Three students from Woodbridge High School helped their classmates throughout the year and to repay them, Walden University gave them surprise gifts to help shape their future.

A video produced by the for-profit university catering to working adults features the story of three seniors who were recognized by Walden University for their work to support Washington, D.C.- Area Students Graduating During the pandemic.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) has added a new round trip option to its Fredericksburg Line to support social distancing effective Monday, July 27.

“We are closely monitoring ridership on both the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines and will adjust service as the number of passengers grows,” said Rich Dalton, VRE’s acting CEO. “We have seen enough of an increase on our Fredericksburg Line to warrant an additional round trip. These two new trains, along with other measures, will allow us to continue to protect the health and safety of our passengers and train crews.”

Karen Finucan Clarkson from the Office of Public Affairs explained in a press release that train 300, which departs Spotsylvania at 4:54 a.m., will take commuters northbound while train 307, which departs Union Station at 4:10 p.m., will carry them southbound. These two trains will supplement VRE’s reduced-service “S” schedule consisting of eight daily trains on each of two lines, which the commuter railway applied on March 17 in response to the pandemic.

The new morning train will help reduce the number of riders on what currently is VRE’s first northbound train of the morning, where the number of available seats is approaching 50 percent, according to Clarkson. The afternoon train will serve as an alternative for riders of two trains, where the number of available seats is about 40 percent.

VRE also installed decals on its platforms and in rail cars to support social distancing back in June. Onboard graphics now indicate where passengers should sit or stand, guiding them to window seats in every other row to ensure proper distancing, according to Clarkson.

The effect of the decals has reduced the number of available seats, on average, from 130 to 45 per rail car. VRE’s train utilization trends web page has been updated to reflect total seats, maximum capacity to support social distancing, and current daily ridership.

VRE also is exploring ways to notify passengers when trains are at or near capacity, according to the press release.

Clarkson stated that VRE has started a new train-cleaning process and has installed hand-sanitizer dispensers on trains and platforms to complement VRE’s social-distancing measures. VRE’s mobile app allows riders to purchase and validate tickets on their smartphones, thereby avoiding contact with ticket vending machines on platforms.

The pandemic has drastically lowered the number of passengers on VRE trains. On During the week of March 20, 2020, 15,500 riders were reported to have taken the train compared to the 95,000 on March 20, 2019 the same week the previous year, a decrease of 83 percent.

As recent as July 17, 2020, 5,500 riders were reported, compared to the 97,600 riders on July 17, 2019, according to numbers from VRE’s coronavirus ridership chart.

VRE is the thirteenth largest commuter rail service in the United States, and its mission is to provide safe, cost-effective, accessible, reliable, convenient, and customer-responsive commuter-oriented passenger rail service. The 4.5 million rides the railroad provides annually in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. helps removes 100 million vehicle miles from the region’s interstates, according to Clarkson.

Learn more at vre.org.

International Gourmet Foods, Inc. will move its headquarters from Fairfax County to Prince William County.

he Prince William Board of County Supervisors announced International Gourmet Foods, Inc. will invest $15.6 million to establish new 130,000 square-foot headquarters at 13405 Telegraph Road in Woodbridge, next to the Horner Road commuter lot -- the largest commuter lot in Virginia.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Police said a man followed a woman to her vehicle and grabbed her by the arm so she couldn’t leave after they got into an escalating argument.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 21, at 7:53 p.m., when police arrived in response to a call reporting of a domestic problem. Police said that when they arrived at 4700 Block of Kilbane Road in Dale City, a woman, also the victim, told police that she and an acquaintance of hers were in an argument that escalated.

The victim told police that the man followed her out to her car before grabbing her by the arm, preventing her from leaving the scene. When the two managed to separate, police said the suspect ran away from the residence before police arrived at the location.

Police said the victim had only minor injuries from the incident. Police have obtained arrest warrants for the suspect but attempts at finding him have been unsuccessful, according to police.

The suspect was identified by police as Paul Gordon Parker, 61, with no fixed address.

He’s described as a black male, 5’4 in height with a weight of 135 pounds. He is said to have brown hair and eyes.

Parker is wanted for charges of abduction and assault and battery. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Prince William County Police Department’s tipline at 703-792-7000 or submit a web tip at pwcgov.org.

For all the brunch lovers out there, Ornery Beer Company has announced its hours so you can stop by and satisfy your brunch cravings.

Every Saturday and Sunday, Ornery Beer Company will be serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Customers can choose a variety of brunch plate options like biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, steak and eggs, smoked salmon benedict, and more with a side of arugula salad.

There are also different options for pizza like Classic Margherita, Napoli, and Sausage and Sunny. Soups and salads are also available.

There are three options of cocktails: Tito’s Bloody Mary, Strawberry Shandy Quencher, and lastly Mimosas and Bellinis.

Kids can have their choice of brunch options as well with having eggs any way they want, waffles with their choice of toppings, or a breakfast pizza.

? Who’s ready for an Ornery Brunch ?? ?
.
Every SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 10am – 1pm
.
Today's feature:
?Crab Cake Benedicts ? lump crab crakes over sautéed spinach & toasted english muffins, of course topped with… https://t.co/NxxHiwpg42

— Ornery Beer Company (@OrneryBeer) July 18, 2020

Potomac Local has started a mission to help restaurants get back on their feet after the hard-hitting effects of the pandemic. If you are a restaurant owner and would like us to consider posting about your establishment, please tweet us @PotomacLocal on Twitter.

This is not a sponsored post.

Virginia State Police have invited local residents to take part in a free motorcycle self-assessment, “Ride 2 Save Lives,” course this Saturday.

It is a free course that will be held Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Morton’s BMW Motorcycles located at 5099 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg. Space is limited to 30 people.

According to a press release from Public Relations Director for Virginia State Police Corinne Geller, Richmond Division Motors Unit will be instructing participants on all aspects of rider safety through the use of SIPDE (Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute). SIPDE is the same training required of all VSP motorcycle operators.

The course provides riders with proper techniques on how to handle hazards, special situations, interstate highways, curve negotiations, and much more, according to Geller.

Social distancing measures will be in place for the safety of those in attendance, according to Geller. Riders must have a valid operator’s license with a class “M” endorsement, appropriate riding attire, a helmet, and eye protection.

The motorcycles must be street legal and helmets must be Department of Transportation approved to participate in this program, according to the press release.

Registration closes Wednesday, July 22. For those interested, registration is available online through the Virginia State Police Facebook page under “events” or at eventbrite.com.

Many have been struggling to make ends meet on their bills since the coronavirus outbreak, and now Columbia Gas of Virginia is giving its customers a break when it comes to paying their bills.

From a press release:

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertain economy and loss of jobs, many Virginia residents are having a hard time paying their bills — some for the very first time. Trying to figure out where to go for help can be a challenge all its own.

We urge Columbia Gas of Virginia customers who are behind on their gas bills to reach out to us now. We can work with you on affordable payment plans and provide information on other assistance available — not just for utilities but other household expenses.

One of the assistance programs available is HeatShare, a program administered by the Dollar Energy
Fund. HeatShare uses money donated by Columbia Gas, its customers and employees to help eligible
customers pay their Columbia Gas bills.

Our customer care team can help you get connected to this program or customers can reach out to them directly. More than ever before, we want to help our customers get through these tough times by providing solutions to what can feel like insurmountable problems.

We’ll work with their budgets and timelines so they can feel some financial relief and maintain gas service. Our customer care teams are ready to help at columbiagasva.com/bills-and-payments or at 800-543-8911.

In addition to the HeatShare, there are many other selfless organizations serving communities across the Commonwealth. We want to thank all of the non-profit organizations across the state that are stepping up to help those who are struggling.

Columbia Gas of Virginia has taken a number of actions to help customers through the COVID-19
pandemic, including voluntarily suspending shutoffs for non-payment and late fees, as well as offering its
most flexible payment plans to customers impacted by or facing hardship due to COVID-19. The company
is continuing to provide essential natural gas services, operating under health and safety protocols.

For full details of the company’s COVID-19 response, visit columbiagasva.com.”

For any questions, please contact Monique Finneran at 804-777-3079 or by email at [email protected].

A Stafford woman is charged with assault and battery after she commanded her dog to attack deputies, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

From the sheriff’s office:

“ASSAULT
Pike Place, 07/20, 11:25 p.m. Deputies Keenan and Voellmar were serving an arrest warrant on Pike Place when a relative of the wanted person approached them. The relative was identified as Kaitlyn Fernandez, 20, of Stafford. Fernandez attempted to grab the arrested relative from the deputies and continued to scream at the deputies. Fernandez then retrieved her German Shepherd and pointed toward the deputies and began yelling for the dog to attack. Fortunately, the dog did not obey the commands. Fernandez was subsequently charged with two counts of attempted assault on law enforcement and obstruction of justice. She was released on an unsecured bond by the magistrate.

DUI
Jefferson Davis Highway/Foreston Woods Drive, 07/19, 5:41 a.m. Deputy West observed a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Jefferson Davis Highway as it exited the divided highway of the Wayside. She conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Jamie Mendoza, 25, of Stafford. Mendoza had slurred speech and the odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath. Field sobriety tests were administered and Mendoza was arrested for DUI. Suspected drugs were found in the vehicle. Mendoza was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, no license, driving the wrong way and possession of marijuana. He was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,000 bond.

INTOXICATED PERSON
Falmouth Beach, 401 River Road, 07/20, 4:12 p.m. Deputies were called to the area for a subject that was yelling and cursing at people. Upon arrival, Deputy Dominguez located Donald Tau, 66, of Stafford, in the water. Tau refused to exit the water because he did not want to be arrested for drunk in public. Tau also threatened to hit anyone that came near him with a cane that he was carrying. While Deputy Dominguez continued to talk with Tau, Deputy Russo was able to approach from the other side and take Tau into custody. Tau was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $500 bond for public intoxication and obstruction of justice.

LARCENY
Crab Apple Drive/Boxelder Drive, 07/20, 7:19 a.m. A representative from the construction company reported a 6’ by 12’ blue metal box was stolen from this area between July 9th and July 15th. The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Deputy Runnerstrom at 540-658-4400.”

Anyone with information on the above events is asked by the Sheriff’s Office to call their number at (540) 658-4400.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the $142 million Balls Ford Interchange Project that is expected to help relieve traffic congestion.

Construction will begin this fall and is expected to be completed in November 2022.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors recently approved the final design for the Prince William Parkway Interchange and Balls Ford Road Realignment project.

According to communications analyst Keith Walker, the project will realign roughly 1.9 miles of Balls Ford Road, between Devlin Road and Doane Drive, into a four-lane, divided roadway. The roadway will also contain a raised median, a sidewalk on one side, and a multi-use path on the other side.

Walker states the project will take Balls Ford Road over the Prince William Parkway with a diverging diamond interchange. The project will also include a bridge over the existing Norfolk Southern Railway.

The Prince William County Department of Transportation will administer the project with state money that came through the Transform I-66 Outside the Beltway Concessionaire Fund. That fund granted $143 million to fully finance the project, according to Walker.

The goal of the completed road project is to relieve existing and predicted future traffic congestion and improve the safety of drivers at the Balls Ford Road-Prince William Parkway intersection, according to Walker.

Anyone with questions on the project can email the project manager Mary Ankers at [email protected] with “Realigned Balls Ford Interchange” referenced in the subject line.

More information about transportation projects in the county is available at pwcgov.org.