Join

Man’s body found in woods

VICTIM REMEMBERED FOR HELPING TO KEEP AREA SAFE

Dale City, Va. –– A man was found dead Wednesday morning in Dale City.

The body of 60-year-old George Dwight Doughty was found at a homeless encampment behind Ashdale Plaza on Dale Boulevard.

Police said his death appears to be medical-related, but had no further information.

Doughty had lived in the woods for at least the past three years, after a stint at the Volunteers of America Chesapeake Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center in Woodbridge.

He stayed there for three months in 2008, prior to Christmas, during a time when he underwent multiple surgeries, said the center’s director Gayle Sanders.

Doughty’s camp, situated near another nearby homeless encampment where last year a man was shot in the ear, was considered one of the safer encampments because of his efforts.

“He made that camp a safe place to be, and he was a kind ,man whom everyone liked, and who was very good-humored,” said Sanders.

Doughty had been in the area since at least 1998.

In 2008, he received his first federal Social Security payments, but the money wasn’t enough for him to able to find a room to rent, said Sanders.

Some of the homeless encampments in Dale City sit on the approved site of the American Wartime Museum.

If constructed, it would sit behind the K-Mart on Dale Boulevard, just off Interstate 95.

Museum officials say exhibits will focus on conflicts from the 20th and 21st centuries, including World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

When the Prince William County Board of Supervisors approved the location for the museum in the fall, some residents who live nearby the site said the museum would bring excessive noise to the area and force property values in the area to drop.

Author

Recent Stories

Manassas city officials are discussing major redevelopment projects, particularly in Old Town, Mathis Avenue, and Fairview Avenue. According to the city council, these discussions come as multiple developers have expressed interest in city-owned properties, prompting the council to consider issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to attract large-scale investment. A key focus of the meeting was the Old Town Inn site, where city officials debated whether to prioritize a new hotel or a mixed-use project. The lack of parking downtown remains a significant challenge, and council members acknowledged that constructing a 300-space parking deck is critical to enabling future development.

Step back in time and experience history firsthand at Ben Lomond Historic Site in Manassas, VA. Built in 1832, this remarkable home once served as a Confederate field hospital during the Battle of First Manassas. Today, visitors can explore its preserved rooms, complete with Civil War-era graffiti left by Union soldiers, as well as the original slave quarters, smokehouse, and dairy that tell the story of the people who lived and worked here.

Stroll Through History – Don’t miss the fragrant Rose Garden, featuring one of the largest collections of antique roses in the region.

Engaging Tours – Open Friday-Monday, 10 AM-4 PM, with guided tours at 11 AM and 2 PM. Admission: $5 per person, free for children under six.

Accessible Experiences – Enjoy 360° Virtual Tour tablets and foreign language guides in French, Italian, German, Chinese, and Spanish—available at no extra cost!

Volunteer With Us! – Love Civil War history or gardening? Join our team and help preserve this incredible piece of Prince William County’s past.

Visit us at 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 367-7872 | ? [email protected]

Plan your visit today and experience history like never before!

We want to improve our newsletter, and we need your input! Based on early survey responses, readers have asked for:

More Local Government and Budget Coverage – Transparency matters! Please tell us what government topics you want us to cover.
A Better Newsletter Design – Is the layout working for you? Let us know how we can improve readability and navigation.
More Coverage of Manassas Park and Stafford – If you live in these areas, what local stories do you want to see more of?

Now it’s your turn! Please complete our short survey and help us continue delivering the news that matters most to you.

Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega is pushing to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass project, a multi-year effort designed to alleviate congestion on Route 28 by extending Godwin Drive to connect Manassas with Dulles Airport. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is set to vote on her resolution during its meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The project, initially endorsed in September 2020, was meant to relieve congestion on Route 28 by constructing a four-lane divided bypass extending Godwin Drive across Sudley Road. The road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County.

Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?

On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??

But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.

What’s in store:

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list