Prince William County Schools (PWCS) are embarking on an ambitious $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) aimed at alleviating overcrowding, modernizing aging school facilities, and preparing for future shifts in student enrollment. The plan, presented at the January 15, 2025, school board work session, includes new school constructions, significant renovations, and sustainability-focused upgrades.

Key Projects in the CIP

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Prince William County could soon be home to a new inline hockey rink at the Hylton Boys and Girls Club in Dale City, following an in-depth discussion by the Board of County Supervisors during their December 17, 2024, meeting. The facility results from a partnership between the Boys and Girls Club, Prince William Ice Center, the Washington Capitals, and George Mason University.

Seth Hendler-Voss, the county’s Director of Parks and Recreation, introduced the project, describing it as “an exciting partnership opportunity to bring a new recreation amenity to Prince William County.” He outlined the proposed location and the collaboration required to make the rink a reality.

“The proposed terms of the project are as follows, and these are just in draft form,” Hendler-Voss explained. “The rink, when constructed, will be made available for the Hylton Boys and Girls Club participants, Ice Center patrons, and the general public.”

Hendler-Voss highlighted that the Ice Center, located next to the Boys and Girls Club on Dale Boulevard in Dale City, would operate and maintain the rink, ensuring no operating impact on the county, except for an estimated $10,000 increase in insurance premiums. He also noted that under the current lease, the Boys and Girls Club would need to amend its agreement with the county to allow construction on the property.

“We’re recommending that you allow us to set a public hearing for this lease amendment, which we will bring back to you after the new year,” Hendler-Voss said. “If approved, we hope to break ground in the spring or summer and cut the ribbon in the fall.”

Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Wier raised concerns about the clarity of the agreement, particularly regarding public access and operational responsibilities.

“I think before the public hearing, we need to clean up a couple of things,” Weir said. “In the resolution, it says the Ice Center will operate and maintain the rink and assume liability, but in the lease agreement, it says the landlord or tenant agrees that the landlord — us — and/or the Prince William Ice Center and their employees and contractors shall maintain, operate, program, and manage the rink. I’d like those two things to jive.”

He also pointed out ambiguities about guarantees of public access, citing conflicting language in the agreement.

“It doesn’t seem like there’s any guarantee of public access at least by that language,” Weir noted. “If we could just get this all cleaned up before the public hearing, that would be really nice.”

Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey echoed Weir’s concerns and asked for more details about programming opportunities for the Boys and Girls Club.

“We are going to, of course, allow the Boys and Girls Club leagues to have dedicated access to that rink and for their programs,” Hendler-Voss responded. “The Ice Center has offered to help conduct those programs, teaching participants how to play hockey and skate.”

Chair At-large DeShundra Jefferson also raised a concern about facility security, particularly regarding the locking of the rink.

“It says [locking the facility] shall be permitted,” Jefferson said. “I wonder if there’s any objection to [requiring] it to be locked during non-operating hours since the county will have liabilities there.”

Hendler-Voss assured the board that the matter would be addressed.

Supervisor Angry strongly supported the project, highlighting its potential to revitalize an underutilized field and rekindle a partnership between the Boys and Girls Club and the Ice Center. “This came to my desk about eight months ago,” Angry said. “I’m excited about this because we continue talking about creating opportunities for our youth, which we clearly have created here.”

He praised the Washington Capitals for their involvement and emphasized the importance of the initiative.

“Now we have this opportunity to create [the partnership] again,” Angry said. “I think [it] is invaluable, is impressive, and speaking for the board, I’m honored that Prince William County gets to be a part of this.”

The Board unanimously voted to authorize a public hearing on the lease amendment, which will take place in early 2025. If approved, construction could begin by spring, with the rink opening in the fall of 2025.

“This is just the beginning,” Angry said. “We’re putting this before the public and bringing it back to this board to hopefully get it done.”

Fredericksburg Police Investigate Downtown Shooting, Identify Additional Suspect

The Fredericksburg Police Department is continuing its investigation into a shooting that took place in the early hours of December 14. Authorities have identified a new suspect, Izaiah Jabbar Daniels, 21, of Woodford. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Daniels during a vehicle stop, and he is currently being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. He faces charges of second-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Fredericksburg Police detectives obtained warrants for Daniels’ arrest after his capture. They confirmed that the incident stemmed from an altercation between individuals known to each other. The investigation is still ongoing, and more information will be released as necessary. Authorities are also searching for Elijah Musgrove, who is wanted in connection with the shooting. Anyone with information on Musgrove’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Fredericksburg Police Department via 911, the department’s non-emergency line at 540-373-3122.

Prince William County Police Investigate Fatal Crash

In a separate incident, Prince William County Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on December 15 at 8:41 PM in Dale City. After a single-vehicle crash, authorities responded to the scene near Dale Blvd. and Kirkdale Dr. (22193). Investigators found that a 2013 Ford Focus, driven by 25-year-old Dillon Grier Harlow of Woodbridge, had veered off the road, crossed into the left-side median, and struck a tree.

The driver was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. No other individuals were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward with information to aid in their investigation.

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Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) marked the grand opening of Prince William County’s second Red Cross Blood Donation Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, December 9, 2024. The new facility, located at 4375 Dale Blvd in Dale City, Center Plaza, expands local blood and platelet donation options, previously limited to driving to Fairfax or participating in mobile drives.

This new facility joins the Manassas-area donation center, which opened in September at 10360 Portsmouth Road, in offering donors the choice of whole blood or platelet donations.

The availability of platelet donations at both centers is particularly significant. Platelets, essential for blood clotting, are critical for cancer patients whose treatments often inhibit their body’s ability to produce them. Without donated platelets, minor injuries could lead to life-threatening complications. “25% of the nation’s blood supply goes to cancer patients,” said Dale Kunce, CEO of the Red Cross of the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region.

Having a dedicated platelet collection machine eliminates separate off-site processing allowing officials to regulate the nation’s blood supply better. “By processing platelets on site, means it can get to the patient that needs it faster,” said Bethany Patterson, the local Red Cross Communications Director.

Platelet donors can donate weekly, unlike whole blood donations, which require a 56-day recovery period. This frequent donation option helps address the need for platelets, which have a much shorter shelf life than whole blood.

According to Kunce, the American Red Cross supplies roughly 40% of the nation’s blood supply and delivers blood to 60 regional medical facilities in the Northern Virginia area. In July 2024, the Red Cross sent out an emergency request for blood donations after there was a 25% drop in donations attributed to drive cancellations caused by the summer heat wave. New facilities like these allow donation drives to happen regardless of the weather which regularly affect mobile donation sites.

Local leaders joined Governor Youngkin in celebrating the facility’s opening. Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry expressed enthusiasm about the new center, emphasizing its role in revitalizing the older shopping center in Dale City.

“I’m very excited to see this on the east end of the county because now both east and west Prince William County have local donation centers and no longer have to drive an hour to Fairfax just to donate blood,” Angry said. He also committed to donating platelets next week at the new center.

Delegate Brianna Sewell (D- VA 22) attended the grand opening event.

Youngkin, who celebrated his 57th birthday by giving blood at the center in Dale City, and he encourages Virginians to donate, especially during the holiday season, “[This season provides us with] a moment to reflect on the many blessings that we all have, and those that are in need, and so this is also an opportunity for us to not only recognize the amazing work that the Red Cross does, but the fact that we need donors, and this is our chance to encourage people, please come donate.”

Virginians wishing to donate can visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Starting Dec. 9, lane closures will occur on both southbound and northbound I-95 near Neabsco Creek for bridge-related geotechnical work, with closures scheduled intermittently until late winter. The closures are part of preparations for the I-95 bridge replacement project, which will begin in 2027, and drivers should expect delays and use alternate routes.

Press Release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:

Beginning Monday, Dec. 9, weather permitting, the southbound and northbound I-95 general purpose lanes near the bridges over Neabsco Creek (approximately mile marker 155.7) will have lane closures for bridge-related geotechnical work, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The bridges are located between Route 234 (Exit 152) and Dale Boulevard/Route 786 (Exit 156); more specifically, they’re located between Cardinal Drive and the Dale City Car-Only Safety Rest Areas.

The lane closures are scheduled to occur until late this winter. Drivers can expect the lane closures to occur intermittently within the following timeframes (please note that these are just the days and time windows in which the lane closures are allowed; the lane closures will not be occurring every single day during every single time window listed):

Southbound I-95 General Purpose Lanes

One Lane Closed

• Mondays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 12 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 12 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Thursdays: 12 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Fridays: 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. to noon
• Sundays: 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Two Lanes Closed

• Mondays: 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Thursdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Fridays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
• Sundays: 11 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Northbound I-95 General Purpose Lanes

One Lane Closed

• Mondays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Thursdays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Fridays: 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to noon
• Sundays: 11 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Right Lane Closed and Rest Area Exit Lane Partially Closed (drivers will still be able to access the rest area during these time windows)

• Mondays: 12 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 12 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 12 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Thursdays: 12 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Fridays: 12 a.m. to 3:30 a.m.
• Sundays: 11 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

At least one southbound general purpose lane and at least two northbound general purpose lanes will remain open at all times.

Drivers should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.

The geotechnical work is part of preparations for the I-95 southbound over Neabsco Creek bridge replacement project. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2027.

Drivers are reminded to use caution when traveling in active work zones. Be alert to new traffic patterns and limit distractions.

You can get traffic, work zone and incident information online at 511.vdot.virginia.gov, via the free mobile 511Virginia app, or by calling 511 in Virginia anywhere anytime.

View this release online.

Follow VDOT Northern Virginia on Twitter: @vadotnova

Press release:

Murder Investigation – On November 27 at 8:50PM, officers responded to 13500 block of Delaney Road in [Dale City] to investigate a domestic dispute. The initial caller reported a domestic altercation involving a family member and then stated gun shots were heard when leaving the residence. Officers arrived on the scene and located the accused, later identified as a 20-year-old man, attempting to leave the residence. The accused was detained without incident.

Officers went inside the home and located the victim, later identified as a 20-year-old woman, suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers provided aid until the victim was transported to an area hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. The investigation revealed the accused and victim were in a physical altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused retrieved a firearm and shot the victim. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Anthony WHITE JR., was arrested.

Arrested on November 27:
Anthony WHITE JR., 20, of 13515 Delaney Road

Charged with 2nd degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and domestic assault and battery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Identified:
The deceased was identified as Rhemidee Iyeshala BARNES, 20, of Woodbridge

On October 29, a suspect was arrested in connection with a murder that occurred on February 2 in Dale City, following a previous arrest of another individual on October 15. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking information from the public regarding the case.

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:

Murder Investigation *ADDITIONAL ARREST – On October 29, the suspect sought in connection to the ongoing investigation into the murder of a 23-year-old woman killed in a shooting that occurred in the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in [Dale City] (22193) on February 2, was arrested. The accused, identified as Denzel Scott WADE, was located at a home on Michelle Ct in the Manassas area of Prince Wiliam County where he was taken into custody without incident. Another suspect was previously arrested in connection to this investigation on October 15. Additional charges against other involved parties are pending. Anyone with information that can aid in the investigation is asked to contact the police. More information will be released when available. The investigation continues.

Arrested on October 29:
Denzel Scott WADE, 30, of 2960 Penbury Ct, #203, in Woodbridge
Charged with conspiracy to commit a felony
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable

Identified:
The deceased was identified as Egypt Zapporah CARTER, 23, of Burlington, NC

On October 17, officers responded to a crash on Mapledale Avenue in Dale City where a Nissan Versa struck a pedestrian walking her dog, resulting in the pedestrian’s death. The driver remained at the scene and was uninjured, with charges pending as the investigation continues.

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:

Fatal Crash Investigation – On October 17 at 6:37AM, officers responded to the area of Mapledale [Ave.] near Miles Ct. in [Dale City] (22193) to investigate a crash involving a pedestrian. The investigation revealed the driver of a 2020 Nissan Versa was traveling southbound on Mapledale [Ave.] approaching the intersection with Miles Ct. when the vehicle left the roadway and drove onto the sidewalk striking a pedestrian who was walking her dog. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the striking vehicle remained at the scene and was uninjured. The dog was later located near the pedestrian’s residence and was not injured. Investigators determined that alcohol and drugs are not factors for the driver. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.

Identified:

The deceased pedestrian was identified as Maria Isabel CARDOZO, 57, of Woodbridge

The driver of the 2020 Nissan Versa was identified as a 30-year-old man of Woodbridge

The crash comes after Cierra Faith Dickerson was sentenced to serve four years in prison in a young offender program after she struck and killed Deborah Lynn Talbot, killed on May 1, 2020, who was walking her dog on Cardinal Drive near her home in Woodbridge. Dickerson was 21 at the time of her sentencing in December 2021.

On October 8, 2024, a suspect turned himself in to police in connection with residential shootings that occurred on April 7, 2023, in Dale City. The individual faces multiple charges related to the incidents, which were linked to gang activity, and the investigation is ongoing as detectives seek additional suspects.

Press Release from Prince William Police Department:

Shooting into Residential Dwellings *ARREST – While continuing the investigation into the residential shootings that were reported to have occurred on Kenmar Dr. and Lynhurst Dr. in [Dale City] on of [sic] April 7, 2023, detectives determined the shootings were connected. During the investigation, detectives identified and obtained arrest warrants for an individual involved in the incidents. The accused was determined to also be a member of the criminal street gang the Crips and the shooting was gang related. On October 8, 2024, the suspect, identified as Shaun Ross MINNIEFIELD, turned himself in to police without incident. The investigation continues as detectives attempt to identify other suspects involved in the incidents.

Arrested on October 8: [No Photo Available]
Shaun Ross MINNIEFIED, 26, of 3910 Townsquare Ct. #201, [near] Triangle
Charged with 2 counts of shooting into a residential dwelling, 2 counts of gang participation, and
2 counts of destruction of property
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Shooting into a Residential Dwelling [Previously Released] – On April 7 at 9:07PM, officers
responded to a residence located in the 13000 block of Kenmar Dr. in [Dale City] (22192) to
investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed a light-colored SUV was driving on Kenmar
Dr. when it stopped near the residence. Two individuals then exited the vehicle and fired multiple
rounds, striking the residence before getting back into the vehicle and fleeing the area. No injuries
or additional property damage were reported.

Shooting into a Residential Dwelling [Previously Released] – On April 7 at 9:26PM, officers
responded to a residence located in the 13700 block of Lynhurst Dr. in [Dale City] (22193) to
investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed multiple male suspects were walking in the
above area when they stopped and fired several rounds towards the residence. The suspects then
ran to a vehicle before fleeing the area. No injuries were reported. While investigating the incident,
officers located a residence and an unoccupied vehicle that were struck by gunfire. Shell casings
were also located on the sidewalk.