Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors easily approved the fiscal year 2025 budget with a few changes on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, to take effect on July 1.
Following the April 16 budget markup meeting, the supervisors unanimously approved almost everything on the docket. Notably, the board set the real estate tax rate at 92 cents per $100 assessed value. Multiple supervisors stated that this decision was made to balance the tax burden on residents with data centers.
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So far, no officials have shown the images. Benton Middle School’s principal Jerri Piacesi posted this message to social media:
We are writing to inform you that graffiti including antisemitic symbols were found on school grounds at both Benton Middle School and Coles Elementary School. We have no reason to believe our schools or students are in any danger. However, we are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment.
The graffiti has been removed, and we are working with the police department to ensure an investigation is conducted. Graffiti or vandalism of school property is a violation of the PWCS Code of Behavior, and we take this violation very seriously. This type of behavior will not be tolerated and is not consistent with our efforts to ensure our students are learning in a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment.
Prince William County Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega released a statement:
I want to express my unwavering support for our Jewish community. In Prince William County, we firmly reject any form of hatred.
We boldly denounce the antisemitic symbols and graffiti found on school property.
I support our Police Department in their investigative efforts in bringing those responsible for this, to face the full consequences of their actions.
I would like to thank staff for their rapid response in ensuring the graffiti was removed, and to Principles Piacesi and Drzewucki for their commitment to the safety of our students.
The two schools sit side by side on Hoadly Road, near Route 234.
Benton has 1,35o students, while Coles has 400 students.
The report comes as Columbia University in New York City and college campuses across the country are reeling with antisemitic protests. Classes at Columbia were held online after university leaders told students they could not guarantee the safety of Jewish students.
More as we have it.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
Manassas City Council held a public hearing on the city's budget, as residents once again are facing the prospect of paying more in taxes.
The hearing held Monday, April 22, 2024, focusing primarily on proposed tax increases, notably in real property taxes. The proposal suggests a flat tax rate of $1.26, sparking a range of reactions from residents, each echoing their unique perspectives on the matter.
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Manassas City Police Department: On April 22, 2024, at approximately 2:16 a.m., the Manassas City Police Department responded to a 911 call for shots fired in the 9100 block of Winterset Drive.
Upon arrival, officers located several shell casings at the scene. It appeared an occupied single-family residence was struck by gunfire. Officers located the residents who were unharmed.
A thorough canvas of the area was conducted for evidence and to ensure the health and safety of surrounding residents and their homes. We believe this is an isolated incident.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on this incident to please contact us at 703-257-8000. The investigation continues.
Early voting for the June Primary Elections in Stafford County begins on Friday, May 3, 2024. The election is on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
Voters wanting to vote in the Republican Primary will be voting for the US Senate and the 7th Congressional District. Voters wanting to vote in the Democratic Primary will be voting for the 7th Congressional District. You may request a mail-in ballot from the General Registrar until June 7, 2024.
The General Registrar’s Office has moved to 124 Old Potomac Church Road, Suite 205, Stafford, in the Germanna Community College Building.
All early voting will be available at 124 Old Potomac Church Road, Suite 205, Stafford. Voters will not be able to cast ballots early at the county’s government center, George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center, next to the courthouse.
Any additional information can be found online. You can also see who is on your ballot.
The Prince William County Economic Development and Tourism Department and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce are proud to co-host the upcoming Calibrate Small Business conference with the Mason Small Business Development Center.
The free, one-day conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 29 at the Verizon Auditorium. It is designed for established businesses looking to grow.
This full-day experience provides small business owners with the education and resources to adapt, formulate, and assess the strengths of their business strategies.
Calibrate will feature a panel of entrepreneurs and keynote speakers who have an array of business knowledge.
During this event, small business owners can expect to learn how to improve their digital marketing, discuss access to capital, how manage HR issues and learn more about financial management as a small business owners.
This event is free and open to all small business owners who want to grow their businesses. Attendees will hear from business professionals on how to operate their businesses successfully.
To learn more about this event, visit: bit.ly/calibratesmallbusinesssummit.
Prince William County Police: On April 20 at 1:29 a.m., officers responded to investigate a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred in the area of Fairmont Avenue and Anvil Drive near Manassas between 11:30 p.m. on April 19 and 12:30 a.m. on April 20.
The investigation revealed the victim, a 35-year-old woman, was walking in the above area when she was grabbed by an unknown man.
During the encounter, the man forced her into a nearby wooded area where she was sexually assaulted. The parties eventually separated, and the victim notified the police. Detectives are asking anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact police. The investigation continues.
Suspect Description: Hispanic or Asian male with a slim build and short spiked hair. Last seen wearing a black sweatshirt and hood.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Prince William County Police Department tipline at 703.792.7000 or submit a webtip to: pwcva.gov/policetip.
“Harris Teeter stores in the District will have some more requirements and limitations for customers starting Wednesday,” DC News Now reports.
The bag checks will affect customers who shop in Washington, D.C. Locally, the grocery chain has locations in Bristow, Manassas, and Woodbridge.
