News for InsideNova.com

It’s fair time!

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Can you smell it? That unique blend of funnel cake and farm animal? It can only mean one thing. It is time, once again, for the Prince William County Fair.

And we thought extra security was a hassle

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

When the term “nickel and dime you to death” was first coined, it probably came from the incredulous lips of an airline passenger.

From the City of Compton to Dale City

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I was born in 1971, in the semi-peaceful city of Compton California, where our current leadership, the Bush family, even once resided.

Reader with respect for Corey Stewart

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Over the last several weeks, I have read in these pages a litany of letters denigrating the leadership of Chairman Corey Stewart and the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in addressing the issue of illegal immigration.

Slinging mud

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Mud is in high demand with McCain and Obama.

More rescue staff backed

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:27:00 EDT

The City of Manassas Finance Committee unanimously recommended the immediate hiring of 11 new fire and rescue personnel on Wednesday.

Frank J. Parrish, 84, dies following illness

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:26:00 EDT

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Frank Jennings Parrish, 84, who died on Tuesday, is remembered by his family and friends as a great hometown war hero and a smart businessman.

Kids event blends fun, learning

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:23:00 EDT

Getting into the back of a police car isn’t most people’s idea of fun. Unless you are 7 years old and you’ve never done it before.

Fair returns to county on Friday

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:21:01 EDT

The gates will swing open Friday for the 59th annual Prince William County Fair.

Man is charged in fatal stabbing

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:18:00 EDT

On the morning of July 31, Chantie Brooks went to the Manassas town house she shared with Mikuel Gaskins to pick up her things, according to court documents filed in Prince William County Circuit Court.

Man is charged in fatal stabbing

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:18:00 EDT

Man charged in apparent murder-suicide attempt

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:13:00 EDT

Manassas City police have filed charges against Mikuel T. Gaskins related to the killing of his girlfriend.

Substance vs. surface in politics

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The summer is waning and the fall is fast approaching. Along with the changing of the leaves will also come the opportunity to change the leadership at the topmost level of our government.

Kaine can’t balance out far-left ticket

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I’m tired of reading and hearing from political pundits telling me as a Virginia independent what I will do if Kaine gets the vice president spot.

GOP leadership is out of touch

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I’m an independent and letters such as Delegate Frederick’s are laughable, regardless of which party they are from.

Support for no-fault divorce no surprise

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

John S. Gray’s apparent support of no-fault divorce and it’s destructive impact, negating the role of numerous fathers to mere visitors of their children doesn’t surprise me whatsoever.

Still waiting for a response from Fimian

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I recently sent the Republican candidate for Virginia’s 11th District, Keith Fimian, a letter inquiring into his stance on social issues, which he had previously refused to comment on, going so far as to call them “irrelevant” to the 11th and his bid for it’s open congressional seat.

Chairman is doing an excellent job

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I am offended by Gary Jacobsen’s July 22 article calling our county supervisors “devils” and suggesting citizens vote them out of office because the police chief was instructed to enforce the speed limit.

Lobbying

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

No money for roads. But for the politicians?

No changes expected for now in ICE accord

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:22:00 EDT

The immigration enforcement 287(g) agreement between the City of Manassas and Immigration & Customs En-forcement looks like it will stay the same for now in spite of impending changes to the way the federal government will be handling the criminal illegal alien issue.

It’s my town

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:21:01 EDT

Prince William Symphony Orchestra season tickets are now on sale with the Oct. 4 season opener to feature a South African cellist.

Property owner continues fight with board

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:18:00 EDT

For Nokesville property owner Gilberto Guel, the fight to build a home on his 16-plus acres of Rural Crescent land has just begun.

County Police briefs

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:18:00 EDT

Police reported the following

Man still hospitalized after possible murder, suicide attempt

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:17:00 EDT

The 53-year-old man found suffering from stab wounds following what appears to be an attempted murder-suicide last week is still being hospitalized and is reported to be in stable condition, Manassas City police said Tuesday.

Manassas police investigating attempted rape

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:16:00 EDT

Manassas City police are investigating an attempted rape that occurred over the weekend in the 8700 block of Bretton Woods Drive, police said Tuesday.

Police seek witnesses in fatal crash

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:15:00 EDT

It was during a peak hour of traffic last week when 13-year-old Prabhdeep Ranahawa was struck and killed by a car.

Country group, The Lost Trailers, to perform at county fair

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:11:00 EDT

After a year’s absence from the grandstand stage at the Prince William County Fair, country music is back.

Virginians Take to the Bus

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:48:00 EDT

Loudoun County bus fares will increase from $6 to $7 a trip starting in September

Illegals will remain in jail - for now

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:16:00 EDT

ICE was considering releasing local non-violent criminal aliens on personal recognizance.

RV damaged in fire

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:49:00 EDT

A fire engulfed a recreational vehicle parked at a residence in the 12800 block of Aden Road in Nokesville on Tuesday morning.

Manassas police search for attempted rape suspect

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:40:00 EDT

Manassas City police are investigating an attempted rape that occurred over the weekend in the 8700 block of Bretton Woods Drive, police said Tuesday morning.

Master Naturalists come to Prince William

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:01 EDT

In September, the Virginia Master Naturalist Program will open at Merrimac Farm.

An essential ingredient for life

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

It’s official. There is water on Mars!

Is your program accredited?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

On July 31, a major newspaper that serves the Greater Washington area ran a story about an Internet-based “diploma mill” that operated out of Washington state.

The audacity of the McCain campaign

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I am astounded by the audacity of the McCain campaign.

Something different must be done

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The downside view of the argument that a candidate needs only experience is — “no change” is wanted. Yet an honest analysis of world conditions must conclude that less of what has “gone down” is more of what is needed.

Motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:13:00 EDT

More motorists are trading in or parking their larger motor vehicles for motorcycles as a way of beating the rising cost of gasoline. Nationwide, there is an increase in motorcycle traffic on highways and countryside roads. Yet, with this increase in ridership there is an increase in motorcycle accidents.

City Focus

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:12:00 EDT

Monday night was the last Manassas City Council meeting before a scheduled summer recess. The next meeting will be Sept. 8.

Road work to close I-66 west ramp

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:10:00 EDT

Commuters in western Prince William County have a few things to look out for this week.

Prince William police briefs

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:08:00 EDT

A 28-year-old man and 23-year-old woman were arrested on possession with intent to distribute charges during a traffic stop in the area of Dillingham Square and Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge, said Officer Erika Hernandez, Prince William police spokeswoman.

New parking ticket rules proposed for Prince William

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:07:00 EDT

Parking violators in Prince William will have more time to pay tickets, under a new proposal from the police department that needs supervisor approval to bring to public hearing.
But non-payers will also face harsher consequences than what is put forth in the present code.

Manassas city council authorizes design contract for police gun range

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:05:00 EDT

The Manassas City Council authorized Mayor Hal J. “Harry” Parrish II to sign an agreement for the preliminary design of police training facility on Monday.

Spirit of ‘96

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

John McCain, like Bob Dole before him, is a Republican senator seeking to win the presidency in spite of himself.

Candidates spar, problems loom

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Al Gore got it right when he said, “I don’t remember a time in our country when so many things seemed to be going so wrong simultaneously.”

Reader disagrees with Jeff Christian

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

This letter is in regards to Jeff Christian’s article, “Army botches Campbell decision” in the Sunday sports section.

The Reaper

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

High gas prices equal less road fatalities.

Prince William County roundup

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 20:01:00 EDT

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved an ordinance on July 22 to assist in the fight against graffiti.

Heritage festival celebrates diversity

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:58:00 EDT

As the cloudy skies cleared midday on Saturday, throngs of people headed for Grace E. Metz Middle School in Manassas to attend the African American Heritage Day Festival. “It’s going to be a fantastic day,” said festival Chairman Brenda Lewis. “We’ve been blessed and favored.”

LANE RANGER: Reader: Drivers disobey signs

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:54:00 EDT

Someone please tell me why someone or whomever is in charge of the signs coming out of the shopping center on Bulloch does not remove them.

Take the time to meet your neighbors

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:53:00 EDT

While vacant homes remain empty waiting for new owners, pull together as a neighborhood to keep an eye on the home. Neighbors can share the task of picking up litter, reporting issues to the property owner, real estate agent or county, and helping safeguard the property.

Lifeguards sought for Wednesday evenings

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:51:00 EDT

I have a simple summer request from the wonderful folks at the BARN Transitional Housing on Linton Hall Road. They are in need of a certified lifeguard on Wednesday evenings through Labor Day weekend from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. while the kids have swimming lessons.

Permit for rabbit rescue up for vote

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:45:00 EDT

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will consider several special use permits at their Tuesday evening meeting, including one that would allow a bunny rescue to operate out of house in the Gainesville area.

From Gainesville on a train?

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Virginia Railway Express held a public meeting at Stonewall High School Wednesday to discuss extending commuter rail service to Gainesville and Haymarket.

The happy grammarian

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

OK, I realize that if you know anything about grammarians, you’re aware that a happy grammarian is an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp or rap music.

Guns, guns, guns; everywhere, guns

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Reading about carrying guns in restaurants, and possibly on college campuses, makes me wonder where our country is heading.

Finger pointing does not fix transportation

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Jeff Frederick is not being constructive when it comes to transportation.

We can be proud of our police officers

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Reader corrects some of opinion’s facts.

What ‘surge’ Senator McCain?

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Have you noticed that Senator McCain keeps talking about the “success” of the “surge” in Iraq without mentioning that the whole war in Iraq should never have been launched in the first place?

Foreclosures in Prince William County

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Comment on two news stories published this week: today Cheryl Chumley’s report on housing sales in Prince William being optimistic and Bennie Scarton’s report on a foreclosure seminar.

Protest

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Protesters stage outside of library.

National Night Out - in the afternoon

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:05:00 EDT

Families from across the area came out Saturday afternoon to help police officers kick off their observance of "National Night Out.

Virginians at the Capitol

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:01:00 EDT

After watching a bill to shield journalists from judicial investigations fail on the Senate floor Wednesday, Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., vowed to fight to bring the bill back for a vote before the end of the year.

Presidential foes are close on immigration

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:50:00 EDT

John McCain and Barack Obama don’t agree on much, but they come close on immigration.

A chance to live where you work

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Some Manassas city workers need assistance to buy a home and the city is considering lending a helping hand.

Readers come to the aid of an itchy man

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Today, nearly itch-free, I must thank the many readers who stumbled upon last week’s column about being, as we say in my neck of the woods, “eat up” with poison ivy and offered their sympathies, remedies and horror stories of gigantic, oozing sores that I will never be able to remove from my brain no matter how many times I jab myself in the ear with the sharp end of a No. 2 pencil.

Typical Jacobsen spin on Congress

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Gary Jacobsen is at it again. The spin he puts in his articles just get better.

Government bailout a cause for concern

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I am very concerned about the upcoming law that would provide relief to those individuals that had been affected by the housing crisis.

A better price is the most important thing

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

This is in response to “A nation of laws that must be respected,” by Ellen Meir.

Right to lifers light on the facts

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

While recent writers have taken the reproductive choice advocates to task by parroting the radical views of the Right to Life Committee, they have been light on facts.

Appalled at recent cartoon of Pope

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I am appalled yet not surprised, that you would run that nasty cartoon of Pope Benedict on July 22.

When religion loses out

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Hashmel Turner of Fredericksburg, Va., wears two hats: City Council member and part-time pastor of the First Baptist Church of Love.
Rev. Turner wants to pray in the name of Jesus Christ — including at council sessions.

He swims in Manassas to help a cause

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:28:00 EDT

By mid-day, Haynes had already finished 7 1/2 miles in less than six hours and was feeling fine despite the 90-degree temperatures.

Son spots family’s stolen car

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:24:00 EDT

When Tim and Ann Jarrell's silver-colored 2003 Toyota Camry was stolen, their 11-year-old son told his parents he was going to look at every silver-colored car on the road.

Police briefs

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:23:01 EDT

Girl grabbed by neck, robbed of cell phone

Police blotter

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:22:00 EDT

Prince William police reported the following incidents:

Frederick visits Marumsco Plaza

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:20:00 EDT

Del. Jeff Frederick, R-Woodbridge, will be in his mobile office on Aug. 9

Two in hospital after head-on

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:18:00 EDT

A teenage girl and a 63-year-old man were hospitalized Friday night following a head-on collision.

Community briefs

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:16:00 EDT

Free mammograms being offered on Aug. 6

Correction

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:13:00 EDT

Manassas police have not decided if an incident in the Georgetown South area of the city Thursday was a murder and an attempted suicide, or a suicide and an attempted murder. A story Friday reported police made a decision.

Former Sun editor to marry near bridge-collapse anniversary

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:57:00 EDT

Former Stafford Sun Editor tells his tale of survival

E. coli outbreak at Va. Boy Scout camp

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:43:00 EDT

The Virginia Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of E. coli at a Boy Scout camp in the Rockbridge County community of Goshen.

Safeway teams with MDA

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:27:00 EDT

The Muscular Dystrophy Association and Safeway Inc. grocery stores are teaming up once again for the Aisles of Smiles campaign, a nationwide fundraiser to benefit persons with neuromuscular diseases.

‘Oldies Event’ at PNC Bank

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:26:00 EDT

Nearly everyone probably has an antique, art or collectible item around their house and often wonder its worth.

Car show at Locust Shade Park

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:25:00 EDT

The Route 66 PT Cruiser Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting PT Cruisers in the Northern Virginia area, will host a car show on Saturday at Locust Shade Park in Triangle.

PW Omegas are International Social Action Chapter of the Year

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:24:01 EDT

The Omegas in Prince William County are shining once again.

Obama and the slipper

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:01 EDT

Kaine is tapped for the VP short list by Barack Obama.

The liberty show

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

These are some of the online reader reactions to a July 29 article about the screening of the video compilation, “9500 Liberty.”

TV beats newspaper to hometown story

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

As a Gainesville resident I am rather disappointed that a major traffic accident right outside my neighborhood didn’t make the paper.

The poorly-made reputation of PWC

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I just couldn’t let this week come to an end without a comment on the July 22 Washington Post opinion entitled, “Prince William, a Year Later. A crackdown’s toxic effects.”

Tax holiday coming to a store near you

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

With the three-day tax holiday this weekend, August 1-3, the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce would like to remind area shoppers that as they stock up on back-to-school essentials, they can also be a part of economic vitality in our community as they support the businesses that support Prince William.

Comparison of football with battle was off base

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Jeff Christian’s article on Caleb Campbell, the West Point graduate drafted by the Detroit Lions but who will have to serve on active duty before starting his football career, claims that the Army “botched” the decision.

Kaine as VP could backfire on Va. Democrats

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:40:00 EDT

If Democrat Barack Obama picks Gov. Timothy M. Kaine as his running mate—and they win—it might prove to be a disastrous recipe for the foreseeable future of Virginia's Democratic Party.

Four arrested in auto theft

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:19:00 EDT

An 18-year-old and three minors have been charged with auto grand larceny, and the investigation led police to a pair of recent street robberies.

VRE extension plans cause concern

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:14:00 EDT

While many are enthusiastic about plans to extend VRE’s Manassas Line to Gainesville and Haymarket, some worry about commuter rail’s impact on those communities.

1 dead, 1 hurt in murder, suicide attempt

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:03:00 EDT

A woman is dead and a man is hospitalized with apparent knife wounds following a murder and an attempted suicide at a Manassas town house on Thursday afternoon.

Police investigate murder-suicide in Manassas

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Manassas City police are investigating an attempted murder-suicide that has left a woman dead and a man hospitalized for apparent knife wounds, authorities said.

Emergency 911!

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:01 EDT

Trouble getting through to 911 in Woodbridge.

Listen closely, I’m whispering

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

They say if you want to get someone’s attention, it’s better to whisper than to shout. While that may be true, I’ve found that if you whisper too low, the other guy can’t hear you and you wind up repeating yourself, which can spoil the mood, especially if you’re angry and want to stay that way.

A good neighbor is like a cool breeze

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Right now I think the greatest invention in the history of man is the air conditioner.

Keith Fimian for the 11th District

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I had the pleasure of meeting and hearing Keith Fimian speak at a breakfast held in Woodbridge this past Saturday and I want to encourage all voters to make the time to meet him and hear his views.