Effective Jan. 1, 2021, it is illegal to hold a handheld personal communications device (e.g., a smartphone) while driving a moving motor vehicle on Virginia highways. This new law is one of many ways the state is buckling down on distracted driving. The Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles noted that in 2019, there were 120 deaths, 13,258 injuries and 34,850 crashes attributed to distracted driving, including using a mobile phone. The new law, passed in July 2020, attempts to address this growing problem.

If you want to get tested for COVID-19, the county Health Dept. will run clinics Jan. 4-16 at different times and locations. Read below for upcoming clinics.

“Let me be very clear: the FY21 NDAA does right by our men and women in uniform and provides sound, strong defense policy for the coming year and the coming challenges. It will give our armed forces the tools and resources they need to deter our adversaries, support our allies, and project power around the globe." It also includes a three percent raise for service members.

The criminal investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Dec. 10, 2020, on Secret Grove Court in the Dumfries area of Prince William County has been completed. This investigation was conducted by detectives from the Prince William County Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and was reviewed by the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office for a determination of criminal liability concerning the officers’ actions during the incident.

On Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 9:31PM, Prince William County police officers responded to the 12700 block of Harbor Dr in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a shooting, according to First Sgt. Jonathan Perok, public information officer for the police department. Perok said when officers arrived, they initially located two victims, later identified as the deceased and an 18-year-old woman, in the parking lot of the Tackett’s Mill shopping complex suffering from gunshot wounds.

‘Passport To Prince William’, a new digital passport with discounts to area shops, craft beverage venues, attractions, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses is now available for use, according to Prince William County Office of Tourism, d/b/a Visit Prince William, Virginia.

The long awaited observation platform is now “open for business” at Innovation Pond at the end of Discovery Boulevard (in Bristow/Manassas), according to a news release from Prince William Conservation Alliance.

Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye says that the time is right for creating a Civilian Review Board (CRB) in Prince William County. “I have long supported civilian oversight of law enforcement agencies. Now, for the first time, the General Assembly has granted localities clear authority to establish these bodies,” said Boddye, referencing the recent passage of SB 5035.