From the Virginia Lottery:
Although the jackpot-winning ticket in the July 8 Mega Millions drawing was not bought in Virginia, the Commonwealth benefitted from the excitement. During the 35 drawings of the jackpot run that began in March and ended Friday night, sales of Mega Millions tickets in Virginia generated approximately $17.5 million in profit. By law, all of that profit goes to K-12 public education in the Commonwealth.
In last night’s drawing alone, more than 330,000 Mega Millions tickets bought in Virginia won prizes. That includes seven tickets that each won $5,000. Here’s where those $5,000 winning tickets were bought:
— 7-Eleven, 2973 Chainbridge Road, Oakton
— Fifth Street Exxon, 1154 5th Street, SW, Charlottesville
— 7-Eleven, 3700 Kecoughtan Road, Hampton
— 7-Eleven, 219 Kings Highway, Fredericksburg
— Quick Stop Market, 626 East Main Street, Abingdon
— 7-Eleven, 9101 Andrew Drive, Manassas Park
— Giant Food, 7575 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville
Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesday and Friday nights at 11. Drawings are broadcast on TV stations across Virginia and streamed at www.valottery.com. The odds of matching all six numbers to win the jackpot are 1 in 258,890,850.
We don’t yet know the names of the winners. There is a Virginia Lottery claims office in Woodbridge where press events have been previously scheduled to announce the names of large winners.
No such press conference has been scheduled as of this time.
Updated July 12
The victim in Friday’s fatal fire in Manassas Park is Jerry Wayne Lusk, 73, of Luxor Street, according to a city fire investigator.
Updated
The man who died in a fire today while inside a single family home at 108 Luxor Street in Manassas Park lived alone.
He was the only person inside the home when it caught fire and was unable to make it out of the home. We were told the man who lived here was ill and was unable to evacute the house on his own.
Fire investigators are still working to notify the victim’s next of kin. More information about this deadly blaze should be available this evening, we’re told.
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From Manassas Park Fire Chief David Dixon:
At approximately 7:30 am, City of Manassas Park Fire Rescue, City of Manassas Park Police, City of Manassas Fire Rescue, and Prince William County Fire Rescue responded to a single family structure fire located at 108 Luxor Street in the City of Manassas Park. Upon arrival, firefighters found the dwelling fully engulfed in fire. There was one fire fatality involved in this fire incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the City of Manassas Park Fire Marshal’s Office and Manassas Park Police.
Potomac Local is headed to the scene to get more information. Check back soon.
The shootings deaths of five police officers overnight in Dallas have local police on guard.
Prince William police spokesman Jonathan Perok said the murders have prompted local officers to be more vigilant.
“Not aware of anything other than increased vigilance. Hopefully, we learn more about the incident in the days ahead.”
Prince William police spokesman Jonathan Peork in an email to Potomac Local.
Twelve police officers were shot, five fatally, outside a peaceful protest after a police officer shot and killed Philando Castile inside a car Wednesday in St. Paul, Minn.
A man and woman from Woodbridge now face animal cruelty charges after a dog was found dead inside an apartment.
From police:
Felony Animal Cruelty – On June 28 at 11:52PM, officers responded to an apartment located in the 16700 block of Blackjack Oak Ln in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate an animal cruelty complaint. The caller reported to police that two dogs had been left unattended for more than 24 hours by two family members. Upon checking the apartment, one of the dogs, a 2 year old lab mix, was found entangled in its leash and deceased. Another dog, an 8 month old golden retriever, was found tied up in a bathroom.
Neither dog had access to food or water. Animal Control Officers responded and took possession of the golden retriever. The deceased dog was transported to a state lab for a necropsy and further examination. Following the investigation, officers obtained warrants for the arrest of both the accused on July 3. On July 4, both of the accused turned themselves into police without incident at the Gar-Field Station in Woodbridge.
Arrested on July 4:
Raul De Jesus MANZANO-ANDRADES, 22, of 2300 Vantage Dr, Apt 4071, in Woodbridge
Karina Iveth GUARDADO-ORELLANA, 19, of 2300 Vantage Dr, Apt 4071, in Woodbridge
Both were charged with 2 counts of felony animal cruelty
Court Date: August 17, 2016 | Bond: Held on $20,000 Secured Bonds
Manassas Mall Marketing Director Kelly Gilfether sent us this email:
Manassas Mall is excited to announce that Wasabi Express is now open in the food court. Wasabi Express has earned a solid reputation by providing quality menu items and excellent service. The food is made fresh daily from scratch using only the finest ingredients for the freshest taste. Wasabi Express prides themselves on authentic Japanese cuisine and appreciation for a memorable dining experience that offers quality food and affordable sushi to the public. The menu consists of many traditional Japanese dishes that include, Nigiri, Uramaki, Futomaki, Hosomaki, Cup Bap, Miso Soup,Edamame and Seaweed Salad.
The love for authentic Japanese cuisine and appreciation for a memorable dining experience is what inspired Wasabi Express to bring quality and affordable sushi to the public; Integrity, Simplicity, Quality and Creativity is the inspiration behind Wasabi Express.
Wasabi Express has locations at Manassas Mall and in Centreville.
Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello’s last day on the job is Sept. 8, 2016.
Romanello has overseen the operations of Stafford County Government since 2003. He’ll leave Northern Virginia for a new position as Deputy County Administrator in Henrico County outside Richmond.
Here’s his resignation letter:
[pdf]https://potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Resignation-to-BOS-AJR.pdf[/pdf]
States Garrisonville District Supervisor Laura Sellers:
“It is sad to watch him go. He will be missed. I am glad to see his departure on his terms with a great opportunity on the horizon. Team Stafford’s strength is much greater than one position. I believe in this team as much today as ever and know that we will get through this together.”
States Griffs-Widewater Supervisor Jack Cavalier:
“I was on the Board when we brought Anthony in as a Deputy County Administrator. He impressed all of us so much that just a few years later we selected him as County Administrator and I signed his first contract in 2007 when I was Board Chairman. He has always gone above and beyond to do the best for Stafford County. He will be sorely missed, but I wish him and his fine family nothing but the best as they return home for the next chapter in their lives in the Richmond area. Henrico County will benefit greatly through his leadership and expertise.”
States Rockhill Supervisor Wendy Maurer:
“In my short time on the board, I have found Anthony to be a true asset to Stafford County. He has built a great team committed to Stafford and I am grateful for the strong foundation that he is leaving behind. I am very happy for him and his family as they return home to an exciting new challenge.”
Romanello called Henrico County the “gold standard” and told Fredericksburg’s Free Lance-Star that he has family in the Richmond region. Romanello’s resignation follows that of Dumfries Town Manager Dan Taber who resigned Tuesday.
From Occoqaun Town Manager Kirstyn Jovanavich:
In partnership with Prince William County and Fairfax Water, the Town will host a grand opening event for River Mill Park in Occoquan on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 10:00 am. The event will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony, a concert by the Ashleigh Chevalier Band, face painting and balloon art with Fairy Jennabelle, a scavenger hunt organized by the Mill House Museum and the Fairfax Water water bar will be on site providing glasses of free water! In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the park’s development, as well as the history of the site. The first 300 visitors to the grand opening will receive a free commemorative coin! This event is sponsored by Occoquan town businesses The Polka Dot Divas, Puzzle Pazlooza and Man Overboard.
River Mill Park is a one-acre river front park located at 458 Mill Street in downtown Occoquan and features an event pavilion, a looped stone dust trail, public restrooms, lighting, stunning views of the Occoquan River and updates to the Nathaniel Ellicott Footbridge. The park will host a variety of community events throughout the year, including Music on Mill, a new free summer concert series on Saturday evenings from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in River Mill Park starting August 6, 2016.
River Mill Park is made possible through a partnership with Prince William County, Fairfax Water and the Town of Occoquan. Previously, the site was home to the former River Station Water Treatment Plant operated by Fairfax Water since 1967 and decommissioned in 2007. Since that time, the Town has been working with the County and Fairfax Water to develop the site into a community park. Capital funding to build the park was provided by Prince William County and the Town is responsible for managing the park project and future park maintenance and community programming.
For additional information, call (703) 491-2168 or visit www.occoquanva.gov.
There’s been some changes at the CTS Thrift Store in Dumfries.
More in an email between Potomac Local and ACTS spokeswoman Jessica Bibb:
1. What exactly has changed? Please describe new items, fixtures, signage, pricing, new or difference items not before in the store?We’ve made the thrift store more shopper friendly. We’ve reorganized the shopping experience by categorizing the clothing, housewares, furniture, etc. We’ve added a purse wall and sorted the accessories as well. Paul Bartosch is the one who complete redesigned and improved the thrift store!2. Why the changes?We made the changes to better accommodate the shoppers and the wonderful variety and quality of good we sell. We have a little bit of everything for everybody. It’s also a fun and inexpensive way to experiment with different styles of clothing and jewelry. Thrift stores are the original “one stop shopping” experience to meet different needs. So, it was important for us to make our space more engaging to the community.3. How many thrift stores does ACTS operate? Changes at one or all stores?ACTS owns and operates one thrift store. It’s extremely important to highlight that 100% of the thrift store revenue goes directly back to ACTS to better serve those in need in our community.
3 p.m. update
DAMAGING THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. RESIDENTS ALONG AND EAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE...INCLUDING THE BALTIMORE AND WASHINGTON DC METRO AREAS...SHOULD MONITOR THIS SITUATION VERY CLOSELY AND ENSURE YOUR NOAA WEATHER RADIOS ARE SET TO ALERT MODE. SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS MAY BECOME NECESSARY. HERE ARE SOME SAFETY RULES TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SEVERE WEATHER IS EXPECTED OR IS OCCURRING. IF A WARNING IS ISSUED...SEEK SHELTER INDOORS IMMEDIATELY. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM IS DEFINED AS PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE OR GREATER HAIL AND WIND GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR MORE. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO...COMMERCIAL RADIO OR TELEVISION FOR THE LATEST ON THIS POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER EVENT. ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION...CAN BE FOUND AT WEATHER.GOV/WASHINGTON OR WEATHER.GOV/BALTIMORE.
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Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10pm EDT Friday for an area from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. pic.twitter.com/GxO7x9qaWK
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) July 1, 2016
From the National Weather Service’s Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office:
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WS 314 NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK 155 PM EDT FRI JUL 1 2016 SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 314 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM EDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS VAC013-047-059-061-079-099-107-113-137-153-157-177-179-510-600- 610-630-683-685-020200- /O.NEW.KWNS.SV.A.0314.160701T1755Z-160702T0200Z/ VA . VIRGINIA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE ARLINGTON CULPEPER FAIRFAX FAUQUIER GREENE KING GEORGE LOUDOUN MADISON ORANGE PRINCE WILLIAM RAPPAHANNOCK SPOTSYLVANIA STAFFORD VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT CITIES INCLUDED ARE ALEXANDRIA FAIRFAX FALLS CHURCH FREDERICKSBURG MANASSAS MANASSAS PARK
