Opinion

To the Citizens of Manassas,

I am Colonel (r) Ulysses Xerxes “Xerk” White, United States Army. Many residents of Manassas know me from my years of military service, my time on City Council, my work on the VA Commission Transportation Board, my involvement with the Manassas Rotary, my time worshiping at First AME Church, and more importantly a devoted husband. My life has been shaped by service, and Manassas has been one of the places where I was blessed to continue that calling.


Weather

Light to moderate showers are moving through Northern Virginia and the broader Baltimore-Washington area early Sunday. Most places should dry out an hour or two after sunrise. A few extra showers are possible later this morning as a warm front crosses, but they should stay light and scattered.

Afternoon sunshine returns and temperatures climb well into the 80s. Humidity stays up with dew points near 70. A cold front arrives late Sunday night into Monday. Monday will feel cooler and less sticky, with highs in the mid-70s to low 80s and northwest winds gusting 20 to 25 mph at times. Monday night looks chilly, with lows in the upper 40s to 50s.


Breaking News

Editor’s note: This report started with a tip from a reader. If you see news break, email us immediately at [email protected] or text 571-989-1695.

UPDATE, ~4:20 p.m.: Prince William Fire and Rescue said it took 21 “outside gas leak” calls Saturday between 7:20 a.m. and 1:18 p.m. after residents reported a strong outdoor sulfur odor. Battalion Chief Brian Ferguson, the acting fire marshal, said crews detected a sulfur odor but four-gas meters read normal. Washington Gas was notified and reported no issues with its system. No source has been identified. No shelter-in-place order was issued. No protective action is required, fire officials said.


Event

Music. Art. Food. Community. The Takoma Park Folk Festival brings it all together for one free, unforgettable day. Discover six stages of live music from around the world, shop an acclaimed juried craft show, enjoy international cuisine, connect with local community organizations, and let the kids explore crafts and activities in the Children's Nook. It's one of the region's most beloved traditions, and a celebration of the creativity, diversity, and welcoming spirit that has long defined Takoma Park.

New this year! Jam at the Crossroads is a place for musicians of all levels to come together and be part of the music.


Police Blotter

Manassas City detectives obtained four rape charges against Donaldo Antonio Buezo Hernandez after a now-adult victim reported in April 2023 that a family member had sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions over several years, beginning when the victim was a juvenile, police said.

During that investigation, detectives identified a second juvenile victim who reported being sexually assaulted on multiple occasions by the same offender. Police said the suspect is a family member known to both victims. They did not name the victims or give a street address for where the assaults occurred.


Quantico

The Town of Quantico has lifted its boil-water advisory after the second required water sample came back clean and the Virginia Department of Health approved cancelling the order, according to a public notice from the town Friday.

The notice applies only to the Town of Quantico waterworks. It does not apply to the Marine Corps Base Quantico waterworks.


Prince William

Lanterns lined Freedom Park and the honor bell sat ready Thursday evening as Prince William County gathered at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza to mark 25 years since Sept. 11, 2001.

The ceremony was held the night before the national anniversary, beside the Liberty Memorial Fountain outside the McCoart Government Center in Woodbridge.


Police Blotter

Prince William County police announced the arrest of a Falls Church man wanted in connection with a September 6 abduction in Woodbridge.

reported a stabbing investigation at Potomac Mills in which two men were injured. Stafford County deputies arrested a Fredericksburg woman for driving under the influence and a Stafford man for public intoxication, and took reports of a stolen vehicle, a stolen package and unauthorized account openings.


Podcast

Stafford County is the largest locality in Virginia without a Business, Professional and Occupational License tax. On Tuesday, Sept. 15, supervisors will hold a public hearing on whether to bring BPOL back.


Fredericksburg

Dog Krazy has leased a second downtown Fredericksburg building for corporate headquarters and franchise training, founder Nancy Guinn said, while stressing that the William Street retail store is not moving.

The company is already in at 1600 Princess Anne St. Guinn said in an on-the-record email Sept. 6 that the space will house corporate offices, training for new franchise owners and their teams, product and vendor sessions, and systems used across Dog Krazy stores. It is not a retail shop.