DUMFRIES, Va. — The Virginia General Assembly has adjourned and Delegate Luke Torian, D-Dumfries, Woodbridge, has had another successful legislative session.
“The legislation that I supported was a result of the feedback that I received from constituents and community groups. And it has been clear to me that people want their representatives to bring more jobs and build stronger communities,” said Torian.
The success of Delegate Torian’s session has been highlighted with the passage of HB 406 – The Local Defense Enterprise Zone Act of 2012, a bill that creates jobs by expanding and retaining defense contractors throughout the Commonwealth. HB 406 passed the General Assembly overwhelmingly on February 22 and was signed by Governor McDonnell on March 6.
With the specter of possible cuts to the defense industry, HB 406 gives Virginia’s local governments the tools they need to retain and attract more defense contractors.
On Tuesday, Prince William County Neabsco District Supervisor John Jenkins commented by voicing his support. “We are supportive of all the work that Delegate Torian did to enhance defense enterprise zones in Virginia. This bill (HB 406) improves on existing legislation that addressed the defense production industry,” said Jenkins.
Bills introduced:
HB 403, a bill that adds the requirement that at least 30 percent of the jobs created must be filled by Virginia residents to the criteria for making grants or loans from the Governor’s Development Opportunity Fund.
HB 404, a bill that prohibits the use of handheld personal communications devices while driving for any purpose other than to make or receive phone calls.
HB 407, a bill that creates the Prince William County Metrorail Improvement District to provide a means of financing an extension of commuter rail service from Fairfax County into Prince William County.
HB 2243, a bill provides that the board of visitors or other governing body of an educational institution has the power to establish rules and regulations for the possession or transportation of firearms or ammunition on property owned or operated by the institution.
Bills co-patroned
HB 15, a bill introduced by Delegate Gregory Habeeb (R-Salem) that makes local school boards responsible for setting the school calendar and determining the opening of the school year and eliminates the post-Labor Day opening requirement and “good cause” scenarios for which the Board of Education may grant waivers of this requirement.
HB 85, a bill introduced by Delegate Tag Grease (R-Loudon) that extends to July 1, 2013, the authorization for use of HOV facilities by vehicles bearing clean special fuel license plates.
HB 325, a bill introduced by Delegate Delegate James Massie (R-Henrico) that requires each school board to ensure that aides assigned to work with a teacher who has primary oversight of students with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate competency in student behavioral management within 60 days of assignment to such responsibility. The bill also requires the Board of Education to provide standards that school divisions may use to establish a measure for the demonstration of competency in student behavioral management.
HB 656, a bill introduced by Delegate Kaye Kory (D-Fairfax) that requires parental notification whenever school administrators begin an investigation into a potential violation of any school board policy. Such notification may be made by phone or email, or any other reasonable method, as determined by the school board.
-Press release
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
For event inquiries, contact: 540-372-1216 | [email protected]
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
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King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
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.
Featuring:
