Latest news with #LoudounCounty
Washington Post
21-07-2025
- Washington Post
Propane manager guilty of manslaughter in blast that killed Va. firefighter
After a house in Loudoun County, Virginia, exploded last year, killing a firefighter, prosecutors charged a gas company manager with involuntary manslaughter, saying he failed to take steps to stop a leak from an underground propane tank. On Monday, a Loudoun jury found him guilty of that charge and three misdemeanors related to the gas leak after deliberating for four days. Loudoun firefighter Trevor Brown, 45, was killed instantly by the blast in the county's Sterling area, which leveled a two-story house owned by Kelley Woods. On Feb. 14, 2024, Woods requested a refill of her propane tank, which evidence showed had been previously diagnosed with a leak. When a Southern States Petroleum Service technician began filling the tank two days later, he smelled the telltale odor added to propane and stopped after 125 gallons. The technician called Roger L. Bentley, the service manager, who soon arrived the house on a Friday afternoon. He told Woods the odor 'wasn't a big deal,' according to prosecutors. They said Bentley told Woods that Southern States would return Monday to dig up and replace the tank, which had been installed in 1991. Bentley allegedly told Woods not to worry and that if the odor worsened, Woods should call him, not the fire department, which he predicted would make 'a big deal out of nothing.' Within hours of Bentley leaving, the odor had spread and neighbors called the fire department, who then called Bentley, according to testimony at his trial in Loudoun Circuit Court. Bentley assured the firefighters that the leak was minor, but when the firefighters' gas measurements showed high levels of propane, they evacuated the house and nearby homes around 8 p.m., prosecutors said. Minutes later, the house exploded, sending a thunderous boom across Loudoun and pummeling nearby houses with violent shock waves. Brown, standing in the front yard, was killed by a piece of the house as it shot outward, court records show. Two firefighters were trapped in the basement, while 10 other firefighters and numerous neighbors suffered injuries. Part of the couch Woods had been sitting on minutes earlier was found in a tree. 'He walked away without warning anyone, doing anything and left a land mine,' Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Eden Holmes said of Bentley in her closing argument. She said Bentley 'knew the risk of just allowing propane to flow out into the yard. … If the defendant had not made these choices, this house would not have exploded.' But Bentley didn't smell anything particularly bad, didn't see or hear any evidence of a leak when examining the top of the tank, and his gas detection device only picked up 'a faint residual odor,' defense lawyer Kelly L. King said. She said Bentley repeatedly told investigators that 'he didn't know there was a leak.' Bentley 'didn't walk away from a leak,' King said, trying to shift blame to the homeowner. 'He didn't know. The only one who knew was Kelley Woods. She was obligated to keep that tank safe,' having learned in 2017 that it was damaged and being told in 2021 that it would cost $5,200 to replace the tank. Bentley also told Woods her tank needed to be replaced, but Woods didn't tell him she had previously been told of a leak, King said. 'Somehow it becomes her word that ends up becoming the basis of this prosecution,' King said. Bentley told her to call him any time over the weekend, and that as a 38-year employee with a spotless record, he had no reason to walk away from potential trouble. 'There's not been one shred of evidence that Roger Bentley knew there was a leak,' King said. 'Why come back Monday and take [the tank] out if there isn't a leak?' Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Brian Boyle asked in rebuttal, though he acknowledged Woods never heard Bentley use the word 'leak.' But when Bentley left without taking further action and told Woods not to call the fire department, 'that's the 'callous disregard'' needed to qualify as involuntary manslaughter, Boyle said. Bentley, 68, was indicted by a Loudoun grand jury in October for manslaughter and three misdemeanor counts for releasing hazardous materials and failing to record or mitigate a harmful discharge. The trial started July 7, and the jury deliberated for 23 hours over four days on the four counts. Jurors declined to comment afterward. Sentencing was set for Nov. 6. Bentley, who did not testify during the trial, did not react to the verdict and declined to comment afterward. He was allowed to remain free pending sentencing by Loudoun Circuit Court Judge James E. Plowman Jr. Bentley faces a sentencing range of probation up to 10 years in prison. Loudoun Commonwealth's Attorney Bob D. Anderson said charging Bentley with a crime was intensely discussed within his office, and 'it wasn't an easy decision to make.' But he and his prosecutors decided 'there are repercussions for certain activity. And the jury found that activity required certain repercussions.' James S. Williams, the Loudoun fire chief, called the case 'an important chapter in our overall recovery. But nothing brings Trevor back.' Williams said eight of the firefighters injured that night have returned to duty, but two are still on leave. Bentley and Southern States also face a lawsuit filed in May by Brown's widow, Woods and her tenant, one of the injured firefighters and several neighbors of the house on Silver Ridge Drive. Brown had three children, now ages 12, 10 and 8. Demetry Pikrallidas, a lawyer for three of the plaintiffs, maintained that the explosion was 'a preventable disaster — plain and simple.' Pikrallidas said: 'It was mishandled from the outset. Our position has always been, and remains, that this was the result of a systemic failure by Southern States.' No trial date has been set for the civil case. The leak from the 23-year-old propane tank was determined to be coming from two fingertip-size holes in the bottom of the tank, the lawyers in the case said, which couldn't be seen from the ground. And then below the tank, a french drain had been installed from the basement into the backyard, which investigators believe may have funneled the propane into the house. But the investigators could not determine what sparked the blast, in part because of the annihilation of Woods' home. 'If they can't tell you what the ignition source is,' King said, 'how can they prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Roger Bentley caused it?' To prove involuntary manslaughter, the prosecution had to show that Bentley's actions were 'gross, wanton and culpable to show a callous disregard for human life' and that they were the 'proximate cause' of Brown's death.
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Travel + Leisure
12-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Underrated Virginia County Has It All—Including Charming Hotels, Local Wineries, and the Newest State Park
Book a room at the newest addition to Leesburg's hospitality scene, Hotel Burg, which opens to guests in August. Visit one of the many wineries in the area—such as Breaux Vineyards in Purcellville or Good Spirit Farm Winery in Round Hill. Browse vintage furniture and home decor at Lucketts Store in Leesburg. Enjoy a lovely brunch at Magnolias at the Mill in Purcellville. Plan your trip to Loudoun County in the autumn, when the area's fall foliage is on full display. Virginia contains mountains, vineyards, small towns, luxury hotels, artistic hubs, and some of the most inspiring culinary scenes on the East Coast. While you could certainly traverse the Commonwealth to witness its multiplicity, you could also stick to one region—namely, Loudoun County. Often referred to simply as 'Loudoun,' Loudoun County is made up of a handful of towns and communities: Leesburg (the county seat), Middleburg, Purcellville, Waterford, Sterling, Round Hill, Lucketts, Hillsboro, Lovettsville, Hamilton, Ashburn, and Bluemont. 'As a business owner in Loudoun, I really appreciate the diversity. Each city or town has its own vibe and culture. I also like how each city has its own local flair and events that the community can support,' says Silas Redd, owner of Nostalgia Boutique and Mister on Main in Purcellville. 'Some people 'pit' eastern Loudoun versus western Loudoun,' Jody Brady, founder and director of the Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival, tells Travel + Leisure , explaining how eastern Loudoun is known for its suburban developments and shopping centers while western Loudoun has more farms and wineries. 'But I think Loudoun works because east and west mix all this up and make the county the dynamic, thriving place it is,' she says. And as Reagan Walker, owner of Waterford Reservations, shares, 'Whether you are into outdoor activities or culinary experiences, or you're a wine or beer lover, there is truly something for everyone.' Read on for our comprehensive guide to Loudoun County, Virginia. Guest room inside Hotel Burg. 'Charming bed-and-breakfasts abound in Loudoun, and an array of hotels line the roads near Dulles International Airport, but the most recent talk of the town is the new, elegant Hotel Burg in the heart of Leesburg's historic district,' says Brady. Set to open to guests this summer, the luxury boutique hotel will have a restaurant, The Huntōn, a cocktail bar, The Diana Lounge, and a rooftop bar. 'I have also loved visiting Lansdowne Resort. It is expansive, and the food is top-notch,' says Redd. The 500-acre, family-friendly property is located in Leesburg, and its amenities include three golf courses, a spa with 12 treatment rooms, and three outdoor pools. 'Of course, five-star Salamander Resort in Middleburg remains the top-tier stay in Loudoun,' says Brady. The resort is ideal for those travelers who enjoy balancing activities with relaxation. There's horseback riding, golf, tennis, and a pool, plus a full-service spa to retreat to when you're ready for some downtime. Hikers take in the view at Bear's Den Scenic Lookout. Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/For The Washington Post via Getty Images It's not hard to find a way to stay active in Loudoun County, and one of the best ways to get in your steps and see the area is to hike. 'Walk a stretch of the Appalachian Trail and picnic at the Bears Den Overlook, or explore the trails at Sweet Run State Park, Virginia's newest state park,' says Brady. 'We have so many talented local musicians, and you can't beat the free summer music series in Hillsboro and Leesburg,' says Brady, who also recommends listening to music at Monk's BBQ or Wheatland Spring. 'Tarara Summer Concert Series is another favorite during the summer and early fall,' says Walker, describing 'one of the most beautiful concert venues' she's been to. 'Invite your friends and family and enjoy a variety of great bands throughout the season.' Places to grab a locally made drink abound in Loudoun County. Redd prefers Walsh Family Wine—and recommends a glass of their viognier—and Catoctin Creek Distillery, 'for one of their highly curated 'Dinner at the Distillery' events.' Walker suggests checking out Breaux Vineyards, where you're 'surrounded by exquisite views of the vineyard,' and 8 Chains North. The latter, she notes, is dog-friendly and a 'sure spot to stop if bringing your pup along.' Brady also has a few favorite spots, including Black Hoof Brewing Co. in Leesburg and Henway Hard Cider in Bluemont. 'In addition, most wineries and breweries have live local music and great food options on the weekends. Keep an eye out on their event calendars as most places host special events—festivals, wine dinners, and more,' says Walker. Every year, thousands of shoppers make their way to Loudoun County to attend the Purcellville VA Tag Sale. 'One of the largest events in Purcellville, this one-day event is a shopping and collectors' dream! Our local boutiques have special discounts, and there are over 150 vendors selling antiques, handmade items, etc,' says Redd. Aerial view of a Purcellville, Virginia residential area. 'Purcellville is probably my favorite. It feels like it is one of the last small towns in Loudoun that hasn't been overdeveloped. The community is really supportive of the restaurants, boutiques, and events,' says Redd. 'Downtown Leesburg has become such a fun place over the years, with so many wonderful restaurants, historic sites, shops, and live music,' says Walker. 'The town also celebrates First Friday; the downtown is buzzing with people enjoying live music, art exhibits, open storefronts, food, and drink.' 'Round Hill, Hillsboro, and Bluemont are Loudoun's three 'A.T. Communities,' a designation each town earned from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for their commitment to the protection and promotion of the Appalachian Trail,' says Brady. 'These three communities work together to put on the annual Loudoun A.T. Festival in June with a full day of Americana music, trail talks, nature crafts, and an art show.' Walker also adds that Hillsboro has an annual Independence Day celebration, which she describes as a 'hometown experience full of life,' with 'fireworks, live music, food, wine, beer, and kids' fun.' 'I might be biased because I grew up in the town and now live two miles outside of it, but there is something magical about Waterford,' says Walker. 'It is filled with history, beautiful historic homes, and hosts the Waterford Fair annually. There is a lovely walking trail called the Phillips Farm Trail, which is a walk along the Catoctin Creek adjacent to the town.' There's no shortage of charm in Middleburg, a small town where equestrian heritage and storied history are on display around every corner. It's also home to several luxe hotels and inns; along with Salamander Middleburg, there's The Red Fox Inn & Tavern as well as Goodstone Inn & Restaurant. Interior shot of The Conche dining room. 'Magnolias at the Mill has always been a top choice of mine. Whether I'm celebrating a special occasion, meeting my girlfriends for brunch, or simply stopping in for a nice lunch or dinner, the experience is always top-notch,' says Walker. For what Redd calls the 'best BLT sandwich ever,' head to Market Burger Fries & Shakes. If you want a 'great home-cooked breakfast,' he suggests Purcellville Family Restaurant. Walker calls EagleTree Farm Winery & Restaurants a 'hidden gem.' 'Located outside of Leesburg, they offer a delicious seasonal menu with excellent service,' she says. While in Leesburg, stop by any one of Brady's favorites: Tuscarora Mill, SideBar, Shoe's Cup and Cork, or The Conche. 'I am a pizza lover, so one of my favorite stops is in the town of Hillsboro at Market in The Gap,' says Walker. She shares it 'has amazing wood-fired pizza made right in front of you,' a 'smaller cozy atmosphere inside,' and 'an outdoor area for seating in warmer weather.' If you find yourself in Middleburg, there are two iconic restaurants that come recommended by Brady. For the more traditional route, make a reservation at the Red Fox Inn & Tavern. In the mood for something more casual? King St. Oyster Bar, with its seafood entrees and happy hour specials, should do the trick. Variety of assortments in store of antique furniture. 'I am very into design and decor, so I absolutely love going to the Lucketts Store. They have so many amazing finds. I could literally spend all day there and will always find something to take home,' says Walker. 'Leesburg boutiques make for a wonderful afternoon of shopping, including Muz & Roz, wldwst, Misguided Angels, Birch Tree Bookstore, Brick & Mortar Mercantile, and Madisonbelle,' adds Brady. 'I love The Corner Store in Waterford. Pop in and explore amazing vintage furniture and locally produced and handmade goods,' says Walker. 'The store also has an excellent small menu created by Chef Estelle Richer-Legault. The freshness of the menu and experience are exceptional.' 'I like to score second-hand treasures in Purcellville at Nostalgia, Twigs, It's Bazaar, and Re-Love It,' says Brady. Redd is also a fan of Twigs. 'This place is the queen of unique gifts! Everything from jewelry and candles and soaps to tabletop books and womens wear,' he says, adding that Twin Flame Vintage, a 'kitschy boutique focusing on vintage clothing, housewares, home decor, and ephemera,' is another one that travelers should have on their list. If it's menswear you're after, take a peek at Redd's Mister on Main boutique housed inside its sibling store, Nostalgia. 'Elsass in Round Hill is one of my favorites,' says Redd. 'It's a former mechanic shop converted into an antique store specializing in French antiquities.' Elsass is open from Friday through Sunday or by appointment. According to Walker, the 'best goat cheese around' can be found at Georges Mill Farm Artisan Cheese in Lovettsville. Long Stone Farm is also on her shortlist; bring a cooler so you can keep the pork, eggs, and other perishable products you pick up cold. Autumn leaves in Loudoun County. LindasPhotography/Getty Images 'Fall is hands-down the best time to visit,' says Redd. 'There's nothing better than enjoying a local glass of wine and seeing the seasons change from the leaves on the trees and native plants.' Alternatively, says Brady, if you explore Loudoun in the spring, you may get to see the wildflowers at Balls Bluff or attend Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy's Spring Native Plant Sale and the Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival in April. Walker, on the other hand, recommends planning your visit for late summer: 'The backdrop is so beautiful this time of year. If you visit wineries, the vines are so lush and beautiful,' she says. If you plan on flying to Loudoun, you'll want to choose Dulles International Airport (IAD) as your destination. From there, you can either rent a car or book a taxi or rideshare service. IAD is only about a 20-to-40-minute drive away from Loudoun, depending on where you're going within the county. There's also the option to come by train from D.C. There are three Metrorail Silver Line stations that serve Loudoun: Dulles International Airport, Loudoun Gateway, and Ashburn Station. The most convenient way to explore Loudoun County is by car. This allows you the freedom to visit the different towns that make up the county, popping into different restaurants, shops, and wineries. Just be sure to assign a designated driver ahead of time if you plan on indulging in any wine or other alcoholic beverages.
Washington Post
17-06-2025
- Washington Post
Can AI identify safety threats in schools? One district wants to try.
Loudoun County schools will use an artificial intelligence system to help identity fights, bullying or other potential safety threats on campuses. The system, from local tech company VOLT AI, will use AI to monitor video footage from the school district's existing security cameras to spot incidents that might require staff intervention, such as the presence of weapons or other safety threats or medical emergencies. The cameras are used only in common areas, not bathrooms or locker rooms.
Fox News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Virginia school district accused of religious discrimination in transgender locker room case
A northern Virginia school district dropped its Title IX sexual harassment investigation into a Muslim student who allegedly complained about sharing a locker room with a biological female who identifies as transgender, while adding additional Title IX violations against two Christian students involved in the same incident, their lawyer says. The three high school students, who are sophomores at Stone Bridge High School in Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), were placed under a Title IX investigation for "sexual harassment" after "expressing confusion and discomfort" over a transgender male student being in the boys' locker room during PE class in March, according to their attorney, Founding Freedoms Law Center legal counsel Josh Hetzler. Under LCPS policy, students are allowed to use the locker room and restrooms that correspond with their gender identity. Hetzler says the district's Title IX office notified his Muslim client that the sexual harassment allegation against him had been dismissed. However, the district refused to drop the sexual harassment allegation against his other two clients, who are Christian, and slapped them with an additional charge of "sex-based discrimination." In its dismissal letter, LCPS said that the Muslim student's alleged conduct, even if proved to be true, "would not constitute sexual harassment" as defined in its Title IX regulations. Hetzler's other two clients received a letter from LCPS on the same day informing them they were still under investigation for sexual harassment and, now, sex-based discrimination, under Title IX. While Hetzler is grateful for the dismissed probe against one of his clients, he argued all three students' cases should be dismissed. "If your reason for dismissing it against our Muslim client is that — even if proven, even if true — this would not be a Title IX violation, then it must also be true that it's not a Title IX violation for our other clients," he told Fox News Digital. "So it's just really baffling that they would do this." He accused LCPS of "clear religious discrimination" and suspects the district is backing off the probe into his Muslim client for political reasons, as the Muslim community is a "key constituency" in Loudoun County. "We find this to be outrageous, and we're pushing back," he added. If found guilty, the students could face suspension or expulsion and would have the violation on their record, Hetzler says. "Often times the process is the punishment," he added. "They shouldn't be investigated." In audio of the taped locker room incident obtained by Fox News Digital, male students can be heard asking, "Why is there a girl? I'm so uncomfortable there is a girl. A female, bro, get out of here." LCPS told Fox News Digital it was restricted legally from being able to share specifics about Title IX investigations. A spokesperson said the district was "committed to providing a safe and inclusive educational environment for all students, employees, and community members" and that its Title IX process "follows applicable federal law." The district previously pushed back on the allegations it was investigating students based on their viewpoints. "To be absolutely clear: Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) would not investigate or discipline students based on their personal opinions, thoughts, or beliefs, provided those expressions do not violate policies prohibiting hate speech, discriminatory language, threats, or other forms of harmful or disruptive conduct," LCPS said in a statement to Fox News Digital in May. "However, LCPS does investigate and may take disciplinary action when student behavior violates LCPS' Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook for Families and Student Code of Conduct." The district's gender policy was recently challenged by Virginia's Republican Attorney General, Jason Mirayes, and is now being investigated by the Justice Department. The district was already under a Title IX investigation by the U.S. Department of Education over its gender identity policies. The Biden administration updated Title IX regulations in 2021 and 2022 to expand protections for LGBTQ+ students, interpreting the law's prohibition on sex discrimination to include gender identity and sexual orientation. Under then-President Joe Biden's interpretation, transgender students were allowed in women's sports, bathrooms, changing room facilities and in other educational programs. Soon after taking office, Trump's Department of Education notified K-12 schools that it would be reversing Biden's re-write of Title IX and enforce these protections on the basis of biological sex in schools and on campuses. Fox News' Jamie Joseph contributed to this article.
Washington Post
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Loudoun County girls, Meridian boys win Virginia soccer titles
Loudoun County entered Saturday's Class 4 girls' soccer final undefeated and eager to claim the program's first state title since 2018, but the Captains knew all too well that it wouldn't be easy. Woodgrove had provided the lone blemish on the team's record, a 1-1 tie during the regular season. The two teams had already faced off four times before Saturday. The fifth meeting turned out to be the tightest affair since that draw on May 1, but a group that Loudoun County coach Chelsea O'Bruba deemed special before the season still found a way to prevail.
