🌱 Free Steering Wheel Lock Event + GPWCIT Wins Award + Sprouts Market

Hello again, everybody! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Manassas Park Patch newsletter. Follow along to find out the most important things happening around town. You'll learn about these stories and more...

• Prince William County Police Department hosting free steering wheel lock event for Hyundai owners
• Community advocate Idris O'Connor announced bid for Coles District Supervisor
• Police Crisis Intervention Team wins award

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 80 Low: 50.
• Friday: Partly sunny; windy, cooler. High: 54 Low: 30.
• Saturday: Colder with rain beginning. High: 40 Low: 30.
• Sunday: Milder with clouds and sun. High: 61 Low: 32.

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Here are the top five stories in Manassas Park:

1. The Prince William County Police Department will provide free steering wheel locks to residents who own or lease Hyundai vehicles without push-button ignitions. This comes amid an increase in Hyundai and Kia car thefts across the DMV due to a TikTok social media challenge. The event will be held at three different district stations, and owners need to bring their registration as proof of ownership and residency to receive a free steering wheel lock. (WUSA9.com)
2. Idris O’Connor announced his candidacy for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for the Coles District. O’Connor is currently the chair of the Cooperative Council of Ministries and vice chair for the Prince William County Social Services Advisory Board. He plans to support public schools, invest in mental health services, and expand affordable housing if elected and has received endorsements from Delegate Candi King, Supervisor Kenny Boddye, and Coles District community leader Adam Hamby. (bristowbeat.com)
3. The Greater Prince William Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) has received the Virginia CIT Coalition Program of the Year award. The team, comprised of volunteers from different agencies, trains police officers to recognize and handle individuals living with mental health issues. So far, 54 percent of the Prince William County Police Department’s officers have received 40 hours of CIT training to better handle sensitive calls and de-escalate situations without resorting to force or detention. (Prince William County)
4. A 15-year-old male student at Potomac High School in Dumfries, Prince William County, was arrested after leaving a wrapped package with a note attached that implied there was a bomb inside. The teacher found the package the next day and notified the school resource officer, who determined the package was not a bomb. The student was quickly identified and arrested and remains in custody at the juvenile detention center. (FOX 5 DC)
5. Sprouts Farmers Market will open a new store at 8431 Sudley Road, across from Manassas Mall, on May 12 and will hire 90 people. Interested candidates can apply online and participate in a virtual management hiring event on Mar. 15, while in-person team member hiring events will be held on Mar. 29-30 at the Holiday Inn Manassas Battlefield. Walk-in applicants are also welcome to attend the events. (PotomacLocal.com)

Coming up in Manassas Park:

Thursday, February 23

• Ryan Jewel At Farm Brew LIVE (5:00 PM)

Friday, February 24

• GP Vibe Band At Long Time No Sea (9:30 PM)

Saturday, February 25

• Kids Event: A Walk In The Park At Independent Hill Library (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Prince William County Police Department thanked the community for its support during the 2023 Polar Plunge, which raised over $110,000 for Special Olympics Virginia. The funds raised from the event support the athletes of Special Olympics Virginia and benefit the organization, which is supported by law enforcement officers globally. (Press Release Desk)
• This 2-year-old home in Manassas is for sale at $1.7 million and has five bedrooms, six full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, and 12,531 square feet on a 2.85-acre property. It has an open floor plan, custom features, and plenty of space to expand, including a basement with a great room and four bonus rooms for a gym, game room, or home theater. (Patch)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar this weekend? Check out the list of events happening in and around Manassas Park this weekend at the link! (Prince William Living)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you soon!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.