The Prince William County Board of Supervisors will go next door to hold a retreat.
Supervisors will meet Monday and Tuesday, January 29 and 30, at Old Hickory Golf Club, less than a mile from the county government center in Woodbridge.
A meeting agenda will be published Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, said county spokeswoman Nicole Brown. Public bodies use retreats to get to know the body’s members and have broad discussions on policy.
Prince William supervisors last attended a team-building workshop in July 2020, as members of the previous board, helmed by former At-large Chair Ann Wheeler, struggled to get along. Notably, it faced controversy for approving multiple land rezonings for data centers, including the PW Digital Gateway next to Manassas National Battlefield, which is now being challenged in court.
DeShundra Jefferson, the newly elected chair at-large of Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors, delivered her first remarks on the State of the County. She expressed hope for collaboration and positive change, emphasizing the need for the Board to work together to address responsible growth, diversify the tax base, and invest in affordable housing and public safety. Jefferson, who represents a change in the Board controlled by Democrats since 2020, aims to bring a collaborative approach.
In a bipartisan move, Jefferson appointed Yesli Vega, a Republican, as the board’s pro-tempore chair. Vega will preside over meetings in Jefferson’s and another member’s absence. Jefferson expressed a desire to celebrate the diversity within the county and emphasized the importance of working together to leave a legacy of progress for future generations.
One of the first actions of the new board came this week when supervisors signed off on a collective bargaining agreement that sees police and fire and rescue employees get pay increases and new benefits in the coming year.
The presentation covered various aspects, including the historical context, negotiation process, and fiscal impacts of the tentative agreements with the Prince William County Police Association (PWCPA) and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). The Board voted seven to one in favor of the collective bargaining agreements, with Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega casting the lone dissenting vote.
The agreements address pay, maternal leave, and other benefits, aligning the county with contemporary workforce considerations. While some supervisors initially had reservations about collective bargaining, they recognized the importance of addressing retention issues and remaining competitive in wages to retain trained personnel.
The agreements include provisions such as a pay scale committee, a lump sum payment, on-call pay, shift differential pay increase, paid family leave, and adjustments to comp leave caps. For firefighters, there is a transition from a 56-hour work week to a 50-hour work week, requiring the hiring of additional firefighters.
The total cost for fiscal year 2025 is estimated at $16 million.
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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
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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:
