A Manassas mother of three, LaToya Crabbe, has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge for the October 21, 2024, shooting death of her husband, Curtis Crabbe. This marks the second time she has been indicted, following the dismissal of an earlier indictment due to prosecutorial unpreparedness.
Late last month, Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Angela Horan ordered Crabbe's release from jail after dismissing a second-degree murder charge against her, citing repeated missed deadlines by the prosecution.
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
The discussion over school security in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is intensifying as parents and advocacy groups push for armed security personnel in elementary schools, particularly in overcrowded schools like Covington-Harper Elementary School near Dumfries.
The debate comes after the recent installation of Evolv security scanners in middle and high schools, raising questions about whether elementary schools need enhanced security measures.
At the February 19, 2025, PWCS School Board meeting, speakers urged the board to consider adding School Resource Officers (SROs) to elementary schools, arguing that younger students are especially vulnerable in the event of a security threat.
Advocacy for Armed Security in Elementary Schools
Jen Donnelly, chapter chair of Moms for Liberty, spoke in favor of armed security personnel for elementary schools, explicitly citing security concerns at Covington Harbor, where hundreds of students walk between trailers used as classrooms due to overcrowding.
"I know that we have roving security guards who make regular stops at all of our elementary schools, but in my opinion, this doesn’t go far enough," Donnelly told the school board. "At a minimum, I urge that you find funds in the budget to ensure these children are safeguarded by SROs at each location".
Donnelly also emphasized the importance of securing funding for school security enhancements, warning that federal funding for PWCS could be at risk due to other policy decisions. She argued that prioritizing school safety is essential, even if budget constraints make it difficult.
Concerns About Over-Policing and Budget Constraints
While some parents support armed security officers in elementary schools, others and some school board members question whether this approach is necessary or practical.
School Board Member Loree Y. Williams (Woodbridge District) raised concerns about balancing security improvements with maintaining a welcoming school environment.
"We have taken major steps forward with Evolv security scanners in middle and high schools, ensuring our students are safer," Williams said. "But the question is whether armed officers in elementary schools will actually improve safety outcomes or if we should focus on expanding mental health and early intervention programs".
Evolv Scanners: A Step Forward in School Security?
On school campuses, Prince William County PWCS reported a significant decrease in non-firearm weapons, such as knives and brass knuckles. Over the last school year, these incidents dropped by 72%. Notably, since the implementation of the Evolv system, PWCS has not reported a single firearm on any campus.
The Evolv weapons detection system, approved by the school board in May 2023, uses artificial intelligence and sensors to detect weapons and other threats. Unlike traditional metal detectors, the system allows students to walk through in groups without stopping, reducing wait times and minimizing disruptions. While the system has been successfully deployed in middle, high, and nontraditional schools, it has not been implemented in elementary schools, leading to concerns about the lack of similar security measures for younger students. The school board has not yet formally proposed introducing armed security officers in elementary schools. However, the topic is expected to be discussed further in upcoming budget meetings as board members consider funding priorities and community concerns. The next school board meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2025.
Stafford County Administrator Bill Ashton presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) budget to the Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025.
The budget, which takes effect on July 1, 2025, prioritizes school funding, public safety, and community services while addressing challenges such as population growth and state-mandated tax relief programs. The All-Funds Budget totals $1,015,097,345.
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
"We have intentionally designed some of the interior to not only focus on our learning but also honor the legacy of Jennie Dean," Deputy Superintendent Craig Gfeller said at the School Board's Feb. 25 meeting. "... I want to thank our partner, the Manassas Museum, who has been a real partner to us in gathering artifacts to be able to authentically honor the legacy of Jennie Dean."
As of January, construction began on the new school site with safety barriers and signage being installed. Due to inclement weather, the construction crew had to work around cold temperatures and wet conditions, the progress report stated.
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
The Town of Haymarket’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) budget has sparked a mix of concern and debate among residents following its presentation to the Town Council on Monday, March 3. While the budget aims to balance financial stability with needed investments in public safety, infrastructure, and economic development, some residents question whether it does enough to address the town’s most pressing issues.
Residents Demand Transparency on Tax Rates
During the public hearing, several residents voiced concerns over rising property assessments and their impact on their tax bills. Bob Weir, a former Town Council member and current Prince William County Gainesville Distirct Supervisor, did not mince words when addressing the council.
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
Built to replace a decades-old diamond interchange, the DDI has allowed for smoother traffic flow, reduced conflict points, and increased safety, according to Kelly Hannon, spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Fredericksburg District.
Traffic Growth & Shifting Patterns
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will address two key issues at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 5 p.m.: unveiling the County Administrator’s proposed FY2026 budget and the first official step toward the development of Musselman Park.
First Look at the County Administrator’s Proposed FY2026 Budget
One key item on the agenda is the presentation of the County Administrator’s proposed FY2026 operating budget. This proposal will outline funding priorities for county services, infrastructure, public safety, and education.
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
Residents and business owners in Manassas Park who have overdue taxes and other unpaid city bills may soon see their names displayed publicly. City officials plan to implement a new initiative to post the names of delinquent account holders on the city's website and an electronic message board at City Hall.
The policy, which is permitted under Code of Virginia §58.1-3924, is part of an effort by the Manassas Park Treasurer’s Office to increase collection rates for past-due payments.
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
Manassas City Council members praised the Manassas City Police Department (MCPD) at its recent meeting for its resilience from leadership changes and efforts to reduce crime.
The body's Feb. 24 meeting featured an MCPD annual report on 2024. The former interim police chief, Trey Lawler, gave the presentation alongside Doug Keen, the former interim city manager who stepped down from his position as MCPD chief to fill the role in November 2023.
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
The Occoquan Town Council has directed town staff to research the feasibility of a business recruitment program. The goal is to explore ways to attract new businesses and strengthen the town’s economic landscape.
During the February 18, 2025, Town Council meeting, council members debated the potential benefits and challenges of establishing a structured business recruitment initiative. While previous discussions had stalled due to limited staffing and financial constraints, council members agreed to proceed with a formal evaluation.
