Most Northern Virginia Community College students will not be returning to campus for the spring semester.

In a statement released by the school's president, Anne M. Kress, it was announced that the college's spring semester would be conducted mostly remotely due to the fact that the pandemic has "not appreciably changed." This decision will also apply to most of the college's instructors, who will remain in a temporary telework status until being able to return to campus. 

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It doesn’t open until next fall, and there is already a call to rename an area high school.

Richard Jessie, the husband of Lillie Jessie, who represents the Occoquan District on the Prince William County School Board, created a petition to rename the unopened Gainesville High School due to its name’s ties to Thomas Brawner Gaines, a prominent land and slave owner before the Civil War. The petition, having only been active for days, has over 100 signatures.

It comes nearly three months after the School Board renamed Stonewall Jackson middle and high schools outside Manassas, due to their association with a slave-owning confederate general.

“This petition is not asking for the renaming of any existing building, city, district, or anything else. But what I am saying is how dare the School Board and the School Division knowingly allow a school to be named after a slave owner now!” states Richard Jessie in his petition.

His wife voted in favor of naming the school “Gainesville High School,” and did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

According to Richard Jessie, the day after the school board approved the name Gainesville High School, it received an email from a Prince William County resident ‘expressing bewilderment that Prince William County School Board named the new high school Gainesville’ and explaining Thomas Brawner Gaines’ slaveholding legacy.

The email, according to Jessie, stated: Gainesville is named after Thomas Brawner Gaines, a prominent landholder in western Prince William County before the Civil War. Like almost all Prince William County landholders of the period, Mr. Gaines was a slaveholder. Not only did Thomas Gaines own slaves, but he was a “constable” for Prince William County. Mr. Gaines shows up in several Prince William Circuit Court records regarding the disposition of other county residents’ slaves, recommending where those slaves should reside upon the death of their masters.

These findings, according to Jessie, were verified by his wife.

“School Board Member, Lillie Jessie, spoke to this person. Mrs. Jessie verified the findings, and verbally passed this information on to selected members of the Board. Mrs. Jessie also spoke to the Associate Superintendent of Support Services in a telephone conversation. The Associate agreed but indicated there are numerous schools that have been named after slave owners and those who have questionable backgrounds,” stated Jessie in the petition.

While the petition has garnered support, there is no plan or indication that the school board will vote to change the high school’s name, according to school division spokeswoman Diana Gulotta. At least one school board member, has, however, voiced their disfavor for renaming the school.

“To be clear, the new high school is not named Thomas Gaines. Its name is Gainesville High School. The school is named after the thriving and ethnically diverse Gainesville community from which most of its students will come. Aside from the practical difficulties and costs for renaming schools, I personally think it is a slippery slope, especially here in Virginia, to begin erasing any vestiges of our troubled past regardless of how much time has passed, how many steps removed, or what the modern reputation of a community is today,” said Jennifer T. Wall, the Gainesville District member of the Prince William County School Board.

School Board Chairman At-large Babur Lateef had no comment on the matter.

Gainesville High School will be the the 13th high school in Prince William County when it opens in September 2021. It’s located in Gainesville, behind Jiffy Lube Live.

The School Board voted to name it ‘Gainesville’ during their June 10th board meeting, as well as its library media center in honor of fallen police officer Ashley Marie Guindon and its student services center in honor of retired Prince William County teacher and counselor Lillian Orlich.

Investigators will review how Fredericksburg police handled a series of riots in the city over the summer. During demonstrations following the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd, police used tear gas to disperse protestors who descended on the city.

Demonstrations in the city lasted for more than a month.

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A 35-year-old man remains hospitalized after he was shot outside of the Potomac Ridge Apartment Homes in Woodbridge. Police are searching for suspects

More from Prince William police:

Shooting Investigation – On September 12 at 2:54PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 16500 block of Sherwood Pl. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shots fired call. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, a 35-year-old man, outside of the residence suffering from gunshot injuries.

Officers rendered aid to the victim before he was flown to an area hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation revealed that a verbal altercation occurred earlier in the day between two groups, one of which included the victim. The groups eventually dispersed and separated.

A short time later, an occupant in a dark colored vehicle drove by the residence and fired towards the victim, striking him in the lower body. The suspect vehicle then fled the area and the police were contacted. While canvassing, officers located two unoccupied vehicles with damage from being struck by projectiles. This incident does not appear to be random. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. The investigation continues.

Prince William police also reported these incidents:

Aggravated Malicious Wounding – On September 12 at 1:58AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 2800 block of Bowes Ln in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed that the accused arrived at the home of an acquaintance where a verbal altercation ensued.

During the encounter, the accused brandished a firearm and shot the victim, identified as a 48-year-old man. The accused fled the home prior to police arriving in the area. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. A police K-9 and helicopter with Fairfax County police responded to search for the suspect who was not located. Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Daniel Amankwah GYASI.

Attempts to locate the accused were unsuccessful. Wanted: [Photo from October 2019] Daniel Amankwah GYASI, 30, of the 800 block of Wind Ridge Dr in Stafford Described as a black male, 5’5”, 150lbs with black hair, brown eyes, and tattoos on both arms Wanted for aggravated malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Armed Robbery – On September 13 at 7:20PM, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred near the 7600 block of Dublin Dr. in Manassas (20109) around 12:00PM on September 12. The victim, a 28-year-old man, reported to police that while in the above area, an unknown man got out of a black SUV brandishing a firearm and demanded the victim to get into the vehicle.

While inside the vehicle, the suspect demanded the victim’s money. The victim got out of the vehicle shortly before the suspects fled the area. The victim returned to his residence and eventually contacted an acquaintance who notified the police. No injuries were reported. An undisclosed amount of money was reported missing. The only suspect descriptions are two black men wearing dark clothing.

Strong-Arm Robbery – On September 12 at 12:30AM, officers responded to investigate a robbery that was reported to have occurred in the area of Crooked Branch Ct. and Hersch Farm Ln. in Manassas (20112) around 11:00PM on September 11. The victim, a 17-year-old male juvenile, reported to police that he arranged to buy marijuana from an unknown person via social media. While in the above area, the victim was approached by two unknown men who began striking and kicking the victim.

During the encounter, the suspects took an undisclosed amount of money from the victim before fleeing in a black sedan. The vehicle was driven by a third unknown individual who was not observed by the victim. The victim went to a local hospital for treatment of significant injuries where police were contacted. The investigation continues. Suspect Descriptions: A black male, approximately 6’0”, with a thin build and short black hair A white male, approximately 6’00”, with a thin build and brown hair

Commercial Burglary – On September 11 at 9:28AM, officers responded to Route 28 Vapes located at 8103 Centreville Rd. in Manassas (20111) to investigate a burglary. The business manager reported to police that the burglary occurred at approximately 1:42AM. Video surveillance showed a light-colored vehicle pull into the parking lot where eight individuals were seen getting out of the vehicle and approaching the business. The suspects forcibly entered the business by damaging the glass door.

The manager reported a cash register, tobacco products, a printer, a monitor and an undisclosed amount of money were missing. The only suspect descriptions at this time are individuals wearing dark colored clothing.

Commercial Burglary – On September 11 at 9:25AM, officers responded to Manassas Pharmacy located at 8573 Sudley Rd. in Manassas (20110) to investigate a burglary. An employee reported to police that the burglary occurred sometime between 5:00PM on September 10 and 9:20AM on September 11. The investigation revealed that entry was made into the building through the front door and then into the business through the main door, both of which were found damaged. No property was reported missing.

Strangulation | Abduction – On September 13 at 11:04PM, officers responded to the 7000 block of Kodiak Ct. in Manassas (20111) to investigate a domestic reportedly occurring inside a vehicle. When officers located the vehicle, the passenger got out of the vehicle and was detained. The investigation revealed that the victim was attempting to drop items off at a residence when a family member, identified as the accused, followed her to the vehicle and engaged in a verbal altercation. The altercation escalated when the accused struck the victim before taking her phone and grabbing her throat more than once. During the encounter, the accused refused to let the victim leave and physically dragged her back into the vehicle. The victim reported significant injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as David Wayne FISHER, was arrested. Arrested on September 13: David Wayne FISHER, 39, of 9007 Yorkshire Ln. in Manassas Charged with 1 count of abduction, 1 count of strangulation, 1 count of domestic assault and battery and 1 count of obstruction of justice. Court Date: Pending. Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.

Abduction | Domestic Related – On September 13 at 5:40PM, officers responded to the Wyndham Pointe Apartments located in the 16600 block of Harwood Oaks Ct. in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a domestic. The victim, a 26-year-old woman, reported to police that she and a family member, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation. Upon officers arriving at the location, the accused prevented the victim from speaking to police before pushing her. Eventually both parties came out of the apartment and the accused was detained. During the investigation, the accused refused to provide officers with his identifying information was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Walter Ofilio PINEDA, was arrested. Arrested on September 13: Walter Ofilio PINEDA, 30, of the 16600 block of Harwood Oaks Ct. in Dumfries Charged with abduction, domestic assault and battery, obstruction of justice and intoxicated in public Court Date: Pending. Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.

Strong-Arm Robbery – On September 14 at 10:12PM, officers responded to the area in the 1400 block of Horner Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a robbery. The victim, a 37-year-old woman, reported to police that while in the above area, she was approached by an acquaintance, identified as the accused. During the encounter, the accused struck the victim and pushed her to the ground before taking her backpack. Officers canvassing the area located the accused who was carrying the backpack and detained him. The victim reported minor injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as, Matthew Blake BERNSTEIN, was arrested. Arrested on September 14: Matthew Blake BERNSTEIN, 36, of 103 Fay St. in Winchester Charged with robbery Court Date: Pending. Bond: Unavailable.

Indecent Exposure – On September 12 at 5:40PM, officers responded to the intersection of Cardinal Dr. and Beau Ridge Dr. in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate an indecent exposure. The investigation revealed that while walking in the above area, an unknown man exposed himself to the victim, a 40-year-old man and a family member. The accused walked away following the incident and the victim contacted the police. During the investigation, the victim reported that the accused was the same person who exposed himself to him on August 29. That investigation revealed that on that day the accused exposed himself to a group of people, including the victim and his 4-yearold daughter, while they were walking in the above area. No physical contact was made between the accused and any of the victims. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Terrell Antonio CHAPMAN, was arrested. Arrested on September 12: Terrell Antonio CHAPMAN, 33, of no fixed address Charged with 1 count of indecent liberties and 6 counts of indecent exposure Court Date: December 10, 2020. Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

Residents with information on any of these events should contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703-792-7000 or submit a tip to www.pwcgov.org/policetip.

Retirees formerly employed by Stafford County Public Schools will soon have a different health insurance provider.

The School Board has unanimously approved a one-year contract with United Healthcare as the new retiree supplemental group health insurance provider for retirees who are eligible for Medicare Part B.

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Two OmniRide contractors have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the first of the company’s hundreds of tested contract employees. The cases were reported on August 31.

In light of the test results, OmniRide has taken appropriate actions such as contact tracing and deep cleaning to ensure the safety of its employees, customers, and the general public.

More in a press release:

“OmniRide has confirmed its first case of COVID-19 among our nearly 300 employees. Two employees tested positive late last week and notified First Transit, which began internal contact tracing with the employees immediately. First Transit operates and maintains OmniRide’s bus service.

The affected employees last worked early last week, and did not return to OmniRide upon feeling ill. Out of precaution, additional rounds of vehicle and facility cleaning occurred following the first reports of illness. These measures were taken based on the employees’ reported illness, even prior to their positive diagnosis. In any instance where employees have identified possible risk or exposure, the equipment and facility have been further sanitized.

“First, our thoughts are with the two employees and with their loved ones. We wish them a full and speedy recovery. We truly appreciate them following COVID-19 protocol by notifying us quickly of their illness,” said OmniRide Executive Director Bob Schneider.

“Second, we understand how difficult and worrisome this news is for everyone involved with OmniRide and First Transit. We want to reiterate that the health and safety of our employees and customers is our top priority. We have been following the guidance of the Virginia Department of Health and will continue to do so.”

Protocols that have been in place on our local and commuter service since the beginning of the pandemic include the following:

Enhanced cleaning was occurring as early as February with gloves, sanitizer, and masks available to all employees as soon as the supplies were delivered by our Emergency Operations Center partners.

Instituted local fare elimination, cashless express fares, and rear door entry to minimize passenger/operator interaction. OmniRide marked off seats to keep operators distanced from passengers, temporarily closed the facility to visitors and passengers, and instituted improved layouts to prevent passenger gatherings. Passenger capacity remains limited on buses.

OmniRide has additional cloth face coverings available to employees for distribution to passengers, their family, or general public. OmniRide also continues to provide personal protective equipment including gloves, face coverings, and hand sanitizer to all employees.

Daily mid-shift vehicle sanitization with a focus on high contact surfaces.

Field Specialists were pulled from their regular duties to ensure rigorous cleaning protocols were taking place, and we recently created and filled a full-time position to support enhanced COVID-19 prevention efforts.

“OmniRide has been operating services six days a week for nearly six months since the pandemic began spreading in Northern Virginia, yet this is our first positive case. This does not happen by accident—this success only happens because of the vigilant attention we have given to the health of employees and passengers,” said Schneider.

The transit agency has resumed full-service yesterday following a worker strike that led to limited bus service late last week.

Authorities are investigating reports of fraud

More in a press release:

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George Mason University’s Center for the Arts has been forced to cancel two outdoor performances due to international travel restrictions brought on by the coronavirus: Cirque FLIP Fabrique and Cameron Carpenter. Those who purchased tickets to these canceled events will be contacted by the ticket office. 

More in a press release:

“The Center for the Arts at George Mason University announced today it must cancel two previously announced outdoor performances: Cirque FLIP Fabrique on October 17 and Cameron Carpenter on October 24. Both artists would have been traveling from outside the United States, and travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19 have made their tours no longer possible.

“We are so disappointed to have to cancel our outdoor performances at the Center for the Arts, but we recognize the complexities of travel logistics in these unprecedented times,” shares Director of Programming Adrienne Bryant Godwin. “We will look forward to bringing these artists to the Center when it is possible. While we have to put this performance model on hold in Fairfax, we hope that our patrons will either join us for outdoor concerts at our sister venue the Hylton Performing Arts Center or tune in to our digital offerings as part of Mason Arts at Home this fall.”

Patrons who have purchased tickets to the October performances are being contacted by the Center for the Arts Ticket Office.

For a full schedule of Mason Arts at Home digital content, visit: cfa.gmu.edu/maah.”

Seventy World War II aircraft will be flying over Washington D.C. in historically sequenced formations on September 25. Twenty different types of planes will be included in the flight, including the P-40 Warhawk, P-39 Airacobra, P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, and the P-47 Thunderbolt.

More in a press release:

“Approximately 70 World War II aircraft will take to the skies over Washington D.C. on September 25th. Starting at 11:30 am ET, these historically sequenced warbird formations will fly over the Washington Mall in two-minute intervals. The formations will represent the War’s major battles concluding with a missing man formation.

More than 20 different types of vintage military aircraft are expected to participate in the flyover. Aircraft are being provided by multiple organizations and individuals whose mission is to preserve these historic artifacts in flying condition. Some of the historic aircraft expected to participate include the P-40 Warhawk, P-39 Airacobra, P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, F4U Corsair, B-25 Mitchell, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-29 Superfortress, and others.”

The aircraft will take off from various airports around Northern Virginia. The organizers tell us they want to discourage the public from gathering at any one airport to view the planes before the flight. due to the coronavirus.