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Issue 101
Friday, January 28, 2022
Prince William County
Dear Neighbors,

In this issue I am highlighting four more County offices I recently visited as part of my Department Tours and Talks series. Being the second largest county in the Commonwealth, serving almost half a million residents is a significant undertaking. It has been inspiring to see first-hand the important contributions Prince William County agencies provide.

I will continue to share my visits with offices in coming issues. These visits are first and foremost a way for me to fully appreciate both the contributions to our community and challenges these departments face. They are also a way to tell you how the County operates and what it provides for its residents. Maybe along the way you'll find something new that could be of interest, or even helpful, to you or someone you know.

In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
Department Tours and Talks
Criminal Justice Services
Led by Director Stephen R. Austin, Criminal Justice Services (CJS) promotes public safety by reducing recidivism through programs that empower clients to achieve success and improve individual growth. It serves the citizens of Prince William County, the City of Manassas and the City of Manassas Park.
The Pretrial Supervision program is designed to aid the courts in the initial processing of defendants, reducing jail overcrowding, and upholding public safety by providing background information about defendants at court hearings, as well as maintaining supervision of defendants awaiting trial. Local Offender Probation Services provides short-term supervision and services primarily for post-adjudication misdemeanor offenders who are court-ordered into the program and given a deferred or suspended sentence pending successful participation. The Domestic Violence Program provides a wide variety of services and resources.
Sheriff's Office
Led by Sheriff Glendell Hill, the Sheriff's Office works in partnership with elected leaders, staff and citizens, to provide a safe and secure Judicial Complex. It serves the citizens of Prince William County, the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and the towns of Dumfries, Occoquan, Quantico and Haymarket
The Civil Division carries out the Office's statutory responsibility for the service of process and execution of writs from courts, government agencies and private attorneys in Virginia and throughout the United States. The Court Security staff is responsible for maintaining order and proper decorum in all courts, inmate transportation, courtroom security, and assisting the public. Its Senior Safe Program is free and assists in protecting seniors while they remain in their homes. A help button which is worn as a necklace, pendant, or a wristband connects them to the Sheriff's Office. Additionally, the Office is also involved with evictions and fingerprinting.
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Led by Jacqueline C. Smith, the Circuit Court Clerk's Office assists the Circuit Court of the 31st Judicial District. The Circuit Court has general trial court jurisdiction, including acting as an appellate court for the General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts. The Clerk’s Office serves the citizens of Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. 
Although the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office assists the Circuit Court, it is also involved with deeds, land records, wills, and estates, as well as concealed handgun permits. The Clerk's office also provides marriage licenses and performs ceremonies as well as oversees jury duty. The Clerk of Circuit Court is a constitutional officer elected every eight years. Currently the 31st Judicial Circuit has six full-time judges.
Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney
Led by Amy Ashworth, the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney prosecutes all criminal and traffic cases occurring within Prince William County and the City of Manassas, and all felonies committed in the City of Manassas Park, The Towns of Dumfries, Quantico, Occoquan, and Haymarket.
The Commonwealth Attorney's office prosecutes criminal matters brought by the police, vigorously enforces the law, pursues the truth, communicates openly with community members, provides support to victims and witnesses of crimes, and works cooperatively with agency partners in law enforcement. Its Victim Witness Assistance Program was established in 1989 with the primary goal of assisting crime victims and their families throughout the criminal justice process, and to ensure that they receive fair and compassionate treatment.
"The work done by these four offices is essential to all residents in the greater Prince William County areas they serve. From helping victims to uniting people in marriage, these dedicated teams work tirelessly to ensure every situation is given the undivided attention it deserves. "
Ann Wheeler
Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large
COVID-19 News
PWC Community Transmission Rate
For the second week in a row, community transmission and positivity rates have fallen. The Prince William Health District (PWHD) COVID-19 Dashboard below, posted on January 24, showed 915 new cases per 100K persons in the last seven days and a 24.9% positivity rate (on January 17 it was 1,469 new cases and 32.4% positivity rate (issue 100).
Free Texts Will Be Available
Starting Monday, January 31, PWC Government is distributing free, at-home COVID-19 test kits at Public Libraries branches while supplies last. Current pickup schedule is below. Depending on supply availability, this page will be updated with information about additional distribution times.
Library Branch Pickup Schedule

Monday, January 31 through Wednesday, February 2
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Central: 703-792-8360, Chinn Park: 703-792-4800,
Dale City (Monday Only): 703-792-5670, Dumfries: 703-792-5678, Haymarket Gainesville: 703-792-8700,
Independent Hill: 703-792-5668, Lake Ridge: 703-792-5675, Manassas City: 703-792-8820, Montclair: 703-792-8740,
Nokesville: 703-792-5665, Potomac: 703-792-8330 

Monday, January 31 through Wednesday, February 2
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Central: 703-792-8360, Chinn Park: 703-792-4800,
Haymarket Gainesville: 703-792-8700,
Manassas City: 703-792-8820, Montclair: 703-792-8740,
Potomac: 703-792-8330 
Important Details

  • Residents do not need a library card or proof of residency.
  • A maximum of two test kits per individual may be requested.
  • It is suggested that residents call their desired library location to ensure that kits are still available.
  • Depending on the location, the kits may be distributed via curbside pickup or residents may need to come inside the library.
  • Please wear a mask or face covering when entering the libraries.
  • Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should have someone pick up the test on their behalf. 
  • Tests should not be administered inside the library
Federal Mask Shipment Update
On Monday, January 21, the Prince William Health District advised the Federal Government will start to ship the 400 million free N95 masks from the Strategic National Stockpile at the end of this week. Later next week, the masks are expected to be available for the public to pick up at tens of thousands of local pharmacies and thousands of community health center sites across the country. The program will be fully up and running by early February. This is the largest deployment of personal protective equipment in U.S. history.
Vaccination, Testing, and Treatment Resources
To learn where you can get vaccinated:

Testing at the Community Testing Center (CTC) (issue 99) at the Pfitzner Stadium Complex in Woodbridge, is available by appointment only from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday to Thursday. Visit the PWHD COVID-19 testing webpage and the VDH COVID-19 testing webpage for more information on testing resources.

If you are at high risk of developing serious disease, you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments which can help prevent severe illness and help keep you out of the hospital. Learn more here.
BOCS
Next Meeting
Tuesday, February 1
at 2:00 pm

For Public Comment Time options, visit SpeakUp! Prince William.
Remote speakers must sign-up by 5:00 pm on Monday, January 31. In-person speakers can sign up at the meeting.
Expansion Unanimously Approved
At its Tuesday, January 18, meeting the BOCS unanimously approved a special-use permit for the Sikh Center of Virginia, located at 8015 Buckhall Road in Manassas. Built in 1973, the existing facility predates the county’s zoning ordinance, so it is considered nonconforming use. Changes to structures that are nonconforming use require a rezoning or special-use permit to align with the ordinance.

The center plans to expand from 6,800 square feet to 36,000 square feet and will include space for Sunday school services, a two-story main hall, a dining area, an organic garden and a rectory for three priests. The many supporters of the Center who attended the BOCS meeting were very grateful and excited about the approval.
County News
Whole Foods Announcement
Thursday, January 27, Buchanan Partners, in a joint venture with the Mitchell Phelps Family, announced it has entered into a lease with Whole Foods Market to be the anchor tenant at their planned Quartz District project in Woodbridge. Whole Foods Market is the world’s leading natural and organic foods retailer. This is the first announcement for a location in PWC. As this project proceeds, ongoing feedback from the community is welcome. Read comments posted to date and leave your feedback here.
Encompassing over 145 acres, the Quartz District development is envisioned as a walkable mixed-use destination. The project as planned will include 235,000 square feet of commercial office space, over 100,000 square feet of restaurants and retail space, more than 1,000 residential units, and a dedicated destination adventure park site. Below are two renderings of the vision for this project from its August 2021 Project Overview.
Public Safety Virtual Town Hall
On Monday, February 7, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, the PWC Police Department is teaming up with the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc to host a virtual town hall forum with Police Chief Peter Newsham. During the live meeting, Let's Talk about Reimaging Public Safety: Prevent Harm and Lead with the Truth, members of the community will have an opportunity to hear Chief Newsham's answers to their questions. Register to attend and submit your question here.
School Board Joins Lawsuit
On Monday, January 24, the PWC School Board announced it had joined the School Boards of Alexandria City, Arlington County, City of Richmond, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, and Hampton City in filing a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of Executive Order 2 issued by Governor Youngkin on January 15.
The legal action, representing over 350,000 students across the state, defends the right of school boards to enact policy at the local level, including policies that protect the health and wellbeing of all students and staff. A hearing has been set for 1:00 pm on February 2, in Arlington Circuit Court on the School Boards’ motion for temporary injunction asking the court to prevent the Governor from enforcing Executive Order No. 2.
During its Wednesday, January 19, regular meeting, the PWC School Board voted unanimously to authorize the filing of a declaratory judgment action in order to obtain legal clarification of its authority to require continued masking in PWCS schools. 
Valentines for Vets
Through Friday, February 4, stop by any PWC Public Library and color a special valentine. The library will then share your card with a local veteran.
Reminder
County Kudos
National Award
The PWC Public Libraries was recognized by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) as the 2021 Top Innovator in Wellness, Safety and Sustainability for its efforts to engage the community in programs and conversations that address the climate crisis. The Council awards one top innovator and one honorable mention in ten categories. PWC Public Libraries was the only Virginia library system to receive an award.

Innovative programs at the libraries include the Haymarket/Gainesville and Potomoc branches Climate Resilience Hub designation, which provides public education and support during extreme weather events. Pollinator gardens and composters have been built at five branches. To learn more about why our libraries won the award, check out the video below.
Ann B. Wheeler was elected Chair At-Large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors during the 2019 General Election and assumed office on January 1, 2020. Prince William County is located 25 miles south of Washington, D.C., and is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s second-most populous county with approximately 482,000 residents.