Prince William County leaders have heard enough.
They and decided the Board of County Supervisors won’t hold a meeting on January 21 to take up the topic of gun control and mental health.
With a motion by Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry and seconded by Brenstsville District Supervisor Jeanine Lawson, the Board voted unanimously to table the resolution that urged lawmakers in Richmond to pass a red flag law and provide more money for mental health treatment.
The red flag law would allow a judge to temporarily remove a person’s rights to bear arms if the judge deemed the person was a threat to themselves or others. As for the mental health needs, many Prince William police officers, as well as law enforcement officers across the state are spending more of their working hours declining with cases of mental illness.
Authorities say it’s taking cops off the street and away from patrol duties.
The move comes just one week after a hotly contentious meeting at the Prince William Board of County Supervisors when the resolution was proposed. Hundreds of Second Amendment rights advocates packed what was the first meeting of the year for the Board and gave more than four hours of testimony, urging Supervisors not to pass the resolution.
It was not only the first meeting of the New Year but also under the leadership of Chair, At-large Ann Wheeler, who introduced the resolution.
“Last week was a very hot topic,” Angry said. “It was very challenging at times.”
Last month, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors under former Chairman At-large Corey Stewart passed a resolution declaring the Prince William a “constitutional” county where the right to bear arms would be protected as outlined in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The NRA is planning a lobbying day in Richmond on January 20 when tens of thousands are expected to descend onto the state capitol urging lawmakers to toss out bills introduced by Democrats vying for tougher gun restrictions.
At the capitol on Monday, four gun bills advanced in committee, such as the one-gun-per-month purchase limit, universal firearm background checks, and a red flag law that Prince William Supervisors were calling for.
Senate Bill 16, filed by Falls Church Senator Dick Saslaw, banning the sale and possession of assault rifles in the state was stricken from the record at the request of the senator.
Recent Stories
In a unique and chilly demonstration, residents of Fredericksburg gathered Wednesday to protest a proposed data center development near the Rappahannock River by building snowmen.
Organized by the Rappahannock Community Coalition, the “Snowmen Against Data Centers” rally took place just one day after nearly 10 inches of snow blanketed the region. The snowmen were erected on the Mary Washington University Campus, City Hall, and a house off Harrell Road in Stafford County.
Fredericksburg’s Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has a new star in its kitchen: Chef Stefan Boutchyard. With experience spanning local restaurants and high-profile catering events—including President Donald Trump’s inauguration—Boutchyard is revamping the dinner theater’s menu. His first creation? A Southern-inspired menu for Heartbreak Hotel, featuring Elvis-themed dishes like cornbread waffles and Viva Las Vegas shrimp cocktail. Looking ahead, he’s planning Mediterranean flavors for Jesus Christ Superstar and launching an interactive sushi-making class. Click the link and read the whole story.
Prince William County’s State of the Parks event, initially scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Forest Park High School, has been postponed due to weather conditions and other considerations.
The State of the Parks event, set to feature insights from Prince William County Parks and Recreation Director Seth Hendler-Voss, will be rescheduled, with a new date and time to be announced soon.
“We want to ensure that all participants have the best possible experience and that the event can take place safely and under optimal conditions,” officials stated in their announcement.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering a zero-tax-increase budget for 2025, which has drawn community members’ support and concern. During the February 4, 2025, meeting, parents and education advocates urged the board to fund Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) fully, emphasizing the need for higher teacher salaries, facility repairs, and student resources.
Speaking during the public comment period, Shannon Fingerholtz, a parent from the Hartwood District, called on the board to take responsibility for properly funding Stafford schools.
“Our students, our teachers, our staff, our community require a quality school system,” Fingerholtz said. “Quality means decently paid staff, buildings in good repair, and adequate materials. These all require funding.”
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
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:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
