Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth has weighed in on a meeting that has prompted a lawsuit against the Prince William Board of County Supervisors.
In a letter sent to Potomac Local News today, Ashworth determined that no public business was conducted during a May 31 meeting of the Prince William County Police Citizens Advisory Board. The special meeting was called by committee chairman Cozy Bailey the morning after a riot engulfed the area of Sudley Road and Sudley Manor Drive, just five miles outside Manassas.
“After speaking with [Prince William police Deputy Chief] Phelps, it was quite clear that no public business was transacted, nor was the intent of the [Citizens Advisory Board] meeting to transact public business,” Ashworth states.
Five members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, all Democrats, attended the meeting, along with Prince Wiliam County Executive Christopher Martino, and the county’s top law enforcement officers, Sheriff Glen Hill and county police Chief Barry Barnard.
Republican members of the Board of County Supervisors say they weren’t notified of the meeting and claim that fellow board members did, in fact, make policy statements at the meeting about police procedure, when it comes to using force. Pepper spray was used on rioters the night before after a protest turned violent, and five people were arrested and four police officers were injured — at least one seriously.
Prince William County resident Alan Gloss this week slapped the entire Board of County Supervisors with a lawsuit, naming them individually in the suit, asserting elected officials violated Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act laws that require any meeting with two or more elected public officials in attendance to be advertised to the public in advance of the meeting.
Defendants in the lawsuit, including the eight members of the Board of County Supervisors, the county executive, and Sheriff Hill have received subpoenas to appear in court on Monday, June 15.
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A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.
The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.
A speeding incident escalated into a high-speed pursuit Wednesday, January 21, 2025, on Interstate 95, according to Virginia State Police spokesman Matthew Demlein.
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During the chase, the sedan struck the mirror of another vehicle, causing minor damage, but no injuries were reported. The pursuit continued onto eastbound Interstate 495 and ultimately ended at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, marking the Maryland state line. At that point, the pursuit was terminated.
A recent cybersecurity incident affecting PowerSchool, a global provider of education administration software, has raised concerns for school systems across the country, including Fredericksburg City and Manassas City Public Schools. PowerSchool confirmed that its internal systems were breached in late December, resulting in unauthorized access to data involving students and educators from hundreds of school divisions.
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Kristen Senechal. [Photo courtesy of NOVEC]On Wednesday, the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative’s (NOVEC) Board of Directors named Kristen Senechal as the organization’s next president and CEO. “After an eight-month national…
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.
