Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — When Diane Wheeler and her family adopted Honey from Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) five years ago, they quickly realized she had a calm, friendly personality well-suited for more than just home life. After five years as a beloved family pet, Honey began the process of becoming a certified therapy dog.

In 2024, Honey earned her certification from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), an international registry that tests and certifies dogs for animal-assisted activities. The process ensures each dog has the right temperament, obedience, and relationship with its handler to provide comfort in therapeutic settings.


Manassas

MANASSAS, Va. — Bill Reeder, the founding dean of George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), died over the weekend after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by family in hospice care, according to a message shared by current Dean Rick Davis.

Reeder joined George Mason University in 2001 and led the newly established CVPA for 14 years. Under his leadership, the college expanded its offerings to include now-thriving programs in Film and Video Studies, Computer Game Design, and Arts Management. These additions played a pivotal role in shaping the college into a comprehensive institution for arts education.


Breaking News

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting stemmed from an attempted illegal gun sale and robbery.

Four suspects—two 16-year-olds, one 17-year-old, and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson of Caroline County—have been charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and unlawful assembly. One of the 16-year-old suspects, who had been hospitalized with a gunshot wound, has since been released and is now being held at the Rappahannock Regional Juvenile Detention Center.


Features

SuperCon is back in downtown Manassas and promises a weekend packed with geek culture, gaming, cosplay, and a brush with Hollywood.

The convention, hosted by ARTfactory, will take place Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at 9419 Battle Street. This year’s headliner is Jamie Flanagan, a Bram Stoker Award-winning writer and actor known for their work on Netflix series including “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” “Midnight Mass,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” as well as AMC Shudder’s “Creepshow” and “Peacock’s Hysteria!”.


Manassas

MANASSAS, Va. — The Manassas City School Board on Tuesday heard an update on the division’s plan to adopt a new primary mathematics curriculum resource, set to be implemented in the 2025-26 school year.

Dr. Ed Stevenson, director of instruction, and Deputy Superintendent Craig Gefeller presented the plan and explained how the state’s accelerated rollout of new math standards forced the division to revise its typical adoption process.


News

A Prince William County Supervisor is calling for a review of how the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park contribute to the operation of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, citing concerns about equity as the office expands its public service offerings and technology footprint.

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Fredericksburg

The Fredericksburg Area Council of Garden Clubs and the City of Fredericksburg celebrated the 37th Annual Arbor Day on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with a special tribute to local environmental champions Anne and Carl Little, along with the organization Tree Fredericksburg.

The event took place at 10 a.m. in Maury Park, located at the corner of William Street and Kenmore Avenue, adjacent to the James Monroe High School football field and just behind the Littles’ home. The park served as a fitting venue for honoring the couple whose tireless efforts have transformed green spaces throughout the city.


Manassas

The Manassas City School Board meeting on Tuesday, April 8, opened with a series of uplifting spotlights showcasing the accomplishments of students and staff across the school division.

From regional wrestling champions to student coders designing robots, the evening was filled with celebration, applause, and pride in student success.


Business

A new chapter is unfolding at the former Tin Cannon Brewery site in Gainesville, and it’s bringing a colorful mix of sustainability, community, and secondhand treasures.

Mark Harrington, owner of Junk Luggers and the creative force behind Remix Market, announced on the Potomac Local News Podcast that his business will move into the brewery’s former home on Limestone Drive. The location, once a local favorite for craft beer and community gatherings, will soon house a “fun and funky thrift store” that Harrington describes as a curated shopping experience.


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