Rocky Pen Run Reservoir Filling Up

April 22, 2014 at 11:52 amLeave a comment

It took two years to complete the dam for the Rocky Pen Run Reservoir, and now the 503-acre lake is filling with water.

The largest public works project in Stafford County’s history, the reservoir will hold 5.5 billion gallons of water. It started to fill in January when officials allowed water to flow into the man-made lake bed.

The lake will provide water for the county’s more than 130,000 residents and join two other reservoirs, Abel Lake and Smith Lake.

Rocky Pen Reservoir also be used for fishing, non-motorized boating, and kayaking when it’s completely full.

Posted in: NewsStafford

Prince William Budget Proposals: 1 Holds the Line, Next Funds More Police

April 22, 2014 at 11:03 amLeave a comment

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – There are two very different budget proposals on the table for Prince William County.

The first, released last week by Gainesville District Supervisor Peter Candland, who says the county’s current tax rate of $1.126 is enough to fund the needs of county government.

The rate is 5.4% lower than the advertised tax rate officials agreed upon earlier this year at $1.158 per every $100 of assessed property value. The advertised rate would not be able to be increased in the required time it takes the county to pass a budget, but it can be lowered.

“The dramatic increase in taxes on Prince William County families that some on the Board of County Supervisors want to impose at as high a rate as 5.5%, is simply unfair and unsustainable. The recently mailed property tax assessments clearly demonstrate that low-to middle-income wage earners will be disproportionately hurt by this tax rate because the assessment increases hit them the hardest.  Homes with assessed values between $300,000 and $500,000 are seeing assessed values as high as 10% or more, and that will dramatically increase the average tax bills above even the 2.5% set in the approved budget,” said Candland.

Candland says his budget proposal also funds the construction of two libraries — in Montclair and Gainesville — which were approved by voters during a 2006 bond referendum.

But others on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors say there are other unment needs  that amount to more than just libraries. They include more police officers and fire and rescue crews.

Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi says his budget proposal, released this morning, will do just that.

“Due to the budget cuts over the past few years, we have accumulated more than $40 million in critical unmet needs.  Many of our economic indicators are showing improvement; housing values are rising and new homes are being built, companies are again hiring and expanding operations, and the employment rate is trending downward.  The time is now for our elected leadership to begin adequately funding schools, public safety and programs for those suffering from mental illness,” said Principi.

Here’s some of what his budget proposal includes:

• $3,103,140 for the Police Department to hire an additional 20 new sworn officers.

• $2,460,000 for the Fire Department to hire an additional 20 new firefighters.

• $500,212 for the Community Services Board for Mental Health Adult Outpatient Services.

• $1,115,000 to match the School Board’s investment to lower class sizes.

Principi stated Prince William fire and rescue crews are not meeting the demands of responding to house fires and other emergencies within the required targeted time frame of under four minutes. More funding would help them do that, he says.

The Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. in Woodbridge for their budget markup session, the last meeting prior to the Board approving a final budget and ratifying it for adoption.

Posted in: PoliticsPrince William

Exchange Student Charged with Sex Crime

April 22, 2014 at 10:25 amLeave a comment

STAFFORD, Va. – Authorities in Stafford County say they stopped an exchange student from boarding a plane bound for his native Saudi Arabia and then charged him in connection to a sex crime.

The county’s Sheriff’s Office states the incident occurred on April 19. A location of the alleged crime was not provided.

Here is the unedited press statement released by the Sheriff’s Office:

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the arrest of Hamad Mastour Alsuwat, age 20, currently of Stafford County on Sunday, April 20, 2014.  Alsuwat is charged with 1 Count Object Sexual Penetration.

On Saturday, April 19, 2014 Stafford Deputy Thomas Grasso responded to an address in Stafford County for a possible domestic disturbance.  While investigating the domestic disturbance Deputy Grasso learned that Hamad Alsuwat, a foreign exchange student residing at the residence, had sexually assaulted a 17- year-old female resident.  Alsuwat was not on scene when Deputy Grasso first arrived.

Detective Tim Covington initiated an investigation and when learning that Alsuwat was a foreign exchange student, contacted the Department of Homeland Security in the chance that Alsuwat was a flight risk.  Members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested Hamad Alsuwat as he was preparing to board a flight out of Washington Dulles International Airport bound for Saudi Arabia on Sunday, April 20.

Due to the sensitive nature of this ongoing investigation no additional information will be available at this time.

Posted in: CrimeNewsStafford

Flash Cube

April 22, 2014 at 10:01 amLeave a comment

Prince William police officer leads Northern Virginia in DUI arrests – Officer Jeremy Schenck started his law enforcement career on the wrong side of a police car. [Washington Post]

Moncure lists 97 creditors in bankruptcy case – A Fredericksburg-area real estate investor under investigation for fraud claims he owes money to 97 different individuals or organizations. [Fredericksburg.com]

Lawson Vows to Listen to Brentsville Constituents– Republican Jeanine Lawson of Bristow is running for Brentsville District Supervisor for a second time. She wants Brentsville residents to know she plans on listening to their concerns and being a leader they can trust. [Bristow Beat]

Posted in: News

McAuliffe to Talk First 100 Days at Manassas Town Hall

April 21, 2014 at 5:35 pmLeave a comment

MANASSAS, Va. – Governor Terry McAuliffe will appear Tuesday at a town hall meeting in Manassas.

The governor will speak to employees at Micron Technology’s manufacturing plant on Godwin Drive.

The Governor will highlighting the progress the administration has made during the first 100 days in office and his priorities moving forward on issues he deems central to the Northern Virginia.

The event comes as McAuliffe administration released its first 100 day report chronicling McAuliffe’s time in office since his January inaugural in Richmond. Since then, the governor has announced 2,642 new jobs created in the state, including 12 in Stafford County at Washington Square Associates, according the report.

“Since my first day in office, I, along with members of my administration, have worked hard to find mainstream, common-sense solutions to problems and create a stronger and more economically competitive Commonwealth,” stated Governor McAuliffe in a press release.  “We have already made significant progress in investing our transportation dollars wisely, creating more jobs in every region of the Commonwealth, and preparing our workforce for a 21^st Century economy. I am proud of the accomplishments my administration has made, and I am confident that we will continue to put people above politics to build a stronger economic foundation for the next generation of Virginians.”

The Governor has not been able to sign a comprehensive budget that would fund the state government. Legislators in Richmond remain at an impasse on expanding Medicaid, or Obamacare, in the state. Democrats presented a budget that would accept federal monies to expand the federal healthcare program while state Republicans want to study on the issue.

Following his presentation, the governor will then take questions from the audience. The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Posted in: ManassasNewsPolitics

After Dropping Out, Foreman Back in Dumfries Mayoral Race

April 21, 2014 at 4:29 pmLeave a comment

DUMFRIES, Va. – Dumfries Mayor Jerry Foreman says he’s running for re-election, again.

The sitting official, in a statement released Sunday, said an outpouring of support from those who live in the town encouraged him to re-enter the race prior to the upcoming Election Day on May 6.

“During each conversation, it was made clear to me the accomplishments that had been achieved over the past two years and the shared vision and strong support of what has yet to be achieved. Lastly it was made clear to me that the voters of Dumfries want a choice.

I have stated on numerous occasions that Dumfries has a small Town feel, there are a lot of proud citizens and business owners in this Town that are working together for a common cause. I am humbled at the outpouring of support. With much thought and consideration, I am campaigning for re-election as Mayor of Dumfries,” Foreman stated.

Foreman is a Republican, and Prince William Republican Committee Chairman Bill Card says they’ve made volunteers available to Foreman who could go door knocking, as well as assist with other campaigning, if he chooses to use them.

“The people of Dumfries already know who he is and he has a good reputation, so I think we’ll let the voters decide what they think on Election Day,” said Card.

Vice-Mayor Willie Toney, a Democrat, is running against Foreman. Democratic advisors told him to continue campaigning as if Foreman had never dropped out of the race because Foreman’s name would have still appeared on the ballot on Election Day.

Foreman announced on April 1 he would not seek reelection. Since reversing that decision, Foreman has not stated why he decided to drop out.

“I really don’t know what to make of this,” said Prince William Democratic Chairman Harry Wiggins. “Here’s a guy who can’t make up his mind if he’s running or not. His indecisiveness hurts the voters’ perception of him, especially because of this flip flop.”

Wiggins said many volunteers have fanned out across the 1.6 square mile town to help Toney get signatures so he could appear on the ballot, as well as help with other campaign functions. The Dumfries race, including races in Prince William’s others towns: Quantico, Haymarket, and Occoquan, is one of Prince William Democrats are trying to win this season.

Following this election, local politicos will turn their attention to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors races set to take place in 2015, but not before a special election to replace Brentsville District Supervisor Wally Covington who’s expected to leave the Board for a judgeship as soon as Richmond legislators agree on a state budget to fund the position.

Foreman was originally elected to the Dumfries Town Council in 2010 and later elected mayor in 2012, replacing the late Fred Yohey who died in office while serving on the Dumfries Town Council as Mayor.

Posted in: Dumfries News PoliticsPrince William

Crime Watch: 2 Charged in Separate Child Sex Assaults

April 21, 2014 at 2:51 pmLeave a comment

Prince William police reported several arrests that took place over the weekend.
Here’s an unedited report written by the police department:
Forcible Sodomy | Indecent Liberties with a Child – On April 19th at 10:10AM, detectives from the Special Victims Unit responded to investigate a sexual assault which was reported to have occurred at a residence in the 12900 block of Tonka Ct in Woodbridge (22193) on April 18th. The investigation revealed that the victim, a 5 year old girl, was sexually assaulted by the accused, a known acquaintance, at his residence in the above area. Furthermore, detectives learned that the encounter had been recorded by the accused. Following the investigation, the accused was arrested.
Arrested on April 19th:
Renardo Lamont OFFORD Jr., 23, of 12948 Tonka Ct in Woodbridge
Charged with forcible sodomy, taking indecent liberties with a child, andmanufacturing child pornography
Court date: unavailable | Bond: held WITHOUT bond

Carnal Knowledge | Indecent Liberties with a Child – On April 20th at 4:45PM, detectives from the Special Victims Unit responded to investigate a sexual assault which was reported to have occurred in the 15700 block of Widewater Dr in Dumfries (22025) on April 17th. The investigation revealed that the victim, a 13 year old female juvenile, was sexually assaulted by the accused, a known acquaintance, while sitting in a vehicle in the above area. Following the investigation, the accused was arrested.
Arrested on April 20th:
Paul Woodrow HARRISON, 22, of 118 Oak Dr in Stafford
Charged with 2 counts of carnal knowledge and 1 count of taking indecent liberties with a child
Court date: unavailable | Bond: unavailable

Attempted Malicious Wounding | Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On April 19th at 12:51AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 7300 block of Castle Rd in Manassas (20109) to investigate a domestic disturbance. The victim, a 44 year old woman of Manassas, reported to police that she and the accused, a known acquaintance, were involved in verbal altercation which escalated. During the encounter, the accused assaulted and bit the victim to her leg. At one point, the accused grabbed a knife and charged towards the victim. Another occupant of the home was able to intervene to separate the two parties. Officers arrived at the home and were investigating the incident when the accused pushed an officer. Minor injuries were reported by the victim. Following the investigation, the accused was arrested.
Arrested on April 19th:
Bonnie Lu JACKSON, 42, of the 7300 block of Castle Rd in Manassas
Charged with attempted malicious wounding, assault & battery on a LEO, anddomestic assault & battery
Court date: unavailable | Bond: held WITHOUT bond

Strangulation | Assault & Battery – On April 20th at 2:50AM, officers responded to the IHOP located at 8300 Sudley Rd in Manassas (20109) to investigate a fight. The victims, a 24 year old man of Manassas and a 26 year old man of Catlett, reported to police that they were standing in the parking lot with another friend when an unknown man approached them and starting assaulting one of the victims. At one point, the man struck the other victim and began to choke him leading to a struggle. The man also struck the victim’s vehicle multiple times before leaving the area on foot. Minor injuries were reported. Responding officers located the man, identified as the accused, in the parking lot where he was detained without further incident. Following the investigation, the accused was arrested.
Arrested on April 20th:
Andrew Joseph MAYNARD, 22, of 130 Denver Dr in Manassas Park
Charged with 2 counts of assault & battery, 1 count of strangulation, and 1 count ofdestruction of property
Court date: May 27, 2014 | Bond: unavailable

Strangulation | Domestic Assault & Battery – On April 19th at 3:10PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 15000 block of Oak Crest Ct in Dumfries (22025) to investigate a domestic disturbance. The victim, a 13 year old male juvenile of Dumfries, reported to police that he and the accused, a known acquaintance, were involved in a verbal altercation the night before. The altercation escalated and, at multiple points during the encounter, the accused grabbed the victim by his neck. At one point, the victim reportedly was unable to breathe. The victim also reported that the accused struck the victim to his head. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused was arrested.
Arrested on April 19th:
David Vandon COOK, 45, of 15604 Rhame Dr in Woodbridge
Charged with strangulation and domestic assault & battery
Court date: unavailable | Bond: $12,000 secured

Assault & Battery on a Correctional Officer – On April 19th at 9:00AM, officers responded to the Adult Detention Center located at 9320 Lee Ave in Manassas (20110) to investigate an assault on a staff member of the facility. The victim, a correctional officer, reported to police that she was escorting the accused back to her cell when she became combative and refused commands. During the altercation, the accused pushed and attempted to strike the officer. The accused was eventually detained without further incident. Following the investigation, the accused was charged.
Arrested on April 19th:
Caprice Loita WESSEL, 18, of no fixed address
Charged with assault & battery on a corrections officer
Court date: June 2, 2014 | Bond: held WITHOUT bond

Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On April 19th at 9:26PM, officers responded to the 19200 block of Fuller Heights Rd in Triangle (22172) to investigate a shots fired call. Multiple callers reported to police that several gunshots were heard in the parking lot of the Quantico Terrace Apartments. Officers arrived in the area and located shell casings in the parking lot. A witness reportedly saw the suspect flee in a vehicle. An officer located the vehicle traveling on northbound I-95 where the driver, identified as the accused, was subsequently stopped and detained. The investigation revealed that the accused was involved in an altercation with a known acquaintance at the apartment complex. The encounter escalated and, at one point, the accused pulled out a handgun and fired multiple rounds. No injuries or property damage were reported. Following the investigation, the accused was arrested. At the time of the arrest, the accused was found to be in possession of cocaine.
Arrested on April 20th:
Brian Franklin WOOD, 31, of 3604 Quantico Terrace Dr #27 in Triangle
Charged with reckless handling of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with a controlled substance, and possession with intent to distribute a schedule I or II narcotic
Court date: June 9, 2014 | Bond: unavailable

Posted in: CrimeNewsPrince William

Potomac Local Pets

April 21, 2014 at 12:17 pmLeave a comment

O’rion:

is an amazing, sweet and gentle male kitty that gets along wonderfully with other cats, dogs and kids of all ages! He is a Maine Coon/ Tabby mix male who is UTD on all is shots and neutered.

Babette:

A healthy, relaxed and playful little 11 month old female tabby with a white bib!! She is spayed, litter boxed trained and ready for that special someone to love.

Lost Cat: Jojo
Jojo is a friendly Russian Blue male that was last seen March 21,2014 on Dumfries Road in Dumfries, Va. He is missing a front tooth and was not wearing his collar when he disappeared. There is a reward for him. Please contact (571) 435-7125 if you have any information on him.

Big Leo:
This handsome, fawn colored, 1.5 year old bull mastiff is truly a gentle giant. He is happiest when he is with a family and will make a loyal companion. He is an independent thinker but very eager to please his special people.

Coco:

She is a beautiful tortie female who loves to cuddle! She is a very sociable girl with a soft purr and playful attitude. Coco is very good at entertaining herself OR her people and would make a fantastic addition to any family.

– Contact Stafford County SPCA for more information on these animals.

Posted in: NewsPets

First Town Center Moves Forward; Includes Dumfries’ Tallest Building

April 21, 2014 at 10:32 amLeave a comment

DUMFRIES, Va. – The on-again, off-again First Town Center project appears to be on again.

The plans for the town center skidded to a halt in November 2012 after some landowners backed out of the project of Developer Pete Singh. In early 2013, the town determined it could not dedicate any more staff or time to the project until the matter was resolved.

Singh said that he now has control of all the land needed for his project but wouldn’t discuss details.

It’s a large project. Singh is proposing to build a 100,000-square-foot commercial and retail center with upper-floor flats. It would sit along Main Street (U.S. 1 south) near Dumfries Town Hall. However, an office building already owned by Singh adjacent to Dumfries Town Hall remains largely empty.

When asked about the town center, Chris Caldwell, president of the Dumfries Business Association, responded with enthusiasm.

“Pete Singh’s project is going to be a definite plus for the Town of Dumfries,” said Caldwell. “If Pete Singh’s price for leasing commercial space is comparable to leasing prices in the surrounding area, then I do believe that the retail space will fill up very rapidly and provide the town with additional revenue via retail and property tax.”

Plans for the town center were first submitted to the town in June of 2011 and have changed several times since but, according to Town Manager Dan Taber, that’s normal.

“Conceptual drawings and final construction can be ages apart,” explained Taber.

According to the most recent plans, the buildings will range from four to seven stories and mostly be residences over retail shops along with other businesses. At a recent town council meeting, Singh spoke of bringing in “businesses that are store-front oriented.” The parking lot for one of the buildings is slated to be located inside the parameter of the structure instead of outside as it typically is for most buildings. And the seven-story tall building, if allowed, would be the town’s tallest.

The town center will be located in Dumfries along U.S. 1 on land that runs from the rear of the ACTS building up to the two-story brick building next to Town Hall that Singh also owns.

“I am hopeful that this could be a new beginning for growth in the Town of Dumfries,” said Caldwell.

Posted in: Dumfries NewsPrince William

Flash Cube

April 21, 2014 at 8:41 amLeave a comment

Virginia justices: Academic emails can be withheld from FOIA – The Virginia Supreme Court Thursday ruled that the emails of a former University of Virginia climate scientist are exempt from disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. [Stafford County Sun]

Marine reservist admits swiping, scrapping cartridge cases and ammo cans from Quantico – A U.S. Marine Corps reservist admitted in federal court Friday that he stole more than $56,000 worth of cartridge cases and ammunition cans from the training base at Quantico and sold them for scrap, court records show. [Washington Post]

Va. grocery store murder remains unsolved– Crime Solvers of Prince William County are still looking for the three men who shot two women, killing one of them, at a grocery store in Woodbridge in February. [WUSA-TV]

More toll lanes could be coming to the region’s roads – As the region makes a list of projects it hopes will become reality in the next decades, a conversation is beginning about adding toll lanes into Washington and elsewhere as well. [WTOP]

Street Smart safety campaign launches in DC region – Officials from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia are launching an effort to help improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists in the region. [Washington Post]

Posted in: News

Moser: We All Have our Reasons for Cleaning Up our Neighborhoods

April 20, 2014 at 9:00 amLeave a comment

Have you ever volunteered to work a cleanup? Have you supported a cleanup in some way? I bet you have, Keep Reading...

Posted in: Columns & BlogsConnie Moser

Call to Action: Comcast Cares Day, U.S. 1 Clean Up Coming

April 19, 2014 at 9:29 amLeave a comment

· Good morning  – The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has an urgent need for volunteers’ age 55+ to Keep Reading...

Posted in: News

Advance My Community Contest Results

April 18, 2014 at 3:35 pmLeave a comment

Greetings to all and on behalf of Advanced Title and the “Advance Your Community Campaign” I am reporting our results Keep Reading...

Posted in: News

Decorative Banners Promote Occoquan Craft Fairs

April 18, 2014 at 10:24 amLeave a comment

OCCOQUAN, Va. – Banners now hang on the gaslight street lamps in Occoquan. Mayor Earnie Porta announced the banners this Keep Reading...

Posted in: NewsOccoquanPrince William

How Planning for Death Made One Mother’s Experience Easier

April 18, 2014 at 8:30 amLeave a comment

STAFFORD, Va. – Shannon Broom was killed in a car crash 16 years ago. Fresh out of college, the 23-year-old Keep Reading...

Posted in: NewsStafford

Flash Cube

April 18, 2014 at 8:08 amLeave a comment

One year after skydiving crash, Woodbridge family celebrates – It was April 6, 2013 — just about a year ago — Keep Reading...

Posted in: News