The improved Chatham Bridge between the city of Fredericksburg and Stafford County will reopen to vehicle traffic on Sunday, Oct. 10, after 16 months of repair and reconstruction.
The day before the detour is removed, the public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony and pedestrian preview on the bridge on Saturday, Oct. 9.
The ribbon cutting will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. It will be immediately followed by an opportunity for the public to walk, run, bicycle, and enjoy the full width of the bridge deck from approximately 11 a.m. through 2 p.m.
The bridge’s new shared use path will open following the ribbon cutting Saturday, Oct. 9, and will remain open after the ceremony. This nearly 10-foot-wide path for pedestrians and bicyclists includes a scenic overlook of the Rappahannock River, and connects sidewalks in downtown Fredericksburg with the Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail in Stafford.
Early Sunday, Oct. 10, when traffic volumes are low, crews will remove the barricades and open the bridge to vehicle traffic. Motorists can check 511virginia.org for real-time updates that morning for the bridge’s status.
About the Project
Chatham Bridge has been closed to traffic since June 22, 2020, when a $23.4 million rehabilitation project started to improve the bridge’s condition.
The Chatham Bridge opened to traffic in 1941. It carries an average of 16,000 vehicles a day on Route 3 Business over the Rappahannock River.
The project replaced the bridge deck and travel surface, and repaired the bridge approaches and substructure. Before the project, Chatham Bridge was posted with a 15-ton vehicle weight limit, which will be removed when it reopens.
Attending the Ribbon Cutting and Pedestrian Preview
The ribbon cutting and pedestrian preview will be held rain or shine, although it will be cancelled for severe weather. Any updates to the event plan will be communicated through VDOT’s Chatham Bridge project page and locality alert systems.
Attendees planning to drive to the event are advised to use public parking lots or public street parking in Fredericksburg. For more information, visit City of Fredericksburg parking resources page.
Due to a previously scheduled special event in Pratt Park on Saturday, Oct. 9, parking is not recommended on the Stafford approach to Chatham Bridge.
The Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail in Stafford that passes underneath the Chatham Bridge remains an active work zone under the bridge, and will not be open to pedestrians at this location until April 2022. The shared use path on Chatham Bridge will remain accessible from Stafford at the street level with Route 3 Business and River Road.
While the Chatham Bridge is reopening to vehicle traffic Oct. 10, construction will continue as scheduled through April 2022 to repair the bridge’s substructure. The impact to traffic after the bridge reopens in Oct. will be limited. Only periodic single-lane closures, scheduled at off-peak times, are anticipated.
From the Prince William County Police Department:
Found remains belong to Dumfries man
On September 21, detectives with the Violent Crimes Bureau located human remains in the 5200 block of Waterway Dr. in Dumfries (22025) while investigating an active missing person case. Detectives were checking the area after receiving information that the individual frequented the area. The remains were transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death. The remains were identified as being the man who had been reported missing to police on September 3. At the time of the initial report, no information was received to consider the man was endangered. Currently, there is no foul play suspected in the man’s death and there is no threat to the community.
Identified:
The deceased has been identified as Sean Patrick MCGLONE Jr., 30, of Dumfries
Stafford man charged with aggravated sexual battery
On September 20 at 7:13PM, officers responded to investigate an assault that was reported to have occurred at the Dollar Store located at 1991 Daniel Stuart Sq. in Woodbridge (22191) earlier that day. The investigation revealed that the victim, a 10-year-old girl, was shopping in the store when an unknown man, later identified as the accused, approached her. During the encounter, the accused grabbed thevictim’s arm before inappropriately touching her. The accused then walked out of the store. The victim reported the incident to a family member, who contacted the police. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers identified the accused as Jose Antonio ROMO. On September 21, the accused was taken into custody.
Arrested on September 21:
Jose Antonio ROMO, 29, of 507 Lake View Ct. in Stafford Charged with aggravated sexual battery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
Woman bit, hit after declining to give man cash
On September 22 at 1:00AM, officers responded to the 10700 block of Balls Ford Rd. in Manassas (20109) to investigate an assault. The investigation revealed that the victim, an 18-year-old woman, and an acquaintance, a 20-year-old woman, were in a parking lot of the above area when they were approached by a male acquaintance, identified as the accused. During the encounter, the accused asked the victim for money. When the victim declined, the accused struck and then bit her. The accused then took the victim’s cell phone before walking away. The victim reported minor injuries. While canvassing the area officers located a man whom they determined to be the accused. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Casey Alexander DAVIS, was arrested.
Arrested on September 22: [No Photo Available]
Casey Alexander DAVIS, 29, of 7855 West Point Ct. in Manassas Charged with robbery, assault, and property damage
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
From the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:
Woodbridge man charged with DUI
543 Warrenton Road, Quality Inn, 9/22, 2:01 a.m. Deputy M.A. Pearce responded to the area for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, the deputy observed the vehicle pulling into a parking spot at the motel. The deputy approached the driver, Ferose Khan Jr., 39, of Woodbridge, and noticed he had slurred speech and glassy eyes. Field sobriety tests were administered and Khan was arrested. A controlled substance was found in his possession. Khan was charged with driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance. He was held on a $2,000 secured bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.
Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant and Crab House will close for good Sunday after 28 years on the Potomac River outside Dumfries.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution regarding their stance on the teaching or usage of Critical Race Theory, The 1619 Project, and teachers asking students for their preferred personal pronouns.
They're against all of it.
Furthermore, the Board resolved to review all funding requests from the School Board and deny anything remotely linked to teaching CRT. The motion harkens back to when the Board of Supervisors -- the taxing authority that provides most of the school divisions' budget -- categorically fund items like new classrooms, which it deems essential.
"There's nothing on this resolution that says we are going to defund schools," said Hartwood District Supervisor Gary Snellings. "This resolution does not eliminate anything."
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The Prince William County Police Department will host a community fair on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, to showcase the many facets of police work in the county with displays, fun activities, appointments with a recruiter, and pet adoptions.
Newsham became the county’s fifth police chief in January, after serving as the top cop on Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department.
A host of County agencies will be on hand to register voters, sign up election officer volunteers, adopt a companion animal, complete a Child ID form for children’s safety, sign up to receive emergency alerts, learn about employment opportunities with the police, fire and rescue, 911 operators.
The event is from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sean Connaughton Plaza, 1 County Complex Court, at the Prince William County Government Center in Woodbridge. County residents are invited to the community fair, which also will feature displays from numerous County public-safety agencies and other county government organizations, community organizations, live music, and food trucks. There will be performers available for photo opportunities and face painting.
Background investigators and recruiters will be present to speak to anyone interested in a career as a police officer. Job applications will be accepted that day.
The Department is committed to a diverse workforce and encourages all interested applicants to contact the Prince William County Police Personnel Bureau at (703) 792-6580 or visit the Department’s recruiting website at joinpwcpd.org.
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a superhero with an accordion?
That satirical songwriting superhero Captain Ambivalent has left his fortress of nerditude in Valparaiso, Indiana to bring his brand of silly songs to Fredericksburg.
The good captain is coming off the release of his fourth album “Songs for Short Attention Spans” and will be playing at the Fredericksburg Recreation Center on William Street on September 28.
The captain, whose real name is, Dan Biemer, began his quest by trading in a 20-year career as a paralegal for a golden cape, a pair of sparkling boots, and an accordion which took him to such strange new worlds such as the Dr. Demento Radio Show, GenCon, and America’s Got Talent.
After receiving word about his upcoming appearance, Potomac Local News spoke with the good captain about his alter ego and what inspired him to be a comedy singing accordionist.
PLN: So what made you decide to go out on tour?
CA: This year I decided to branch out and do a tour, granted this was back in January when it was much safer but I’m still looking forward to it. It’s a great opportunity and there’s some risk associated but I think it’s worth it.
PLN: Like any good superhero you must have an origin story, could you tell us that story?
CA: I needed to deal with a load of childhood trauma and I enjoyed writing funny songs but I couldn’t get a band. I had an accordion that I got from my great aunt and not everyone was doing it. I took on the identity of Captain Ambivalent and became your everyday, average superhero with an accordion.
PLN: What attracted you to the world of comedy music?
CA: From a pretty young age, I have liked musical comedians like Spike Jones which I got from my parents. So I leaned in that direction. I’ve tried to write other songs but my talents lay in funny songs.
PLN: What is it about the accordion that is attractive to not just comedy music, but people who write happy songs as well?
CA: The accordion is very common in French music, it produces very melancholy music, it’s portable, it’s easy to sing with, and the structure lends itself to an upbeat feel. It sounds bouncy which to me means happy. I have some slow songs but when I play it’s pretty upbeat.
PLN: With the recent pandemic many musicians had to adapt to the situation when it comes to their performances, did you have to go through anything similar at that time?
CA: I quickly found out that my internet service was not good for live-streaming so I went hog wild on a one-man recorded show. I will also perform at the Keybank Rochester Fringe Festival in New York which will be from September 14 to October 9. The festival has both live and virtual performances. Aside from that, I tried to increase my skills, I got some online coaching on booking, social media, and just leveled up just leveling up my abilities.
PLN: What should people expect to see when they come to see you play?
CA: Be prepared to see a very imposing figure in sparkling gold boots and a cape with a shiny gold accordion, unlike anything you’ve experienced. Be prepared to have fun, hear some over-the-top, nerdy songs, and forget what’s going on in the world for a few minutes.
Captain Ambivalent will perform at the Fredericksburg Recreation Center at 213 William Street in Downtown Fredericksburg on Sept. 28 from 7 pm to 9 pm.
After serving on the Manassas City School Board since July 2010, Chairman Sanford S. Williams will resign when his term ends December 31.
Williams made his announcement during board comment time at the city school board's regular meeting. Williams thanked the Manassas community for allowing him to serve and stated that his decision comes from wanting to spend more time with family.
In retirement, he'll spend more time with his daughters who live in California.
"I'd like to thank the community for allowing me to serve. It's a pleasure and an honor to serve. It's not easy, but it's a pleasure to serve, so thank you for that," said Williams.
Williams's departure from the board comes soon after Scott Albrecht, who stepped down a year earlier after serving on the school board for 20 years.
As chairman, Williams oversaw the implementation of new anti-racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion policy which calls for hiring more teachers based on race, to not just narrow, but to eliminate the achievement gap between high and low achieving students and to create a new curriculum that incorporates "the contributions of diverse cultural groups."
According to school officials, the school division would spend three years working to achieve these goals.
While white students make up less than 20 percent of the student body in Manassas City, they do outperform other historically underrepresented groups such as Hispanics, African-Americans, Native Americans, and others on state assessments.
Members of the public were also critical of the board's new policies, such as the only metric used to study performance was by race and left out other metrics like zip codes or class.
While Williams plans to stay until the end of his term, he announced he wouldn't be present for the next school board meeting, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 11.
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From the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:
Man, 21 charged after brandishing board during an argument
386 Warrenton Road, Red Roof Inn, 9/20, 9:22 p.m. Deputy T.A. Vasquez responded for a report of a disturbance with a weapon. The investigation revealed the victim and suspect, Anthony Collins, 21, of Fredericksburg, were in a verbal altercation. During the altercation, Collins brandished a 2×4 piece of lumber. The suspect did not use the wood to strike the victim. Collins was arrested for assault and released on an unsecured bond.
Tires slashed
Malvern Lakes Circle, 9/20, 8:47 a.m. The tires were slashed on two vehicles parked in the area. The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on September 19.
From the Prince William County Police Department:
Delivery man reports man brandishing a firearm at an apartment complex
On September 19 at 11:15AM, officers responded to The Elms at Signal Hill Station Apartments located in the 8800 block of Peregrine Heights Rd. in Manassas (20111) to investigate a brandishing. The victim, a 36-year-old man, reported to police that he was on a delivery when he and an unknown man briefly came into contact near the entrance to the apartments. The two men had a brief verbal exchange before both continued walking away. Upon getting to his vehicle, the victim looked back towards the building and observed the suspect brandishing a firearm towards him. The victim quickly left the area and contacted the police.
Suspect Description:
An unknown race male, approximately 6’0”, between 250-300 lbs.
Last seen wearing a short sleeved shirt, blue pants and carrying a firearm
911 caller hears gunshots
On September 18 at 10:39AM, officers responded to investigate a shots fired call that was reported to have occurred in the area of Beacon Ridge Dr. and Jefferson Davis Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) at approximately 11:00PM on September 17. The caller reported to police that he heard gunshots the evening prior in the above area and located a shell casing the following morning. No injuries or property damage were reported. While canvassing, officers located additional shell casings near the above location.
Crowbar used to burgle pharmacy
On September 20 at 4:22AM, officers responded to the Food Lion located at 12420 Dillingham Sq. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an alarm activation. Upon arriving at the business, officers observed damage to the front door. Surveillance footage revealed that a blue Ford Taurus stopped in front of the business before an unknown man exited and forced his way into the store. Once inside, the suspect utilized a crowbar to force his way into the pharmacy area. The suspect took medication before fleeing in the same blue Ford Taurus. No additional property was reported missing.
Suspect Description:
An unknown race male, approximately 5’9”, 150lbs.
Last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a white shirt, black gloves, black pants, black/white shoes, and carrying a crow bar
Resident, staff assaulted at Youth for Tomorrow
On September 17 at 11:17AM, officers responded to Youth for Tomorrow located at 11835 Hazel Circle Dr. in Bristow (20136) to investigate an assault. The investigation revealed that the facility staff members observed a male resident, identified as the accused, threaten another resident while in the cafeteria. When staff members attempted to restrain the accused, he actively resisted and assaulted one of them, identified as a 36-year-old man. At one point during the altercation, the accused grabbed the shirt collar of another staff member, a 43-year-old man, and pulled it around his throat. Eventually, the accused was separated and secured. During the above altercation, an additional juvenile also assaulted staff members resulting in his arrest. Minor injuries were reported by staff members. Following the investigation, the accused, a 17-year-old male juvenile, was arrested.
Arrested on September 17: [Juvenile]
A 17-year-old male juvenile of Bristow
Charged with strangulation and assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center
By Volunteer Prince William
Greetings, Prince William – Historic Manassas, Inc. is preparing for the 38th Annual Fall Jubilee on October 2, and volunteers age 16+ are needed for various jobs from 7 am to 6:30 pm. Duties include set up, check-in performers, be a floater, and help tear down/clean up. It’s a fun-filled day of arts, crafts, good food, and good music, perfect if you need service hours! Please visit 38th Fall Jubilee 2021: Volunteer Sign Up Form (jotform.com) to sign up. Questions? Please email [email protected] to learn more.
Mark your calendars! Volunteer Prince William and the City of Manassas Office of Emergency Management will be hosting their first-ever Preparedness Scavenger Hunt at the 38th Annual Fall Jubilee on Saturday, October 2, 9:45 am-12 pm! Teams of up to 5 people are needed to participate and compete in this fun event. You’ll feel great as you enjoy the outdoors and gather important information on emergency preparedness! Further event details will be shared with participating teams after the registration period ends. Please register online at www.manassasva.gov/hunt. Signups will also be accepted in-person on September 25, 8 am-12 pm at the Manassas Farmer’s Market, 9024 Prince William Street, Manassas 20110. Please email [email protected] to learn more.
Volunteer Prince William also needs 25 volunteers age 18+ to support the Preparedness Scavenger Hunt on October 2. Duties include check-in teams, hand out team bags, answer questions and help man the stations used during the event. To sign up, please visit https://bit.ly/3kvQVy8 and click on the Respond button. Please email[email protected] for more information.
Both ACTS and SERVE continue to have an Urgent need for Food Pickup Drivers, age 21+ to support their food assistance programs. Volunteers drive to area grocery stores/restaurants to pick up food donations and deliver them back to the appropriate warehouse. Be prepared to lift boxes weighing 30 pounds or more. Drivers for SERVE must commit to twice a month for at least 6 months. Training is provided at both agencies. This is a wonderful way to give back to the community, especially during Hunger Action Month! For ACTS, please email [email protected], for SERVE please email [email protected] for more information.
You can help fight food insecurity! ACTS Hunger Prevention Center needs volunteer Client Intake (register/book food assistance clients) and help in their warehouse and food pantry (accept donations, sort/shelve food, pack food bags, etc.). Please submit an online volunteer application at www.actspwc.org. Questions? Please email [email protected]for details.
It’s getting close-the Alzheimer’s Association is getting ready for their Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 16 at Harris Pavilion! Volunteers age 16+ are needed to help with various tasks; there are still some slots available. Volunteers age 10-15 are welcome but must volunteer with a parent. Please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e44afab2caaf58-walk27 to view the jobs and sign up. You can also register to walk – please visit https://bit.ly/3n7LUik to sign up. Please email [email protected] for more information on this family-friendly event.
Brain Injury Services is searching for volunteers interested in being matched in one-on-one friendships with adult survivors of brain injuries who are receiving services. Brief training and once a month minimum outing with your client required. Please contact Michelle at [email protected] or call 703.451.8881 ext. 232 to learn how you can help.
The wonderful staff at House of Mercy is looking for businesses, organizations or groups to be Hunger Action Heroes for 2021-2022. It’s so easy to do! 1) Select a few Friday morning dates to bring food donations; 2) Promote/Hold your food drive and 3) Drop off collected food at House of Mercy on your assigned Friday morning date before 11 am. You’ll feel great as your team works to collect food to feed food-insecure families in our community! For more information, please visit www.houseofmercyva.org/hunger-action-heroes/ or email [email protected].
Save the date! Please join Keep Prince William Beautiful and the Town of Dumfries at their Community Cleanup September 25, 8:30 am-1 pm. Volunteers will meet at 17755 Main Street, Dumfries 22026, and spread out from there to remove litter from public spaces. Volunteers age 5-15 are welcome but must volunteer with an adult. Fresh air, working with friends, and helping keep our community clean – you can’t beat that combination! Please register online athttps://forms.gle/u3c1iS1JFcm8LXry6, email [email protected] to learn more.
Keep Prince William Beautiful and Prince William County Solid Waste Division will host their second Fix-It Fair on October 9, 10 am-4 pm at the newly renovated Central Library’s Makers Space. Fix-It events provide members of the community the opportunity to bring salvageable items such as jewelry, clothing, small furniture, appliances, and bicycles for repair and subsequent reuse. The event also gives fixers the opportunity to share their skills with the community and that helps encourage reuse and repair of serviceable items. Register your item for a free Fix-It Fair repair atwww.kpwb.org, click on Events. Please email [email protected] for more information.
Medical Reserve Corps Support your local health department and your community during a public health emergency! Volunteers are needed to support several missions, including public health education and outreach, disease investigation, vaccine clinics, and more! Medical experience is not required; they have roles for everyone! Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. Volunteers must be 18 years of age, complete minimum training, and pass a state background check to serve. Please fill out an application at vamrc.org. Questions? Please email Amy at [email protected] for more information.
Help support veterans! RSVP’s VETS Program which provides transportation for veterans and their spouses to medical appointments is back, and volunteer drivers age “55 or better” are needed! Volunteers must be at least 55 years old and successfully complete both a criminal and driving record check. It’s a wonderful way to give back and say “thank you” to our veterans for all they’ve done! Please email [email protected] or call 571.292.5307 for more information.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.
