From Virignia State Police:
On Wednesday (Nov. 13), Virginia State Police located and arrested the driver involved in the fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Friday (Nov. 8), in Fauquier County. The driver, Dennis D. Dunning, 54, of Catlett, Va., was located at his residence on the 8000 block of Burwell Road in Fauquier and taken into custody without incident.
Dunning was charged with felony hit-and-run, involuntary manslaughter, and operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock. Dunning was transported to the Fauquier Adult Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.
Initial Press Release:
Virginia State Police is seeking the public’s help with identifying two vehicles that struck a pedestrian Friday (Nov. 8), in Fauquier County.
The hit-and-run crash occurred at 5:47 p.m. on Route 806 (Elk Run Road) at Flippo Lane.
A male pedestrian was walking eastbound across Route 806 when he was struck by a northbound SUV. The pedestrian was then struck by an unknown southbound vehicle. Neither vehicle stopped at the scene.
The pedestrian, Garland J. Heddings, 73, of Catlett, Va., died at the scene.The initial striking vehicle is believed to be a 2001 – 2003 Nissan Frontier, silver in color. The Nissan will have damage to its front end and driver side.
The unknown vehicle may have damage to the front end.
Virginia State Police are investigating two separate fatal crashes that occurred on Route 806 in Fauquier County, claiming the lives of a pedestrian and a motorcyclist. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue.
Fatal Hit-and-Run on Elk Run Road
On Friday, November 8, at approximately 5:47 p.m., an adult male pedestrian was struck and killed in a hit-and-run on Route 806 (Elk Run Road) near Flippo Lane. The man was crossing the road when he was hit by a northbound SUV. Moments later, he was struck again by a second, unidentified southbound vehicle. Tragically, neither vehicle stopped at the scene, and the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
The initial striking vehicle is believed to be a late 1990s to early 2000s silver Nissan SUV with noticeable front-end damage. The second vehicle, currently unidentified, may also have sustained front-end damage. Virginia State Police are asking anyone with information to reach out to Senior Trooper J. Tanner at 540-347-6200 or email [email protected]. The crash remains under active investigation as authorities work to identify the vehicles involved.
Fatal Motorcycle Collision with SUV
Just days prior, on Saturday, November 2, another fatal collision occurred at 5:58 p.m. at the intersection of Route 806 (Elk Run Road) and Barnes Road. The crash involved a 2015 Moto Guzzi Griso motorcycle, which was traveling northbound on Route 806, and a westbound 2023 Acura RDX making a left turn onto Route 806.
The motorcycle rider, identified as 31-year-old Christopher V. Gresch from Manassas, Va., was killed in the crash. Despite wearing a helmet, Gresch succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver of the Acura, a 49-year-old woman from Catlett, Va., was uninjured and was wearing a seatbelt. Authorities have identified speed as a factor in this collision.
Both crashes remain under investigation.
Journey Theater is pleased to present the World Premiere of Dr. Harry J. Kantrovich’s and Bruce H. “Doc” Norton’s Voices From Vietnam, a collection of interviews, stories, letter and reflections from Vietnam Veterans; Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines as well as the Nurses and Women who served, POWs, MIA families, a Vietnamese refugee, an embassy statesman and college and school students.
In February 2023, Harry Kantrovich, a retired Navy Master Chief met Bruce H. “Doc” Norton, a retired Marine Corps Major and Vietnam Veteran. Harry asked Doc to collaborate on a play and an accompanying book about Vietnam. Journey Theater in Warrenton, VA agreed to premiere the play and the accompanying book.
Performances in 2024 will be at Journey Theater at Vint Hill, 4175 Bludau Drive, Warrenton, VA on Fridays and Saturdays, November 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 PM and Sundays, November 10, 17, 24 at 2:00 PM.
There will be a Special November 16 Matinee for students, teachers and parents at a reduced price. Matinee Performances will feature post-show talkback sessions with panelists answering questions from the audience. The show is being produced by Stacie Duvall, Walter Meyer and Douglas Barylski. Order tickets today at: Journey Church, Vint Hill | Theater
“No, it’s not going to be ready by the end of the year,” confirmed Commissioner Charles Ziegler, who assumed his role in January. Ziegler cited pandemic-related labor shortages, ADA compliance issues, and ongoing quality control efforts as factors contributing to the revised timeline.
A History of Delays
The Puller Veterans Care Center has encountered numerous hurdles since its inception. The project began in 2010 when VDVS first applied for federal funding to establish a new care center in Northern Virginia. After state funds were allocated in 2016, the Vint Hill site in Fauquier County was selected for its favorable economic support from local officials.
Construction formally began with a groundbreaking in 2017. However, as FauquierNow.com first reported, stringent federal design requirements slowed progress, prompting a redesign in 2018. The new plan reduced the facility from 10 to eight buildings, accommodating 128 residents, and included additional amenities such as a chapel, activity rooms, and secure courtyards. In 2019, a $34 million federal grant, matched by state funding, brought the project’s budget to $68 million.
Unexpected issues, including non-compliant door frames, were discovered as recently as 2022, setting back the timeline further. Earlier this year, VDVS projected the center would open in late 2024; however, this target has since shifted to early 2025.
Ziegler emphasized that the Virginia Department of Veterans Services holds the contractor accountable for all delays and rework, assuring the public that taxpayers will not be impacted by additional costs. “We have measures in place to ensure the contractor fulfills the contract, and any overpayments will be addressed through the proper channels,” he said.
Steven J. Combs, VDVS Chief Deputy Commissioner, told FauquierNow.com that construction issues were identified and addressed promptly to ensure full ADA compliance. The next steps will involve passing final inspections and securing a certificate of occupancy, a process expected to take three to four months.
The delay has also impacted hiring, with only 13 of the planned 200 staff positions currently filled. Combs explained that hiring will resume three to four months before the facility opens, with approximately 60 staff members expected to be onboarded by the time the first residents move in.
The Puller Veterans Care Center will feature 128 individual rooms arranged into 16-room “households.” Staffing levels will increase gradually with resident admissions, aiming to reach a 96% occupancy rate within 16-18 months.
Press Release:
Journey Theater is pleased to present the World Premiere of Dr. Harry J. Kantrovich’s and Bruce H. “Doc” Norton’s Voices From Vietnam, a collection of interviews, stories, letter and reflections from Vietnam Veterans; Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines as well as the Nurses and Women who served, POWs, MIA families, a Vietnamese refugee, an embassy statesman and college and school students. In February 2023, Harry Kantrovich, a retired Navy Master Chief met Bruce H. “Doc” Norton, a retired Marine Corps Major and Vietnam Veteran. Harry asked Doc to collaborate on a play and an accompanying book about Vietnam. Journey Theater in Warrenton, VA agreed to premiere the play and the accompanying book. Performances in 2024 will be at Journey Theater at Vint Hill, 4175 Bludau Drive, Warrenton, VA on Fridays and Saturdays, November 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 PM and Sundays, November 10, 17, 24 at 2:00 PM. There will be a Special November 16 Matinee for students, teachers and parents at a reduced price. Matinee Performances will feature post-show talkback sessions with panelists answering questions from the audience. The show is being produced by Stacie Duvall, Walter Meyer and Douglas Barylski. Order tickets today at: Journey Church, Vint Hill | Theater
A fatal paraglider crash is under investigation by Virginia State Police after occurring on September 20th at 6:36 p.m. in Fauquier County on Lucky Hill Road. The pilot, 77-year-old Robert N. Eaheart Jr. from Springfield, died upon impact when his paraglider lost control while trying to fly over a power plant smokestack and crashed to the ground. His body has been sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Manassas for autopsy.
No injuries were reported on the ground. The FAA and NTSB have been notified, and the investigation is ongoing.
Press release:
Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal paraglider crash in Fauquier County. The crash occurred Friday (Sept. 20), at 6:36 p.m. on the 12000 block of Lucky Hill Road.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a paraglider attempted to fly directly over a power plant smokestack when it lost control and struck the ground.
The paraglider pilot, Robert N. Eaheart Jr., 77, of Springfield, Va., died at the scene of the crash. His remains were transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Manassas for an autopsy and examination.No one on the ground was injured as a result of the crash.
The FAA and NTSB were notified of the crash.
The crash remains under investigation.
Virginia State Police reported that a plane crashed while attempting an emergency landing in Fauquier County.
Press Release:
At 3:27 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 19), Virginia State Police responded to a report of a plane crash in Fauquier County. The crash occurred on the 14500 block on Spring Mill Road.
The preliminary investigation revealed a Single-Engine Cessna Aircraft attempted to make an emergency landing in a field when it collided with several trees.
The pilot, a 79-year-old male from Fredericksburg, Va., suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was flown to Fairfax Inova Hospital for treatment.
The pilot was the only occupant.
No one on the ground was injured as a result of the crash.
The FAA and NTSB were notified of the crash.
The crash remains under investigation.
To mitigate the effects of drought, Fauquier County residents, businesses, and government agencies should adopt various water conservation practices, including efficient use of household appliances and mindful irrigation techniques.
Press release:
Potential Means of Water Conservation:
No matter what drought level Fauquier County is in, residents, businesses, communities and government agencies can, and should, critically evaluate and explore more efficient water conservation practices. The following list of water conservation practices is not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list, but rather to provide some examples of what can be done to conserve water:
• Use dishwaters only when they are full.
• Wash only full loads of laundry (adjust water level if possible).
• Turn off faucets while brushing teeth, shaving, etc. (saves about five gallons per day).
• Reduce water used per toilet flush by installing toilet tank displacement inserts. A plastic jug may be used as an alternative. [Note: do not use bricks.
They disintegrate when soaked and the resulting grit hinders closing of the flap value, causing leakage and subsequent water loss].• Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator, so as to limit the running of tap water to get cold water.
• If you have a water meter, monitor it to evaluate how much water you use and the timing of this use, so as to better inform you of how you may create additional water savings.
• Take shorter showers and baths (saves about 25 gallons per shower/bath).
• Do not use a garbage disposal.
• Do not use water to wash off driveways or sidewalks.
• Water before 10:00 a.m. to reduce evaporation during the hottest part of the day. Watering in the morning is better than the evening, because the dampness and coolness of the evening may promote fungal growth.
• When watering plants, use drip irrigation that directs water to the root system. If you do not have drip irrigation capabilities, then closely monitor your watering to ensure that the water is turned off when sufficient water has been delivered. Avoid run-off.
• When watering plants, water infrequently but thoroughly, because water penetrating deeper in the soil will be retained longer and it will encourage plants to grow deeper roots. Conversely, water from
frequent light waterings often is lost due to evaporation, and it encourages plants to grow in the shallow soil zones that dry out quickly causing greater plant stress and the need for additional waterings.• Water lawns only when necessary [note: grass that springs back when stepped on does not need water].
• Install automatic shut-off nozzles on outdoor water hoses.
• Aerate lawns by punching small holes approximately six inches apart. This will encourage water to soak into the soil rather than run off the surface.
• Position manually-placed sprinklers so that they do not water pavement, gravel, buildings or other non-plant surfaces.
• Know how to turn off an automatic irrigation system in case of rain.
• Weed gardens so that more desirable plants do not have to compete for limited moisture.
• Mulch garden beds to reduce evaporative water loss and weed growth, and cool the soil, which in turn creates less water-stress to plants.
• During dry periods postpone new plantings, since new plantings often require a higher quantity of irrigation.
• Use trash cans to dispose of used tissues rather than flushing them down the toilet.
• Avoid mowing grass at a very short height, since more water evaporates from short grass than taller grass.
• Do not allow children to play water games.
• Encourage the use of rain barrels and other means to capture and re-use water.
• Turn off ornamental water fountains.
• Avoid irrigation of athletic fields.
• Discourage the filling or topping off outdoor swimming pools.
• Avoid washing car, boats, and other personal or recreational equipment.
• Serve water to restaurant patrons only upon request.
For citizens on a public water system through FCWSA or a Town water system, please refer to their specific guidance at:
? https://www.fcwsa.org
? https://www.warrentonva.gov
? https://www.remington-va.gov
The County will continue to monitor DEQ guidance and warning advisories over the coming weeks. The County will issue updated guidance and restrictions, as advised by DEQ and in consultation with FCWSA and our Towns. The following provide specific guidance and protocols for Statewide and County level drought planning.For DEQ: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/water/water-quantity/drought For Fauquier County’s Comprehensive Drought Management and Emergency Preparedness Plan: https://www.fauquiercounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/12951/638139461778070000.
(ENDS)
As gates open promptly at 11 a.m., eager spectators flock to the site, advised to arrive well before 1 p.m. to beat the rush.
The airshow kicks off at 2:30 p.m., and audiences are treated to a 90-minute display of aerial feats and acrobatics.
Following the main event, attendees have the unique opportunity to mingle with pilots and performers for a 30-minute meet-and-greet session.
Payment options include cash, checks, Visa, and MasterCard all accepted for entrance fees, gift shop purchases, and airplane rides.
While the onsite snack bar, Fifi’s CafĂ©, currently operates on a cash-only basis, plans are underway to introduce credit card payments later in the season.
To streamline entry, organizers offer separate lines for cash transactions and those using credit cards or checks. And for those wondering about inclement weather, cancellation notices are posted between 9 and 10 a.m. on the day of the show, ensuring attendees stay informed.
With rides commencing at 11 a.m. and continuing until about 1:45 p.m., there’s ample opportunity for thrill-seekers to take to the skies. While ride reservations aren’t available, all rides operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Spectators are encouraged to bring their own refreshments or buy from the cafe, with shaded seating areas.
Leashed pets are welcome, though owners are reminded to be mindful of their behavior, especially during the show’s louder moments.
Restroom facilities are clean, spacious, and handicap-accessible, ensuring the comfort of all attendees.
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