Historic Manassas, Inc.: “The application to Manassas’s 2024 Banner Art Contest is open. Closing on January 19, 2024, the winning banners will be displayed on the light poles located around Old Town Manassas.”

“The banners will stay up spring through fall of 2024. With first place receiving a $300 prize, second $200, and third with $100. View previous winners online.”

“You must be of the age 16 years or older and pay a $55 entrance fee.”

“For any additional information on artwork dimensions, important deadlines, or where to apply visit this link. Other questions can be answered by calling 703-361-6599.”

Interstate 95 Northbound: Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton): Tuesday – Wednesday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Single lane closure between mile markers 132-134 for work zone barrier repair. I-95 Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing construction.

• Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) to Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway): Monday – Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Single lane closure between mile markers 134-136 for guardrail installation. 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension construction.
• Wednesday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 4:30 a.m. Single lane closure between mile markers 134-136 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension construction.

Interstate 95 Southbound: Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) to Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton)
Wednesday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Single lane closure between mile markers 134-136 for 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension construction.

• Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) Off-Ramp: Monday – Friday, midnight – 3 a.m. Off-ramp closure for overhead sign installation. The off-ramp from Interstate 95 southbound to Route 17 northbound and Route 17 Business will be closed from midnight-3 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, weather permitting. Additional overnight closures between midnight-3 a.m. are possible on the mornings of Tuesday, Jan. 9 through Friday, Jan. 12, if required. An alternate route is exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) to Centreport Parkway and Route 1 southbound to access Route 17 Business/Route 17 northbound.

Stafford County: Route 17: Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m. – 7 a.m. Alternating single northbound and southbound lane closures on Route 17 at the bridge over Deep Run. Bridge maintenance.

• Route 17 Southbound: Sunday – Friday, 8 p.m. – 7 a.m. Alternating lane closures between Sanford Drive and Short Street for paving.
• Short Street: Monday – Friday, midnight – 3 a.m. Short Street will be closed overnight for milling and paving. Detour will direct drivers to continue south on Route 17 Business to Olde Forge Drive, where travelers can access Thomas Lane to return to Short Street.
• Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Alternating lane closures between Route 17 and Thomas Lane for paving.
• Route 606 (Ferry Road): Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Single lane closure with one-way alternating traffic between Route 3 Business and Town and Country Drive. Work under permit.

Spotsylvania County: I-95 Southbound Exit 126 Off-Ramp and Route 1 Southbound: A second right turn lane is under construction from the I-95 southbound off-ramp at exit 126 onto Route 1 southbound. Route 1 southbound is being widened from the off-ramp to Southpoint Parkway with an additional turn lane. A second right turn lane is being added from Route 1 southbound to Southpoint Parkway. Traffic islands will be installed along Southpoint Parkway as a safety improvement to allow left turns into driveways but restrict through and left-turning traffic exiting from side streets. Additional right turn lane added to Southpoint Parkway to Route 1 southbound. Project completion in Aug. 2025.

• Route 3 and Orange Plank Road: Construction is underway to modify the intersection of Route 3 and Orange Plank Rd. to a new traffic pattern to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce conflict points. Project completion in spring 2024.
• Route 17 (Mills Drive) Overpass Replacement and Widening: Construction started in Dec. 2020 to replace the existing two-lane interstate overpass on Route 17 with a four-lane bridge. Route 17 is being widened to four lanes until just east of the Hospital Boulevard/Germanna Point Drive intersection. A shared-use path, sidewalk, and pedestrian crossing equipment will be added as part of the project. Project contract completion is Feb. 2024.
• Route 208 (Courthouse Road) and Hood Drive: Hood Drive is reduced to a single lane between Route 1 and Route 208 (Courthouse Road), carrying only northbound traffic. Southbound traffic should follow the posted detour along Courthouse Road and Route 1 southbound. New right and left turn lanes are under construction at an entrance to a future U.S. Veterans Health Administration outpatient clinic. Additional turn lanes will be built on northbound Hood Drive approaching Courthouse Road. A raised median on Hood Drive will separate northbound and southbound traffic between Courthouse Road and McGowan Drive. Additional sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian crossing equipment will be installed at the intersection. Project completion in June 2024.
• Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road) Widening: Mudd Tavern Road is being widened to four lanes between I-95 and Route 1. A new secondary access route, Route 2092, will be built parallel to Mudd Tavern Road, and will connect with South Roxbury Mill Road and Dan Bell Lane. Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road/Morris Road) is reduced to a single lane approaching the traffic signal at the Route 1 intersection through spring 2024 to allow space for widening activities. Project completion in May 2025.

—Virginia Department of Transportation

Prince William Police Department: “Attempted Malicious Wounding *ARRESTS – On January 2, 2024, officers concluded the investigation into the shots fired call that was reported to have occurred in a parking lot in the 14600 block of Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge on July 20, 2023. During the investigation, officers were able to identify and obtained warrants for two men who shot during the altercation. The incident stemmed from a previous dispute involving other known parties. While investigating the incident, one of the accused tampered with evidence. One of the suspects, identified as Gabriel Alexander BRUINS, was served on

January 2 while in custody at the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center on unrelated charges, while the second suspect, identified as Kalill Gary GILL, was located in the Woodbridge area and taken into custody without incident the following day. Arrested between January 2-3: Gabriel Alexander BRUINS, 22, of 3519 Forestdale Avenue in Woodbridge. Charged with attempted malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Court Date: Pending | Status: Remains Incarcerated. Kalill Gary GILL, 20, of 3328 Wyndale Court in Woodbridge. Charged with attempted malicious wounding, evidence tampering, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

“Attempted Malicious Wounding [Previously Released] – On July 20 at 8:21 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot located in the 14600 block of Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22-year-old man, and a female acquaintance were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. At one point during the encounter, the woman contacted two male acquaintances who drove to the parking lot and confronted the victim. When the two men retrieved firearms from the vehicle, the victim fled on foot. The suspects followed the victim before rounds were exchanged between the two parties. The suspects fled prior to police arriving in the area. No injuries or property
damage were reported. While checking the area, officers located shell casings in the parking lot. This incident was not random. The investigation continues as officers attempt to locate the suspects.”

“Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling – On January 4 at 12:46 a.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 12500 block of Bristow Road in Nokesville to investigate a destruction of property. The investigation revealed several shots were fired from the roadway which struck the home multiple times. No injuries or additional property damage were reported. Several shell casings and live rounds were located in the roadway and near the driveway.”

“Commercial Burglary – On January 3 at 10:40 a.m., officers responded to Buffalo Phillys located at 13748 Smoketown Road in Woodbridge to investigate a burglary. Video surveillance revealed at approximately 5:18 a.m., an unknown man smashed the glass front door with a crowbar style tool. The suspect then entered the store where he took money from the registers before fleeing on foot. The suspect was described being mid-20s, wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt and pants, and dark-colored shoes.”

“Attempted Malicious Wounding of a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On January 3 at 9:31 a.m., officers responded to the Holiday Inn Express located at 10810 Battleview Parkway in Manassas to investigate a larceny. Responding officers located a man, identified as the accused matching the suspect description in the parking lot of the business sitting in a running vehicle. When officers attempted to make contact with the man, he began to drive the vehicle, striking an officer with the side mirror before striking the officer a second time with the front of the vehicle. The accused then fled the parking lot and disregarded the officer’s emergency equipment, and refused to stop. Officers pursued the accused onto Battleview Parkway to Lee Highway, where the accused attempted to strike a police cruiser. Eventually, the accused stopped his vehicle on Lee Highway. where he was taken into custody without incident. The stolen property was located inside the vehicle. The officer was treated at an area hospital for minor injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Nathaniel PRESIDENT III, was arrested. Arrested on January 3: Nathaniel PRESIDENT III, 31, of 9702 Clark Place in Manassas. Charged with attempted malicious wounding on LEO, assault & battery on LEO, felony hit & run, eluding, and petit larceny. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

Stafford County Sheriff’s Department: “Recently, deputies have responded to multiple reports involving the suspects obtaining money by false pretenses. The suspects identify themselves as deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office and inform the victim they missed jury duty. In order to avoid being arrested, the suspect gives directions to the victim to transfer money into Bitcoin and send it to them. Many times, the suspects spoof their number in order to make it look like our non-emergency number.”

“Scams like these play on the victim’s emotions and demand they be quick or face legal action. As a reminder, no law enforcement agency, including the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, will demand money over the phone. We also do not accept Bitcoin as any kind of payment in any matters. If you are ever unsure about the sincerity of a call from someone posing as a deputy, hang up and call us directly. We will be able to properly inform you if you are wanted.”

Stafford County Sheriff’s Department:“On January 2 at approximately 7:58 a.m. Communications Officers received a call from someone advising they had just been stabbed. Due to the nature of the call, deputies quickly responded to the Shelton Knolls Subdivision. When deputies arrived, they observed two males holding another down. Deputies took over the scene by detaining the suspect, providing first aid to the victim, and uncovering what occurred.”

“It was discovered the suspect, Randull Washington Jr., was upset due to a family matter and began making threats. An argument escalated into a fight between Washington Jr. and another family member. The victim attempted to intervene in the altercation when Washington Jr. stabbed him in the back of the neck. Both the family member and victim were able to disarm Washington Jr. and hold him down until deputies arrived.”

“The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his non-life-threatening injury. Washington Jr. was charged with felonious assault, as well as, domestic assault and battery. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.”

Prince William County: “More than 200 members of the community gathered Tuesday evening, Jan. 2, at the Hylton Performing Arts Center to witness the swearing-in ceremony for the Board of County Supervisors and the county’s constitutional officers.”

“The ceremony started with the presentation of colors by the county’s Joint Public Safety Honor Guard and the singing of the National Anthem by Karen-Leigh Albert. The new and returning officials then took their oaths of office with friends and family joining them on the stage.”

Newly sworn board members include:

• Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson
• Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy
• Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega
• Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir
• Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry
• Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye
• Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey
• Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin

“Prince William Clerk of the Circuit Court Jacqueline Smith, Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth and Sheriff Glendell Hill also took their oaths of office during the ceremony.”

“After taking their oath of office, the elected officials received their certificate of election from the county’s Electoral Board. The ceremony wrapped up with Prince William Poet Laureate Michelle Garcia reciting her original poem ‘A Good World,’ and the crowd joined Karen Leigh-Albert as she sang God Bless America.”

Click here to see a video of the event.

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative: “Applications are being accepted through Feb. 16 for the 2024 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, an annual all-expenses-paid, week-long event in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).”

“Applicants must be high school sophomores or juniors whose homes are served by Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC); eligibility extends to public, private, and home-schooled students.”

“NOVEC will sponsor up to four students for the event in June 2024. NOVEC’s representatives will join more than a thousand young men and women from electric co-ops across the country. Youth Tour participants will meet congressional representatives, tour museums, historic sites and memorials, and enjoy events and entertainment.”

“The students all come together for Youth Day, where they can interact and hear speakers who provide insight into the roles electric co-ops play in their communities. Youth Tour gives students the opportunity to see the nation’s capital up close, learn about the political process and interact with their elected officials.”

How to Apply:

“Download and complete the Youth Tour application, and email it to [email protected], or mail a completed application package with all accompanying materials to: NOVEC, attn. Youth Tour, P.O. Box 2710, Manassas, 20108.”

“The completed application, essay, and two letters of recommendation must be received by 5 p.m. on Feb. 16, 2024. The letters of recommendation must be emailed or mailed separately from the application. After reviewing the applications, NOVEC will interview candidates in-person.”

“If you are unable to download the application or have other questions, email [email protected].”

Prince William County: “Prince William County residents with curbside yard waste collection can set their Christmas trees and other holiday greenery at the curb for collection during the first two weeks of January.”

“Be sure to remove all ornaments, decorations, tinsel, nails, and the tree stand and set the empty tree and greenery at the curb for pickup as a part of yard waste collection by your waste and recycling collection service provider. The trees and greenery are processed at the Compost Facility into compost and mulch.”

Residents may also take their trees and greenery to one of the locations listed below to be recycled:

• The Prince William County Landfill at 14811 Dumfries Road in Manassas.  Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The facility is closed on Sundays.
• The Compost Facility at 13000 Hansen Farm Road in Manassas. Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The facility is closed on Sundays.
• Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) located at 5399 Wellington Branch Road in Gainesville will accept drop-off of trees from December 26 to January 13. The drop-off area is in the front parking lot in the area outlined with the orange safety cones.

For more information, contact NOVEC’s vegetation management department at 703-335-0500 x 1600, or [email protected].

For more information on Solid Waste facilities or recycling in Prince William County, visit pwcva.gov/trashandrecycling.

Prince William Police Department: "Suspicious Incident – On December 18 at 12:34 p.m., the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Colgan High School located at 13833 Dumfries Road in Manassas was notified of inappropriate drawings and writings found in a bathroom. The investigation revealed earlier that morning, school security personnel entered a male bathroom where they encountered students who found multiple pieces of toilet paper with derogatory/offensive language and inappropriate images written on them. The SRO and school personnel determined none of the observed writings appeared to contain any threats of harm towards students, staff, or other school personnel. A search was conducted, and no additional writings were located."

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