Kelly Sienkowski, Author at Potomac Local News

Dr. Taylor leaves Stafford County Schools

Published June 17, 2024 at 4:27PM

Dr. Thomas W. Taylor will leave Stafford County Schools to join Montgomery County this fall.

Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) has announced the departure of Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, who has led SCPS since November 2021. Dr. Taylor will begin serving as Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools effective this fall. In a county-wide email, Dr. Taylor lauded accomplishments made in the schools, but also noted the county has dropped from 111 to 117 in state rankings for school funding.

During his tenure, Dr. Taylor implemented several measures aimed at improving educational outcomes, including the introduction of staffing standards and a streamlined budget focused on efficiency. SCPS saw an over 20% increase in average staff wages, as well as advancements in both diversity and gender equity in leadership positions that exceed national and state averages. Dr. Taylor also oversaw the construction of three new schools and the renovation of Edward E. Drew Middle School to accommodate the county’s growth.

Health

E. Coli Outbreak at Lake Anna: 20 Confirmed Cases, Children Hospitalized with Severe Complications

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published June 13, 2024 at 2:47PM | Updated June 13, 2024 at 6:02PM

Lake Anna State Park [Photo: Virginia Department of Conservation]

Virginia’s Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed 20 known cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections in patients who swam at Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend. Deputy Director Katherine McCombs said swimming at the lake is the only known connection between the patients.

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Business

Barley Naked Wins World Beer Cup Gold, Bronze Medals

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published June 13, 2024 at 11:11AM

Barley Naked Brewing Company won not just one, but two medals in the 2024 World Beer Cup, held in Las Vegas in April.

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Schools

Stafford Schools Clamp Down on Cell Phones, Devices

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published June 12, 2024 at 12:34PM | Updated June 12, 2024 at 1:08PM

[Photo by John Tuesday on Unsplash]

The Stafford County School Board has approved amendments to its code of behavior, which outlines the use of student communication devices on school property.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg announces 7th season of free trolley rides

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published June 9, 2024 at 12:00PM

The City of Fredericksburg has announced the revival of its “Around the Town” free trolley service to downtown for the upcoming summer season. Operated by Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg, the service will run on Friday and Saturday evenings from May 31 to August 31, offering residents and visitors a convenient way to explore downtown attractions.

The trolley will make a 20-minute loop around downtown with stops at six locations, including popular spots such as the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, Carl’s Ice Cream, Mason Dixon Café, Haley’s Honey Meadery, Red Dragon Brewery, Harry’s Downtown, Mellow Mushroom, Castiglia’s, and Rebellion Bourbon Bar and Kitchen. Additionally, on the first Friday of each month, extra stops will be added for art gallery openings. The free, family-friendly rides are available from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Business

US Air Force awards $10 million contract to Manassas-based RapidFlight

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published June 7, 2024 at 11:32AM | Updated June 7, 2024 at 1:48PM

RapidFlight will develop and produce an autonomous aircraft for the USAF.

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Breaking News

Exclusive: Stafford toddler suffers E. Coli Infection After Visiting Lake Anna; State Launches Investigation into Multiple Illnesses

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published June 6, 2024 at 2:24PM | Updated June 6, 2024 at 6:08PM

Lake Anna is Virginia's third largest lake (Image from VA Department of Conservation and Recreation)

The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed to Potomac Local it has launched an investigation after multiple people fell ill after swimming at Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend.

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Features

NOVA BMX hosts free registration event in Woodbridge

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published June 6, 2024 at 8:50AM | Updated June 7, 2024 at 2:42PM

NOVA BMX is hosting a registration event on June 8, 2024.

USA BMX is hosting a “National Registration Week” in Woodbridge on June 8, offering a glimpse into the world of BMX racing. Participants can try out the track, borrow equipment, and learn about the opportunities available through USA BMX. The organization, with over 70,000 members across the US and Canada, aims to promote cycling from grassroots to Olympic levels through various programs and events.

NOVA BMX is hosting the free event. Participants need long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed-toe shoes, a bike, and a helmet. Limited rental bikes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants will receive a certificate.

Business

First U.S. Aritodoro Rodriguez Coffee Bar to open near Manassas

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published June 4, 2024 at 2:50PM

Artidoro Rodriguez Coffee Bar will open in Taty's Chicken in summer 2024. (source: Instagram @Tatys.Chicken)

Artidoro Rodríguez Café (Artidoro), a boutique Peruvian coffee company, has opened its first U.S. coffee bar in Manassas, Virginia. “We are proud to be the first restaurant to host an Artidoro Rodriguez Peruvian coffee bar,” said Claudio Felipe Munoz, owner of Taty’s, a Peruvian restaurant.