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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (7News) — As Prince William County Public Schools consider installing new security screening technology, the school system is holding a series of community meetings to get feedback from families.

The 'Safety and Security Briefings' begin Wednesday night at Gainesville High School:

"Keeping our students and employees and visitors safe is our top priority," said Vernon Bock, Chief Operating Officer for Prince William County Public Schools.

Bock says that's why the school system is constantly evaluating its safety measures, and why they're now considering a new security screening system made by a company called Evolv Technology. The system uses touchless sensors and software that's designed to detect weapons in a way that's both non-intrusive and high volume. According to Evolv, the system can scan over 60 people a minute.

"This is used at a lot of professional sporting venues that have 30,000 to 50,000 people coming in," Bock explained. "It's really focused on detecting guns and large knives. It's a little different than your traditional metal detector, where it will avoid alerting on traditional items like your cell phone, your keys, a belt buckle, a necklace, a watch. You don't have to remove any of those items."

Instead, he says the system allows students and staff to walking through the sensors without opening their bags or removing their phones from their pockets.

You can view an Evolv video about the system here.

"When you see it implemented, kids are just filing through, you don't have to be single file, you can come through in a group," Bock said. "The technology is really sophisticated from that standpoint, and it really is minimally invasive."

RELATED: Manassas City Public Schools to deploy new security screening technology at Osbourn HS

As 7News has reported, nearby Manassas City Public Schools is already planning to implement this same security screening technology at Osbourn High School, and Osbourn will be the first school in Virginia to use it. Alexandria City Public Schools is eyeing the system as well, with the Alexandria school board expected to decide in March whether ACPS will move forward with a pilot program.

SEE ALSO: Alexandria City Public Schools debates installing screening technology to detect weapons

But Prince William County Public Schools, as the second largest school system in Virginia, would be a more large-scale operation. Bock said it would cost PWCS about $10 million to install the security screening technology at all 34 of its secondary schools, with three entry points at each high school and two at each middle school.

"If one gun makes it into our schools, that's one gun too many," he said. "It's a worthwhile investment in safety."

Bock said PWCS began looking into this technology in the fall. That's when school system leaders traveled to North Carolina, where the Evolv system is currently in place in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Bock said they wanted to see the technology in action in a large school system.

"In Charlotte, we saw this in a high school of about 2,500 students, and the students were able to get in the building in about 15 minutes at three entry points, or three of the Evolv system" he said. "We also conducted an observation at one of their middle schools, that had two entry points. And about 1,300 students went through and again, same timeframe, about 15 minutes to enter."

PWCS Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade wrote about the security screening technology in two recent letters to families, in January and again on February 3.

In her January 13 letter, McDade wrote in part "recent advances in security screening technology allow for non-evasive detection and accommodate a high volume of staff and students", calling the technology a preventative measure that is "a critical step toward protection".

McDade said the new technology could be implemented in Prince William County Public Schools "as early as the 2023-2024 school year", and said the school system would begin engaging families and community members to gather input on the possibility.

In her February 3 letter, McDade announced dates and times for a series of community meetings on the topic.

"It's really important for us to gather that community feedback, get that input from the community," Bock said. "And if all goes as planned, we would look at implementing this in the fall."

Even then, Bock said, the security screening technology would be phased in a few schools at a time. And to allow time for training and for students to get used to the new system, he said PWCS likely wouldn't begin that implementation until a few weeks after the first day of school in the fall.

"One of the things we learned from Charlotte is not to try this in all secondary schools all at once," he said. "Get it implemented in a few locations and then start expanding out from there."

SJ Contractor Services LLC is a licensed and insured company in Woodbridge offering roof cleaning and exterior washing for businesses and homes.

WOODBRIDGE, VA, UNITED STATES, February 16, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Irrespective of location, almost every homeowner wants to keep their exterior attractive and clean. However, finding time from busy schedules for house washing can be challenging for Virginia residents. Even if they find time, house washing with store-bought tools and DIY techniques may not deliver the same result as a professional house washing in Woodbridge, VA. Because a full-service contractor has access to the latest tools and trained technicians for safe and effective exterior washing, contacting a local company such as SJ Contractor Services LLC can be the best option for businesses and homeowners. These professional services can also restore and improve the curb appeal of residential and commercial properties.

A humid subtropical climate characterizes the climate of Virginia, which features hot, humid summers and moderate, wet winters. These weather variations and outdoor environments can cause the accumulation of dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other contaminants. Therefore, it's essential to keep up with routine cleaning and maintenance to prevent the buildup of debris that can lead to an unappealing exterior. Since the 1990s, pressure washing has emerged as one of the best methods for cleaning and improving house exteriors. That's why many Virginia businesses and homeowners often employ local contractors for bi-annual exterior washing and cleaning. For instance, SJ Contractor Services LLC, a leading service for House Washing in Dale City, VA, applies power and low-pressure washing techniques for patio, driveways, window, and roof washing and helps homeowners maintain a healthy and attractive outdoor environment.

House-washing experts employ many methods to safely and effectively remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from various surfaces, including roofing. For instance, soft washing is a low-pressure method for cleaning outside surfaces without causing any damage. It involves using specific cleaning solutions and a gentle rinsing procedure to eliminate dirt, grime, and mildew. Therefore, it is preferable for delicate surfaces like stucco, masonry, wood, gutter, roof, and sidings. In contrast, power washing is a high-pressure method that employs a strong stream of water to remove dirt and grime from hard surfaces like concrete, brick, and stone. Even metal roofing and hard surfaces are suitable for power washing, but caution must be exercised to prevent surface damage.

Like every other profession, house washing requires training and knowledge in using heavy-duty equipment, area codes, safe cleaning solutions, and techniques. So, it could be challenging for a typical household to have the latest gear or experience in pressure washing. Moreover, working with heavy-duty equipment can be a safety hazard for untrained hands. Therefore, hiring an experienced contractor for house washing in Lake Ridge, VA, or any other Virginia county is a good idea. In addition, some professional services, such as SJ Contractor Services LLC, offer licensed and insured technicians and affordable pricing, making it comfortable and safe for homeowners looking for a cost-effective house-washing expert in Woodbridge, Dale City, Lake Ridge, and surrounding areas in Virginia.

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Since 2000, 20 Major Airline Companies Have Undergone Mergers, Reducing the Number of Major Airlines Flying Nationwide to Fewer Than 10

WOODBRIDGE, V.A. — Following the disruptions experienced by Southwest Airlines customers, leaving thousands of Americans — including many Virginians — stranded, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger is urging the U.S. Department of Justice to examine how airline companies engage in anticompetitive practices and determine whether these activities violate relevant antitrust laws.

Over the past two decades, a series of mergers has dramatically reduced the number of airlines flying in the United States. According to experts, this lack of competition has allowed airlines to post record profits despite under-investment in their infrastructure — leading to catastrophic outcomes for passengers.

In a letter sent to Assistant U.S. Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, Spanberger asked for the Justice Department to examine anticompetitive practices in the airline industry — particularly given that Virginians are now seeing a combination of fewer flights, more disruptions, higher costs, and record profits.

“Consolidation in the airline industry has steadily contributed to higher prices, fewer choices, and fewer flights for American passengers,” said Spanberger. “Since the summer of 2019, US air travel consumer complaints have increased by 57 percent. At the same time, airlines that specifically took federal aid with the stated purpose of avoiding mass layoffs in the industry reduced their workforce by about 42,000 full-time employees and 14,000 part-time employees as of September 2021. These layoffs led to months of turmoil in late 2021 and 2022 as several airlines, including Southwest, Spirit, and American Airlines struggled to rehire enough workers to meet increased demand. While these disruptions came at the expense of passengers, airline workers, and taxpayers alike, airlines were able to return to profitability despite a reduction in service and upheaval for many Americans.”

Spanberger continued, “This unique combination of fewer flights, more disruptions, higher costs, and record profits, all following two decades where the number of major airlines steadily dwindled nationally, paints a clear picture of an industry rife with anticompetitive practices. As a capitalist, I believe it is essential to the functioning of our free-market economy that there is robust competition that provides consumers with ample choices between products and services.”

In addition to requesting that the Department of Justice address potential anticompetitive practices by airlines, Spanberger requested that her staff be briefed on steps the DOJ has already taken, as well as steps that they plan to take, in order to address the growing frustration of consumers who are left without alternatives amid the quickly falling quality of available airline services.

Click here to read Spanberger’s letter, and the full letter text is also below.

—

Dear Assistant Attorney General Kanter,

I write to you with concerns about the impacts of consolidation in the airline industry in light of recent disruptions experienced by Southwest customers, which left thousands of Americans traveling over the winter holiday season stranded. While the circumstances that impacted Southwest Airlines over the last month are unique, the factors that led to widespread disruption, high costs for consumers seeking to rebook flights, and many travelers stranded without an alternative, are not. Consolidation in the airline industry has steadily contributed to higher prices, fewer choices, and fewer flights for American passengers.

Over the past two decades, a series of mergers has dramatically reduced the number of airlines flying in the United States. Since 2000, twenty major airline companies have undergone mergers, reducing the number of major airlines flying nationwide to fewer than 10. A lack of competition has allowed airlines to post record profits despite under-investment in their infrastructure, leading to catastrophic outcomes for passengers. Across the industry, we have seen growing frustration from passengers who feel powerless to find meaningful alternatives. Since the summer of 2019, US air travel consumer complaints have increased by 57%. At the same time, airlines that specifically took federal aid with the stated purpose of avoiding mass layoffs in the industry reduced their workforce by about 42,000 full-time employees and 14,000 part-time employees as of September 2021. These layoffs led to months of turmoil in late 2021 and 2022 as several airlines, including Southwest, Spirit, and American Airlines struggled to rehire enough workers to meet increased demand. While these disruptions came at the expense of passengers, airline workers, and taxpayers alike, airlines were able to return to profitability despite a reduction in service and upheaval for many Americans.

Meanwhile, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines have dramatically reduced the number of flights servicing small and regional airports. According to data from the Regional Airline Association, of the 430 airports in the continental United States and Hawaii that offer commercial passenger service, 76 percent had fewer flights scheduled in 2022 compared to 2019. These cutbacks are despite surging demand for flights in 2022.

Even as these disruptions have grown more severe, ticket prices faced by passengers have also increased dramatically. According to the Federal Reserve of St. Louis, the price for airline tickets nationwide increased 25% in the period from November 2021 to November 2022 – the most significant hike since data was first collected in 1989 – far outstripping the 8% inflation seen over the same period.

While increased prices have impacted all Americans, they have been disproportionately felt by Americans serviced by small and regional airports. According to data collected by CheapAir.com, in 2022, airline tickets increased the most in smaller markets where competition between airlines was diminished as passengers had fewer flights and airlines to choose from. Near my district, in Richmond, Virginia, these increases translated to a 29% increase or roughly $75 for an average domestic airline ticket compared to 2021. The same analysis found that prices increased the least in airports with the most flights, demonstrating how competition can drive down prices.

This unique combination of fewer flights, more disruptions, higher costs, and record profits, all following two decades where the number of major airlines steadily dwindled nationally, paints a clear picture of an industry rife with anticompetitive practices. As a capitalist, I believe it is essential to the functioning of our free-market economy that there is robust competition that provides consumers with ample choices between products and services.

As such, I request that the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) examine how airline companies engage in anticompetitive practices and determine whether these activities violate relevant antitrust laws. In addition, I request a briefing for my staff on what steps the DOJ has already taken to investigate anticompetitive practices in the airline industry.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

—

###

Open Space Arts, a gallery at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge, is currently showcasing a new exhibit, “African American Voices and Visions,” until Feb. 26 in recognition of Black History Month.

The exhibit, being presented for the first time, showcases artwork pertaining to African American heritage, life, culture and experiences. Each piece shows the artist’s interpretation of different creative works, people, places, events and historical figures.

The collection was curated by Herb Williams, arts recreation specialist for Prince William County.

“It’s their vision of the different expressions of African American history through words, art and music,” Williams said.

Williams said he founded the Open Space Arts gallery to create a venue where local artists could show their works.

“It's a passion for me. Once I saw how undiscerned some of the communities in the arts are, I wanted to help,” Williams said. “The talent that has come out of these opportunities is insurmountable.”

All of the pieces in the gallery were created by local artists of all ages, each with a different vision and interpretation of African American life and experiences. The exhibit includes work of all mediums by 24 artists.

“Being in the gallery is a wonderful experience,” said Elle Cartier, a volunteer with the Prince William Art Society. “Too often local artists aren’t able to showcase their work, and this particular exhibit offers tremendous opportunities for individuals of multiple races to share their voices through their art along with their visions.”

During the opening night for the exhibit, more than 200 visitors enjoyed the variety of artistic works, including poetry, music and monologues along with the art displayed in the gallery. Opening night also kickstarted the sales for the pieces.

Penny Shaw, another volunteer with the Prince William Art Society, is one of the artists whose work is showcased at the exhibit. Shaw is a trained artist and has created many pieces throughout her life, including work specially for this gallery.

“When I was younger, I would do social commentary on things that were going on, and I did a lot of figurative work,” Shaw said. “When I do my paintings I try to do something that speaks to me.”

Shaw uses a technique for her pieces called acrylic pour painting. The technique creates natural flowing patterns by pouring liquid paint onto a canvas and spreading the liquid either by tilting the surface or manually manipulating the paint.

“It makes it so each piece is unique and irreplicable, one-of-a-kind,” Shaw said.

After mastering the acrylic pour technique, Shaw sought to add more detailing and life to her art.

“I have been doing pour paintings for the past five years or so,” she added. “But pouring the paint on the canvas wasn’t enough for me, I wanted to do more so I started embellishing or drawing on top of the canvas.”

Shaw currently has three pieces showing in the gallery, all of which feature the acrylic paint pouring technique and added embellishment to convey Shaw’s interpretation of African American life and experience.

Shaw’s work, along with the other artists’ paintings displayed in the gallery, are available for purchase, and proceeds from the sale of the paintings goes directly back to the artists.

State Senator Jeremy McPike (D) represents parts of Prince William County where two proposed stadium sites are under consideration.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — No traffic fix on I-95? No Washington Commanders stadium in Northern Virginia.

That’s the latest line in the sand as stadium talk in the Virginia Legislature heats back up.

“The biggest driver of this is literally going to be traffic and transportation,” said State Senator Jeremy McPike (D) who represents parts of Prince William County, where the Commanders have studied two potential stadium sites. “And that should be incorporated in the study.”

Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently revived talk of the Commanders moving to Northern Virginia with a proposal to spend $500,000 to study potential economic incentives for the team to relocate to Virginia. But McPike is proposing an amendment that would require the state to fund and fix traffic congestion within 25 miles of a proposed stadium site before a new Commanders stadium could open.

The state senator said a Virginia study found the southbound section of 95 near the Occoquan River at the Woodbridge exit had the highest per person hours of traffic delays in the state, with more than 1.2 million hours annually.

“I think I've been consistent all along that any stadium has to be dealing with traffic and transportation,” McPike said. “In fact, I'm pinpointing and highlighting that and helping the constituents that I serve, because we face the traffic and transportation of the worst area in on the East Coast, every single day. And so, this is an opportunity to hopefully highlight this either with or without a stadium. This has got to be fixed.”

Yougnkin's proposed budget and McPike’s stadium traffic study amendment will be considered by the state legislature in early February.

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