Prince William County will use one of its oldest buildings to tell the story of its role in the Revolutionary War.

Supervisors approved a request from the county parks and recreation office to seek about $5,000 in grant funds to bring a Revolutionary War exhibit to Williams Ordinary on Route 1 in Dumfries. Constructed in 1785, the building served as a tavern and inn.

Today, the county government preserved the property and uses it as office space for the local government’s historic preservation division.

The exhibit will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. in 2026. Details about the upcoming exbibit were not provided when supervisors green-lit the project on October 10, 2023.

Colonial soldiers fought the British for U.S. independence from 1775 to 1783.

More from county documents:

“Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) was created in 2020 by the Virginia General Assembly for the purpose of preparing for and commemorating the 250th anniversary of Virginia’s participation in American independence. In 2023, the Board chartered the Prince William County VA250 local committee (PW250 Committee), via Resolution number (Res. No.) 23-022, to serve as an advisory and coordinating committee to supplement the efforts on VA250.”

“The PW250 Committee has developed an eligible project at the Williams Ordinary that will highlight the Prince William County’s participation in the Revolutionary War as well as further the county’s historic preservation mission of interpreting the local community’s diverse historical heritage. Williams Ordinary is one of the oldest surviving structures in Dumfries, being one of the largest public spaces in Prince William County during the Revolutionary war period. The exhibit within the building will highlight the participation in the Revolutionary War period of both Patriots and Loyalists, immigrants and native Virginians, and white and black Prince William County residents.”

Greetings, Prince William – It’s Fall Cleanup Season, and we have several opportunities where families who love the environment can get together to help beautify the community:

• Join Leopold’s Preserve, Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District and Bull Run Mountains Conservancy for the 4th Annual Pond Cleanup October 14, 9am-12pm at Leopold’s Preserve.  All ages welcome!  No previous experience or tools required; grabbers and trash bags will be provided. Be prepared to work outside to get dirty, bring along a water bottle, and a smile. Waterproof boots/shoes that go up past the ankle are encouraged.  Volunteers will walk the edges of the pond collecting trash and debris to prevent it from running into the Broad Run. Please meet at the Green Bay Street cul-de-sac, at approximately 16051 Green Bay Street, Haymarket.  Carpooling is encouraged.  Please visit https://bit.ly/3rER2PD to learn more.
• The awesome folks at Friends of the Occoquan are holding their annual Fall River Cleanup October 14, 9am-12pm at various sites in Prince William and Fairfax County.  It’s family friendly and you’ll feel great as you help make these places beautiful again for all to enjoy!  Preregistration is recommended, please visit www.friendsoftheoccoquan.org to view the list of sites.  Please email [email protected] with volunteer names, selected site and check-in time.
• Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District is also hosting a Cleanup of Little Bull Run October 14, 9am-12pm.  All ages welcome!  If you have cleanup supplies such as gloves, vests, grabbers, etc., you’re welcome to bring them with you.  Refreshments and free t-shirts will be available!  Parking is available at Bull Run Middle School, 6308 Catharpin Road, Gainesville 20155.  Please email [email protected] to sign up and learn more.
• The Town of Dumfries is holding a Town Cleanup event to remove litter from various locations around Dumfries on October 21, 8:30am-12pm at 17757 Main Street. Volunteers age 18+ welcome, volunteers under 18 are welcome to volunteer with a parent.  It’s a great family-friendly event which will help beautify this historic town!  All cleanup supplies will be provided; please consider bringing a reusable water bottle.  Please visit https://bit.ly/48E96Ka to sign up, email [email protected] for more information.

Other opportunities:

• Matt, a local resident in his 90s, served in WWII, but mobility issues threatened to limit his ability to make crucial medical appointments. Thanks to our VETS program, this widowed veteran can get a ride to the doctor and has made new friends with the volunteers. You can be a part of this program as a Volunteer Driver for Volunteer Prince William, taking veterans and their spouse/widow to medical appointments, supermarkets, etc.!  Drivers age 21+ are needed on weekdays, and schedules are flexible with most rides done between 8:30am-3pm.  You’ll feel great as you provide transportation and friendship to veterans and spouses who otherwise struggle to have their daily and medical needs met!  Please email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.  This opportunity is made possible by a grant from Potomac Health Foundation.
• ACTS has kicked off Share the Bounty, their annual Thanksgiving program which provides Thanksgiving meals for their clients!  Donations can be dropped off through November 17 at ACTS Hunger Prevention Center, 17958 Dr. David Cline Lane, Dumfries 22026.  Donations of mashed potatoes/gravy, stuffing, canned veggies, cornbread/muffin mix, pumpkin pie/fruit filling, etc. are needed.  Volunteers will also be needed!  What a terrific way to celebrate the season, to make a holiday meal possible for food insecure families!  Please email Shirley at [email protected] to learn more.
• BEACON is already looking ahead to their Winter Session, and they’re in need of Virtual Volunteer Teachers for the period November 27-February 29.  No experience needed; training is provided.  Attend a Volunteer Information Session to learn more, dates available starting October 12!  Please visit https://bit.ly/3tkZXGn for session dates and more information, email [email protected] to learn more.
• We all know how expensive kids’ clothing is, but you can help!  The hard-working staff at Boxes of Basics has posted their October volunteer schedule.  Duties include sorting and shelving donations, packing Boxes of Basics and other assorted tasks in their warehouse located at 9239 Mike Garcia Drive, Manassas 20109.  Volunteers age 18+ needed, volunteers age 12-17 are welcome with a parent.  You’ll feel great as you help lift vulnerable kids’ spirits with seasonal wardrobes they might otherwise have to do without!  Please visit https://bit.ly/3t6kj6b to sign up.
• Brain Injury Services needs volunteers to be a PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for two survivors of brain injury.  Both clients live in Fairfax County and are looking for a buddy to do monthly outings for coffee, walking, shopping etc.  Helping a client get their life back in order following such a traumatic occurrence will make your day!  Please visit www.braininjurysvcs.org/volunteer/ for more information, email [email protected] to learn how you can help.
• NVFS SERVE campus is conducting a Fall Food Drive to stock the shelves at their Hunger Resource Center in Manassas.  The demand for food has increased 26% and will probably get higher as we move into Fall, so your support is crucial!  Volunteers age 16+ are needed to assist with unloading, sorting and organizing food October 20-27 at Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8712 Plantation Lane, Manassas 20110.  Be prepared to lift up to 25 pounds and be OK standing for the duration of a shift.  You’ll feel great knowing you’re helping ensure SERVE can meet the increased needs of its client families during the holiday season!  Please register at http://fallfooddrive.nvfs.volunteerhub.com/, email Navara at [email protected] with any questions.  Want to donate to the food drive?  Please visit www.nvfs.org/support/fall-food-drive/ for more information.
• If you love history, the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton wants to meet you! Their Lucy Burns Museum is looking for people-loving Docents to share the 90+ year history of this facility.  Volunteers receive training and are expected to commit to a 2-year period of volunteering.  You’ll enjoy interacting with visitors while sharing the colorful and sometimes controversial history of this center!  Please visit https://bit.ly/46lEZ8M to view details, email [email protected] for more information and to apply.

  

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292.  You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org.  Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

Prince William Times: "Two new Prince William County schools — a high school in Woodbridge and an elementary school in Potomac Shores — that are coincidentally planned near sites once considered by the Washington Commanders for a new stadium, will be delayed by more than a year and are now slated to open in 2027."

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Press Release: “Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth announces the successful prosecution of Cody Dale Davis arising from the February 2, 2021, aggravated malicious wounding of a Dumfries woman.”

“On April 7, 2023, after a three-day trial jury trial and subsequent 10-minute jury deliberation, Mr. Davis was convicted of one count of aggravated malicious wounding. On September 21, 2023, Mr. Davis was sentenced by Judge Willett of the Prince William County Circuit Court to life in prison. The matter was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Dircia D. Schubert and Deputy Chief of Staff Kevin L. Leahy.”

“During the early morning hours of February 2, 2021, medics and officers from the Prince William County Police Department were dispatched to a residence in Dumfries. Located within the residence was the victim laying in a pool of blood suffering from severe facial lacerations and blunt force trauma to her eyes. The Defendant, Mr. Cody Dale Davis, and three minor children were also located within the residence.”

“Investigation revealed that the Defendant attacked the victim while she was defenseless and unsuspecting. The Defendant beat the victim and gouged her eyes causing permanent blindness. Medical experts testified about the devastating injuries suffered by the victim including facial fractures, a nasal fracture, and fracture to her orbital socket.”

“Commonwealth’s Attorney Ashworth released the following statement: ‘Justice was served in this case. The Defendant’s sentence is appropriate given the gruesome and shockingly violent nature of the attack. Assaults like this cannot and will not be tolerated in our community.’?The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney would like to commend the Prince William County Police Department, especially Officer Hume and Officer Takats for their investigation of the case as well as Kristen Marek, Deputy Director of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Victim/Witness Program, for the assistance provided to the victim’s family.”

The Rose, the first gaming resort in Northern Virginia, will open later than anticipated.

Colonial Downs, the firm that operates Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Dumfries, will manage the gaming, hotel, and conference center when it opens in Dumfries sometime in the middle of 2024. The firm had originally planned to open the center at the end of 2023.

“The timeline for The Rose was always a projection. Delays are common in large-scale development projects like this, and Churchill Downs remains fully committed to delivering a first-class entertainment destination,” said project spokesman Mark Hubbard.

During a topping-off ceremony in January, project officials were hopeful to have the center open by September 1, 2023.

The news of the delayed opening forced Dumfries town officials to adjust their budget projections for the upcoming year, dropping them by more than a half-million dollars. As the law requires, the town council will hold a public hearing on September 19 to review the budget adjustment.

Dumfries announced the adoption of its Fiscal Plan for FY2024 and the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2024 to 2028 in May 2023.

According to the town budget, the town will spend double the amount of cash it did in 2021, increasing spending from $5.4 million to $10.7 million. An anticipated 260% increase in the gaming tax revenues, 129% anticipated increase in meals taxes, and 67% anticipated hotel taxes are driving the new spending.

“We are working with the town of Dumfries to address their short-term revenue projection concerns and are looking forward to opening in mid-2024,” added Hubbard.

Rosies Gaming Emporium opened in January 2021, putting Dumfries on the map as a gambling destination for those who like to bet on video slot machines. When its much larger predecessor, The Rose, opens, it will feature video slot machines, bars and restaurants, conference space, and 350 hotel rooms.

The Rose is being built atop the now-closed Potomac Landfill, a construction debris waste heap along Interstate 95 in Prince William County.

Prince William police: “Murder Investigation – On September 2 at 1:41PM, officers responded to the 17200 block of Richmond Hwy in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed the victim, a 34-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated inside a vehicle in the above area. During the encounter, the accused shot the victim multiple times before exiting the vehicle and firing multiple more times toward the victim seated in the driver’s seat. Responding officers provided first aid to the victim who was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. The accused fled the area to Washington D.C. where he contacted D.C. Metropolitan Police and turned himself in without incident. Both parties were known to one another and resided as roommates in the same home. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as a Brandon Harry EDWARDS, was arrested.”

• Arrested on September 2: [No photo available]
• Brandon Harry EDWARDS, 34, of 3765 Port Hope Pt in Dumfries
• Charged with murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony
• Court Date: Pending | Status: In-Custody in Washington D.C.
• Identified:
• The deceased was identified as Derrick Lanell JORDAN, 43, of Dumfries

Press Release: “Churchill Downs Incorporated announced today the promotion of Bobbi Sample to General Manager of The Rose Gaming Resort  in Dumfries.”

“In this role, Sample will oversee all operations of The Rose that will include a luxury hotel, eight bars and restaurants, a cultural venue, meeting and event space and over 80 acres of green space. The Rose is expected to open in Spring 2024.”

You can find the resort at 18069 Triangle Shopping Plaza, Dumfries.

“Sample is a veteran hospitality operator who brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the gaming and entertainment industries, most recently serving as the General Manager for Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin, Maryland, where she assisted in opening the $54 million casino property and hiring and training 200 team members.”

“Sample is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of the University of Delaware. Prior to her employment with CDI, Sample held leadership positions at Delaware Park Casino and Racetrack and White Clay Creek Country Club at Delaware Park.”

“Sample’s promotion is effective immediately. CDI has initiated a search to fill the position of General Manager of Ocean Downs Casino.”

Prince William County Police Department: “Fatal Crash Investigation – On August 16 at 12:23 a.m., investigators with the Crash Investigation Unit responded to the area of Graham Park Road and Woodland Drive in Triangle (22172) to investigate a single vehicle crash. The investigation revealed the driver of a 2009 Ford Fusion was traveling eastbound on Graham Park Road at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle while in a turn in the roadway. The vehicle left the roadway, traveled through a residential lawn where it struck a telephone pole guidewire before continuing into a ravine where the vehicle then struck a concrete culvert and came to rest within a creek bed. The driver, and only occupant of the vehicle, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased on scene. No additional property damage was reported. Identified: The driver of the 2009 Ford Fusion was identified as Kenneth JACOBS, 58, of Dumfries.

Prince William Police Department: “Armed Robbery *ARREST – On August 10, detectives concluded the investigation into the robbery that was reported to have occurred in the 3100 block of Chesapeake Drive in Dumfries (22026) on July 30. While investigating the incident, detectives received information identifying both suspects and obtained warrants for their arrest. On August 10, both suspects, identified as Julianne Esmeralda

LUCIANO-ROSARIO and Marvin GNANSOUNOU, were arrested. Arrested on August 10: Julianne Esmeraldo LUCIANO-ROSARIO, 18, of 17087 Gibson Mill Road in Dumfries Charged with robbery, abduction, carjacking,

use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and credit card larceny. Court Date: October 10, 2023 | Bond: Unavailable. Marvin GNANSOUNOU, 27, of 404 Pilot Knob Loop in Stafford. Charged with robbery, abduction, carjacking, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and credit card larceny. Court Date: Unavailable | Bond: Unavailable.”

Armed Robbery [Previously Released] – On July 30 at 3:34 p.m., officers responded to the 3100 block of Chesapeake Drive in Dumfries (22026) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 68-year-old man, was contacted by a female acquaintance who arranged to meet the victim in the above area. Shortly after the woman got into the victim’s vehicle, an unknown man entered the vehicle and brandished a firearm towards the victim. Both the male and the female suspect demanded the victim drive them to a nearby bank where he was forced to withdraw money. The victim then drove the suspects back to the above location. No injuries were reported.

“Malicious Wounding | Commercial Burglary *ARREST – On August 9, 2023, detectives charged a suspect in connection to the shooting that was reported to have occurred at the Dunkin Donuts located at 2201 Old Bridge Road in Woodbridge (22192) on October 28, 2022. While investigating the incident, detectives identified one of the suspects involved and obtained warrants for his arrest. The suspect, identified as Louis Kenneth MYERS, was served at a correctional institute in Delaware, where he is incarcerated on unrelated charges. The investigation continues as detectives attempt to identify the second suspect involved in the incident. Arrested on August 10: [No Photo Available] Louis Kenneth MYERS, 26, of Wilmington, DE. Charged with aggravated malicious wounding, robbery, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Court Date: Pending | Status: Incarcerated.”

Malicious Wounding | Commercial Burglary [Previously Released] – On October 28 at 3:31 a.m., officers responded to the Dunkin Donuts & Baskin Robbins located at 13585 Minnieville Road in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a burglary. Video surveillance revealed at approximately 3:09 a.m., a grey SUV parked next to the store and then two masked men smashed the drive through window to gain entry into the business. While inside the store, the suspects removed a safe from an office before fleeing in the SUV. While investigating the incident, officers received a call for a shooting that just occurred at the Dunkin Donuts located at 2201 Old Bridge Road Upon arriving at the store, officers located an employee of the business suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper body. Officers provided immediate first aid to the 29-year-old male victim until rescue personnel arrived at the location. The victim was transported to an area hospital where his injuries were determined to be non-life threatening. The investigation into the shooting revealed the victim was working inside the business when two masked men smashed the drive through window and gained entry into the store. While inside the business, the suspects located the victim and held him at gunpoint before attempting to take money from the registers. When the suspects were unsuccessful, they demanded the victim’s property and then fired multiple rounds, striking the victim. The suspects then fled in a grey SUV. While investigating the incidents, detectives with the Violent Crimes Bureau determined the same suspects were involved in both incidents. The investigation continues.

“Armed Robbery – On August 13 at 7:57 p.m., officers responded to the 12100 block of Fort Craig Drive in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victims, a 15-year-old male juvenile and a 16-year-old male juvenile, were confronted by three men who threw the 16-year-old victim to the ground and took his property. The men then pushed the 15-year-old victim off his bike before taking his iPhone. A good Samaritan intervened, and the suspects fled the area in a light-colored Nissan. No injuries were reported. Shoes, an iPhone, a vape, and a ski-style mask were reported missing.”

“Brandishing of a Firearm – On August 12 at 11:20 p.m., officers responded to the 2700 block of Neabsco Commons Place in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a brandishing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 20-year-old man, and an acquaintance were walking in the above area when they observed a physical altercation inside of a vehicle between a man and woman. When the victim attempted to intervene, the male party brandished a firearm and threatened the victim. The victim and the acquaintance walked away and contacted the police. The man and woman left in their vehicle prior to police arriving at the scene and were not identified. No injuries were reported and at no time during the encounter were any shots fired. The suspect was only described as a tall black male with a thin build wearing a green shirt and blue jeans.”

“Brandishing of a Firearm – On August 12 at 6:20 p.m., officers responded to the area of Lee Hwy. and Stonewall Shops Square in Gainesville (20155) to investigate a brandishing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 47-year-old man, was driving on Lee Hwy. earlier that day when he was involved in a road rage incident with the driver of a truck. During the encounter, the other driver brandished a firearm towards the victim and his 14-year-old male juvenile passenger. The parties separated and the victim reported the incident to police later in the day. At no point during the encounter were any shots fired.”

“Residential Burglary – On August 11 at 6:09 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 9500 block of Damascus Drive in Manassas (20109) to investigate a burglary. The investigation revealed sometime between August 8 at midnight and August 11 at 5:00 p.m., entry was made into the home through a bathroom window that was found damaged. Jewelry, shoes, and an undisclosed amount of money was reported missing.”

“Strangulation – On August 10 at 12:33 p.m., officers responded to Youth for Tomorrow located at 11835 Hazel Circle Drive in Bristow (20136) to investigate an assault. The investigation revealed the victim, a 15-year- old female resident, was involved in a physical altercation with other juvenile residents inside a classroom on the property. During the encounter, one of the residents involved in the fight, identified as the accused, wrapped her arm around the victim’s neck. Eventually, the staff members were able to separate the parties and contact police. The victim reported minor injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as a 17-year-old female juvenile, was arrested. A second juvenile involved in the altercation was also arrested for assault and battery. Arrested on August 10: [Juvenile] A 17-year-old female juvenile of Bristow. Charged with strangulation. Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center.”