A new chapter is unfolding at the former Tin Cannon Brewery site in Gainesville, and itâs bringing a colorful mix of sustainability, community, and secondhand treasures.
Mark Harrington, owner of Junk Luggers and the creative force behind Remix Market, announced on the Potomac Local News Podcast that his business will move into the breweryâs former home on Limestone Drive. The location, once a local favorite for craft beer and community gatherings, will soon house a âfun and funky thrift storeâ that Harrington describes as a curated shopping experience.
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From a single closet shared by two churches to a bustling community lifeline helping tens of thousands annually, the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year â and its mission is more critical than ever.
Since its founding, the pantry has assisted more than 500,000 people, thanks to the support of 10,000 donors and an army of volunteers. What began as a small operation by St. Paulâs Episcopal Church and St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Haymarket has become a vital resource for families facing hunger across western Prince William County.
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Police said the crash occurred at 9:48 a.m. when a 2019 Toyota Highlander traveling north on Linton Hall Road crossed into the southbound lanes, left the roadway, and struck a guardrail. The vehicle then went down an embankment, became airborne, rolled over, and came to rest on its side in a field.
The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was taken to a hospital, where she later died.
Police identified the deceased as Marat Lise Essex, 52, of Bristow.
Investigators ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact the police. The investigation is ongoing.
Willing Warriors, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting recovering service members and their families, will hold a community-wide event this spring to celebrate a decade of healing and hope.
The organization will mark its 10-year anniversary with a celebration on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run near Haymarket. The retreat provides free, week-long stays for wounded service members and their families, offering them rest, reconnection, and recovery in a peaceful setting.
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The is experiencing a surge in ridership, with a 36% increase in February compared to January, despite one fewer service day. Early data from March indicates the trend is continuing, with ridership levels already outpacing previous weeks.
The boost in ridership was discussed at the March 6 Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) meeting and has been particularly strong on express routes, following a pattern seen across the region. Southern commuter routes, including Route 611 (Front Royal-Gainesville-Washington), Route 612 (Warrenton-Gainesville-Pentagon-LâEnfant Plaza-Navy Yard), and Route 622 (Haymarket-Rosslyn/Ballston), recorded their highest monthly ridership total yet, surpassing 11,000 trips combined.
However, this increased demand has created new challenges for commuters and transit agencies, particularly in parking availability at transit hubs.
With more passengers relying on OmniRide’s commuter services, the University Boulevard commuter lot has seen a significant increase in usage. Routes 611, 612, and 622 from the lot now carry over 1,700 passengers daily.
The 2,500-space parking facility was reported to be around 80% full even during off-peak hours, raising concerns about capacity as ridership continues to climb. Ongoing construction projects, including those related to data centers, have further reduced available parking spaces, making it harder for commuters to find spots.
As the demand for transit services grows, illegal parking has become an issue at the University Boulevard commuter lot. Law enforcement agencies, including Transurban Police and VDOT officials, have been involved in addressing parking violations.
The matter was discussed at a recent Sudley Road corridor meeting, where local authorities and transit agencies acknowledged the challenges and began exploring potential solutions. Despite the sharp rise in ridership, OmniRide faces financial roadblocks that prevent service expansion. The motor fuels tax, a key revenue source for transit services college from drivers who purchase gasoline, has remained flat, leaving little room to add trips even as demand increases.
Many commuters have shifted to bus routes operated by OmniRide and funded by the state, which helps ease congestion but does not contribute to OmniRide’s locally funded routes. As a result, high-demand routes such as Lake Ridge, Dale City, and Route 234 are operating at full capacity, but officials say there is no funding available to increase frequency.
Recognizing the urgent need for relief, PRTC plans to add more trips on the Gainesville-Pentagon and Manassas-Washington routes in April, leveraging existing state and federal funding sources. However, officials caution that these additions do not fully address the strain on local routes.
Transit leaders warn that ridership will not generate enough revenue to expand services significantly if ridership returns to pre-pandemic levels. Officials are now exploring alternative funding options, including potential local funding initiatives, to help bridge the gap.
Prince William County officials are raising concerns about a high-voltage transmission line project proposed by Dominion Energy. The project could affect public parks, a public safety training center, and other county-owned properties.
According to Dominion's preliminary plans, the Wishing Star to Morrisville transmission line would run from Loudoun County into Fauquier County, requiring new right-of-way acquisitions and easements.
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After more than ten years of bringing craft beer and community together, Tin Cannon Brewing Company is closing its doors. The announcement was made by co-founders John Hilkert and Aaron Ludwig, who shared a heartfelt message with their patrons, reflecting on their journey as small business owners and their decision to move on to new adventures.
"Tin Cannon Brewing Company has had the pleasure of bringing a large part of the community together for over ten years," the owners stated. "We have met so many wonderful people, formed amazing friendships, made a difference through important fundraisers, and created a âCheersâ taproom atmosphere with our friendly staff, delicious beers, and fun events."
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The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.
The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundationâs “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.
âWe want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,â said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.
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Prince William County government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, as officials anticipate potential impacts from adverse weather conditions. The decision was made to ensure the safety of residents and county employees during what is expected to be a challenging day for travel and operations.
The closure affects all county government buildings, including administrative offices, public libraries, community centers, and other public facilities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the weather forecast and road conditions, taking precautions as necessary to remain safe.
Essential services, such as emergency response teams, will continue to operate during the closure to ensure public safety and address urgent needs in the community. County officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed regarding any further adjustments to schedules or services.
For more information and updates, residents can visit the county’s official website or follow its social media channels.
