A new roundabout was opened to the public on June 27 on Grant Avenue in Manassas as part of ongoing construction and streetscape improvements by the city.

In addition to the roundabout, according to a report released by the city, new medians were constructed from the intersection of Grant Avenue to Taney Road and retaining walls were built between Prince William and Liberty streets, but are not complete.

The city also published an information video on Facebook for residents on how to use a roundabout as a motorist, cyclist or pedestrian.

There is still upcoming work along Grant Avenue to be completed, including street improvements along the northbound lanes between Taney Road and Prince William Street. The city is installing storm sewer pipes, drainage structures, curbs, and sidewalks along the northbound lanes as well. Along Prince William Street, new medians are being constructed.

These improvements are part of a $12 million plan approved in 2017 to improve streetscapes from Grant Avenue to Lee Avenue and Wellington Road. It’s also a part of planned enhancements envisioned in the 2008 Old Town Sector Plan, the city’s website states. The final concept also includes lane reductions between Prince William Street and Wellington Road to create a multi-modal boulevard.

This project has caused strife with property owners along Grant Avenue who will be affected by this road diet; the city had to resolve issues with seven properties as of July 2022 and the other 66 agreed to amend their property lines.

The Prince William County Police Department is partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the United States Coast Guard over the July Fourth weekend to combat boating under the influence.

According to a press release, the county will actively participate in Operation Dry Water, a year-round campaign focused on awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Since the upcoming Fourth of July has a heightened public presence on the water, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices.

Operation Dry Water has been running since 2009 and was started by the NASBLA to draw attention to the dangers of boating under the influence. In 2022, there were 636 boating fatalities, and alcohol was the leading known contributing factor in those accidents; it accounted for 16% of total fatalities, according to a U.S. Coast Guard report.

This period of heightened awareness and enforcement will take place from July 4 to July 6, 2024. During this time, boaters will see an increase in officers patrolling the water and at recreational boating checkpoints.

Hundreds of agencies across the U.S. are participating, including the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Prince William is one of the only localities in the state that is participating.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released a statement on May 16 confirming that two Jordanian nationals were turned over to ICE custody. However, ICE did not respond to the request to confirm whether one or both men were on the Terrorism Watch list or address the contents of the box truck.

Captain James Covington, ICE spokesman, confirmed: “On May 3, 2024, Marine Corps Base Quantico’s Criminal Investigations Division arrested two Jordanian noncitizens for trespassing.  Marine Corps Base authorities notified the ICE Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Washington, D.C., of the apprehensions.  Deportation officers from ERO Washington, D.C.’s Criminal Apprehension Program responded and arrested both individuals without incident.  Both individuals will remain in ERO custody pending removal proceedings.” 

On May 15, an anonymous listener of WMAL’s “The Vince Coglianese Show” sent Vince Coglianese a photograph reportedly showing the box truck stopped at the Fuller Gate at Quantico. In an unrelated press conference on May 16, ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner responded to a question from Fox News’s Steve Doocy to confirm the incident and verified two Jordanian nationals were detained. 

It has been 14 days since two Jordanian nationals attempted to access Quantico, claiming to be subcontractors delivering for Amazon. After being pulled aside by gate security, they attempted to accelerate and pass the guards; a vehicle barrier was deployed, which stopped the truck. 

Multiple sources have stated at least one individual had recently crossed the border and entered the U.S.. At least one is reportedly on the FBI’s Terrorism Watch List. Both Quantico and ICE have not acknowledged requests to confirm this information. 

This incident follows a recent spate of unauthorized access attempts at bases nationwide. Two days after Quantico, an unknown individual crashed into the gates at the White House. The driver perished in the crash, and no additional information has been released. In late April, a vehicle attempted to access  Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach. The driver perished in the crash, and no additional information has been released. In late March, a Chinese National attempted to gain access to Twentynine Palms, but was detained and transferred to ICE.

Jon Myers, a retired Marine intelligence officer with over 28 years of experience and former Joint Chiefs senior intelligence officer, advised in an interview that incidents such as these illustrate the border crisis is not an immigration issue but rather a national security issue. Myers, who is running for Congress in Virginia’s 7th District, described these incidents as “an indicator of a much, much larger problem.” 

The Homeland Security Committee meeting on May 16, 2024, contained testimony from witnesses who said over 100 incidents of Chinese nationals attempting to access the U.S. Bases have occurred in recent years. 

Potomac Local News will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. This story has been picked up by several national publications, including the NY Post, Blaze Media, and Fox News.

Northern Virginia Community College: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) will proudly host its 58th commencement ceremony to celebrate the remarkable dedication and achievements of this year’s graduating Nighthawks as they fulfill their dreams of higher education.

• When: 1 p.m., Sunday, May 12.
• Where: George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena (4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax).
• Commencement Speaker: JR Bontrager, director of technology at 3D Herndon.

JR Bontrager is an inspiring example of resilience and determination. At 46, he recently returned to NOVA, where he is studying engineering while also working full time as director of technology at 3D Herndon. As this year’s commencement speaker, JR is eager to share his personal journey, hoping to inspire others to take advantage of NOVA at any age or stage in their careers. Access to continuous education, he argues, is especially crucial in today’s dynamic and ever-evolving workplace.

An artist by nature, JR has a gift for designing and crafting creative solutions. At 3D Herndon, he specializes in 3D design, printing and scanning. The company is known for its innovative projects, including:

• Adaptive prosthetics for medical use.
• Renderings of ancient bones in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution.
• Other cutting-edge product designs for a range of clients.

Beyond his work, JR is an advocate for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), a cause close to his heart due to his own battle with the condition. He loves leveraging his engineering expertise and passion for technology to improve the lives of others.

NOVA’s Commencement Ceremony:

• Will be live streamed Livestream | Northern Virginia Community College (nvcc.edu).
• Will be recorded and closed-captioned for viewing purposes.
• Will be made available on the NOVA website.

For answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Spring 2024 Commencement page.

Stafford County: On April 24, 2024, the Stafford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) held its annual Business Appreciation Reception at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The event brought together over 200 local business professionals and leaders to celebrate Stafford’s business community.

During the reception, three Stafford businesses were recognized for their exceptional contributions:

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"7News On Your Side has obtained an email revealing Prince William County Public Schools removed a speech-language pathologist from their list of evaluators because he "sides with the parents.", reports ABC7 News.

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City of Fredericksburg Office of Voter Registration & Elections: Construction work to build the new Visitor Center on the 1st floor of Executive Plaza is underway.

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 The Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board (R-Board) and Aquia Harbour Host Lions Club's Electronics Recycling Program was recognized as a silver medal winner for the 2024 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards.

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If you work at a school or a non-profit organization, you can now post your events to our Community Calendar for free.

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The addition of the events calendar marks a return of the popular feature to Potomac Local News. The events calendar is part of a host of new site improvements that we’ve made since Thanksgiving 2021.

• Since then, we’ve added a cleaner homepage designed for more content discovery.
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