“As passed, the budget doesn’t just remove Youngkin’s income tax rate reductions while keeping an expanded sales tax on certain digital transactions, it ups the ante. Their budget expands the sales tax to include business-to-business transactions which are typically untaxed because taxing them only results in “pyramiding” — piling on costs at every stage of completing the final consumer product, with those costs passed on to consumers,” writes Chris Braunlich at The Jefferson Journal.

Henrico County police modified its response to specific service calls and how they are dispatched.

“In the past, our patrol officers have routinely been put in positions or responded to calls for service where they have no legal authority. At times, this has prevented our officers from responding to other priority calls in a timely and efficient manner while also leading to a lack of units available to respond to any given call,” said Henrico Police Chief Eric English in a YouTube video.

Call types where you will see changes include:

• Animal calls (all animal calls placed overnight will be handled the next morning)
• Loud parties or noise complaints (only calls that appear to be violating the county’s noise ordinance will be dispatched)
• Medical emergencies (only if police are needed)
• Service calls (calls about people standing in a street median or homeless people who “appear to be OK”).
• Shoplifting (past-occurred crimes or reports with no evidence to support the allegation)
• Abandoned vehicles
• Marijuana use (calls for marijuana use inside someone’s home)
• Juvenile problems (not crime-related, such as calling a police officer to scold a child)
• Panhandling

The changes have come as police departments across the U.S. have struggled to fill vacant police officer positions since 2020. We asked police agencies in our area if they anticipate making similar changes.

“We offer residents an online or telephone option to file a report, which we can refer people to if needed,” said Prince William police 1st Sgt. Jonathan Perok. The agency patrols Virginia’s second-largest county. He declined to comment on Henrico County’s new policy.

“Rest assured, we do not anticipate changing how we respond to calls anytime soon,” added Fredericksburg Police spokeswoman Sarah Morris. The agency services the independent city of nearly 28,000 people between Stafford and Spotsylvania counties.

• Kennesaw State University: Paige Durst of Woodbridge has been honored for academic achievement, making the Fall 2023 Dean’s List.
• Coastal Carolina University: A notable achievement, with more than 3,000 undergraduate students recognized for their excellence, including Amara Codd of Stafford, Alyssa Deguzman of Manassas, and others. Additionally, Andrew Cheripka of Woodbridge, Sofia Nowicki of Stafford, and others achieved the prestigious President’s List.
• Emerson College: Several local students have been named to the Dean’s List for their outstanding performance, including Harley Novy of Dumfries, Yuxin Tao of Shanghai, Ezekiel Manry of Stafford, and Daniel Golub of Gainesville.

Community Involvement

• Andrew Luisa’s Volunteerism: Andrew Luisa of Woodbridge participated in the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine event, emphasizing community engagement and support for individuals with special needs.

Academic Honors and Achievements

• Phi Kappa Phi Inductees:** Emily Houtz of Stafford at Brigham Young University and Vincent Smith of Woodbridge at East Carolina University were recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, recognizing their academic excellence.
• Shenandoah University Field Hockey:** The university’s field hockey program received accolades for academic excellence, with 22 student-athletes, including Claudia Lenahan of Bristow and Elizabeth Ranberger of Stafford, named to the NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad.
• University of Maryland Global Campus:** Over 11,900 students from the area were named to the Dean’s List, including Osei Damte-Dapaah of Stafford and Joshua Baptist of Woodbridge.

Dean’s List Acknowledgements

Assumption University: Vincent Bosire of Woodbridge, Class of 2026, achieved Dean’s List recognition for the fall 2023 semester.

Tufts University: Sophie Novitsky, Class of 2025, from Woodbridge, earned a spot on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester.

These achievements highlight local students’ dedication and hard work in pursuing academic excellence. Potomac Local congratulates these high achievers. Send us your local news

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Joseph Lombardi, a resident of Dumfries, has been recognized for his outstanding academic achievement. Lombardi made the Dean’s List in the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business and Technology at Georgia College & State University.

University of Delaware Recognizes Local Achievers

Several local students have been named to the University of Delaware Fall 2023 Dean’s List. Among them are:

• Andrew Bean of Manassas
• Emily Buckley of Gainesville
• Evan Martin of Bristow
• Maya Vydareny of Woodbridge

McDaniel College Student Explores Greece

Jacqueline Kuzma, a senior Mathematics major from Stafford attending McDaniel College, had the opportunity to participate in a study tour to Greece during Jan Term, enriching her academic experience.

Claude Moore Charitable Foundation Grants Over $2.5 Million

The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation recently distributed $2,553,570 in grants to nonprofit organizations primarily serving Loudoun County. These grants aim to support under-resourced populations and individuals living with disabilities, as well as fund nursing scholarships, literacy, and youth leadership programs.

The 2024 grants were initiated by invitation from The Foundation and include support for various organizations such as A Place to Be, Loudoun Literacy Council, Loudoun Youth, Inc., and many more.

Academic Achievements from Various Institutions

• SUNY Cortland: Over 2,800 students earned recognition for academic excellence.
• WPI: 2,299 undergraduate students achieved Dean’s List status, including James Kuhn, Keira Schoolcraft, and Tristin Youtz from Woodbridge.
• University of Hartford: Campbell Pagel of Dumfries was named to the President’s and Dean’s List.
• Shenandoah University: Alexandra Reid of Manassas was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society.
• Emerson College: Harley Novy from Dumfries participated in a comedic production at Emerson Stage.
• Georgia Institute of Technology: Several local students graduated and earned academic honors, including Joshua Boisvert who made the Dean’s List.

Dean’s List and Academic Achievements at Various Universities

• Eastern Mennonite University: Tatiana Ayala and Hailey Smith of Stafford were named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s List.
• The University of Tampa: Ryan Kindel of Gainesville earned dean’s list honors.
• York College of Pennsylvania: Several local students were recognized for academic achievement.
• Albion College: Ellen Chown of Stafford made the Dean’s List.
• Muhlenberg College: Shelby Mejia of Manassas achieved Dean’s List status.
• Frostburg State University: Jessica Howie of Manassas received a Bachelor of Science degree.
• Augustana College: Abigail Tegtmeyer of Manassas was named to the fall semester Dean’s List.
• Hollins University: Several local students earned Dean’s List honors for the fall 2023 semester.

These achievements highlight local students’ dedication and hard work in pursuing academic excellence. Potomac Local congratulates these high achievers. Send us your local news

If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!

• Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
• Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.

“As a growing number of major data center projects are delayed or derailed by opposition from local residents and elected officials, developers are realizing they need to play politics, and they are beginning to pour more resources into efforts to win hearts and minds,” reports Dan Rabb at BisNow.

The Civil Air Patrol’s Virginia Wing has introduced its latest addition to the fleet, a Cessna C172S, showcasing the organization’s commitment to serving the residents of Virginia. This aircraft, equipped with advanced avionics, is set to play a crucial role in a variety of missions conducted by the Civil Air Patrol.

The recently acquired Cessna C172S is renowned as one of the most reliable aircraft types ever produced. With a high wing design and a Garmin G1000 “glass cockpit,” this aircraft offers modern multi-function displays and advanced avionics. The cost associated with the acquisition was not disclosed, but it aligns with the organization’s dedication to maintaining a robust fleet for various missions.

Trusted pilots are at the helm of Civil Air Patrol aircraft, ready to respond to diverse missions, including emergency services operations and orientation rides for young adults, Cadet Lt. Col. Samuel Ten told Potomac Local News. To qualify as a pilot, individuals must hold a Private Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. Subsequently, they undergo an initial pilot evaluation administered by Civil Air Patrol, ensuring they meet the necessary standards. Additional qualifications are required for specific mission types, emphasizing the commitment to safety and proficiency, said Ten.

The Cessna C172S is a versatile asset for the community, benefiting Civil Air Patrol cadets, youth from organizations like Junior ROTC, and the community at large. The organization engages in various missions, from responding to missing persons/aircraft assignments to aerial surveys for agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and medical transportation for vital supplies like blood, tissue, and organs. The aircraft’s utilization in aerial surveys during the heavy snowfall of 2022 exemplifies its role in supporting emergency response efforts, said Ten.

Civil Air Patrol welcomes individuals with diverse interests and backgrounds. Whether you’re passionate about photography, have professional expertise as an educator, or want to try something new, there’s a place for you in the organization.

Comprising volunteers dedicated to serving communities, saving lives, and shaping futures, the Civil Air Patrol encourages those interested in joining to visit their local unit.

The Civil Air Patrol operates two regional organizations: The Prince William Composite Squadron in Manassas and the Fredericksburg Composite Squadron.

Yesli Vega will not seek the Republican nomination for the 7th District Congressional race.

Vega was the party nominee in 2022 for the seat now held by Abigail Spanberger. She told Potomac Local News that she endorsed Hamilton at the Prince William County Republican Committee meeting.

Vega began a second term on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors this month.

It’s the latest in a series of endorsements for Hamilton, including the backing of Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

Hamilton is married, a father of three, a Navy SEAL combat veteran, and a former Homeland Security division director with a military and public service background.

During his military career, he served in SEAL Team Eight and completed four overseas deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Following an honorable discharge after 10 years, Cameron worked at the U.S. Department of State, supporting crisis response teams and the Bureau of Counterterrorism. His responsibilities included protecting congressional delegations and Ambassadors at U.S. Embassies and Diplomatic Missions. Later, he joined the Department of Homeland Security as the Director of the Emergency Medical Services Division, overseeing EMTs, First Responders, and Operational Medical Programs.

With a bachelor’s degree in health science, Cameron has extensive international experience, serving in over 35 countries under four different Presidential administrations. He and his family live in Orange, Virginia.

Virginia’s 7th Congressional District includes all or part of 10 counties, including Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, King George, Orange, Madison, Greene, and Albermarle. It also includes Fredericksburg.

It’s an open seat this year after incumbent Democrat Abigail Spanberger announced she would not seek reelection and instead will run in 2025 to become Virginia’s next governor at the end of Glenn Youngkin’s term (Virginia is the only state in the union that does not permit incumbent governors from serving consecutive terms).

Spanberger, who worked as a federal law enforcement officer and a CIA officer before entering politics, was first elected to the 7th District seat in 2018.

In her 2022 matchup with Vega, Spanberger won 53% of the vote. Vega won eight of the 10 counties in the district, including Stafford and Spotsylvania. But she lost Prince William County, the most populated county in the district. Prince William voters are credited with giving Spanberger the win.

Hamilton is one of eight Republicans vying for the seat.

Eight Democrats- Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman, Margaret Franklin, Brianna Sewell, and Elizabeth Guzman, from Prince William County, and Clifford Heinzer, of Stafford County- also seek the seat.

Virginia’s Presidential Primary is on March 5, 2024. Early voting by mail and in-person is now underway. You can find your polling place here.

“Multiple Democrat-sponsored pieces of gun legislation aimed at strengthening firearm laws advanced in Virginia’s House of Delegates this week,” reports Morgan Sweeney at The Center Square. “A bill to watch this legislative session sponsored by Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, House bill 2 creates a class 1 misdemeanor for any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases, possesses, transports or transfers an assault firearm and prohibits anyone convicted of such violation from purchasing, possessing or transporting a firearm for three years from the date of conviction.”