Stafford, Va. – It appears any legal questions about Eric Olsen’s residency in Stafford County were quelled by a judge Friday.
Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Lon E. Ferris tossed out a Writ of Quo Warranto lawsuit filed by a Stafford citizen, David Johnston, questioning Olsen’s residency in Stafford. The case was heard by a Prince William judge after all of Stafford’s judges recused themselves from the hearing.
Olsen is running for Commonwealth Attorney in Stafford County, and by election law must live in the jurisdiction he wishes to represent. Olsen lives in an apartment in Stafford County but still owns a home in Fredericksburg he is in the process of selling.
“The judge upheld all of the legal points of this lawsuit and also determined that a private citizen is not the legal party to file a Writ of Quo Warranto, so I don’t know what they expected to gain here. Any question about my residency were answered during the Primary Election,” said Olsen.
Olsen, who’s worked as an assistant prosecutor in Stafford County for more than 20 years, said Friday’s hearing was not publicized but was still attended by, Jason Pelt, whom he faced during the Primary Election, as well as other Independent and Democratic candidates who have long challenged him.
“I think that speaks for itself who is behind all this. This was a hearing that was never publicized but they were all there,” said Olsen.
In the end, Ferris said the lawsuit against Olsen was based on rumors and innuendo.
Ferris also found the Writ of Quo Warranto suit unmerited because Olsen has yet to be elected to public office, and Johnston not a true interested party because he, himself, is not running for the same office.
Voters will go to the polls Tuesday to vote for Stafford’s next Commonwealth Attorney. Olsen is running against Independent Tim Barbrow.
Long time Stafford County CA, Daniel Chichester, is retiring from the post after 40 years in office.
Olsen this year has campaigned on a platform of community prosecution where members of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office venture out and educate residents about the workings of the courthouse, and provide contact information to their office. Olsen said that work has already begun as assistant prosecutors have appeared at middle schools to educate students about the workings of his office.
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The Haymarket Town Council is set to meet tonight, Monday, February 3, 2025, at 7 p.m. to receive an update from the town manager on several ongoing projects and initiatives. The meeting will occur at the Council Chambers, located at 15000 Washington St., Suite 100, in Haymarket.
Among the key topics on the agenda, town officials will discuss:
Park Sidewalk Project: Progress continues on the asphalt work, tree planting, and signage installation along Washington Street, with lighting and benches set to be delivered soon.
Stormwater Assessment Program: Officials have identified three major problem areas for stormwater drainage improvements, with full surveying expected to be completed by April 2025.
Town Center Development: Town staff are reviewing the latest submission of the site plan, with discussions focused on prioritization and financing.
Highpointe at Haymarket: The rezoning application for a proposed workforce housing project remains on hold.
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
The Prince William Mounted Patrol Unit has become a fixture within the police department. Serving on horseback, they go where regular officers cannot.
We spoke with Sergeant Jeramy Ramos, one of the officers on the Mounted Patrol Unit, to learn more about their role within the community.
The Mounted Patrol Unit was established in 2006 as a part-time unit. Taking inspiration from a similar unit within Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, the mounted patrol unit, the Prince William Police Department partnered with the National Parks Service at the Manassas National Battlefield Park to load the horses.
On Saturday, February 1, 2024, Stafford County Public Schools hosted its highly anticipated Health and Wellness Fair at Colonial Forge High School, drawing hundreds of community members to participate in a day filled with activities, demonstrations, and fun.
The fair offered attendees a variety of informative experiences, including CPR and “Stop the Bleeding” demonstrations. Participants had the opportunity to engage in hands-on training, learning critical life-saving techniques. One popular demonstration involved a “Stop the Bleed” course, where attendees practiced applying pressure and gauze to a simulated wound, preparing them to respond effectively in an emergency situation.
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.
