🌱 Explosive Trainings Near Woodbridge + Neighborhood Controversy

Morning, neighbors! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Woodbridge Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Sunshine; windy, not as cool. High: 58 Low: 34.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 61 Low: 35.

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Here are the top three stories in Woodbridge today:

1. Woodbridge and Stafford residents can expect to hear an increase in explosions, gunfire, and more as the Marines Corp Base Quantico is set for special training until Mar. 17. The impact of the noise and vibrations can vary based on several different factors but it is expected there will always be some type of vibrations or sounds. There is a live schedule listed to give residents some information on what to expect going on but please note the schedule is subject to change due to any conditions. (Woodbridge Patch)
2. Jesus Robert Santana Barrios was arrested Wednesday evening on charges of strangulation, unauthorized use of a vehicle, credit card theft, and credit card fraud for an incident that occurred Tuesday. The victim and Barrios got into an argument that quickly escalated when he knocked her to the ground and applied pressure to her neck before leaving in her vehicle. Police were not informed of the incident until Wednesday morning when the victim's credit card was for unauthorized purchases before returning the vehicle to the victim's home. If convicted of all charges, Santana could receive up to 27 years in prison. (Woodbridge Patch)
3. Controversy is rising in a Woodbridge neighborhood as homeowner Terry Rowsey has posted a "poison" sign to their yard striking his neighbors with concern for their pets and children. Rowsey spoke with FOX 5 and said the sign was added to his lawn after residents in the area continued to let their pets use his property as a bathroom. He hopes the sign deters residents' pets and children from his property. At least one complaint has been made about the sign as it continues to be an issue in the neighborhood. (FOX 5 DC)

Today and tomorrow in and around Woodbridge:

Saturday, March 4

• Sculpture - Exploring The 3rd Dimension - Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton (9:00 AM)
• Puzzling With A Purpose - Potomac Community Library (12:30 PM)
• Tammy Pescatelli - Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton (7:30 PM)

Sunday, March 5

• Musician Meeting - All Saints' Church (9:45 AM)
• Book Talk & Signing: Lorton Prisons - Workhouse Arts Center (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Yesterday was Employee Appreciation Day and the Prince William County Police Department acknowledged and showed appreciation for its employees and their commitment to keeping the community safe. (Prince William County Police Department via Facebook)
• These animals were turned in to the shelter between Feb. 27 and Mar. 1. Photos like these are posted every couple of days in hopes of reuniting these "strays" with their rightful owners. If you suspect your pet may have been turned in, please contact the shelter and arrive with proof of ownership and proof of current rabies vaccination. (Prince William County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• Safety first – take a tip from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in keeping your little ones safe in their car seat. If you are looking for more safety tips while traveling, click here. (Prince William County Police Department via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Manassas Symphony Presents "Inspirations" with Pianist Joseph Kingma (March 4)
• Information and Planning Meeting for Relay for Life/American Cancer Society (March 7)
• PWLT Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (March 10)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.