By KJ Mushung
Dumfries, Va. — The Dumfries Town Council voted Tuesday night to approve interim town manager Daniel Taber as the permanent town manager.
Taber used to be the police chief of Dumfries. Robert Forker is currently the interim police chief. The matter of whether or not Forker would be made the permanent police chief was not raised.
Taber was voted in as interim town manager Aug. 2 while the town conducted a search for a permanent town manager. The search was expected to take three months.
Councilman Willie J. Toney abstained from the vote for two reasons. He said that he believed the entire council should be present to vote on something so important, but not all the members were there. Kristin W. Forrester was not present at the meeting. Toney also raised concerns about discussions among council members and the mayor that he said he was left out of. Therefore he abstained from the vote partially “as a matter of protest.”
Toney tried to make it clear that he was not protesting Taber becoming town manager but rather the execution of the process.
“There’s no question in my mind that Mr. Taber, once he’s confirmed, will be very able, and the town of Dumfries will be well served by him,” said Toney to the council.
“You have my support professionally, but I will not endorse this process,” Toney said to Taber.
“Nobody intentionally did anything to exclude anybody on the staff. So I apologize publicly. Nothing was intentional,” Mayor Fred Yohey Jr., explained to Toney.
The rest of the council members who were present voted to hire Taber as the permanent town manager.
Former Town Manager Kim Alexander, who left to become the town manager of Culpeper, said in an earlier interview that the town manager manages the budget, manages and oversees departments in the town government and serves as a liaison between the departments and the town council.
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A new gym is set to open in Dumfries, bringing 24/7 fitness access to the community. Workout Anytime will celebrate its grand opening on February 13 at 18069 Triangle Shopping Plaza (Suite C&D), offering state-of-the-art equipment, personalized training, and a commitment to fostering a healthier lifestyle.
At the helm of the new gym is Gary Wortham Jr., a former James Madison University football player and recruiter, taking on the general manager role. Wortham, a longtime Dumfries resident, is excited to bring his passion for fitness and community building to this new venture.
“We’re thrilled to be opening a full 24-hour fitness facility right in the heart of Dumfries,” Wortham said. “This town hasn’t had anything like this before, and I’m excited to provide a space where people of all ages can work toward their health and wellness goals.”
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Linda Kathleen Williams (Green), 76, found peace on February 6, 2025 surrounded by the love of family and friends. Linda was a beautiful person both inside and out. She grew up in South Charleston, West Virginia with her parents, Charles and Mary M. Green and her 13 siblings.
From her parents, Linda learned the value of working hard, loving others and laughing often. Linda graduated from Charleston Catholic High School in 1966. As the second born and eldest daughter of a large family, Linda’s love for children and caring for others came naturally. She completed a degree in Early Childhood Education in Athens, West Virginia at Concord College in 1970.
Manassas City Council will discuss a proposed tax incentive on Monday, February 10, 2025, to support Micron Technology Inc.’s planned $2 billion expansion. The deal would extend the company’s favorable semiconductor equipment tax rate through 2035, saving Micron millions annually. The expansion, backed by $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce, is expected to create over 400 manufacturing jobs. City officials tout the investment as a boost for local economic growth, while residents and businesses will weigh the long-term benefits.
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:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
