The Haymarket Police Department has launched a new initiative to collect and analyze traffic volume data to enhance road safety and improve traffic management in town.
During the Haymarket Town Council meeting on February 3, 2025, Police Chief Allen Sibert shared findings from a speed sign installed on the eastbound lane of Washington Street, the town’s main thoroughfare. The data collected over the past six months revealed that the highest volume of traffic occurs during lunchtime hours, surpassing even the traditional rush hour periods.
"This data is invaluable as it allows us to better understand traffic patterns and adjust enforcement efforts accordingly," said Chief Sibert. "We want to ensure our roads remain safe and that we are using our resources where they are most needed."
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Correction: This new data center is near Unity Reed High School, near Manassas. An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported Patriot High School.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.
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A waitress at Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge.
Updated 10:30 p.m. – Local restaurant owners are voicing strong opposition to Prince William County’s meals tax, which is set to generate $42 million in Fiscal Year 2025—an increase of $10 million, or 31.25%, from the previous year.
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson has signaled the meals tax will be discussed during the annual budget process this spring. "It would like to see a partial repeal of the meals tax, but it truly depends on our proposed budget for the next fiscal year," Jefferson told Potomac Local News.
The meals tax, enacted in 2022, has been a consistent contention among business owners, who argue it places additional strain on their already tight profit margins. Inflation, staffing shortages, and rising costs for food, rent, and utilities have made operating a restaurant more expensive, and many owners believe the meals tax exacerbates these challenges.
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A new gym is set to open in Dumfries, bringing 24/7 fitness access to the community. Workout Anytime will celebrate its grand opening on February 13 at 18069 Triangle Shopping Plaza (Suite C&D), offering state-of-the-art equipment, personalized training, and a commitment to fostering a healthier lifestyle.
At the helm of the new gym is Gary Wortham Jr., a former James Madison University football player and recruiter, taking on the general manager role. Wortham, a longtime Dumfries resident, is excited to bring his passion for fitness and community building to this new venture.
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Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
The Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause to be a faulty flue in the home’s fireplace. Officials are reminding residents to schedule annual inspections and cleanings of fireplaces and chimneys by trained professionals to prevent similar incidents.
“Routine maintenance can help prevent chimney fires or failures,” the Fire Marshal’s Office stated in a press release. “Ideally, homeowners should complete inspections before the heating season begins.”
The Haymarket Town Council approved a budget amendment on February 3, 2025, increasing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget by $111,749 to fund the demolition of the former Haymarket Food Pantry building at Haymarket Community Park. The funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the council says was designated for infrastructure improvements.
The decision has sparked debate among council members and residents, with some questioning the public benefit of demolishing the building instead of repurposing it. During the public hearing, resident Marchant Schneider raised concerns over long-term financial impacts, particularly regarding the cost of future public restrooms at the park.
Schneider argued that tearing down the building might lead to higher costs due to removing utility lines, new tap fees, and increased construction expenses for new restrooms. He suggested that instead of demolition, the town should consider repurposing the building for public restrooms, a maintenance workspace for town staff, or an auxiliary office or storage space.
Schneider also questioned whether the demolition was a “sunk cost fallacy,” where the town continues spending money on a project despite rising costs outweighing the benefits.
Town officials defended the decision, stating that ARPA funds were designated for infrastructure projects and that future park improvements, including new restrooms, would be funded using proffer dollars rather than tax increases.
Town Treasurer Roberto Gonzalez emphasized that over $400,000 in proffer funds will be allocated in the next budget cycle to fund park renovations, including public facilities.
Vice Mayor Justin Gallagher acknowledged residents’ concerns but assured them the council had spent years evaluating the best course of action. He said that no matter how the issue is approached, funding will be required for new bathrooms and other park amenities and that the council had vetted the decision over the past four years.
Town officials confirmed that demolition will proceed under a temporary demo classification, which avoids additional costs that could have resulted from a permanent demolition designation.
By securing a temporary demo permit, the town will not have to cut and cap the water main under the new sidewalk, an issue that was previously expected to add to the project’s cost.
The demolition will begin this week, with contractors on site to cap water lines and install fencing before removing the structure.
The Haymarket Food Pantry relocated to Gainesville in 2020 due to increased demand for food assistance. Their new location is 7669 Limestone Drive, Suite 105, Gainesville.
The pantry continues serving Prince William County and surrounding areas, providing food assistance to families in need. Residents looking for support or donation opportunities can visit their website at haymarketfoodpantry.org.
Osbourn Park High School has received the Virginia School Breakfast Award from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for its success in expanding breakfast access, maintaining nutritional integrity, and serving more scratch-cooked meals. The school is one of three recipients this year.
Cafeteria manager Nidia Bruno expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the team’s dedication to feeding students. Andrea Early, director of Food and Nutrition, noted that breakfast participation at Osbourn Park has increased by 30% and praised the cafeteria team for efficiently managing the expanded program. The school benefits from the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students.
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Nothing Bundt Cakes has opened its doors just outside Manassas, bringing its signature, handcrafted bundt cakes to the community. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce celebrated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new bakery at 9825 Liberia Avenue, Suite 101.
The popular national bakery chain, known for its rich, moist cakes and signature cream cheese frosting, offers a variety of flavors and sizes, from bite-sized Bundtinis to 10-inch Bundt cakes perfect for special occasions. The store aims to be a go-to destination for birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday celebrations.
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Maryland Man Convicted of Supplying Drugs to Fredericksburg Trafficker
Sean Shaka Myles Sr., 50, of Baltimore, was convicted for conspiring to distribute cocaine and fentanyl to a Fredericksburg trafficker. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. (Full details)
Stafford Man Convicted for Assaulting Passenger During Flight
Everett Chad Nelson, 44, was found guilty of attacking a sleeping, deaf passenger on a flight to Dulles Airport, causing severe injuries. He faces up to 10 years in prison. (Full details)
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry & Failing to Register as a Sex Offender
Eliseo Garcia Gordillo, 43, previously convicted of sexual battery in Prince William County, was sentenced to two years in prison for reentering the U.S. and failing to register as a sex offender. (Full details)
Dumfries Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud
Kingsley Apenteng, 40, admitted to falsifying documents to obtain a $149,740 PPP loan, which was later forgiven. He faces up to 20 years in prison. (Full details)
