As the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) heads into 2025, its proposed budget reflects its challenges and opportunities in a post-COVID world. The budget discussed at the October 18, 2024, Operations Board meeting outlines plans to support ridership recovery, maintain reliable service, and position VRE for future growth as a regional rail provider.
VRE, like many public transit systems, saw a significant decline in ridership during the pandemic. However, the 2025 budget aims to address passengers' slow but steady recovery by investing in enhanced service offerings and critical infrastructure projects. These efforts are intended to transform VRE from a commuter-focused system to a broader regional transportation network.
On October 16, officers found two adults and two girls in a vehicle in Woodbridge, where suspected illegal drugs were accessible to the children. The adults were arrested and charged with child neglect and drug possession, while the children were treated at a hospital but were not injured.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Felony Child Neglect – On October 16 at 7:21PM, officers were in the 14300 block of Jeffries Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) when an occupied vehicle was located in the parking lot. Officers found the two accused and two girls, ages 7 and 9, in the vehicle with suspected illegal drugs within reach of the children. The children were treated at an area hospital for possible exposure to the drugs. The children were not injured. Following the investigation, the two accused, identified as Andrea Louise DELANEY and Joshua Alexander SCHULDT, were arrested.
Arrested on October 16:
Delaney, A. L.
Andrea Louise DELANEY, 29, of no fixed address
Charged with 2 counts of felony child neglect and 1 count of possession of schedule I/II drugs
Court Date: Pending | Bond: $4,000 Secured
A suspect was charged for a stabbing incident that occurred on September 9 in Woodbridge. The suspect faces charges of aggravated malicious wounding after a physical altercation with a man.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Aggravated Malicious Wounding *ARREST – On October 15, the suspect, identified as Makahyla Lynn MUTZ, who was sought in connection to the stabbing that was reported to have occurred in 14500 block of Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) on September 9, was arrested.
Mutz, M. L.
Arrested on October 15:
Makahyla Lynn MUTZ, 25, of no fixed address
Charged with aggravated malicious wounding
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Aggravated Malicious Wounding *SUSPECT IDENTIFIED [Previously Released] – On September 10, detectives identified the suspect believed to be involved in the stabbing that was reported to have occurred in the 14500 block of Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) on September 9. Further investigation revealed the victim and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated when the accused struck, kicked, and then stabbed the victim before the parties separated. Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Makahyla Lynn MUTZ. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.
Stabbing Investigation [Previously Released] – On September 9 at 5:05AM, officers responded to the 14500 block of Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 34-year-old man, was involved in an altercation during which he was stabbed and struck. The victim was located by an employee of nearby business who contacted the police. The victim was treated at an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Officers and a police K-9 searched the area for the suspect(s) who were not located. No additional injuries were reported.
Police charged the driver of a 2009 Mack roll-off truck involved in a fatal crash on September 5 in Woodbridge. The crash occurred near Old Bridge Rd. and Occoquan Road, where 23-year-old Melanie Ruby Morales, operating a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle, lost control and was run over by the truck. Investigators determined that both excessive speed on the part of Morales and the truck driver’s failure to maintain his lane contributed to the accident. The truck driver, 56-year-old Kojo Essandoh of Triangle, was charged with failure to maintain lane and has been released on a court summons.
Workhouse Haunt is back for its 11th season, delivering spine-chilling thrills with a twisted take on classic fairy tales. Running every weekend from October 4 to November 2, this haunted trail through the historic Workhouse prison will transport guests into reimagined, terrifying versions of Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and more. With pre- and post-trail festivities, including food trucks, Halloween art, and DJ music, it's a must-see for thrill-seekers.
Special sensory-friendly sessions are available for families on October 20. Tickets start at $25.
IKEA at Potomac Mills Mall is reopening its Smaland kids' playground after being closed for over three years. The reopening marks IKEA Woodbridge as the first store to pilot a new format for children's play.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m. Following the ceremony, the play area will be open to the public.
Polar plungers take a dip in the Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. [Photo: Mike Beaty]From Special Olympics Virginia:
Ready to chill out for a great cause? Special Olympics Virginia’s annual Polar Plunge events are back, and it’s time to make a splash! Registration is now OPEN for the coolest, most exhilarating event series in the state. Get your swimsuit ready (and maybe some warm towels) because this year’s plunges are bigger, bolder and even more fun!
From the icy shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the frigid waters of lakes and pools statewide, thousands of brave participants will jump into freezing waters – all for the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Virginia. Whether you’re a first-time plunger or a seasoned veteran, this is your chance to be FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON!
EVENT LOCATIONS
You can plunge at multiple locations across Virginia – choose your own adventure!
Richmond – December 14, 2024: Take the plunge at Pocahontas Park! It’s an unforgettable experience right in the heart of RVA.
Northern Virginia / Mosaic District – January 25, 2025: Test your mettle at this pool-Plunge in the Mosaic District, an urban shopping center in Northern Virginia.
Cool School Challenge – February 7, 2025: Gather your classmates for this student-led Plunge in Virginia Beach. Spend a Friday at the beach in support of your school and your community!
Virginia Beach – February 8, 2025: The flagship event with the iconic oceanfront plunge, costume contests and live entertainment. It’s an all-day festival! Plus, don’t miss the 5K Run/Waddle and Pre-Plunge Party on the beach the Friday evening before (Feb. 7).
Northern Virginia / Leesylvania State Park – February 17, 2025: Go for the cold at our second Northern Virginia Plunge and make a splash in the cold river waters of the Potomac.
New River Valley – March 1, 2025: We’re diving into Blue Ridge waters at Bisset Park for a unique Plunge experience – perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
HOW TO REGISTER
Signing up is easy! Gather your team, your family or take the plunge solo – all we ask is that you bring your best attitude and a sense of adventure. Register online at www.polarplunge.com.
Registration is just the beginning – once you sign up, start fundraising to support Special Olympics Virginia’s 20,000+ athletes. Every dollar you raise helps provide year-round sports training, competition, and health and wellness programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
WHY PLUNGE?
Polar Plunge is more than just a chilly dip – it’s a heartwarming opportunity to make a difference in the lives of incredible athletes. Every plunge and every donation directly impacts the athletes of Special Olympics Virginia, empowering them to reach their full potential through the power of sports.
And did we mention the fun? There will be live music, costume contests, food trucks, incentives and more! Whether you’re plunging or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a day full of thrills and chills.
FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON – LET’S DO THIS!
So what are you waiting for? Bundle up, sign up and get ready to plunge! With events happening all across Virginia, there’s a Polar Plunge in every corner of Virginia. Register today and be part of the coolest event of the season.
For more information or to register, visit www.polarplunge.com. Freeze you there!
Manassas St. Patricks Day Parade on March 11, 2023 [Photo: Mike Beaty]Have you got an event coming up? Whether it’s a community gathering, business workshop, charity fundraiser, or festival, you can easily promote it on our Potomac Local News Events Calendar — and the best part? It’s completely FREE!
Simply submit your event through our quick and easy form to get it in front of thousands of local readers. Events posted on our calendar can also be featured in our weekly newsletters, reaching an even broader audience across Prince William County, Stafford, Manassas, and Fredericksburg.
Want even more exposure? You can upgrade to a paid promotion that guarantees your event will be highlighted in multiple news emails and showcased on our homepage for 14 days — giving your event the spotlight it deserves!
Take advantage of this great opportunity and get the community’s attention for your event today!
There have been several malicious wounding cases in Prince William. The most recent being on October 7, where a 39-year-old man was charged with malicious wounding and domestic assault after allegedly choking and slapping a 31-year-old woman during a dispute and pushing a 17-year-old girl, causing her to hit a railing.
Press Release from Prince William County Police:
Malicious Wounding (Domestic) – On October 7 at 12:01AM, officers responded to a residence located in the 4100 block of Hampstead Ln [near] Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, 31-year-old woman, and a family, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, t
Panday, R.
he accused placed his hands around the victim’s neck and slapped her in the face. At one point, the accused pushed another family member, a 17-year-old female juvenile, causing her to strike a railing. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Rameshwar PANDAY, was arrested.
Arrested on October 7:
Rameshwar PANDAY, 39, of the 4100 block of Hampstead Ln [near] Woodbridge
Charged with 1 count of malicious wounding and 2 counts of domestic assault & battery
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Before, on October 6, two men were charged following a road rage incident in Woodbridge where one driver allegedly slashed the other with a pocketknife, causing a minor laceration, while a passenger brandished a firearm during the confrontation.
Press Release from Prince William County Police:
Malicious Wounding | Brandishing a Firearm (Road-Rage) – On October 6 at 8:40AM, officers responded to the area of Vinyard Way and Occoquan Rd in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a road rage incident. The investigation revealed both drivers were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, a passenger in one of the vehicles brandished a firearm from his waistband, while one of the drivers pulled out a small pocketknife and slashed towards the other driver, causing a minor laceration to his arm. No other injuries were reported. Following the investigation, one of the drivers, identified as Harry O’Conner CHESTER, and the passenger in the other vehicle, identified as Samuel BERRUM VALENCIA, were arrested.
Chester, H. O.
Arrested on October 6:
Harry O’Conner CHESTER, 71, of 13128 Rock Ridge Ln in Woodbridge
Berrum Valencia, S.
Charged with malicious wounding
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
On October 16, officers found two adults and two girls in a vehicle in Woodbridge, where suspected illegal drugs were accessible to the children. The adults were arrested and charged with child neglect and drug possession, while the children were treated at a hospital but were not injured.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
