Full name: Jamie Rogers
Phone: 703-203-4791
Birthday: June 14
My passion for journalism blossomed from my love of writing in my diary—which I have been doing regularly since I was 9 years old.
I found comfort in writing thoughts and ideas on paper and am still fascinated about being able to look back at my own words and recall memories, feelings and events.
I knew I wanted to be a journalist and never thought seriously about veering from that path as I earned a degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of South Carolina in Columbia in 2006.
Aspiring to immediately work for a large newspaper in a major city, I ended up back in my hometown of Florence, S.C., working for the Morning News, owned by Richmond, Va.-based Media General, Inc.
I originally viewed my acceptance of the job as a setback because I didn't want to be back in my home town. But I quickly realized the newspaper was fertile ground for me to grow as a journalist.
I covered news for six mostly rural counties in eastern South Carolina for the mid-sized newspaper. I met friends and acquaintances, and learned much about what I refer to as "the human element" during my four years as a public safety, crime and courts reporter.
I moved here to Northern Virginia, where I accepted the job as Patch editor for Manassas Park.
Politics & Religion
It has been said that a journalist cannot be politically unbiased. Well, I'm probably the closest thing to a poitically unbiased journalist.
I have been a Jehovah's Witness my entire life and all practicing members of my faith do not get involved in political affairs. Witnesses believe there is one God who created a world that it is impossible for humankind to govern correctly.
This does not mean that I refuse to pay my taxes or participate in anarchist activities. The government leaders, although imperfect, are ministers of justice and lawfulness who exist to maintain some sort of order. So, we must respect our leaders and lawmakers and abide by all laws.
Hot button issues
Many people complain about their commute, the construction on Interstate 66 and Fairfax County taxes.
Many Manassas Park residents do not appear to be happy about having to get a decal for their car to avoid getting a ticket from the police.
U.S. Postal Service officials say three mail carriers were injured in dog attacks this month. Some residents apparently let their dogs roam free more often in warmer temperatures.
Police arrested five people this month in connection with thefts from fire hydrants. People stealing water from fire hydrants isn't thought to be a major contributing factor to the hundreds of gallons of water each minute escaping from the city's piping.
U.S. Postal Service officials say three mail carriers were injured in dog attacks this month.
U.S. Postal Service officials say three mail carriers were injured in dog attacks this month. One incident took place in Lorton in the past year.
If you thought the police cruisers looked a little different, your eyes weren't playing tricks on you.
Police are investigating two fire hydrant water theft cases this month. Police say it's an unusual crime in Manassas Park.
What's the best place to get your hair cut(e)?
Examine the 2011 numbers from the Manassas Park Police Department and decide.
Teens work toward getting a skate park built in Manassas Park.
Police said someone broke into a Venture Court business and did $5,000 in damage.
Two Easter Egg Hunts will take place in Manassas Park this month—one at Costello Park and one at Signal Hill Park.
Investigators said the victim was intoxicated when he walked on to Centreville Road. The driver of the vehicle who struck the man will not be charged.
A man suffering from prostate cancer said he was called a "liar" by a Manassas Park officer after he asked to leave the car during a traffic stop to go to the bathroom. Is Manassas Park is a speed trap for motorists?
Musical camp offers training in the art for high school students. Paid camp counselor positions are also available for 20 to 25-year-olds.
The Manassas Park Boys Varsity Soccer faced off against 2011 state finals championship opponent George Mason High School on Friday.
School division's $450,000 contingency fund related to state lawmakers ending General Assembly session with no state budget.
Task force conducts search warrants and makes several drug-related arrests in February and March in Northern Virginia.
Task force conducts search warrants and makes several drug-related arrests in February and March in Northern Virginia.
The Virginia Railway Express has planned a public hearing for Thursday on its proposed fare increases in Manassas.
Head Start and VPI Pre-School Program Recruitment will take place from 10 to 2 p.m. Wednesday and 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday for Manassas Park residents.
