Here’s what’s happening around the area this week:
QTS to Fight On for Digital Gateway
Author: Potomac Local News
Fauquier Community Theatre will present the world premiere of Tales of the Artisan, an original musical written by Prince William and Fauquier County father-daughter team Matt Moore and Cate Murray. The heartwarming story follows a Scots-Irish Gaelic family fleeing political persecution in 1814 America, blending coming-of-age elements, action, folklore, magic and early American traditions.
The production features book and lyrics by Moore and music and lyrics by Murray. Moore directs, and Murray serves as music director. An ensemble cast of local performers, many from Fauquier County, brings 18 characters to life — including the mysterious Jack á Spadean, his hopeful daughter Queenie, and various family members, soldiers, and fairytale creatures. Special touches include live folk music with Warrenton resident David Morgan on bodhrán and spoons.
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A Dumfries mother and her 8-year-old son, who were reported missing and endangered, have been located safe in Florida, Prince William County police confirmed.
Heather Rebecca Poisik, 50, and her son Lev Poisik were found safe in South Florida on Thursday evening, according to authorities. The pair had been the subject of a public alert after last contact with Heather on April 23.
The 28th Annual Eagle Festival returns to Mason Neck State Park on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a day of family-friendly activities focused on nature and conservation.
The event features live animal demonstrations with reptiles, hawks, and owls, hands-on learning experiences, outdoor recreation clinics, nature programs, a puppet show, live music, food, and exhibits by conservation partners. Visitors may also spot the park’s resident bald eagles flying overhead.
Resident: “I Just Want to Stay in My Home” — Board: “Best I Can Do Is a 57% Tax Increase Since 2021”
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Lisa Vose stood before the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on April 28 and described a lifetime spent in the county she loves. She moved here as a tenth-grader, rode the school bus past the neighborhood she dreamed of living in, and eventually made Clearview Heights her home.
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“Compass Datacenters will not appeal the most recent court ruling that killed the rezonings underpinning the development,” the company’s attorney said late Tuesday night, Prince William Times reported. “It’s not known whether QTS, the other data center company involved in the project, will attempt an appeal before the Supreme Court of Virginia.”
The decision by Compass likely ends sales contracts that have kept more than 90 property owners in limbo since 2022, including entire neighborhoods along Pageland Lane in rural Gainesville. The Prince William Digital Gateway proposed up to 37 data centers on about 1,760 acres near Manassas National Battlefield Park. Rezonings approved in 2023 were voided by court rulings over public notice failures, and the county has now dropped its own appeal after spending at least $1.7 million in legal fees.
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Lori Balta has lived on Sandy Court in Manassas since 2005. For 21 years, she and her husband planned to retire right here in the city they call home. Now that dream is slipping away.
Her January electric bill hit $750 — the highest in all her years here — followed by $650 in February and March. With her husband nearing retirement and her own close behind, Balta told Manassas City Council on April 27 that the combined impact of rising property assessments, local utility rate increases, and a surprise Dominion Energy shock may force them to sell and leave.
Fredericksburg’s Caroline Street has been named the Best Main Street in the South by Garden & Guns magazine. The historic downtown centerpiece beat out 15 other Southern contenders in a March Madness-style public voting bracket that wrapped up this week.
The win highlights the city’s mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, historic sites and walkable charm that draws residents and visitors year-round. Mayor Devine credited the victory to strong community support from businesses and residents who rallied during each round of voting.