Kimberly Jones, a reading support teacher at Baldwin Intermediate School in Manassas, has been named the 2024 Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year for the school division. Jones, who has been teaching for 12 years and is in her second year at Manassas City, expressed her gratitude for the recognition.
“Earning this recognition is an incredible honor,” Jones said. “It represents my dedication and hard work in education and validates my passion for teaching and fostering student success.”
Manassas is in talks to acquire the former 20-acre Marsteller Middle School property at 8730 Sudley Road, with plans to transform it into the city’s 21st public park.
The proposed purchase, estimated at $10 million from the Manassas Baptist Church, marks a significant step toward addressing the longstanding shortage of park and recreation facilities within the city, officials said.
Prince William County is considering significant changes to its early voting ordinance, aiming to enhance accessibility and streamline the process for voters. General Registrar Eric Olsen presented a comprehensive plan to the county Electoral Board, highlighting the current trends in early voting and proposing adjustments to meet the community’s evolving needs.
Olsen noted that while early voting has seen steady participation, it remains relatively flat compared to other methods, such as mail-in voting. “Early voting is kind of flat right now,” Olsen said, indicating that only about 25% of voters opt for early voting, with the majority still preferring Election Day turnout.
A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. to discuss the master plans for three parks in Fredericksburg: Alum Spring Park, Ficklen Island, and Old Mill Park.
In adverse weather conditions, the meeting will be rescheduled for March 6. For further details, interested parties can contact Todd Brown, Director, at [email protected] or by calling 540-372-1086.
On Saturday, February 24, 2024, emergency responders rushed to the scene of a house fire in the 15000 block of Michigan Road in Woodbridge. Around 8:59 p.m., the incident prompted a swift and coordinated response from local fire departments.
According to initial reports from Prince William County Fire and Rescue Lt. Matt Smolksy, the fire was discovered by one of the occupants, who detected the smell of smoke emanating from the residence. Acting quickly, the individual investigated further and observed flames emerging from the side of the structure.
As the workweek kicks off, residents across the region can expect mostly dry conditions today, accompanied by slightly warmer temperatures. The National Weather Service forecasts high pressure to shift offshore, allowing temperatures to climb gradually. Despite a weak disturbance passing through this morning, the day will see mostly sunny skies with a high near 64°F.
“The investigation revealed that the victim, a 27-year-old female, was walking in the westbound lane of Minnieville Road, wearing all dark clothing, when she was struck by a vehicle. The striking vehicle did not stop at the scene. Fire and rescue personnel responded to the scene where the pedestrian was pronounced deceased.”
“The vehicle is believed to be an unknown model Hyundai. No further information on the driver or striking vehicle is available at this time. Investigators with the Crash Investigation Unit are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. The investigation continues.”
I attended the launch of the Fredericksburg Free Press this past Monday. Having started Potomac Local News from nothing in 2010, it’s fascinating to watch other local news startups serving their communities.
While our organizations aren’t affiliated, there may be some overlap in news coverage and opportunities for us to collaborate to serve our region’s residents better. Lord knows we need more reporters working to shine the light on the workings of local and state government, lift up the individuals and non-profits working to better our communities and bolster local business, the lifeblood of our communities, creating jobs so families and thrive, and providing new opportunities for Northern Virginia, hopefully reversing a trend that has seen more people fleeing than moving in.
Stafford County Public Schools will commence kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 academic year on March 6. Parents and guardians of children who reach the age of five by September 30, 2024, are encouraged to complete the online registration process.
Several documents are requisite for enrollment, including a driver’s license or photo ID for the parent or guardian, the child’s official birth certificate, current physical and updated immunization records before the school’s opening, and proof of residence or domicile. The latter entails providing a deed, lease, or tax bill, along with two additional current documents, such as utility bills tied to the home, employment verification, tax documents, or other official correspondences.
Stafford Schools initiated the on-site solar installation endeavor in 2020, partnering with Sun Tribe Solar as the project developer and Madison Energy Infrastructure (MEI) as the financier and managing partner. This week, the installation initiative integrates into the educational curriculum as students interact with solar professionals to gain insights into the solar array, explore careers in renewable energy, and construct their solar circuits.
“Our mission is to inspire and empower our students so that they are prepared to excel, and this project certainly sets them up to be global changemakers,” states Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor in a press release. “I am delighted that the installation has aligned perfectly with Career and Technical Education Month, allowing us to showcase diverse, in-demand careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as clean energy.”
