News for InsideNova.com

Hurricane preparedness supplies tax free later this month

Fri, 16 May 2008 11:18:00 EDT

The state’s first Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins May 25 and continues through May 31

VRE ridership grows in April

Fri, 16 May 2008 09:25:00 EDT

Virginia Railway Express is reporting an increase in passengers

New taxes!

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

These are some of the online reader reactions to Gov. Tim Kaine’s plan to raise money for transportation in Virginia.

Improve hospital, don’t give it away

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

Recently, editions of the Manassas Journal Messenger and the Washington Post carried a one page ad paid for by the Prince William Hospital and Inova, again promoting the merger of the two institutions.

Arts center should not be a priority

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

It is appreciated the article that Mr. Scarton wrote regarding the George Mason University Performing Arts Center. However, how, in good faith, can Prince William County “cough up” $26,400,000 in these acknowledged hard times for citizens?

Another so-called war on poverty in the United States

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

CONCANNON FIRE

Walk-a-thon scheduled for Saturday

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:43:00 EDT

The Christ vs. Crack Ministries will hold its second annual Drug Awareness Walk-A-Thon on Saturday.

Boy, 5, helps mom evade robber

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:37:00 EDT

The quick thinking of a 5-year-old boy helped protect his mother from getting robbed, police said.

Police blotter

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:26:00 EDT

Prince William and Manassas police departments reported the following incidents.

Winners & losers

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:20:00 EDT

This week’s winners and losers.

Hospital’s tobacco ban to be extended

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:13:01 EDT

The Prince William Health System will greatly expand its tobacco-free environment come May 31, when tobacco will be banned throughout hospital grounds.

VRE excursion tickets go on sale

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:08:00 EDT

Tickets are now on sale for the Virginia Railway Express excursion train ride to Clifton and back during the Manassas Heritage Railway Festival.

Nokesville Day slated for Saturday

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:03:00 EDT

Quiet, rural Nokesville will come alive Saturday, as thousands of people are expected to turn out for the 35th annual Nokesville Day festivities.

Official hopeful for Manassas

Thu, 15 May 2008 21:55:00 EDT

When it comes to the stalled economy, Manassas is not the only one suffering, said Historic Manassas Inc. Executive Director Linda Robertson.

History group visits school

Thu, 15 May 2008 21:39:00 EDT

A few sixth graders at Mayfield Intermediate School joined the Continental Army Thursday afternoon—if only for a few minutes.

Flooding dooms Dumfries ballfield

Thu, 15 May 2008 21:21:00 EDT

Youth baseball players in the Dumfries area are going to have to find a new place to play ball.

VDOT: Dale Boulevard to be closed two weeks

Thu, 15 May 2008 19:17:00 EDT

The estimated closure time for Dale Boulevard is two weeks or less, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Va. 234 ramp reopens after afternoon accident

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:37:00 EDT

An accident blocked one lane of Interstate 66 westbound on Thursday afternoon, including part of an off ramp near Manassas.

Flood watch in effect for Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:36:00 EDT

The National Weather Service continued is flood watch for areas in Northern Virginia on Thursday afternoon.

Potomac Mills releases expansion plans

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:20:00 EDT

Thirteen months after Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group acquired The Mills Corporation, the investment group revealed plans for a multi-million dollar project that is bringing an upscale retailer and an expansion aimed at further ridding Potomac Mills mall of its warehouse-like exterior.

Baldwin Elementary burglarized this morning

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:40:00 EDT

Manassas police are investigating an early morning burglary at Baldwin Elementary School.

Dale Boulevard repair update

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:10:00 EDT

The Virginia Department of Transportation reports that work continues on the section of Dale Boulevard that was washed away by heavy rains earlier this week:<

Drilling for an energy plan

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

When President Bush took office in 2001, the price of oil was around $30 a barrel. Six years later the price had doubled. Democrats promised voters they had “a common sense plan to help bring down skyrocketing gas prices.” On October 20, 2006, just before the Democrats took over Congress, a barrel of oil was about $57.

Will the real John McCain please stand up

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Some of us may be old enough to vaguely recall a nearly forgotten movie with the title, “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” While that 50 year-old film starring Tony Randall and Jayne Mansfield has nothing to do with politics, it might suggest an increasingly apt phrase for John McCain these days. (Now if only McCain’s real name was Rock.)

Stop keeping up with the Joneses

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

After reading today’s opinion piece from The (Waynesboro) News Virginian, (Borrowers beware of government’s hand), I just had to chime in.

New solutions for transportation

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

With the failure of the state’s transportation “solution” featuring the unconstitutional taxing power of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, new methods must be found.

Writer demands proof from Pineda

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Mr. Pineda continues to rant about a lot of issues and topics most of which are not related to today’s illegal alien situation.

Boy Scout troops aid family affected by flood

Wed, 14 May 2008 22:23:00 EDT

On Wednesday evening, a small group of Boy Scouts descended on the basement and backyard of the Yorkshire area where Phyllis Martin and her husband, Glen Martin, live to help the couple with their clean-up efforts.

County struggles to keep lawns cut after foreclosures

Wed, 14 May 2008 22:17:00 EDT

Cutting spending wasn’t easy in Prince William County. Cutting the grass at thousands of foreclosed homes in Prince William County won’t be easy either.

Prince William community briefs

Wed, 14 May 2008 22:15:01 EDT

The Center for the Fine and Performing Arts specialty program at Woodbridge Senior High School will present the fifth annual “Arts After Dark” festival on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the lower lobby and auditorium of the school.

Shooting victim reported to be stable

Wed, 14 May 2008 22:10:00 EDT

The victim in the Tuesday shooting outside a Manassas-area grocery store was reported to be in stable condition Wednesday afternoon.

Supervisors receptive to SPCA idea

Wed, 14 May 2008 22:05:00 EDT

Prince William County could be getting an animal advisory committee, but its top elected board official said that doesn’t mean the animal shelter is getting more money.

Names added to war memorial

Wed, 14 May 2008 22:00:00 EDT

John Parrish and Wayne Parker of Kline Memorials in Manassas carefully placed stencils on the Prince William County War Memorial on Wednesday morning. The stencils bore the names of two local men who died in service to the country.

Gainesville shopping center almost complete

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:27:00 EDT

The Shops at Stonewall shopping center will be anchored by Wegmans supermarket and the center is almost finished.

Prince William Hospital bans smoking on grounds

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:20:00 EDT

The Prince William Health System will greatly expand its tobacco-free environment.

Gas leak shuts down Centreville Road

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:12:01 EDT

Construction crew hits buried gas line.

Have the media anointed Barack Obama as the Democratic nominee too quickly?

Wed, 14 May 2008 09:01:00 EDT

This new weekly feature allows you the chance to wax politically. Try it right now.

Robbery suspect arrested

Wed, 14 May 2008 07:31:00 EDT

A pedestrian was the victim of a strong-arm robbery overnight on Coverstone Drive.

Healthy priorities

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Our health care system is not perfect. It relies on insurance to keep it running smoothly, and unfortunately, many people are uninsured or underinsured.

Road plan looks like road kill

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Gov. Tim Kaine pitched his $1.1 billion transportation plan during a news conference on Monday, asking lawmakers for an assortment of tax increases to pay the bills.

Rezoning agricultural land in the county

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

It was of great disappointment and deep hurt that the Prince William Board of County Supervisors (7-1) decided to rezone 152 acres of A1, agricultural land to Planned Business District in the Bristow and Brentsville community of agricultural, historical and residential living — especially as their appointed planning commissioners were completely in denial of this rezoning.

Pothole blues

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Do the roads really need better maintenance?

Democratic candidates for 11th District hold debate

Tue, 13 May 2008 22:42:00 EDT

The four Democratic candidates running for U.S. Congress from the 11th District this year were quite diverse in their career paths and that was never more evident than during the course of their debate at the A.J. Ferlazzo Building in Woodbridge on Tuesday evening.

Kaine talks transit tax in Prince William County

Tue, 13 May 2008 22:36:00 EDT

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine began a series of town hall meetings Tuesday pushing his newest investment plan — this time by raising a regional sales tax in Northern Virginia to upgrade its transportation system.

ACTS emergency assistance/food pantry wish list

Tue, 13 May 2008 21:44:00 EDT

To make a donation, contact Action in the Community Through Service at 703-441-8606 or visit its offices at 3900 ACTS Lane, Dumfries.

ACTS opens bigger building

Tue, 13 May 2008 21:43:00 EDT

Action in the Community Through Service has a new, much larger home where it can continue to change the lives of those in need.

FTC files injunction to stop merger of Prince William hospitals

Tue, 13 May 2008 21:41:00 EDT

The Federal Trade Commission filed a preliminary injunction in the U.S. Eastern District Court on Monday to stop the Inova Health System Foundation from acquiring the Prince William Health System Inc., which owns Prince William Hospital.

FitZSimmonds appointed chief deputy clerk of court

Tue, 13 May 2008 21:39:00 EDT

Former State Senate candidate Robert S. FitzSimmonds has been appointed Chief Deputy Clerk of Court, replacing Wendy Jones who retired after 32 years in the office.

UPDATE: Police continue search for shooter

Tue, 13 May 2008 21:38:01 EDT

Prince William County police continued their search Tuesday afternoon for a man wanted in connection with a shooting earlier in the day outside a Manassas area grocery store.

Slideshow: Heavy rains cause flooding

Tue, 13 May 2008 15:19:00 EDT

Heavy rain hit the area late Sunday, Monday, causing homes, roads to flood.

Red Cross aids flood victims

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:56:00 EDT

Representatives from the Prince William Chapter of the American Red Cross went out and about Tuesday to see if there was anyone in flood areas still in need of help.

Dog rescued from undergound pipe

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:25:00 EDT

A dog was rescued Monday morning after spending more than three days stuck inside a muddy drainage pipe in Crozet.

FTC files injunction to stop hospital sale

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:10:01 EDT

The Federal Trade Commission filed a preliminary injunction in the U.S. Eastern District Court Monday to stop the Inova Health System Foundation from acquiring the Prince William Health System

Lane closure at Tulley Gate

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:00:00 EDT

An anti-freeze spill at Fort Belvoir’s Tulley Gate has closed one lane of inbound traffic through the access control point.

Some county street and roads still closed

Tue, 13 May 2008 10:40:00 EDT

A list of roads that are closed due to high water and other damage Tuesday, May 13.

Split the entree and you can lose the weight!

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

Some people are born to fatness. Others have to get there.
— Les Murray (poet)

Cultural boon

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

After nine years, work has finally begun on the Hylton Performing Arts Center. We can’t wait until it is done.

Homeland security begins at home

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

When I read Mr. Bradish’s April 29 letter, I was surprised that he had used another person’s quotation. Namely “What are we going to do about the foreigners trespassing in our country.” I believe that statement came from Geronimo or Sitting Bull; maybe Powatan.

Hooray for Kermit Dance and Sheryl Bass

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

My husband and I had the honor to help campaign and work the polls for Kermit Dance.

Writer disappointed in supervisors’ decision

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I am writing to express my disfavor with the vote cast by the Board of County Supervisors, in favor of closing down the Manassas Senior Day Program.

Dog bite prevention week is on its way

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

May 18 to 24 is Dog Bite Prevention Week. One way to create a dangerous dog is to chain it to a tree or doghouse and leave it to pace the same patch of dirt for years on end.

Indictments

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:20:00 EDT

The grand jury handed up 197 indictments May 5, according to Prince William Circuit Court records.

Respect and care for your elders

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:19:00 EDT

May is Older Americans Month.

Police seek robbery suspects

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:18:00 EDT

Manassas police reported two robberies that occurred in the city between Friday and Sunday and are offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in either case.

City Focus

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:17:00 EDT

Good morning Manassas and Manassas Park ...

Manassas schools to host forum on tuberculosis

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:15:00 EDT

Due to the recent confirmed tuberculosis case at Osbourn High School, a Community Health Forum will be held at the school.

PRTC reports ‘typical’ Monday despite threats

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:14:00 EDT

“We had a typical commute for a rainy Monday morning — nothing out of the ordinary — everything was as it would be on a typical Monday,” said said Christine Rodrigo, public relations specialist for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.

O’Meara’s restaurant charged with 26 alcohol violations

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:13:00 EDT

O’Meara’s restaurant racked up $26,000 in Virginia Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control fines and administrative costs between August 2006 and April 2007, according to ABC documents.

Involuntary manslaughter charges brought against driver in fatal accident

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:12:00 EDT

An 8-year-old Warrenton boy was killed in a two-vehicle crash allegedly caused by a drunken driver early Sunday morning, Prince William County police said.

Teen indicted for 2006 murder

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:11:00 EDT

A Manassas teen was recently indicted on charges stemming from a 2006 murder.

Yards and driveways flooded

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:08:00 EDT

The residents of the county and cities see water where their driveways and yards are supposed to be.

Child killed in 2-vehicle crash

Mon, 12 May 2008 17:05:00 EDT

Police say alcohol was factor in accident that killed 8-year-old in Gainesville.

Several roads remained closed

Mon, 12 May 2008 15:58:00 EDT

Multiple roads remain closed in Prince William County

O’Meara’s racked up thousands in ABC fines

Mon, 12 May 2008 14:19:00 EDT

O’Meara’s restaurant racked up $26,000 in Virginia Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control fines and administrative costs between Sept. 2006 and April 2007

Increased PRTC bus security today

Mon, 12 May 2008 14:12:00 EDT

Stricter security on Potomac Rappahannock Transportation Commission buses over the weekend and today is the result of a threatening Saturday night phone call to police

U.S. 1 to reopen at Aquia

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:57:00 EDT

U.S. 1 at Aquia will reopen to limited traffic this afternoon

Manassas receives more than five-inches of rain

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:43:00 EDT

Manassas received more than three inches of rain on Sunday and more than five and a half inches since Thursday.

What’s on Tap this week?

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:14:00 EDT

In the week ahead, lots of family activities await you.

Many roadways closed

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:08:00 EDT

A break-down of closed regional main and secondary roads.

Power restored to parts of the county

Mon, 12 May 2008 09:57:01 EDT

Area utility companies worked throughout the morning to restore power to parts of Prince William County.

Standing water closes Davison gate; traffic rerouted

Mon, 12 May 2008 09:48:01 EDT

Fort Belvoir has closed Davison Army Airfield’s Farrar Gate to all traffic due to standing water.

Light rain expected tonight

Mon, 12 May 2008 09:24:00 EDT

A sunnier forecast is expected for tomorrow.

A warning about gang clothes

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

I can remember gangs even in small-town Mississippi where I grew up as a teenager.

Unspoken portions of the county’s tax

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

Although Prince William County has finally approved the base rate percentage of the upcoming real estate tax, most taxpayers are not aware or conscious about the four other segments of fees (another form of taxes) that are attached to the annual real estate tax.

Borrowers beware of government’s hand

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Beware government’s helping hand, poised to plunge into the mortgage crisis and sweep to the floor a wounded market rising, feebly but resolutely, to recover.

Hillary and the golden handshake

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

What will it take to get Hillary Clinton to quit?

A job well done at Okra’s in Old Town

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Hats off to the owner and staff of Okra’s for a wonderful jazz(blues)fest recently. There was great music, food, crafts and activities for the kids.

Traffic is out of control on Woodbridge street

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

My mother in law lives on East Longview Drive in Woodbridge and I am over there almost every day and it is absolutely ridiculous at the traffic they way they run up and down that street.

Area roadways under water

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:03:00 EDT

Portions of U.S. 1 at the Stafford / Prince William County line are under water Sunday night, as traffic is being turned around near Boswell’s Corner

PRTC security tightened following threat

Sun, 11 May 2008 20:58:00 EDT

Normal PRTC service is expected today following a threat called in Saturday night.

Group confirms plans to connect Annapolis Way

Sun, 11 May 2008 20:55:00 EDT

Dear Lane Ranger: In Woodbridge, Annapolis Way off of U.S. 1 is seeing new construction of three fifteen story condo buildings, as well as an existing bar, a marina and an office building. Annapolis Way off of Va. 123 has a hotel and the commuter lot entrance.

It’s tea time at Liberia

Sun, 11 May 2008 20:53:01 EDT

Wearing a vintage green dress with a Battenburg lace-style yoke, Bull Run Mountain resident Madison McVeigh certainly looked the part at the Mother-Daughter Tea at historic Liberia Mansion on Saturday

Health center seeks funding

Sun, 11 May 2008 20:50:00 EDT

Unless federal money comes through this summer, the community clinic for Prince William’s working poor will close.

A fond farewell to O’Meara’s

Sun, 11 May 2008 13:47:00 EDT

The doors of O’Meara’s in Manassas closed with little fanfare or attention. But we would like to take a moment to say goodbye.

Freedom of speech in Prince William County

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:01 EDT

In reference to a May 7 Potomac News article written by William Westhoff titled “Frank Principi is the hero of PWC,” in which Mr. Westhoff referred to “many obnoxious citizens.”

Teachers taken for granted

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

This week, the Prince William County School Board approved the budget for next school year. The budget, as per previous agreements, was heavily influenced by the actions of the Board of County Supervisors. The Board of County Supervisors got what they wanted — a lower tax rate.

There is not enough room for all to come

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

In Wednesday’s edition, the Potomac News had three letters about illegal immigration.

A refusal to go any further

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

When I was in high school, I thought Albert Camus was the coolest thing since hot buttered toast.

Thank you everybody for your support

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I would like to thank all of those who supported me on May 6 in my campaign for Dumfries Town Council.

Barack Obama is the real thing

Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The more the media attacks Barack Obama while giving a pass to Hillary “NAFTA” Clinton and John “100 Years” McCain, the more convinced I become that Obama is the real thing.