewery site in Gainesville, and it’s bringing a colorful mix of sustainability, community, and secondhand treasures.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

From a single closet shared by two churches to a bustling community lifeline helping tens of thousands annually, the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year — and its mission is more critical than ever.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

A driver died following a single-vehicle crash on Linton Hall Road near Glenkirk Road on Monday, March 24, 2025.

Police said the crash occurred at 9:48 a.m. when a 2019 Toyota Highlander traveling north on Linton Hall Road crossed into the southbound lanes, left the roadway, and struck a guardrail. The vehicle then went down an embankment, became airborne, rolled over, and came to rest on its side in a field.

The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was taken to a hospital, where she later died.

Police identified the deceased as Marat Lise Essex, 52, of Bristow.

Investigators ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact the police. The investigation is ongoing.

Willing Warriors, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting recovering service members and their families, will hold a community-wide event this spring to celebrate a decade of healing and hope.

The organization will mark its 10-year anniversary with a celebration on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run near Haymarket. The retreat provides free, week-long stays for wounded service members and their families, offering them rest, reconnection, and recovery in a peaceful setting.

Since opening its doors in 2015, the Warrior Retreat has hosted nearly 2,700 warriors and their loved ones, helping to restore hope, rebuild relationships, and provide a supportive environment for healing.

“We’ve seen lives changed, marriages saved, and families restored,” said Shirley Dominick, founder of Willing Warriors. “When warriors arrive on Friday, they are often tired and discouraged. When they leave, they are smiling, hopeful, and ready to move forward.”

Dominick accepted a proclamation from the Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday, March 18, recognizing March 16–22, 2025, as Women Veterans Week and honoring the contributions of women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. During the ceremony, she reflected on the vital role the community has played in the retreat’s success.

“It is you—this community—that made all of this possible,” she told the board. “Your financial support, your volunteer hours, your belief in our mission—it has all helped us serve our nation’s heroes in a meaningful way.”

Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir read the proclamation, noting that women veterans are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population, with many calling Prince William County home.

Sarah Ford, Executive Director of Willing Warriors, encouraged residents to attend the May 26 event. “This anniversary isn’t just about us—it’s about what this community has done together,” Ford said. “We want everyone to come out, celebrate, and be part of the next chapter.”

Willing Warriors continues to offer no-cost stays for service members recovering from both physical and invisible wounds, supported by a network of volunteers, donors, and local partners. The retreat includes private suites, accessible amenities, and access to nearby medical facilities and outdoor activities.

For more information about the anniversary event or to support Willing Warriors, visit willingwarriors.org.

The is experiencing a surge in ridership, with a 36% increase in February compared to January, despite one fewer service day. Early data from March indicates the trend is continuing, with ridership levels already outpacing previous weeks.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Prince William County officials are raising concerns about a high-voltage transmission line project proposed by Dominion Energy. The project could affect public parks, a public safety training center, and other county-owned properties.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.

After more than ten years of bringing craft beer and community together, Tin Cannon Brewing Company is closing its doors. The announcement was made by co-founders John Hilkert and Aaron Ludwig, who shared a heartfelt message with their patrons, reflecting on their journey as small business owners and their decision to move on to new adventures.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.

The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.

“We want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,” said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.

Have an event you’d like to share with the community? Submitting events is simple! Just visit this link, provide the event details, and hit submit. Best of all, it’s completely FREE to submit your event!

Prince William County government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, as officials anticipate potential impacts from adverse weather conditions. The decision was made to ensure the safety of residents and county employees during what is expected to be a challenging day for travel and operations.

The closure affects all county government buildings, including administrative offices, public libraries, community centers, and other public facilities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the weather forecast and road conditions, taking precautions as necessary to remain safe.

Essential services, such as emergency response teams, will continue to operate during the closure to ensure public safety and address urgent needs in the community. County officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed regarding any further adjustments to schedules or services.

For more information and updates, residents can visit the county’s official website or follow its social media channels.

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) will start accepting Christmas trees and greens starting Thursday through Jan. 12 in Gainesville.

According to a press release, NOVEC will be accepting both trees and greens without any decorations, ornaments, hooks, wires or light strings starting the day after Christmas. Drop-off will be available at its Gainesville Technical Center at 5399 Wellington Branch Road.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.