“Shooting Investigation – On December 26 at 5:07PM, officers responded to The Landings at Markhams Grant Apartments located in the 15700 block of Tassia Ln in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed a 22-year-old man was shot inside a vehicle while in the parking lot of the complex. Officers arrived and provided first-aid to the man who was treated at an area hospital with serious injuries. The investigation continues.”
“Shooting Investigation | Hit & Run – On December 24 at 12:38AM, officers responded to the 13600 block of Kingsman Rd in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22- year-old man, exited his home after hearing his car alarm sound and observed the window to his vehicle smashed. The victim then confronted a possible suspect walking down Kingsman Rd who turned and shot towards the victim. The victim then returned to his vehicle and attempted to locate the suspect before his vehicle was struck from the opposite direction by the driver of another vehicle, later determined to be the same suspect. The suspect then exited the vehicle and shot towards the victim’s vehicle multiple times before fleeing the area. Officers located the suspect vehicle unoccupied nearby and determined it was previously reported stolen on December 15. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspect who was not located. No injuries were reported. The suspect was only described as a black or Hispanic male with a heavy build wearing dark-colored clothing.”
“Armed Robbery – On December 26 at 3:15AM, officers responded to the 7-Eleven located at 16170 Country Club Dr in Dumfries (22025) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed a man and woman walked behind the counter and pushed an employee to the ground before taking an unknown quantity of lottery tickets and fleeing. The employee reportedly observed a firearm during the incident. Minor injuries were reported, and no shots were fired. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspects who were not located. The suspects were only described as a tall black male with a thin build and a short black female with a heavy build, both wearing dark-colored clothing.”
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Get ready for a windy Wednesday across the region, as conditions are expected to be quite blustery throughout the day. The National Weather Service is forecasting a more widespread wind event, with gusts reaching between 40-50 mph in most areas, except for parts of central Virginia and southern Maryland.
A Wind Advisory will be in place from late Wednesday morning into the early evening as a potent front drops south across the area. The gusty conditions will be accompanied by lower relative humidity, raising concerns for fire weather in central Virginia. The winds will slowly subside by late evening but be prepared for sustained gusts during the day.
Weems Elementary School in Manassas has seen remarkable progress in recent years, particularly in reducing chronic absenteeism and improving student literacy. Under the leadership of Principal Michelle Huppman, the school has created an environment focused on equity, achievement, and community involvement, leading to academic improvements.
One of the school’s most notable achievements is reducing chronic absenteeism. In the 2022-2023 school year, Weems faced a concerning % chronic absence rate of 28%. This figure, which emerged after the pandemic, reflected the challenges many schools faced. However, the school has halved that number through dedication and hard work. “I am so happy to share with you that Weems’ current chronic absence rate, as reflected in the school quality profile, is half of that number, down to 14%. This is a school community that rose to the challenge,” said Sarah Brescia, a Manassas City school board member.
The improvement in attendance has had a direct impact on student achievement. Huppman explained, “Last year, we had a 24% increase in literacy pass rates for our students in kindergarten through second grade. For the Virginia Standards of Learning reading test, we had a 6% increase in pass rates for our students in third and fourth grade.” While math scores dropped slightly due to virtual instruction during the pandemic, Principal Huppman is optimistic about the future. “This year, we are fully staffed in all classrooms and in all instructional support positions without the need for virtual instructors,” she said.
Fredericksburg Police have launched automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones at Hugh Mercer Elementary and James Monroe High School to curb speeding and improve safety. The move is part of a partnership formed in November 2024 between the Fredericksburg Police Department and the city, aiming to reduce speeding near schools and protect students, staff, and families.
To ease drivers into the new system, the city implemented a 30-day warning period following the installation of the cameras. During this period, violators received warnings instead of citations, a step the city said was designed to “educate drivers and encourage compliance with speed limits.”
Between December 12, 2024, and January 10, 2025, Fredericksburg Police issued 247 warnings for speeding violations. The highest recorded speed was 50 mph. At James Monroe High School, located on Washington Avenue, 66 warnings were given, 19 of which were for speeds at least 15 mph over the 15 mph school zone limit. The highest recorded speed at this location was 33 mph.
Cute and sweet Niffy has been at the shelter for four months, waiting patiently to find a family to call her own. This adorable girl is about four and has a gentle, loving nature. She gets along well with other dogs and loves going for long walks. Niffy is happiest when she’s curled up next to you for a cuddle session when she’s not out on an adventure.
Despite many visitors who promise to return for her, Niffy is still patiently waiting for the right family to take her home. This sweet girl deserves a loving home where she can feel safe, cherished, and adored.
If you’re interested in adopting Niffy, please don’t hesitate to ask for more information.
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.
