Potomac Local News

Published October 2, 2025 at 4:30PM

The ARTfactory at 9419 Battle Street in Manassas.

MANASSAS, Va. – The ARTfactory is now accepting student submissions for its 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition, showcasing young talent from Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

Open to all high school students in grades 9–12, the competition includes categories like Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Photography, Poetry, and Wearable Art. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on November 13, 2025, via an online form. Accepted artists will be notified by November 17.

Police Blotter

Attempted Burglary at Manassas Insurance Office

By Press Release

Published October 2, 2025 at 4:15PM

Authorities are investigating an attempted burglary at Trucordia Insurance on Ambassador Drive near Manassas. Officers responded on September 30 after discovering pry marks on the exterior doors. The investigation suggests that the attempt occurred sometime since September 16. Fortunately, no entry was made, and nothing was reported missing from the premises.

Here’s the full press release:

Prince William

New classes coming to PWCS: From Medical Detectives to App Creators

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2025 at 3:30PM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – The Prince William County School Board voted unanimously on October 1, 2025, to introduce a slate of new courses for middle and high school students beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

At Porter and Pennington Traditional Schools, four new Project Lead the Way (PLTW) classes will be added to the curriculum. Sixth graders can take Design and Modeling, a hands-on course where students use computer-aided design programs, simulations, and 3D printers to build objects. Seventh graders will have the option of Medical Detectives, a lab-based class where they analyze vital signs, investigate disease outbreaks, and even dissect a sheep brain. For eighth grade, Automation and Robotics will focus on building and programming robotic systems, while App Creators will teach students the fundamentals of designing and developing mobile applications.

Event

3rd Annual Trunk or Treat at Image Church

October 26, 2025 2:00 pm -4:00 pm

Image Church

13900 Church Hill Drive

Woodbridge, Virginia 20191

Website Contact Social

3rd annual free community event that brings our neighbors right to our parking lot for a day of fun. Trick or Treating, games, raffle, photo booth, free food!

Prince William

Firefighters’ new contract could mean higher taxes or cuts elsewhere

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2025 at 3:00PM

Prince William County's Fire & Rescue System Engine 23. [Courtesy of PWCFRS]

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County supervisors will decide on October 7 whether to approve an amended labor contract with county firefighters. This deal carries millions in new costs and could affect taxpayers.

The contract with Local 2598 of the International Association of Fire Fighters updates pay scales, specialty stipends, and referral bonuses for fire and rescue personnel. County staff estimate that the changes will add approximately $3 million in costs in fiscal year 2027 and increase to $5.8 million by fiscal year 2028.

Prince William

Big vote ahead: Prince William Supervisors to revisit Kline property plan

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2025 at 2:04PM

Prince William County supervisors will take up a vote on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, to expand the study area around the controversial Kline Property, located at the corner of Prince William Parkway, Liberia Avenue, and Wellington Road, just outside Manassas.

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Police Blotter

Police blotter: Student with knife threatens peers on school bus

By Press Release

Published October 2, 2025 at 1:16PM

An incident occurred at Stafford Middle School on October 1, 2025, when a student made verbal threats and displayed a knife while on the school bus, according to the Stafford sheriff’s office.

Deputy R.L. Beasley, who was performing his School Resource Officer duties, was informed of the situation. With the assistance of school staff, the knife was confiscated, and the student was charged with weapon possession on school property and threats to kill, according to the Stafford sheriff’s office.

Features

Win Free Tickets to See the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Swing into Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2025 at 10:00AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Potomac Local News is giving away two tickets to see the world-famous Tommy Dorsey Orchestra when it takes the stage at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, October 12, 2025. One winner will be chosen at random and notified by email. Click here to enter the giveaway.

The 15-piece orchestra, known as “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing,” will bring silky-smooth swing, toe-tapping rhythms, and timeless ballads that defined an era. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Appetizers and drinks will be available, and Riverside is opening a space down front for those who want to dance along. Tickets are $55 online, and the show lasts 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.

Schools

Stafford Schools Principal Appointed to National Assessment Governing Board

By Press Release

Published October 2, 2025 at 9:30AM

SIdebotham

STAFFORD, Va. — Stafford County Public Schools proudly congratulates Michael Sidebotham, principal of Grafton Elementary School, on his appointment by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to the National Assessment Governing Board, the body that oversees the Nation’s Report Card.

The National Assessment Governing Board plays a critical role in shaping the assessment of student achievement nationwide, including determining which subjects and grades to assess and setting performance standards. This appointment recognizes Principal Sidebotham’s extensive expertise in educational assessment and his dedication to using data to support student growth.

Police Blotter

DUI Arrest After Running Red Light in Stafford

By Press Release

Published October 2, 2025 at 9:00AM

A driver was charged with driving under the influence after running a red light at Warrenton Road and Village Parkway.

Deputy A.M. Oliveira observed the violation and pulled over the Hyundai, according to the sheriff’s blotter. The driver claimed the light was green and admitted to smoking marijuana, though he insisted he doesn’t drink due to his religion. He was charged and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.