William “Billy” C. Ashby, Jr., 72 of Woodbridge, Va., passed peacefully from his life on the afternoon of December 5, 2020 at Halquist Memorial Inpatient Center. He was surrounded by his wife and three children during the last days of his life.
Billy was born July 5, 1948 in Bronx, NY, a son of the late William Ashby & Lillian Lawson. He married Elaine S. Ashby on February 13, 1970 in Alexandria, Va. He retired from Metro Rail after 40 years of dedicated service. He was a veteran and served two tours in The Vietnam War while serving in the Army, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather brother and friend. Besides his parents, Billy is preceded in death by his brother, Robert B. Ashby, and Aunt, Sybil Martin; and beloved dogs, Mindy, Cuddles, and Patches; granddogs, Dakota, Jo-Jo and Molly.
Billy is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Elaine Ashby; daughter, Pamela D. Sarvis, and her husband, Ray Sarvis and sons, William “Billy” C. Ashby, and his wife, Tami Ashby, and Brian H. Ashby, and his wife, Jennifer Ashby; grandchildren, Kyle Sarvis, and his wife Tristin Sarvis, Devin Sarvis, Madisyn Sarvis, Justin Ashby, Sydney Ashby, Brenley Ashby and Clarke Ashby; great grandchild, Karsen Sarvis; sisters, Gail Grim and her husband Danny, Kimberly Mayle, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dog, his best friend, Sophie (when she isn’t nipping at him).
A Gathering and Service will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm at Mountcastle Turch Life Celebration Home, 4143 Dale Blvd., Dale City, Va. He will then be laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery.
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The Manassas City Council began its three-day retreat on Thursday at James Madison’s historic Montpelier, located over 80 miles south of the city. The event quickly raised concerns about public access after members of the public who traveled to attend the meeting discovered the venue was locked and inaccessible.
Virginia law mandates that government meetings remain open to the public unless they are specifically classified as legal closed-door sessions. According to Virginia’s open meetings laws, the Council’s work session and retreat did not qualify as a closed-door meeting, raising questions about compliance.
Former Councilwoman Lynn Forkell Green attended the event and confirmed the gate to the complex was locked. “I couldn’t get in. Had I not had the cell numbers of council members, I would not have gained access because the meeting space was more than a mile past the gate, and the complex was closed,” Forkell Green said. While she was able to contact a council member who provided the entry code, she noted that most members of the public would not have such relationships or access.
OmniRide has reached a significant milestone, serving 1 million passengers in FY2024. This achievement signals a post-pandemic recovery for the regional transit provider and sets the stage for even greater success, with projections to double ridership to 2 million passengers by June 2025, according to agency officials.
During soon-to-be released Potomac Local News Podcast episode, OmniRide Executive Director Bob Schneider shared insights about the agency’s new routes and its vision for the future. He highlighted the introduction of new services to Warrenton and Front Royal as a pivotal step in expanding OmniRide’s reach and addressing regional transportation needs.
“These new routes are about connecting communities and providing meaningful transit options,” Schneider said. “We’re seeing positive feedback from passengers in Warrenton and Front Royal, and while it’s still early days, these routes are running on time, and riders are happy with the service. We’re excited to watch these areas grow into key parts of our system.”
Jesus Enrique Ramirez Cabrera, 23, of Manassas, appeared in a Prince William County court Thursday, January 23, for a preliminary hearing related to his arrest last fall after he was accused of abducting a Manassas City school girl at a city bus stop.
Initially, Ramirez Cabrera was charged with Abduction of a Minor, Robbery using Force, both felonies and misdemeanors, Petit Larceny, and Impersonating an Officer.
After a delay to consult with the victim, Assistant District Attorney Elena Ventura announced that the Commonwealth was dropping the two misdemeanor charges. Nebye Kahssai of the Public Defender’s Office told Judge Lisa Baird that Ramirez Cabrera waived his right to a preliminary trial.
Initially, Ramirez Cabrera was charged with Abduction of a Minor, Robbery using Force, both felonies and misdemeanors Petit Larceny, and Impersonating an Officer.
After a delay to consult with the victim, Assistant District Attorney Elena Ventura announced that the Commonwealth was dropping the two misdemeanor charges. Nebye Kahssai of the Public Defender’s Office told Judge Lisa Baird that Ramirez Cabrera waived his right to a preliminary trial.
Changing the name of Dulles International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport has been proposed by freshman Congressman Addison McDowell, a Republican from North Carolina.
Rep. McDowell, 31, who represents the 6th Congressional District, introduced the bill alongside Reps. Brian Jack (R-Ga.), Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), Brandon Gill (R-Texas), and Guy Resand Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.).
“It is only right that the two airports servicing our nation’s capital are duly honored and respected by two of the best presidents to have the honor of serving our great nation,” McDowell said.
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.
