Prince William County Executive Christopher Martino announced his retirement today.
The chief of the second-largest county government in Virginia will step down on December 31. Martino has served in the role since January 2016, replacing Melissa Peacor. During his time in the role, Martino has helped drive multiple initiatives from the Board of County Supervisors. These include implementing sweeping changes to the county's fire and rescue department and serving for the past 10 months on the newly-formed Racial and Social Justice Commission. Martino oversaw the implementation of a new "system" chief system that gave the county's career fire chief more authority over the many volunteer firefighters who work in the county. Before, volunteers reported only to their respective volunteer chiefs, who had ultimate control over their individual departments. Both fire and rescue personnel and police officers received pay raises under Martino's watch. A year later, all county employees received pay raises. Recently, the social justice commission, which is also made up of appointees from each member of the Board of County Supervisors, has been talking about the continued placement of police officers in schools and critical race theory. Martino came to Prince William County in February 1996 as the Director of Finance, serving as the chief financial officer responsible for the administration of the county's financial affairs. He was promoted to Deputy County Executive in March 2010. He provided oversight for several departments, including Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance, Budget, and Legislative Affairs. In that role, he also served as the Deputy Emergency Operations Director and the liaison with the Prince William County Schools.Recent Stories
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.
Are you curious about guitars? Do you wonder what it feels like to hold a violin? How big is a flute? The experts from Dale City Music will be here with an assortment of musical instruments for you to touch, hold, and learn about.
Prince William County Animal Services Center is working to reunite lost pets with their owners. Between February 7 and February 10, 2025, several stray animals were turned into the shelter. In an effort to assist pet owners, the center posts photos of strays on its social media pages a few times each week.
However, the center does not respond to questions about specific animals via Facebook. If you believe your pet may be at the shelter, you should contact them directly by calling (703) 792-6465, emailing [email protected], or visiting the center in person.
As another significant snowstorm blankets Stafford County with over six inches of snow on February 11, 2025, local officials grapple with the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) depleted snow removal budget, which was exhausted by a previous winter storm on January 5–6.
During a Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 6, 2025, VDOT Residency Administrator Kyle Bates warned about the agency’s financial limitations.
“That money is gone. It’s gone. Our snow budget was that one storm,” Bates said.
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
