VOLLEYBALL, FIELD HOCKEY COACHES WONDER HOW THEIR SPORTS WILL LOOK. Page 8
August 12, 2020 | Vol. 19, No. 33 | www.princewilliamtimes.com | 50¢ Covering Prince William County and surrounding communities, including Gainesville, Haymarket, Dumfries, Occoquan, Quantico and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
See PrinceWilliamTimes.com for coronavirus updates
Dumfries man faces COVID-19, eviction By Daniel Berti
Times Staff Writer
PHOTO BY DELIA ENGSTROM
Tim Bauckman, owner of Tim’s Rivershore and Crabhouse, said the restaurant is complying with all state guidelines to remain open this summer.
‘Thankful just to be open right now’
In a nearly empty hallway outside of a courtroom in Prince William General District Court, Ronald Stevens, 51, pleaded with his landlord. “I’m applying for work and jobs. I have nowhere else to go,” Stevens said, tearful. Ronald Stevens Stevens, a food service worker, was laid off from both of his jobs in May due to the coronavirus. Now he’s facing eviction from his apartment in Dumfries for four months of unpaid rent. He stood opposite his landlord and his landlord’s attorney in court on Friday, July 31, where a judge gave Stevens an additional 30 days to come up with his late rent money. “I’m embarrassed to even have to be here,” Stevens told the judge. “I want to get back to work. I want my life back.” See EVICTIONS, page 4
Summer hot spot Tim’s Rivershore is adjusting to COVID-19 rules By Aileen M. Streng Contributing Writer
Summertime is primetime at Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant and Crabhouse, a popular destination along the banks of the Potomac River in Dumfries. As one of the few restaurants in Prince William County accessible from both land and water, Tim’s is known for its long wooden docks, its sandy beachfront and its expansive riverfront deck -- complete with an outdoor bar and umbrella-covered tables. Among locals, Tim’s is a favorite for kicking back with a bucket of crabs, enjoying live music and socializing with friends and strangers, alike. But things are different at Tim’s this summer, due to the ongoing pandemic. Tim’s has taken all required steps – and some extra ones – to ensure safety during COVID-19. Not doing so could close the restaurant down, said owner Tim Bauckman. The Rivershore has limited its capacity to 50% for indoor and outdoor dining. There’s no ordering or congregating around the bar, and masks are required for everyone. “That’s me and everyone else,” said Bauckman who owns the Tim’s Rivershore outside of Dumfries as well as three other Tim’s restaurants in King George County, at Lake Anna and at Coles Point in the Northern Neck. There are also rules patrons might not expect.
For example, diners are now discouraged from lining up outside the restaurant. (If they do, they’re urged to stay 6 feet apart.) Tim’s Rivershore is instead encouraging people to wait for tables from their cars or boats. Those who venture out without a table are asked to call the hostess stand to see if one is available. “We’ve been religious about doing this,” Bauckman said. “We’re thankful just to be open right now.” Yet, there have been some challenges. “For the most part I would say 90 percent of the customers are onboard. They come up to the podium with masks on,” Bauckman said. “But the ones who don’t want to wear masks or have a problem with not being able to stand at the bar, they are adamant about it. They think it’s a fake virus and all that.” If they don’t have a mask, they can buy a disposable one for $1 or leave. “We have been harder on it that than some other places. I hear that,” he said. Not allowing patrons to wander around, greeting friends at other tables is a very different atmosphere for Tim’s. “It used to be very social. People came to talk to everybody,” Bauckman said. “They can’t do that now.” See RIVERSHORE, page 2
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Victor Ortiz, a resident of the Bull Run Mobile Home Community, was one of several residents who spoke against the proposed Va. 28 bypass. COURTESY PHOTO
County board nixes 28 bypass By Daniel Berti
Times Staff Writer
The proposed Va. 28 bypass went through multiple public information meetings, was backed the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and part of package of road projects included in a $396 million bond referendum that nearly 73% of Prince William County voters approved last November. It was a years-long process and for many, it looked like a done deal. But after more than an hour of testimony from residents whose homes would be impacted by the project, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Aug. 4 rejected the $300 million bypass, opting instead to endorse a $400 million plan to widen Va. 28 between Liberia Avenue and the Fairfax County line. See VA. 28, page 2
Public Safety.........................................4 Puzzle Page........................................16 Real Estate............................................6 Sports...................................................8
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