STAFFORD, Va. – A judge has temporarily halted timbering near Courthouse Road, where a developer plans to build a large data center. The emergency injunction comes after neighbors raised alarms and Stafford County filed a legal complaint alleging zoning violations and broken land-use promises.

The order, granted June 9, 2025, targets Augustine South Associates, LLC, linked to the proposed 1,042-acre GWV data center now under consideration for rezoning. The land is zoned A-2 Rural Residential, where commercial tree cutting is prohibited. The county’s complaint also says the work violated “Proffer 9,” a condition meant to preserve trees unless their removal is essential.

“Yes, the County can confirm that the injunction was granted based on multiple elements that the court determined satisfy the requirements necessary for it to grant temporary injunctive relief,” said Andrew Spence, a spokesman for Stafford County.

The tree clearing occurred on parcels off Kelsey Lane and Courthouse Road—specifically Tax Map Parcels 29-39C, 29-82, 29-36, and 29-81. In an affidavit, the zoning administrator said the damage would cause irreparable harm and that replanting would not fix it.

Although the County ensured legal notice was served—including via email—neither the developer nor their attorney appeared at the court hearing. “That is confirmed,” Spence said, clarifying that contrary to some accounts, there was no testimony from a sheriff’s captain.

Some residents reported seeing tree clearing continue on June 11, two days after the injunction was granted. The County says it has not been able to confirm whether timbering resumed following the court order.

Spence said the County is pursuing a permanent injunction at a future hearing, during which the developer will be formally required to respond. “The County intends to enforce any violations similarly as we act concerning any other Proffer or Zoning Violations reported,” he said.

The proposed data center has already drawn pushback from nearby residents, who cite environmental concerns, loss of forest buffers, and diminished quality of life. Some say the recent logging was clearly visible from their homes.

Although the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources found no violations of state environmental laws, and the Department of Forestry confirmed it doesn’t issue logging permits, the County maintains the tree removal violated local zoning and land-use proffers.

STAFFORD, Va. – Thousands of families have now confirmed whether their children will ride the bus next school year, as Stafford County Public Schools continues to implement its new transportation opt-in policy.

As of the end of May 2025, 29,717 students across the division have declared their transportation intentions for the upcoming school year. Of those, 5,640 students have opted out of morning service, and 5,224 have opted out of afternoon service, according to information presented at June 10, 2025 School Board meeting.

The district’s transportation department began routing on June 3, 2025, and route information is scheduled to appear in ParentVUE by July 1. Final route details will be emailed to families on July 29, with drivers receiving their assignments on August 5, followed by practice runs August 7–8. A Transition Day for students is set for August 11.

A Shift Prompted by Crisis

The opt-in system marks a major change in how SCPS manages school bus service—and it’s a direct response to a transportation crisis that unfolded in August 2024, when more than 3,000 students were left without assigned bus service on the eve of the first day of school.

Parents received late-night notifications that their children would not have transportation the following morning, prompting widespread confusion and community outrage. Some students were still without transportation weeks into the school year.

Potomac Local News covered the crisis extensively. At the time, school officials blamed new, untested routing software and staff shortages, while parents criticized the lack of timely communication. Interim Superintendent Chris Fulmer acknowledged that the system had been rolled out too quickly and without adequate preparation.

In March 2025, SCPS announced the move to an opt-in model, requiring families to actively request school bus service. The shift was designed to eliminate unused bus stops and routes, allowing the department to use its resources more efficiently and reliably.

What’s New This Year

The transportation team presented an update to the school board in June, highlighting several changes beyond the opt-in system:

• A new dispatcher will be added to the department starting July 1 to improve route monitoring and communication.
• The district introduced digital request forms (TR-1) for students with disabilities, integrating transportation needs directly into Synergy, the school division’s student information system.
• The MyRide app remains available for parents to track bus locations, although reliability remains a concern in areas with limited cell coverage.

The transportation department also addressed an ongoing concern from drivers: behavior management on the bus. Last school year, more than 1,600 behavior referrals were submitted. Drivers say they are often not informed whether their concerns are addressed by school administrators.

Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith noted that behavior management should reflect a student’s actions across all environments—classrooms, lunchrooms, and buses—and emphasized the importance of a feedback loop so drivers know their reports are taken seriously.

Parents who fail to opt in or change their minds must now go through their school registrar to request transportation. If a student does not ride the bus for 10 consecutive school days, they will be removed from the manifest (though the stop remains). Re-entry could take up to 10 business days.

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WOODBRIDGE, Va. – In the final stretch before the June 18 primary, Potomac Local News analyzed campaign finance records and asked each Democratic candidate for Virginia lieutenant governor: Why did you accept or reject money from the gaming industry? And where do you stand on the proposed casino in Tysons Corner?

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Step into elegance and Mediterranean romance at Carmello’s, a beloved fine dining destination nestled in the heart of Manassas.

Family-owned since 1987 and helmed by Portuguese immigrant Alice Pires, Carmello’s offers a contemporary blend of Portuguese and Italian cuisine, seasonally crafted and bursting with garden-fresh flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, this award-winning restaurant delivers a dining experience that’s as warm and refined as its heritage.

Three-Course Date Night Menu
Starter: Charcuterie Board
A sophisticated arrangement of imported meats, cheeses, olives, and house-made accompaniments — perfect for sharing and savoring over a glass of wine.

Main Course: Mariscada Carmello’s
A seafood lover’s dream — scallops, mussels, clams, calamari, and shrimp simmered in a saffron tomato broth. Aromatic, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

Dessert: Chocolate Hazelnut Torte
Rich layers of chocolate and hazelnut, delicately sweet and indulgent — the perfect ending to an elegant evening.

Ambiance & Experience
Carmello’s glows with upscale charm — think white linens, soft lighting, and a rustic elegance that makes you feel both pampered and at home. The dining room is cozy and intimate, ideal for quiet conversation, while the attentive service elevates the entire experience. For added romance, request a seat near the window overlooking charming Battle Street, especially when the town is aglow with seasonal lights.

Reservation & Visitor Info
Address: 9108 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110
Phone: 703-368-5522
Dinner Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m.
Dress Code: Business casual (think date-night chic)
Pro Tip: Ask about their seasonal specials — many incorporate herbs from Carmello’s on-site garden for a fresh, unexpected twist.

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Visit carmellos.com to reserve your table.

Share the Love
Have you enjoyed a magical meal at Carmello’s? Tag your favorite date night photos with #DateNightSpotlightand drop your favorite dish in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Downtown Fredericksburg stands at a financial and commercial turning point. While city leaders report modest gains in key revenue streams like meals and sales taxes, local businesses are facing mounting pressure from rising commercial rents, fewer customers, and growing uncertainty.

At a June 10, 2025, City Council meeting, Finance Director Amanda Sicks reported that meals tax collections are up 4.6% compared to the prior year, and sales tax is flat but stable.

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MANASSAS, Va. – U.S. Senator Mark Warner will visit the City of Manassas today, Thursday, June 12, 2025, to tour and discuss developments at RapidFlight, a local unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturer that’s gaining national attention for its innovative drone production capabilities.

The visit, scheduled from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at RapidFlight’s headquarters, 9635 Center Street, will include a live interview with the senator and a Q&A session open to guests. The event is free and hosted in coordination with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, city leaders, and RapidFlight executives.

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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County leaders are facing mounting pressure to address noise generated by data centers, as residents—many from the Great Oak subdivision—delivered passionate testimony during the Board of County Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, June 10.

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