The Interstate 95 and Interstate 395 Express Lanes will be operating under a modified reversal schedule for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Reversal Schedule:
Thursday, November 21:
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Press Release:
Stafford offices, departments, facilities, and all courts will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Wednesday, November 27, through Friday, November 29, 2024.
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The hustle and bustle of the holiday season are upon us. I'm surprised at how fast it creeps up on us every year.
This Thanksgiving, as we do each year, will take a break for a holiday and reflect on the many blessings in our lives.
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Prince William police: “We remember fallen #PWCPD Ofc. Mike Pennington. On #ThanksgivingDay, November 22, 1990, he lost his life while attempting to serve a search warrant related to the shooting of a law-enforcement officer. Mike selflessly went into danger to protect & serve. We will #NeverForget him.”
Officer Down Memorial Page: “Police Officer Philip Pennington was shot and killed on Thanksgiving Day after he and other officers responded to the home of a man who had ambushed and shot an Arlington County sheriff’s deputy the previous day.”
“He and his fellow SWAT officers were called to the home in the 14700 block of Dodson Drive, in Dale City, where the suspect had fled after shooting the deputy. When the team entered the home they were confronted by the man holding a pistol. Officer Pennington tried to talk the suspect into putting down the pistol but the man retreated into another portion of the house, grabbed a rifle, and opened fire. Officer Pennington was struck once in the head, with the bullet penetrating his helmet.”
“The subject was shot and killed by other members of the SWAT team.”
“Officer Pennington had been shot and wounded in an unrelated drug raid 11 months earlier. Officer Pennington had served with the Prince William County Police Department for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and son.”
“Five years after the shooting, his wife was sworn in as a Prince William County police officer. Philip Michael Pennington Elementary School in Manassas is named for the fallen officer.”
Department of Motor Vehicles: “All Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) full-service customer service centers will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Thursday, November 23 through Saturday, November 25, and will reopen on Monday, November 27.”
“During the closure, customers can still access more than 50 services available on our newly revamped website. As Thanksgiving travel ramps up, DMV reminds Virginians to buckle up to stay safe and arrive alive.”
“Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday, 10 people who were unbuckled died in crashes. DMV urges drivers to make sure you and your passengers are buckled up. Visit our website for more information on seat belt safety.”
Prince William County fire and rescue: “The winter holiday season has arrived and families, nationwide, will begin preparations in celebration of the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. During this season, the Prince William County Fire & Rescue System would like to remind families that the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries are cooking fires.”
“These types of fires peak on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), many home cooking fires involve the stovetop/cooktop with unattended cooking as the common cause of these fires.” Read More
Virginia State Police: “Virginia’s highways and roads are likely to be crowded this holiday season, as people head out for parties, family trips, and visits with family and friends. While time is precious, rushing to get to your destination may end up meaning not getting there at all. Virginia State Police urge motorists to take a moment, assess the conditions, and give other drivers the correct time and space so that everyone arrives safely at their destination.”
“In 2022, there were 24,633 crashes caused by drivers following another vehicle too closely, 11% of all crashes that occurred on Virginia roadways. Last year, seven people died in Virginia traffic crashes resulting from vehicles following too closely.”
“The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles recommends using what is known as the ‘two, three, and four-second rule’ to guide whether you are following behind another vehicle too closely. If you are driving 35 MPH or less, allow two seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you are driving 35 to 45 MPH, allow three seconds between vehicles. Four seconds should be allowed between vehicles for speeds above 45 MPH. These times are for dry surfaces. “
“Drivers driving in wet conditions, drowsy conditions or behind a motorcycle or bicycle should add additional time.”
The Center Square: “National data indicates that Thanksgiving prices are down slightly from last year, but more local Virginia data shows a dramatic rise consistent with inflation in Thanksgiving costs since 2022.”
“The national average for a Thanksgiving meal for 10 in 2023 is $61.17, down from a record high of $64.05 in 2022, according to an annual survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation.”
Prince William County Government: “PWC government offices, including courts and Prince William Public Libraries, will be closed Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 in observance of Thanksgiving. The PWC Landfill and the Balls Ford Road Composting Facility will be closed Nov. 23 only. For library closures: https://www.pwcva.gov/department/library/branch-locations-hours“