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[Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels]
The Father & Daughter Dance is returning on Feb. 8!

A part of Prince William County’s Fatherhood Initiative, the free Father & Daughter Dance is a signature event of the initiative. It’s hosted by the Department of Social Services.

“The Fatherhood Initiative is dedicated to equipping fathers with the resources and support they need to nurture healthy relationships with their children. Through workshops, forums, and community events, we aim to help fathers strengthen family bonds and leave a positive, lasting impact on their children’s lives,” Fatherhood Engagement Coordinator Jeffery Faulkerson said.

The Fatherhood Initiative was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has been relaunched to focus on building healthier home environments, a county press release stated.

The dance is free and open to the public on Feb. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at 15941 Donald Curtis Drive in Woodbridge. Those interested in attending can reserve a spot on the dance’s Eventbrite page.

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Les Cline. [Photo courtesy of Prince William County Schools]
Les Cline, a gym teacher within Prince William County Schools (PWCS), was awarded the $1,000 Extra Yard for Teachers grant from the Military Bowl and Wegmans Food Markets.

Cline has 22 years of military service both in the National Guard and Navy. In the Navy, he spent most of his time assisting in clinical settings or providing medical help in the field. Following his service, Cline returned to education at Leesylvania Elementary, where he's been teaching for almost 20 years.

In a PWCS release, Cline said he'll be using the money to purchase new games for his students. He also said he loves watching his students develop skills and gain confidence.

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[Tim Mossholder via Pexels]
According to a small business report from Prince William County’s Department of Development Services, 24 small businesses opened in November 2024. This marks 339 total small businesses opening in the county since January 2024.

Here are the businesses that opened their doors in November:

Gainesville

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[Photo courtesy of Prince William County Schools]
Prince William County Schools (PWCS) received a $75,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to support computer science classes in the district.

PWCS has an initiative in place, called "Inspiring Future Innovators: Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Talent," which aims to foster more interest and engagement in careers related to computer science.

VDOE provided funding to several districts throughout the state that also have computer science initiatives in place. These districts include Clarke County Public Schools, Winchester Public Schools and Virginia Beach City Public Schools, among others.

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A photo of Tillman’s flatbed tow truck from a Facebook page associated with his business. (Facebook)

Tillman

A Prince William County resident, Bethany Selvage, has her car back nearly two months after an unlicensed tow operator stole it, according to police. On January 2, 2025, Manassas City Police located Selvage’s 2018 Nissan Sentra.

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Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson delivered her annual State of the County address during the board's organizational meeting on January 14, 2025. Jefferson reflected on the board's achievements in 2024 and outlined priorities for the coming year, emphasizing collaboration, financial stewardship, and community investment.

Achievements in 2024

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Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega (center)[Yesli Vega/Facebook]
The future of the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project has come under scrutiny once again, as Supervisor Yesli Vega expressed a lack of confidence in its viability during a December 2024 Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting. Vega directed county staff to draft a resolution for the board to formally consider canceling and closing out the county’s involvement in the project, expected to cost more than $300 million — a massive amount for a local road project.

“The Route 28 Bypass Project is a major regional transportation project administered by Prince William County. While I acknowledge and appreciate all the planning, design, engineering, and community engagement that has occurred across multiple jurisdictions, I no longer have confidence the project is viable or maintains the necessary support to move forward,” Vega stated.

The proposed resolution, presented at an upcoming board meeting, aims to allow the board to deliberate openly and determine the next steps for the controversial project.

The Route 28 Bypass Project was conceived to address severe traffic congestion along the Route 28 corridor, which would Prince William County to Fairfax County, via a four-mile extension of Godwin Drive. The project would affect about 70 homes along Flat Branch Creek, which aims to link Godwin’s terminus, Sudley Road (Route 234 business), near the UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, to Route 28 in Fairfax County. The project has been in the design and engineering phases for at least four years, with substantial investments in planning and community outreach.

The project was included in a county bond referendum approved by voters, which adds another layer of complexity to discussions about its potential cancellation.

Concerns and Uncertainty

Vega’s comments reflect growing skepticism about the feasibility and community support for the bypass. She highlighted the conflicting information circulating about the project and called for greater clarity.

“There are a lot of conversations going on, a lot of he-said-she-said, and I know there are outside groups who have been pushing for this project for years,” said Vega, who represents homeowners that would be affected by the new roadway. “I definitely think that having an open and transparent discussion is critical.”

Other supervisors echoed the need for clarity and public engagement. Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry noted that stakeholders, including Manassas and Manassas Park cities, are also partners in the project. Supervisor Kenny Boddye emphasized the importance of a public discussion, given that voters initially approved the project through a bond referendum.

“This project needs transparency and input from everyone involved. The community deserves an open discussion about whether we move forward or close it out,” Boddye said.

County staff, led by Director of Transportation Rick Canizales, will prepare the resolution and provide additional information about the project’s current status. Supervisors have requested input from all stakeholders, including neighboring jurisdictions and regional partners.

Discussions will also address past collaboration between jurisdictions. Vega and other supervisors questioned whether an executive committee previously tasked with overseeing the project had been active in recent years, potentially contributing to the lack of coordination.

Canceling the Route 28 Bypass Project would likely have significant implications for traffic management and development in Prince William County. Supporters argue that the bypass is essential to alleviating congestion and improving connectivity. Opponents, however, have raised concerns about environmental impacts, community displacement, and the project’s overall cost.

The board’s upcoming discussion on the resolution will serve as a critical juncture for the project, offering supervisors and the public an opportunity to weigh its future.

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[Graphic courtesy of the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.]
This Saturday, the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC-DST) will host its 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Competition, and many local students are participating.

Middle and high school students throughout the Prince William County area, including the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, will display their oratorical skills. According to a press release from the organization, this year’s six regional competitors must center their speeches on “Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy: My Voice, My Choice, My Future.”

According to a Prince William County Schools press release, six students were selected to present at the event.

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[Graphic courtesy of Prince William County Schools]
Correction: An earlier version of this article stated Daryl Price was a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School. Price was a 2024 graduate and is now attending MICA College. 

Daryl Price, a 2024 graduate of Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School in Manassas, now has his artwork on display in an international exhibition.

Price submitted his Advanced Placement (AP) art studio portfolio to the College Board in 2024, and was one of 50 students selected out of 80,000 to have their artwork displayed on the international stage.

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