CAN VIKINGS WIN ONE MORE? The Woodbridge girls go for the state title Wednesday. Page 15
March 6, 2019 | Vol. 18, No. 10 | www.princewilliamtimes.com | 50¢ Covering Prince William County and surrounding communities, including Gainesville, Haymarket, Dumfries, Occoquan, Quantico and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Superintendent proposes raises for school board members Members mull their first raise in nearly two decades By Jill Palermo
Times Staff Writer
Prince William County has the second-largest school division in Virginia. But its school board pay
– at $12,000 annually for members and $13,100 for chairman – is on par with that of divisions less than one-quarter its size. What’s more, the county school board hasn’t upped its salary in 19 years. Is it time for a raise? Superintendent Steven Walts thinks so. Tucked into the school division’s $1.1 billion operating budget
for the 2019-2020 school year is a proposal to raise school board members’ salaries to $26,020 a year and the chairman’s pay to $29,040 a year. During a Feb. 27 school board budget work session, Walts explained how he arrived at the new amount. It’s equal to what the school board members would be making in fiscal year 2020 if they’d given
themselves raises matching those they granted teachers and staff over the past 19 years. Teachers and staff raises varied during those years from 4 percent to 1 percent to “zero,” Walts said. So, while the school board members would effectively receive a See SCHOOL BOARD, page 4
Recycling glass a thing of the past? In Prince William, it already is By Jill Palermo
Times Staff Writer
Hate to break it to you Prince William County, but the glass bottles and jars you dutifully toss into your recycling bins now end up in the landfill. It didn’t used to be that way. But a combination of logistics and the single-stream process used to sort through most of Northern Virginia’s recyclables have combined to make recycling glass more trouble than it’s worth. And that’s just one of the challenges currently facing privately owned recycling processors and local governments in Northern Virginia and across the nation. Recent changes in the markets for recyclable materials – for glass as well as some categories of plastics and paper – have officials considering changes to local laws that dictate which items must be separated for recycling. Tom Smith, director of Prince William’s Solid Waste Division, said the county is working on a plan to eliminate glass from curbside-collection requirements because most of what goes into haulers’ trucks ends up in the landfill anyway. That’s partly because the nearest “glass beneficiation” facilities – places that clean and process glass – are in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, which is too far away for recycling companies to haul the material and still make a profit.
PHOTO BY DELIA ENGSTROM.
Crews pick up the contents of curbside recycling bins on a recent Monday morning in Montclair. Glass is currently included in the items haulers pick up for recycling, but that might change soon.
See RECYCLING, page 4
INSIDE Business.............................................17 Calendar.............................................20 Classified............................................23 Obituaries...........................................22
Opinion...............................................13 Puzzle Page........................................14 Real Estate..........................................21 Sports.................................................15
86 WARRENTON, VA
703.754.3301
got plugs?
appletoncampbell.com
Appleton Campbell’s Electricians are here for you!
and Switches? Lights? Fans?
AC PrinceWilliamGainesvilleTimes_StripAd.indd 1
1/8/19 4:59 PM
2
NEWS
Prince William Times | www.princewilliamtimes.com | March 6, 2019
Police search for missing Woodbridge girl, 14 Staff Reports The Prince William County Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing and endangered juvenile, Heycer “Natalie” Jimenez Gomez, 14, who has been missing from her Woodbridge home since Dec. 26. Natalie made contact with family members in mid-February, but has not been in touch since, Sgt. Jonathan Perok, spokesman for the Prince William County police department, said in a news release Friday night. Up until mid-February none of Natalie’s contact with family members raised concerns to the family, Perok said in an email. “The juvenile appeared to just not want to return home and we believe
Alexandria man charged in fatal Woodbridge shooting A 23-year-old Alexandria man was arrested early Sunday in connection with a shooting that claimed the life of Daniel James Gilliam, 25, of Woodbridge, according to police. Officers were called to an area off Rippon Boulevard and Jefferson Davis Highway at 12:39 a.m. Sunday, March 3, to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed the victim and the suspect were engaged in an argument in a nearby parking lot that escalated. During the encounter, a firearm was brandished and the victim was shot, according to Renee Carr, spokeswoman for the Prince William County Police Department. The suspect fled the area on foot while uninvolved residents aided the victim. Officers also began CPR on the victim, who suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body, Carr said in a news release. Officers obtained information about the suspect from witnesses and located a person matching the description. The suspect was detained without further incident, Carr said. Gilliam was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his
ISSN 1050-7655, USPS 188280 Published every Wednesday by Piedmont Media LLC How to reach us ADDRESS: 41 Culpeper Street Warrenton, Virginia 20186 PHONE: 540-347-4222 FAX: 540-349-8676 HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 24-hour answering service Publisher Catherine M. Nelson, 540-300-4780 cnelson@fauquier.com NEWSROOM Managing Editor Jill Palermo, 540-351-0431 jpalermo@fauquier.com Web/Copy Editor Amanda Heincer, 540-878-2418 aheincer@fauquier.com
she ran away from home on her own accord,” Perok said. But police reclassified Natalie as a missing and endangered juvenile March 1 “due to us believe she hasn’t had any known recent contact with anyone, plus the recent concern she may not be in the area anymore.” Family members originally reported Natalie missing to police on Dec. 27. Natalie was last seen at her residence, located in the 1900 block of Old Post Terrace in Woodbridge, around 10 p.m. on Dec. 26, Perok said. Natalie was not considered endangered at that time, Perok said. Police investigate missing person cases even if the missing person is not considered endangered, he said. The initial investigation revealed Natalie likely left her residence
sometime during the evening of Dec. 26 or the early morning hours of Dec. 27, Perok said. Family members did not note any concerns during the initial report to police, Perok said. Upon further investigation, detectives believe Natalie may be in need of assistance which qualifies her as being endangered, Perok said. While Natalie is believed to be missing under voluntary circumstances, detectives are concerned for her safety. Natalie may also no longer be in the immediate Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. Anyone with information on Natalie’s whereabouts is asked to call Prince William County police at 703-792-6500 or your local police department.
injuries later Sunday morning, Carr said. The firearm was recovered. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Markus Sean-Thurman Dean, Markus Sean-Thurman was arrested prior to the victim's passing and charged with aggravated malicious wounding in connection with the shooting, Carr said. Additional charges are expected in the wake of Gilliam’s death, Carr said. Dean, 23, of 61 Gardens Drive, Alexandria, is being held without bond at the Prince William County adult detention center.
Sunday, March 3. Crews discovered a fire had spread from one apartment unit into another. The occupants had been alerted by smoke detectors. The 12unit apartment building sustained “moderate” fire and water damage before the fire could be extinguished, according to a news release. The building was declared unsafe to occupy. The Red Cross assisted the 18 victims who were displaced. The Prince William County Fire Marshal's Office determined the cause of the fire to be improper use of a worker's torch, the news release said.
Blow torch to blame for Dumfries apartment fire No one was hurt, but a fire blamed on improper use of a worker’s torch displaced 12 adults and six children from their Dumfries apartment building Sunday afternoon, according to Prince William County Fire and Rescue officials. Units were called to the Meridian Bay apartments, in the 3000 block of Fox Lair Drive, at about 3:03 p.m.
Community Editor Anita Sherman, 540-351-1635 asherman@fauquier.com Associate Editor John Toler, 540-351-0487 jtoler@fauquier.com Staff Writers James Ivancic, 540-878-2414 jivancic@fauquier.com Karen Chaffraix, kchaffraix@fauquier.com Sports Editor Peter Brewington, 540-351-1169 pbrewington@fauquier.com Sports Staff Writer Jeff Malmgren, 540-874-2250 jmalmgren@fauquier.com ADVERTISING Ad Manager Kathy Mills Godfrey, 540-351-1162 kgodfrey@fauquier.com Classified Sales Consultant Jeanne Cobert, 540-878-2491 jcobert@fauquier.com
To place Classified and Employment ads: Call 540351-1664 or fax 540-3498676, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday — Friday or email fauquierclassifieds@fauquier. com Chairman Emeritus George R. Thompson SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 540-347-4222 Help with your subscription? Call 540-878-2413 or email CirculationFT@fauquier.com Missed your paper? Call 540-347-4222, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays Subscription: $39.95 per year within the United States. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Fauquier Times, 41 Culpeper St., Warrenton, VA 20186. Periodicals postage paid at Warrenton, Va. and at additional mailing offices
Police investigate shooting in Gainesville A man was shot and injured in Gainesville early Sunday morning, Prince William County police said. Officers responded to the 14000 block of Deming Drive in Gainesville at 3:07 a.m. Sunday, March 3, Prince William County police said in a news release. When officers arrived, they located a 32-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound, police said. Officers provided immediate first aid to the victim, who was then taken to an area hospital. Police said the man’s injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening and he is expected to survive. Police investigated and determined that the man was in the area near Deming Drive between 2 and 3 a.m., when “he was allegedly shot and wounded by an unknown sus-
Heycer “Natalie” Jimenez Gomez
Heycer “Natalie” Jimenez Gomez is described as a Hispanic female, 14, 4 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. She is also known to wear a blue and white necklace. There is no known recent clothing description available. pect,” police said in the news release. No suspects have been identified, but police said the incident “is not believed to be random at this time.” The police investigation continues.
Police investigate gunfire exchange in Walmart parking lot No one was hurt, but police were called to the Walmart near the Manassas Mall last week after the occupants of two vehicles exchanged gunfire in the parking lot, according to Prince William police. Officers were called to the Walmart at 8386 Sudley Road at 9:09 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, after reports of gunfire, according to Renee Carr, spokeswoman for the Prince William County Police Department. According to witnesses, the occupants of one vehicle got out and approached the other vehicle, a Chevrolet SUV. There appeared to be a disagreement between the individuals. When the people on foot ran back to their vehicle, one discharged a handgun multiple times in the direction of the SUV, Carr wrote in a news release. The witnesses also reported shots being fired from the SUV as it drove out of the parking lot towards Rixlew Drive, Carr said. Both vehicles and all occupants fled the scene before police arrived. Police canvassed the area and found several bullet shell casings in the parking lot. No injuries nor property damage were reported, Carr said.
Follow us on Social Media Facebook Instagram
@PrinceWilliamTimes
@PWCtimes
NEWS
Prince William Times | www.princewilliamtimes.com | March 6, 2019
3
Former delegate Rich Anderson announces bid for Virginia’s 51st District Anderson, a Republican, hopes to return to the post he lost in 2017 By Jill Palermo
Times Staff Writer
Rich Anderson, a four-term Republican Virginia delegate who lost his seat in 2017 to Del. Hala Ayala, a Democrat, has announced he’ll run again this November. Anderson, 63, is the husband of Prince William County Supervisor Ruth Anderson, R-Occoquan. Anderson is also a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, who retired from active duty in 2009 at the rank of colonel. “Public service is all I’ve known for 30 years as an Air Force officer and eight years as a Virginia legislator,” Anderson said in a press release issued Thursday morning. “I remain committed to making life better in Prince William County and across Virginia for working families. Public service is my calling, so public service is what I intend to do.” Long considered a swing district, the 51st has become more Democratic in recent years. The district stretches across Prince William County from Lake Ridge to Nokesville, encompassing more than 80,300 residents, according to the U.S. Census. Voters in the 51st District picked
Gov. Ralph Northam (D) over his Re- ments. But he publican challenger Ed Gillespie by 55 was a staunch of to 40 percent in 2017. In 2016, Dem- opponent ocrat Hillary Clinton won the district Medicaid exwith 50 percent of the vote to President pansion in Virginia, which Donald Trump’s 44 percent. Anderson was first elected to the the state GenVirginia General Assembly in 2009 eral Assembly in when he beat incumbent Del. Paul approved Nichols, a Democrat, by 269 votes. An- early 2018 afderson ran unopposed in 2011 and 2015 ter nearly five Rich Anderson and beat Democrat Reed Heddleston in years of debate. During a 2017 debate, Anderson 2013 with 53 percent of the vote. In 2017, Anderson lost to Aya- called Medicaid expansion "bad fisla, who garnered about 53 percent cal policy," noting it already claimed of the vote to Anderson’s nearly 47 about 23 percent of Virginia’s budget percent. Anderson was one of sev- that year. Anderson instead advocated eral Republicans to lose their seats for funding what he called the state’s in an election that swept 15 new “health care safety net” money sent to Democrats into office along with free clinics that treat the uninsured. Medicaid expansion allows peoGov. Ralph Northam, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and Attorney Gen. Mark ple making under $16,700 a year to qualify for free health insurance Herring, all Democrats. While in the General Assembly, under Medicaid, which is funded Anderson was known for his focus on through state and federal tax dollars. Prior to the Virginia General Asmilitary issues. He chaired the General Assembly Military and Veterans sembly’s 2018 vote, which took place Caucus and continues to serve on the after Anderson lost his seat to Ayala, Virginia had one of the stingiest MedVirginia War Memorial Board. Anderson also chaired the House icaid programs in the country. Even Science and Technology Committee disabled adults could not qualify for the and was a member of the House ap- program if they made more than $9,700 childless, non-disabled propriations, general laws and trans- a year, and adults did not qualify for Medicaid at portation committees. On health care issues, Anderson all, no matter how little they made. An estimated 14,000 Prince Wilwas an early supporter of bills allowing oils from the marijuana plant toT:9.3”liam County residents are now eligible be legalized as part of medical treat- for Medicaid as a result of the expan-
sion, which went into effect Jan. 1. A native Virginian, Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in public administration from Webster University. He is a graduate of the Air War College and the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia, where he sits on the Sorensen Statewide Advisory Board, according to his press release. Anderson has also served as chair of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science and the General Assembly Aviation Caucus. He is a commercial pilot with more than 2,000 flying hours, his press release said. Locally, Anderson is also senior vice commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 48 and a life member of both American Legion Post 364 and VFW Post 1503. He also sits on the Freedom Museum Board of Directors, the Prince William Salvation Army Board and the Youth for Tomorrow Board of Advisors. Anderson and his wife, Ruth, reside in Woodbridge. Ruth is a retired 21-year Air Force lieutenant colonel. In addition to serving on the board of supervisors, Ruth Anderson chairs the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission. They are members of Lake Ridge Baptist Church in Woodbridge and have three children and four grandchildren. Reach Jill Palermo at jpalermo@ fauquier.com
Give your money a raise Make your money work harder by earning higher interest rates. Talk to a banker for more details. Offer expires March 22, 2019. Platinum Savings Account
2.10%
Annual Percentage Yield for 12 months1
Enjoy a special interest rate for 12 months with new money deposits of at least $25,000 and a minimum daily account balance of $25,000 or more.
Fixed Rate CD
2.60%
Annual Percentage Yield for 11 months2
Guaranteed fixed rate with new money deposits of at least $25,000 for an 11-month term.
1. To qualify for this offer, you must have a new or existing Platinum Savings account and enroll the account in this offer between 01/21/2019 and 03/22/2019. This offer is subject to change at any time, without notice. This offer is available only to Platinum Savings customers in the following states: CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NJ, NY, SC and VA. In order to earn the Special Interest Rate of 2.08% (Special Rate), you must deposit $25,000 in new money (from sources outside of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., or its affiliates) to the enrolled savings account and maintain a minimum daily account balance of $25,000 throughout the term of this offer. The corresponding Annual Percentage Yield (APY) for this offer is 2.10%. The Special Rate will be applied to the enrolled savings account for a period of 12 months, starting on the date the account is enrolled in the offer. However, for any day during that 12 month period that the daily account balance is less than the $25,000 minimum, the Special Rate will not apply and the interest rate will revert to the standard interest rate applicable to your Platinum Savings account. As of 12/10/2018, the standard interest rate and APY for a Platinum Savings account in CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NJ, NY, SC and VA with an account balance of $0.01 to $99,999.99 is 0.03% (0.03% APY) and with an account balance of $100,000 and above is 0.05% (0.05% APY). Each tier shown reflects the current minimum daily collected balance required to obtain the applicable APY. Interest is compounded daily and paid monthly. The amount of interest earned is based on the daily collected balances in the account. Upon the expiration of the 12 month promotional period, standard interest rates apply. Minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $25. A monthly service fee of $12 applies in any month the account falls below a $3,500 minimum daily balance. Fees may reduce earnings. Interest rates are variable and subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo may limit the amount you deposit to a Platinum Savings account to an aggregate of $1 million. Offer not available to Private Banking, Wealth, Business Banking or Wholesale customers. 2. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is effective for accounts opened between 01/21/2019 and 03/22/2019. The 11-month New Dollar CD special requires a minimum of $25,000 brought to Wells Fargo from sources outside of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., or its affiliates to earn the advertised APY. Public Funds and Wholesale accounts are not eligible for this offer. APY assumes interest remains on deposit until maturity. Interest is compounded daily. Payment of interest on CDs is based on term: For terms less than 12 months (365 days), interest may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or at maturity (the end of the term). For terms of 12 months or more, interest may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. A fee for early withdrawal will be imposed and could reduce earnings on this account. Special Rates are applicable to the initial term of the CD only. At maturity, the Special Rate CD will automatically renew for a term of 6 months, at the interest rate and APY in effect for CDs on renewal date not subject to a Special Rate, unless the Bank has notified you otherwise. Due to the new money requirement, accounts may only be opened at your local branch. Wells Fargo reserves the right to modify or discontinue the offer at any time without notice. Offer cannot be combined with any other consumer deposit offer. Minimum new money deposit requirement of at least $25,000 is for this offer only and cannot be transferred to another account to qualify for any other consumer deposit offer. If you wish to take advantage of another consumer deposit offer requiring a minimum new money deposit, you will be required to do so with another new money deposit as stated in the offer requirements and qualifications. Offer cannot be reproduced, purchased, sold, transferred, or traded. 3. The Portfolio by Wells Fargo program has a $30 monthly service fee, which can be avoided when you have one of the following qualifying balances: $25,000 or more in qualifying linked bank deposit accounts (checking, savings, CDs, FDIC-insured IRAs) or $50,000 or more in any combination of qualifying linked banking, brokerage (available through Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC) and credit balances (including 10% of mortgage balances, certain mortgages not eligible). If the Portfolio by Wells Fargo relationship is terminated, the bonus interest rate on all eligible savings accounts, and discounts or fee waivers on other products and services, will discontinue and revert to the Bank’s then-current applicable rate or fee. For bonus interest rates on time accounts, this change will occur upon renewal. If the Portfolio by Wells Fargo relationship is terminated, the remaining unlinked Wells Fargo Portfolio Checking or Wells Fargo Prime Checking account will be converted to another checking product or closed.
Investment and Insurance Products: Are not Insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency
May Lose Value
Are not a Deposits of or Guaranteed by a Bank
© 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Deposit products offered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLSR ID 399801
T:6.75”
Both accounts are FDIC-insured up to the maximum allowable limit. Platinum Savings offer available in CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NJ, NY, SC and VA. Fixed Rate CD offer available in AL, AZ, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NJ, NM, NV, NY, PA, SC and VA. Portfolio by Wells Fargo® customers are eligible to receive an additional interest rate bonus on these accounts.3