Dalila Conde, Author at Potomac Local News

Prince William County Seeks Nominations for Universal Rights Day Awards

Published November 13, 2024 at 11:34PM

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.

News

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Extends Drought Watch for DC Region

By Dalila Conde

Published November 12, 2024 at 9:20AM | Updated November 22, 2024 at 10:51AM

COG suggests water-saving tips such as limiting lawn watering, reducing shower time, fixing leaks, and washing full loads of laundry. While water supplies are currently adequate, COG emphasizes monitoring of the Potomac River and is prepared to release water from reservoirs if needed. For more water-saving guidance, residents can visit mwcog.org/wisewater.

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.

News

Virginia Department of Health Lifts Health Advisory for Lake Anna

By Dalila Conde

Published November 9, 2024 at 10:29AM

Lake Anna (Photo: Virginia State Parks)

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.

News

Dumfries-area Supervisor to Speak at Virginia Association of Counties

By Dalila Conde

Published November 9, 2024 at 10:28AM

Bailey

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.

News

Prince William County Fire & Rescue Urges Fall Fire Safety to Prevent Mulch Fires

By Dalila Conde

Published November 5, 2024 at 10:00AM

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.

As always, Prince William Fire & Rescue is available during a fire. If spotted, call 911 immediately. For more information, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office or visit usfa.fema.gov and nfpa.org.

Fairfax

Scheduled Lane Closures for Route 28 in Centreville

By Dalila Conde

Published November 5, 2024 at 7:12AM

[Photo: Virginia Department of Transportation on Facebook]

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.

News

Officials Unveil Expanded Quantico Train Station

By Dalila Conde

Published November 5, 2024 at 7:07AM

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:

News

Prince William County to Celebrate America Recycles Day with Library Events and Recycling Pledge Contest

By Dalila Conde

Published November 1, 2024 at 8:56PM

On November 15, Prince William County will join communities across the nation in celebration of the America Recycles Day (ARD). ARD, an initiative of Keep America Beautiful is an annual awareness campaign dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States since 1997.

To celebrate America Recycles Day, County staff and Keep Prince William Beautiful volunteers will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to talk with residents about recycling in Prince William County and the “I Recycle” pledge contest at Chinn Park Regional Library on November 13, and Central Library on November 15.

News

Free Paper Shredding Planned at Pfitzner Stadium

By Dalila Conde

Published October 29, 2024 at 12:17PM

Prince William County Solid Waste Division

Prince William County’s Solid Waste Division is hosting a free paper shredding event on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pfitzner Stadium parking lot in Woodbridge. This event, open only to residents, allows up to four boxes of confidential documents (e.g., bank statements, tax returns) per household. Non-confidential papers, like junk mail, should go to regular recycling. Participants must stay in their vehicles, with boxes placed in the rear for easy access by event staff. Visit pwcva.gov/trashandrecycling for more guidelines and future shred dates

The Prince William County Solid Waste Division will hold a free document shredding event on Saturday, November 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until trucks reach capacity. The event will be at the Pfitzner Stadium parking lot, 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge, Va.

News

Stafford County Asks Residents to Honor Veterans as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans

By Dalila Conde

Published October 28, 2024 at 9:55AM

From Stafford County Government:

In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Stafford County announced plans to illuminate the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center and the Stafford Armed Services Memorial green from October 24 – November 11 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans. The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), raises awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.