What an eventful week in Alexandria.
Thursday, March 11, marked the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic in Alexandria. As the vaccine rollout slowly improves, the most recent news is the allowance of restaurant workers to get the vaccine. Just over 38,000 doses have been administered in the city, and of that 14,661 residents have been fully vaccinated. The city also wants 80% of residents vaccinated by July 31.
Officer Celebrates 25 Years with Police Department — “A special time for one of our officers. Officer Bennie Evans officially received his commemorative clock representing 25+ years of service with the Alexandria Police Department. We thank you for all you do.” [Twitter]
Beloved Bishop Ireton Faculty Member Dies — “It is with sadness but also with great faith in our Lord that we share that Brother Rick Wilson, a beloved faculty member at Bishop Ireton for more than three decades, passed away last night on March 3, 2021. He is now at peace with our Lord and has most assuredly opened a Word Write Shop for all the writers in paradise. He loved Bishop Ireton. In his last conversation with Head of School Kathleen McNutt, he reiterated his great love of teaching, his love for Bishop Ireton High School, and his desire to do God’s will. He shared with passion, ‘God put me on this Earth to teach. Bishop Ireton is my home.’ Let us pray for the repose of Brother Rick’s soul; for his family who mourns his loss; and for his beloved Bishop Ireton family who will always remember him. May choirs of angels receive him into everlasting life.” [Facebook]
Captain Sean Casey is running for Alexandria Sheriff, and already has the endorsement of retiring Sheriff Dana Lawhorne.
“I’m excited, anxious, but overall really looking forward to this challenge,” Casey told ALXnow. “I can’t wait to fill the big shoes of Dana Lawhorne.”
Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne will not seek a fifth term, and will leave office at the end of the year.
Lawhorne made the announcement this afternoon, and said that after 16 years he accomplished his goals in office.
What a busy week in Alexandria.
Our top story this week was on Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Old Town shop fibre space on March 3. It was Harris’ first official visit outside of the White House since she was inaugurated, and she spoke about the American Rescue Plan with shop owner Danielle Romanetti.
Emma Coronel Aispuro, the wife of Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman Loera, will be isolated from the general population for a month in the Alexandria jail, in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions.
The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office has a contract with the U.S. Marshals to house inmates in the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center, and other details of Coronel’s stay have not been released, such as whether she will be secluded from other inmates after the month.
Volunteers Needed to Unload 40K Pounds of Food for Five Food Pantries — “Getting this food is a huge opportunity and we are excited to provide love and security to families in our neighborhood. Thank you for your help!” [Zebra]
Juvenile Robbed of Phone in West End — “The Alexandria Police Dept is investigating a robbery from a person in the 1400 blk of N. Beauregard St. A juvenile female had her cellphone stolen by a group of juvenile males. No injuries reported. Expect police activity in the area.” [Twitter]
It was a cold week in Alexandria.
With bits of snow and temperatures hovering at around freezing, our top story this week was on Allison Priebe, the local business owner who was robbed while pumping gas in Old Town. Police later released suspect photos and advise anyone pumping gas to keep their keys with them and lock their vehicles.
Beyer Says COVID Relief Legislation Will Save Economy — “Today we answered the call of the American people by advancing big, ambitious legislation in @WaysMeansCmte to help end the pandemic and save the economy. We are working to meet the nation’s need with the scale and speed that this crisis requires.” [Twitter]
Northam Sends Letter to FEMA Asking for Increased Assistance With Vaccination — “Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser sent a two-page letter to FEMA and HHS leaders requesting increased support for COVID-19 vaccination efforts of essential federal employees. It specifically asks that the federal government vaccinate its own workers, including contractors and WMATA employees.” [Zebra]
“Since he has been placed here, I have received numerous inquiries from people wanting further explanation,” Lawhorne told ALXnow. “We are used to addressing special diets. We also deal with hunger and hydration strikes every day. We got asked by the U.S. Marshal’s if our food vendor Aramark could comply with the court order, and we said yes.”
The 33-year-old Chansley gained notoriety for his outlandish outfit during the Jan. 6 siege at the U.S. Capitol. He is one of 43 people charged with interference with law enforcement, weapons crimes, threats or property crimes but not conspiracy or assault. He went on a hunger strike while in custody in Arizona, and reportedly lost 20 pounds before his transfer to a facility in D.C. Earlier this month, a U.S. District Court Judge ruled that he be fed organic food.
Jacob Chansley, one of the rioters at the Capitol Hill insurrection in January who drew public attention and the nickname QAnon Shaman for his outlandish attire, has been transferred to Alexandria’s William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center.
The move comes after the D.C. Department of Corrections requested Chansley be transferred following a court order that confirmed Chansley’s right to only be fed organic food, Buzzfeed News reported.
