From Fredericksburg Police
VANDALISM:
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A suspect in an armed robbery at a 7-Eleven in Fredericksburg has been apprehended. In the early hours of November 13, 2024, a masked individual presented a firearm and demanded cash from a 7-Eleven cashier at 340 Amaret Street before fleeing on foot. Fredericksburg police shared surveillance footage details with Stafford County authorities, who located and arrested Marquis Harrell, 30, at a different 7-Eleven. Harrell faces multiple charges, including using a firearm in a felony, robbery, and brandishing a weapon. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed across jurisdictions.
On November 13, 2024, at 1:33 a.m., our E-911 Communications Center received a call about an armed robbery at the 7-Eleven located at 340 Amaret Street.
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The Prince William County Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for its Universal Human Rights Day Awards, which honor individuals, organizations, and groups that have significantly contributed to advancing human rights and equality in the community.
The Prince William County Human Rights Commission is once again accepting nominations for its Universal Human Rights Day Awards. These awards recognize people in the community who have made significant contributions in fostering equality and advancing human rights for all people in Prince William County. All submissions are due by Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Past awardees have been recognized for their work in combating sex trafficking, addressing homelessness and alleviating food insecurity. Others earned the award through activities such as mentoring Prince William County youth, providing health education and workshops tutoring, supporting college and career planning, and promoting informed decision-making. Past awardees have also demonstrated leadership, excellence, effectiveness and courage that advanced equality. Community members are encouraged to submit nominations for individuals, schools, community groups, organizations or businesses. Award nominees must be Prince William County residents. To submit a nomination, visit pwcva.gov/human-rights-awards and complete the form by Dec. 14, 2024. Nominations can also be mailed or delivered to the Human Rights Office at 15941Donald Curtis Drive, Suite 125, Woodbridge, VA 22191. For questions or further information, contact the Human Rights Office at 703-792-4680 during regular business hours. The awardees will be honored on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at the McCoart Government Center, during the annual Universal Human Rights Day celebration. This year’s event will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act. The Prince William County Human Rights Commission remains dedicated to its mission of eliminating discrimination and enforcing civil and human rights laws to establish equal opportunity for all people. Through education and advocacy, the commission seeks to cultivate a community where every resident is treated with fairness and dignity. Commission Chair Curtis Porter said it is important to recognize people for their contributions. “We want to recognize people who are making a contribution in the field of human and civil rights in Prince William County. This is an excellent opportunity for the Prince William County Human Rights Commission to do that,” Porter said.Learn more about the Human Rights Office at pwcva.gov/humanrights.
Washington, DC (Nov. 7, 2024) – Metropolitan Washington remains under a Drought Watch, following several months of low rainfall with dry conditions expected to continue throughout the fall and winter months. The Drought Watch was enacted in July by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG). Area city and county managers were advised yesterday, November 6, that officials on COG’s Drought Coordination Technical Committee met last week and recommended keeping the region under the Drought Watch. Residents and businesses in the metropolitan Washington region are being asked to take voluntary measures to conserve water and help reduce demand on the region's water supply systems. The regional Drought Watch applies to nearly six million residents across metropolitan Washington. The current Drought Watch, now in its fourth month, is the first time since 2010 that COG has declared a Drought Watch. The Watch enacted in 2010 lasted just under a month. Following the regional Drought Response Plan, officials emphasized there is currently an adequate supply of water in the Potomac River and back-up reservoirs. They ask residents to implement voluntary water conservation practices across the region to reduce water demand and meet environmental needs of the river. A Drought Watch is the level in the plan before Drought Warning, when additional water restrictions are requested and could become mandatory should conditions worsen. The region has never declared a Drought Warning. Fire safety and protection are concerns due to dry conditions. The region is in the fall fire season, with an increased risk for wildfires. The majority of the Potomac River basin is under a ban on open air burning—the State of Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware have implemented statewide burn bans, with some Virginia and Pennsylvania counties implementing similar restrictions. Committee members encourage residents to use extra caution when smoking outside, using outdoor grills, or engaging in other activities that involve flammable materials. Check current fire weather conditions provided by the National Weather Service.
The rain that occurred over the past several hours has ended record stretches without measurable precipitation at several area locations. pic.twitter.com/474jFuHF2k
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) November 11, 2024
Wise Water Use Tips Here are simple tips residents can use to limit outdoor and indoor water use: Monitor watering lawns, plants and shrubs; Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose); Avoid washing your car, or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water; Fix any plumbing leaks – especially toilets and faucets; Reduce shower length to under 5 minutes; Turn off water while brushing your teeth; and Wash full loads of dishes and clothes. A detailed list of tips for wise water use can be found at mwcog.org/wisewater. Background Information Over the past several months, the region has experienced record-breaking high temperatures along with some periods of historically low streamflow and groundwater levels. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has declared that nearly all of the Potomac River Basin is experiencing varying levels of drought and precipitation levels have dropped nearly 3 inches below normal in the past 30 days. The flow in the Potomac River is low but fortunately, due to sound planning by area water utilities and local governments, most of the area is well prepared to withstand drought. Three water supply reservoirs were constructed in the early 1980s to provide water during droughts. These reservoirs are nearly full and, if needed, water can be released to supplement the flow in the river. Water monitoring experts continue to closely gauge flows in the Potomac River and watch weather forecasts to determine if and when releases are necessary.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has lifted the harmful algae bloom (HAB) advisory for Lake Anna due to the end of the recreational season. HABs have affected various branches of Lake Anna since June, with advisories expanded in July to include additional areas. Recent samples from mid-October showed acceptable bacteria levels, meeting the criteria to lift the advisory, despite earlier September samples showing unsafe levels.
The Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes VDH and other state agencies, has suspended response sampling for the season. Although HABs may persist in some areas, the public is advised to avoid discolored or scummy water as it could contain toxins. Depending on weather conditions, the Task Force plans to resume monitoring in May 2025.
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Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey will speak at the Virginia Association of Counties annual conference on November 10 through 12.
The organization that supports county officials and advocates for the interests of local counties is holding its 90th annual conference. This year's will be held at the Omni Homestead Resort in Bath County. The organization aims to discuss topics across Virginia's various regions, such as education, health and human resources, agriculture, and more.
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The Prince William County Fire & Rescue System warns about the increased risk of mulch fires in the fall due to drier conditions. These fires can spread to nearby buildings. Here are some key tips they provide.
Proper Disposal of Smoking Materials: Use sturdy ashtrays, fully extinguish smoking items, and avoid discarding them in mulch, plant pots, or grassy areas. Fire-safe cigarettes, marked with “FSC” on packaging, are recommended.
Landscaping Tips: Maintain fire-safe distances between flammable plants and buildings, avoid mulch near structures, remove dead plants, and stack firewood away from homes.
Additional Tips: Have a hose accessible to contain potential fires in landscaping areas.
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Three left lanes will close starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, leaving two right lanes open. By 11 a.m. Sunday, an additional lane will reopen, allowing three lanes of traffic. The ramp from I-66 East to Route 28 North will also be limited to a single lane.
All lanes are expected to reopen by 7 p.m. Sunday, though the schedule may change due to weather. For updates, visit the project website or follow @VaDOTNOVA on X.
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Transportation officials held a ribbon cutting for a newly expanded Quantico Station in Virginia with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 1, 2024. The upgraded train station serves Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express customers in the Town of Quantico, now accommodates longer trains, improves accessibility, and adds grade-separated pedestrian access for the adjacent Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCBQ).
Key enhancements include a 550-foot platform extension, a new 840-foot island platform, and three elevator towers connected by pedestrian bridges. STV designed the necessary track improvements and a 714-foot retaining wall to support a third track, minimizing disruptions to MCBQ. This project, part of a long-standing partnership between STV and VRE, reflects collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Amtrak, and CSX Transportation.
Press release:
