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Potomac Local Wants You To Know

Virginia Bluebells, Prince William’s Official Flower, Reach Peak Bloom Today

April 15, 2014 at 12:39 pmLeave a comment

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NOKESVILLE, Va. – One of the most unique wildflowers to bloom each year in our area will peak today.

The Virginia Bluebell, or Mertensia virginica, now blankets the banks of the Cedar Run creek and its floodplain in Nokesville. The flower also has other names like Virginia cowslip, lungwort oysterleaf, and Roanoke bells, but in Prince William County – where the Bluebell is the official flower – the Virginia Bluebell is a sure sign of spring.

“In two weeks you want even know they’re there. There ephemeral all the petals will fall off and they’ll be gone,” said Prince William Conservation Alliance Director Kim Hosen.

Though they’re short lived, the flowers are enough to draw hundreds to the annual Virginia Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area. At the festival Sunday, tours guides took visitors through the flood plain to view the flowers which were nearly in full bloom, unlike last year’s festival where a slow spring pushed back the bloom dates until late April.

There were also opportunities to learn about birds, bugs, habitats, and many other things outdoor enthusiasts love.

The Bluebell is a sensitive plant that loves the soils of the floodplain. Never wanting to share, Bluebells need the full rays of the sun and always bloom before green leaves appear on trees, said Hosen.

They’re abundant in Nokesville, growing at Merrimac Farm and on many private properties in the area. But you would be hard pressed to find them anywhere in eastern Prince William County or along the Potomac River.

“In the eastern end, when they build they reduce the flood plain. Many will build a wall to keep the water in and so there just no more flood plain,” said Hosen, who also serves on the county’s Planning Commission.

The “official” county flowers generally are at peak bloom every year between April 13 -15. And, there’s a reason why they chose the Bluebell to be the county’s flower.

“They make everybody smile,” said Hosen.

Fire Crews Douse Blaze at House on Dumfries Road

April 15, 2014 at 11:55 amLeave a comment

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Update
From Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue:

At approximately 10: 30 a.m., fire and rescue units were dispatched to a structure fire in a two-story single family home located in the 13600 block of Dumfries Road in Dumfries.

Upon arrival, fire and rescue units discovered fire on the first floor of the home. Firefighters extinguished the fire and checked for extension; no further extension was found.

No injuries reported.

Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the displaced resident who was not home at the time of the fire, but services were not required.

A Building official was notified to assess the damage and posted the building as unsafe.

According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, the origin and cause was electrical and has been determined accidental.

Original post

DUMFRIES, Va. – A house in the 13600 block of Dumfries Road in Manassas caught fire this morning.

Crews were called to the home about 11 a.m. Smoke was showing from both sides of the home when fire crews arrived. They later reported the blaze was quickly doused.

We don’t know the cause of the fire at this time.

 

Updated: HAZMAT Crash Snarls I-95 near Dumfries

April 15, 2014 at 9:29 amLeave a comment

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Update 12:50 p.m.

Stafford County officials have good news for commuters: the wreck involving a tractor trailer on Interstate 95 north at mile post 150 in Prince William County has been cleared from the highway as of 12:40 p.m.

There are traffic backups in the northbound direction from North Stafford to Dumfries.

 9:30 a.m. 

DUMFRIES, Va. – Police and fire and rescue crews have been called to a HAZMAT crash on Interstate 95 near Dumfries.

The crash, which occurred on the northound side of  I-95, was reported by Prince William police just before 9:30 a.m. It’s unclear if anyone was injured in the crash.

Several lanes of I-95 are closed near the crash scene. Police said extensive delays can be expected.

More as we have it.

 

Williams Keynote Speaker for Cocktails & Cupcakes in Woodbridge

April 15, 2014 at 9:09 amLeave a comment

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Kevin Williams came up with the concept, name, and mission of his business with his partners sitting over dinner at Bahama Breeze in Woodbridge.

So, it’s only fitting that he return here on Wednesday, April 23, at PotomacLocal.com’s Forty Under 40 Cocktails and Cupcakes After Hours to help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“You need to follow you dreams. As a business leader, it is your civic responsibility to show other people the path to success,” said Williams.

He is the CEO of TekConnX (pronounced Tech Connects) which helps government contractors and other firms stay competitive in the fields of networking, audio visual technologies, and security technologies, and business development to name a few.

As the keynote speaker for the Cocktails and Cupcakes event in Woodbridge, Williams said he cam remember back to a time when he attended several marketing events but had no clear direction on where to go, or who to talk to.

“Young people can often feel like a fish out of water at some of these networking events, so we want to bring them in and connect them with people in their field to help further their success,” said Williams.

It’s been a year since Williams’ drew up the concept of his business at Bahama Breeze at Potomac Mills mall. He did so shortly after losing his old job in the contracting field. Since then, things have moved very fast for TekConnX as the company has acquired several contracts from federal, state, and local government agencies in a short amount of time.

The Cocktails and Cupcakes event at Bahama Breeze will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and 100% of ticket admissions will be donated to the non-profit The House, Inc.

You can find more information about the event, as well as other upcoming Cocktails and Cupcake events here.

Prince William Crime Report: Fight Leads to Gunshot Wound

April 15, 2014 at 8:39 amLeave a comment

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Prince William police were called to two separate incidents of malicious wounding on April 14. Here’s the unedited reports of what occurred:

Aggravated Malicious Wounding – On April 14th at 1:58AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 7800 block of Blue Gray Cir in Manassas (20109) to investigate a domestic related shooting. The victim, a 38 year old man of Manassas, reported to police that he and the accused, a known acquaintance, were involved in verbal altercation which escalated physically. During the encounter, the accused pulled out a handgun and shot a round into a nearby wall. At that point the victim lunged at the accused and was shot in the abdomen. The accused was still on scene when officers arrived and was taken into custody without further incident. The victim was flown to an area hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. This altercation appeared to have stemmed from an earlier domestic incident between the victim and a 45 year old woman who is related to the accused. That incident is still under investigation.

Malicious Wounding – On April 14th at 4:56AM, officers responded to the wooded area located in the 14000 block of Foulger Sq in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an assault. The victim, a 28 year old man of Woodbridge, reported to police that he and the suspect, a man believed to be a known acquaintance, were involved in a verbal altercation which escalated. During the encounter, the accused allegedly struck the victim in the head with an unknown blunt object. The accused fled on foot prior police arriving in the area. The victim was treated at an area hospital with significant, but non-life threatening injuries. The investigation continues.

Manassas Crime Report: Restaurant Tables, Chairs Set Aside for Fight

April 15, 2014 at 8:31 amLeave a comment

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Here’s the latest unedited crime reports released by Manassas police:

Hit & Run – Arrest

On April 11, 2014 Manassas City Police was dispatched to the 9000 block of Centreville Rd in reference to a hit and run involving a motorcycle. Upon arrival, officers learned that the accused, Felix Alexander GAINES, was under the influence of alcohol when he test-drove a 2012 Kawasaki motorcycle from Manassas Honda Kawasaki Suzuki, causing $1,000.00 in damage to the motorcycle and $100.00 to a street sign. GAINES, 49, of 13065 Sterling Point Dr, Gainesville, VA 20155 was charged with reckless driving and hit and run. He has a pending court date of May 7, 2014.

[No Photo Available]

041514 escobarAssault – Arrest

On April 13, 2014 Manassas City Police responded to the intersection of Center St and Main St for a fight in progress. Upon arrival, officers encountered the accused actively fighting among a large group of individuals. In the process of fighting, Luis Alonzo ESCOBAR punched the victim, a 30-year-old female, as she walked past on the sidewalk, causing non-life-threatening injuries to her face. ESCOBAR, 22, of 8109 Cobden Ct #102, Manassas (20109) was charged with assault and resisting arrest and held on a $1,500.00 bond. His court date is unavailable.

Disorderly Conduct – Arrest

041514 navarreteOn April 13, 2014 Manassas City Police was dispatched to El Rincon Salvadoreno located at 9015 Centreville Rd for a report of an assault and battery. In the process of obtaining information, officers were notified by a patron that a physical fight was taking place inside the business. Upon entering the restaurant, officers discovered a group of individuals preparing to fight with tables and chairs being pushed out of the way. When officers attempted to detain the main offender, Alberto NAVARETE, he resisted arrest until officers could gain control of him. NAVARRETE, 43, of 9636 Remington Rd, Manassas (20109) was charged with disorderly conduct, intoxicated in public, and resisting arrest. He was held on a $1,000.00 bond and has a pending court date of May 13, 2014.

Vandalism

On April 10, 2014 Manassas City Police was dispatched to the 8600 block of Point of Woods Dr for two reports of vandalism. The first reporting party told officers that between 3:15PM and 4:45PM on April 10th the hood of their vehicle had been severely scratched by what appeared to be a key. The vehicle was parked in front of the victims’ residence at the time of the vandalism. The second reporting party told officers that his vehicle was also parked in front of his residence when the hood was severely scratched between 3:30PM and 6:30PM on April 10th.

Motor Vehicle Theft

On April 11, 2014 Manassas City Police responded to Northside Auto Sales located at 9000 Centreville Rd for a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The reporting party from the dealership told officers that someone(s) had stolen a red 2001 Toyota Highlander off the lot between April 1st and April 11th.

Attempted Phone Scam

On April 10, 2014 Manassas City Police met with a resident on the 10200 block of Calypso Dr for a report of an attempted fraud. The reporting party told officers that she received a phone call from a male who claimed to be an officer working for the “Warrants Division” of a local police department. The caller told the resident that there were warrants out for her arrest, and to have the charges dropped she could provide him with a sum of money using prepaid money cards. The caller told the resident that if she did not meet him with the payment at a specific time and place, she would be arrested. The resident did not comply.

Crime Prevention Tip:

If you spot a scam, remember to file a complaint with the appropriate agency. Don’t know whom to call? MCPD’s new resources can help steer you in the right direction:

Fraud, Scams & Identity Theft Prevention Resources

Opt-Out Services for Consumers

Larceny

On April 9, 2014 Manassas City Police met with a resident for a report of a larceny. The reporting party told officers that between 3:00PM and 5:00PM on April 8th, the victim accidentally left her bag containing an Apple MacBook Pro valued at $1,500.00, her wallet, and her notebook on a bench in front of Seton School located at 9314 Maple St. The victim was able to retrieve the bag however, the laptop and an undisclosed amount of cash were missing.

Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts

On April 9, 2014 Manassas City Police met with a resident on the 10200 block of Cleary St for a report of stolen vehicle parts. The victim told officers that sometime overnight someone(s) stole the front two tires, wheels, and lug nuts off of his vehicle. The missing parts had been replaced with cement blocks.

 

Flash Cube

April 15, 2014 at 8:08 amLeave a comment

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Firm to craft strategic plan for Stafford tech park – A Charlottesville-based consulting firm will help Stafford County craft a strategic plan for its Technology and Research Park initiative. [Fredericksburg.com]

Riedel challenges Wittman for GOP nod in 1st district – There is only one game in town this year when it comes to state-run congressional primaries being held in Prince William County. [Prince William Times]

Stafford man arrested at BWI for gun in carry-on – A Virginia man was recently arrested at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport after a loaded handgun was found in his carry-on bag at a security checkpoint, authorities said. [Richmond Times-Dispatch]

 

Tuesday Night Freeze Could Damage, Kill Plants

April 14, 2014 at 4:15 pmLeave a comment

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Ah, spring. With Sunday’s warm, summer-like temperatures it seemed like we were finally breaking free of winter’s long, hard grasp on our region.

Think again.

A freeze watch will go into effect late tomorrow night and will remain in place through Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Much of the Washington and Baltimore areas, including Prince William and Stafford Counties, and the Greater Manassas area, is included in the watch.

Temperatures on Tuesday night will drop into the upper 20s to low 30s, and that is enough to damage or kill plants and crops that are sensitive to freezing. So, if you have outdoor plants, cover them up to protect them from the freeze or bring them inside.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the low 50s on Wednesday but will rebound on Thursday when the mercury is expected to climb into the low 60s.

North Stafford Getting New CVS Store

April 14, 2014 at 2:47 pmLeave a comment

Photo: KJ Mushung

Photo: KJ Mushung

NORTH STAFFORD, Va. – A CVS Pharmacy on Va. 610 will soon be beside itself.

The national pharmacy chain has cleared trees next to its store at 388 Garrisonville Road in North Stafford to make way for a new, larger, 14,000 square foot store. The new store will be 1,000 square feet larger than the current pharmacy and feature double the parking spaces than its predecessor.

The current location has also built a solid list of drive-through window customers — where people can simply drive up to a widow on the side of the building, speak to a pharmacist, and drop off and pick up prescriptions – that the new store will feature a double lane drive through, according to company spokesman Michael DeAngelis.

The new store is slated to open in July and the old location, at the corner of Va. 610 and Onville Road, is scheduled to close shortly thereafter.

The new CVS will join its recently constructed sister location that sits further west on Va. 610, at the intersection of Shelton Shop Road.

 

Teen Wards off Would-be Abductor

April 14, 2014 at 12:53 pmLeave a comment

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Investigators in Stafford County say a girl was nearly abducted on April 10 while walking her dog in her neighborhood.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Department provided us the following press release with details about the incident:

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is reporting an attempted abduction that took place last night, Thursday, April 10 between 9:15 – 9:30 in the evening in the Stafford Lakes subdivision in southern Stafford County.

Deputies responded to a call of an attempted abduction on Hopkins Branch Way at 9:23 pm. The responding deputies spoke to the 17 year old female victim who told them that while she was out walking her dog she was approached from the rear by a Hispanic male subject. The male subject grabbed the teen’s wrist at which point the teen turned on the man, kneed him in the thigh causing the male subject to release his grip, allowing the teen to run home.

During the assault the male subject never spoke to the teen and was last seen running up Hopkins Branch Way towards Charter Gate Drive. Multiple units of the Patrol Division saturated the area along with detectives in an attempt to locate the male subject. Deputies and detectives returned again this morning in an effort to locate the subject.

The 17 year old teen was also approached by the same subject early on the same morning around 6:30 am. In that incident the teen was out walking her dog when the same Hispanic male, driving a white van, pulled up to her and began speaking to her in Spanish. The teen reports that the subject did not appear angry and his tone was conversational in nature. During that encounter the male subject made no attempt to grab the teen.

The male Hispanic subject is described as 5’02” – 5’08” tall weighing between 140 – 150 pounds with short black hair. The subject had no facial hair and was reported wearing a black shirt with some dirt marks on it and tan, short cargo pants. His age is described as late 30’s to early 40’s. It was also noted that his top two front teeth were crooked.

Anyone who has information relating to this incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 540-658-4400, Stafford Crime Solvers at 540-659-2020 (callers may remain anonymous) or TEXT “Stafford + your tip to CRIMES (274637).

 

This story has been corrected.

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