PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY (Press Release) – On November 28 at 2:08PM, officers responded to the Metro PCS located at 17997 Dumfries Shopping Plaza in the Town of Dumfries (22026) to investigate a robbery. An employee reported to police that two unknown males wearing masks, one armed with a handgun, entered the store and demanded money. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing the business on foot. No injuries were reported. A police K-9 searched the surrounding area for the suspects who were not located. The investigation continues.

Suspect Descriptions:

Black male, early 20s, 5’07”-5’09”, with a thin build

Last seen wearing a black jacket, white hooded jacket, jeans, black gloves, and black shoes

Black male, early 20s, 5’07”-5’09”, with a thin build

Last seen wearing a black jacket, jeans, light colored gloves, and red shoes with light laces

Indecent Exposure – On November 28 at 7:16PM, officers responded to the LA Fitness located at 13060 Worth Ave in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an indecent exposure. The caller reported to police that an unknown man was observed sitting in the aerobics room exposing himself and making obscene gestures. The man eventually left the business and was located by responding officers a short time later. Following the investigation, the suspect, identified as Joseph Alan JACKSON, was arrested.

Arrested on November 28:

Joseph Alan JACKSON, 34, of no fixed address

Charged with indecent exposure and intoxicated in public

Court Date: January 20, 2019 | Bond: Unavailable

Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling – On November 29 at 3:50AM, officers responded to the 5400 block of Lick River Ln in Gainesville (20155) to investigate a shots fired call. Multiple callers reported to police that several gunshots were heard in the area.  Officers arrived and located an unoccupied vehicle that had multiple bullet holes parked in a driveway of a residence. Officers determined that several bullets also struck the residence. No injuries were reported.  A dark colored sedan with the headlights off was seen leaving the area around the time of the incident. Multiple shell casings were located in the roadway in front of the residence. The investigation continues.

HAYMARKET — The Tough Mudder Classic will be held this year in Haymarket.

This new race is an extension of multiple strength and endurance events held each year by the Tough Mudder organization.

The organization’s website states, “Tough Mudder Classic is eight to 10 miles of mud-soaked mayhem absolutely loaded with 25 best-in-class obstacles and 10 new or updated 2019 obstacles…”

Gainesville District Supervisor Peter Candland said Haymarket is the right place to hold the event.

“We are excited to welcome Tough Mudder and its many participants to the Gainesville District,” stated  Candland in a press release. “The event is an opportunity to introduce what Prince William County, Virginia is today – a community of choice with iconic history, majestic parks and open space, destination shopping, and culinary and art treasures.”

The event will be held Saturday June 1, and Sunday June 2, 2019.

GAINESVILLE – (Press Release) On November 27 at 11:42AM, investigators with the Crash Unit responded to Lee Hwy at Heathcote Blvd in Gainesville (20155) to investigate a fatal two vehicle crash. The initial investigation revealed that the driver of a 2001 Jeep Cherokee was attempting to make a left hand turn from northbound Lee Hwy onto Heathcote Blvd when the vehicle collided with a 2002 Peterbilt tractor with a flatbed trailer traveling on southbound Lee Hwy. The driver of the Jeep was transported to an area hospital where she died as a result of her injuries. The driver of the Peterbilt remained on scene and was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Speed, alcohol, and drugs were not factors in this crash. No charges are pending at this time. The investigation continues.

Identified:
The driver of the 2001 Jeep Cherokee was identified as Josephine Bernadine COOKE, 89, of Gainesville

The driver of the 2002 Peterbilt tractor with a flatbed trailer was identified as a 31 year-old man of Standardsville

HAYMARKET — Carried to Full Term, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping expectant mothers, will expand.  

The organization said its new program is geared toward helping low-income mothers get back on their feet. Founder Frances Robin said the goal is to break the cycle of poverty by adequately preparing expecting mothers for a life of independence and self-sufficiency.

Carried to Full Term provides housing and support to mothers to support this mission. Prior to starting Carried to Full Term in 2009, Robin said she volunteered at pregnancy crisis centers. She noticed that there was a big need for housing for expectant mothers.

So, she set out to create options to find programs to place these women.

Carried to Full Term, located in Haymarket has space for six expectant mothers in the first phase of their program. Two mothers will be welcomed in the new Phase II. 

The non-profit partners with local housing programs to place women. In 2016, she acquired her first home and began providing housing for moms. Since its inception, Robin says Carried to Full Term has helped 32 mothers, and housed 18.  

“It was always a goal to add another home, but we didn’t anticipate receiving it so soon,” said Robin. An anonymous donor gave the home to the nonprofit. The second home is also located in Haymarket within walking distance of their first home.

The non-profit’s program is still evolving, but with this Phase II expansion will come with less supervision than mothers enrolled in the first phase of the program, allowing moms-to-be to live more independently before transitioning into a life on their own.

The program takes about two years to complete. Expectant mothers are required to sign an agreement to enter the program. They’re required to follow a strict schedule around the goals set with their case manager.

Robin said each mother is required to meet with their resident lead four days a week to review their progress toward goals.

Their schedule includes:

• Completing house chores
• Volunteering
• Finding a job

Mothers are also required to attend classes focused on life skills that range from parenting and financial management to Bible study and completing vision boards.

Robin says most classes are held in the home, while a few require the moms to travel offsite. Transportation is arranged for moms in Phase I to attend work and/or classes via volunteer drivers and Uber cards.

They’ll be required to pay rent and take on more responsibility for childcare and transportation.=

During Phase I, the mothers operate on a 9 p.m. curfew and usually have some downtime when their schedule ends between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Robin says moms in Phase I are awarded one-weekend pass per month to engage in activities of their choice.

“Adherence to the program is the key determining factor to a mom staying at the home. It is completely dependent on her willingness to follow the program,” said Robin.

Phase II will also prepare mothers to exit the program to get them ready for the real world. In here, mothers will not operate on a curfew. In order to graduate to Phase II of the program, Robin says moms “have to demonstrate evidence that they have mastered the tools in Phase I”

The second phase of the program will help those mothers who have graduated the first but had trouble landing on their feet.

“With the cost of living in Northern Virginia, moms that complete the two years in Phase I are still susceptible to falling back into the cycle of poverty Robin,” says Robin.

The average age of program participants is 29 years old. Helping women change their thought process at this age can be very challenging, but those willing to do so see results, said Robin.

Carried to Full Term pre-screens all mothers before entering the program. Robin said those with felony records are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Those with a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse must provide evidence of completing or submit to completing a rehab program before being considered for the program. Robin said moms that are interested in working with Carried to Term simply need to call to begin the pre-screen process.

They will discuss the mother’s background to determine if they are a good fit for this program or more suited for another program. The next step would be a face-to-face meeting, following by an extensive application and background check.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY — Glendel “Glen” Hill is seeking a fifth term as Prince William County Sheriff.

Hill announced his re-election bid this week, noting he wants to continue “to build upon the accomplishments his office has achieved over the last 15 years.”

Some of those recent accomplishments were advocating for an expanded jail with 204 new beds, at a cost of $50,0000. Construction on the project is underway.

Hill in 2016 worked with the Board of County Supervisors to lower the $50 concealed gun permit fee to $15, agreeing to forgo the $35 per permit fee collected by his office.

Hill, a Republican moderate with a long list of accolades to include more than 40 years of experience, is assembling his campaign team, states his press release. He grabbed headlines in 2017 when he rescinded his support for the then Virginia gubernatorial candidate Corey Stewart — whom he worked with to lower the conceal carry permit fee — and instead endorsed Ed Gillespie after Stewart was embroiled in controversy after showing support for the Confederate Battle Flag.

Two-time Prince William County political candidate Josh King also wants the sheriff’s job. He’s unsuccessfully sought a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates twice in the past three years.

King lives in Dumfries and is a Fairfax County sheriff’s deputy. He has the support of Democrats who are making inroads in Prince William County.

In the Nov. 6, 2018 Mid-Term Elections, county voters sent Senator Tim Kaine Back to Washington with 65 percent of the vote. And though she didn’t win, voters in Prince William overwhelmingly chose Vangie Williams to be their congresswoman in Virginia’s 1st District.

Prince Willaim voters will go to the polls to vote for their sheriff’ on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019.

• The Un Trim A Tree Holiday Gift Program is in full swing and needs your help to provide toys and warm clothes to over 5,000 needy kids in our community. It’s simple and fun to share the joy by buying 2 gifts for each child from their wish list. Please visit http://www.volunteerprincewilliam.org  to learn more.
• Friends of SERVE are collecting turkeys on Wednesday November 14th, 4:30-7:30pm at the VA Gateway Promenade Fountain. Look for the waving turkey! Come help with their ambitious goal of 700 turkeys. If you can’t make it that day your donation is always welcome at the SERVE food pantry in Manassas
• The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is looking for volunteer’s age 55+ to deliver noon meals through the Meals on Wheels Program. Shifts are just 2-3 hours and available in throughout the greater area. RSVP members receive a mileage reimbursement and additional insurance coverage at no cost to the volunteer. Please call Jan at (571) 292-5307 to learn more.
• The Trillium Center is hosting their Annual Christmas Party at the Drop-In Center and is looking for gifts such as gift cards, hats, gloves, pet supplies, book bags or anything else fun you can think of to share. The Center provides stress-free, stigma-free atmosphere for people 18 and over who are mental health consumers. Please call Cynthia at (703) 763-3865 to learn more.
• Home Life VA is hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner for the homeless in the Manassas area on Sunday November 18th. Donations of food or prepared dishes are needed for this event. Please email Jamary at: [email protected] for all the latest news on this splendid event.
• Leesylvania State Park needs volunteers for their monthly shoreline cleanups to pick up trash and drift wood. The work days are December 1st, January 19th, February 16th, March 23rd, April 13th and May 18th. Please register by calling the visitor center at (703) 583-6904 so they have your name to waive the entry fee of the park.
• The Woodbridge District invites you to their Big Cleanup & Education on Plastic Pollution event on Saturday November 17th 9am-12pm at Veterans Memorial Park. Please register on line at http://www.pwtsc.org.
• Saved Hands Foundation is having a free resume writing workshop from 10am-12:30pm on November 16th at the Virginia Workforce center on Minnieville Road, Woodbridge.
• The Greater Prince William Medical Reserve Corps needs both medical and non-medical volunteers to join their ranks. These volunteers are trained to respond to public health emergencies as well as day to day activities. They offer tons of training topics to build your skillset. Please call Amy at (703) 792-7341 to learn more.
• Youth for Tomorrow needs volunteer mentors to spend a couple of hours a week with young person. We’ve all had good people support us along the way- here’s your chance to do the same. You can apply online at: http://www.youthfortomorrow.org  or by calling Vernell at (703) 396-7203 to learn more.
• Virginia Cooperative Extension is having a First Time Buyers Seminar on Saturday November 17th in Manassas given in Spanish and in Woodbridge given in English. Please call Joanne at (703) 792-5891 to register.
• Wreaths Across America invite you and your family to the Annual Wreath Laying event on Saturday December 15th at both Arlington National Cemetery and our own Quantico National Cemetery. You can register to volunteer on their website http://wreathsacrossamerica.org . Come Remember, Honor and Teach our youngsters these values.
• The Center for the Arts needs volunteer docents Monday – Friday during the day. This volunteer opportunity includes greeting visitors and sharing the Center’s history and programs. Please call Jordan at (703) 330-2787 to learn more.
• House of Mercy also needs lots of help and food donations year-round to feed over 400 families a month. Hold a food drive, share this on all your outlets and give them a call at: (703) 659-1636 to learn more.
• Court Appointed Special Advocates- CASA needs volunteers to advocate for a child who has been abused or neglected. Come join one of their information sessions to learn more about this outstanding program. You’ll receive extensive training to match your special heart for a child. Sessions will be held on Wednesday 11/14 at the CASA office in Manassas and at the Mason Enterprise Center on December 12th please email Suzanne at [email protected] for more info.
• Keep Prince William Beautiful has lots of fun clean-up events this fall. Come get your hands dirty and have fun. November 17th they are at Veterans Park and lastly, December 5th is the quarterly litter survey. Please call Nicole at (571) 285-3772 to join in where you can.
• Catholic Charities Hogar Center is looking volunteers to assist students with job applications, resumes, and mock interviews to prepare them for the workforce. Please email Arielle at [email protected] to learn more.
• Virginia Service invites you to nominate your favorite volunteer for the 2019 Governor’s Award inVolunteering Excellence. The categories include Adult, youth, senior, family, faith-based organization, educational institution, community organization, small business and corporation. Nominations are due by December 15th. Please visit http://www.virginiaservice.virginia.gov  for all the specifics.

• Visit with Santa
• Roast marshmallows over a fire pit
• Dunbar Saxophone Quartet at Town Hall
• Holiday carols with the Woodbridge Community Choir
• Children’s activities
• S’more fixings and caramel apples at The Pretentious Gourmet
• Roasted chestnuts at Gift & Gather
• Hot chocolate at Tastefully Yours
• Art Open House at The Artists’ Undertaking Gallery

WinterFest is a daylong family-friendly celebration of the winter season that highlights multiple destinations with entertainment, food, and activities for all ages in the Lorton-Occoquan-Lake

Ridge region. WinterFest begins on December 8, with Santa’s Lake Ridge Parade on Harbor Drive in Lake Ridge at 11:00 a.m., followed by a holiday arts market at Tackett’s Mill until 2 p.m., Occoquan’s holiday activities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the Workhouse Arts Center’s Second Saturday Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The day’s events will conclude with a spectacular firework display approximately 8:00 p.m., courtesy of Prince William Marina, with viewing areas in the Town of Occoquan, Occoquan Regional Park, and Hoffmaster’s Marina.

WOODBRIDGE — Prince William County wasn’t kind to Corey Stewart.

The electorate there overwhelming Tuesday chose the Democrat Tim Kaine over the Republican in the race for U.S. Senate.

Stewart lost Prince William County — where he’s been Chairman At-large of the Board of Supervisors for the past 12 years – by a staggering 29 points. Statewide, he lost the election to Kaine by 15 points, earning just 35 percent of the vote.

The Prince William numbers were surprising. During his 2017 state gubernatorial Primary Election, he lost, barely, to Republican Ed Gillespie. He easily won Prince William County, and nearly clinched the nomination, losing by about 4,500 votes.

In a General Election for Supervisor in 2015, Stewart beat Rick Smith, the Democrat who ran against him, by 9,300 votes.

Voters, this time, weren’t buying what he was selling. In his concession speech Tuesday night, he described this mid-term election as a headwind too difficult to overcome.

Fighting more than the so-called “blue wave” against President Trump — a man Stewart has so closely aligned himself with — Stewart was also fighting to overcome his association with symbols like the Confederate battle flag. Used by the Ku Klux Klan to intimidate blacks and other minorities during the civil rights movement in the 1960s, Stewart in 2017 made several appearances with the flag when campaigning for governor in the southwest portion of the state, proclaiming the flag a symbol of southern heritage, not hate.

Stewart, who made a political name for himself in 2007 on the illegal immigration issue, also spent a lot of time this campaign clarifying his stance on the issue. Even at a press conference following his concession speech, Stewart reiterated for a reporter that he supports legal immigration to the U.S. It’s those who cross the border illegally that he, like President Trump, has vowed to combat.

Overall, Stewart admits he’s tired. His political future in Prince William County, or anywhere for that matter, is uncertain.

“I’ve been campaigning for four years… I’ve been chairman for 12 years. That’s a long, long time,” he said.

His Chairman seat is up in 2019, and he would not commit Tuesday night to run for reelection. That’s a stark contrast to the Corey Stewart of the past — a man who’s gained a reputation, for better or for worse, as a hard-charging, tough-talking Republican whose ready to take on his opponents at every turn, doing and saying anything to win.

While Trump didn’t come to Virginia to stump for him, Stewart says he still supports the president and wants to help him find a way to win reelection in 2020. He estimates that if the president had come, that it might have helped him add two, maybe three points to his vote totals, but added it wouldn’t be “enough to make up for what I lost by.”

Afterward, Stewart greeted his supporters, thanking each one personally while sipping a margarita. 

“I’m campaigned out. I think I want to go to some Caribbean island someplace,” he said.