Schools

From calming spaces at school dances to smaller group participation at crowded events, parents and educators in Stafford County are working to make school life more inclusive for students with disabilities.

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Opinion

The debate over student free speech and political club access in Prince William County has now spiraled far beyond its original scope. What began as a discussion about whether students could form a conservative Turning Point USA club at Patriot High School has exploded into a controversy involving personal accusations, party politics, and public trust.

Brentsville District School Board member Erica Tredinnick says she was threatened and intimidated by Tracy Blake, the Neabsco District’s representative and current School Board Vice Chair, following the October 1 meeting. In a detailed post on Facebook, Tredinnick alleged that Blake shouted profanities, invaded her personal space, and made a remark involving her husband before security escorted her to her car. Potomac Local News has independently confirmed several key details of the confrontation.


News

Friends, family, and alumni cheered on the new class as Chair Dr. Bob Schneider, CEO of OmniRide, shared opening remarks. Tony Wilson, representing the Class of 2025, welcomed the incoming cohort and passed the baton to new participants.

The class then traveled to “the Mountain” retreat to explore their Emergenetics profiles and begin building connections during the 10-month program, which helps participants explore local issues and grow as community leaders.


Politics

Early voting is underway in the Gainesville District special election, and Democratic candidate George Stewart says he is open to revisiting a connector between Pageland Lane and Route 234 — a project long tied to the controversial Bi-County Parkway.

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Obituaries

Robert “Rob” Raymond Dooley age 49, of Southport, North Carolina passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rob was born on February 14, 1976, in Washington, DC, to Barbara Buczynski and the late Robert E. Dooley.

Rob lived a life marked by generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness, and loyalty. Building relationships and cultivating friendships were essential elements of Rob’s life, evidenced as far back as his high school days in Woodbridge, Virginia. He always showed up for friends and family, whether to buy a drink or bring something he knew they would enjoy.


Quantico

QUANTICO, Va. – Jazz lovers are in for a treat on Thursday, August 21, when the U.S. Air Force Band Airmen of Note hits the stage at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Formed in 1950 to carry on the musical legacy of Glenn Miller, the Airmen of Note is the Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble. Expect a lively mix of swing, bebop, Latin, and modern jazz—perfect for a summer night under the stars.


Obituaries

Cathleen Carole “Cathy” McNeal, 76, of Alexandria, VA, passed peacefully on March 21, 2023. Born October 6, 1947, in Cheverly, MD, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Renee Chaffee.

Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy McNeal. She is survived by her brother, Jerry Chaffee; her children, Shannon Lirio (Ronic) and Tommy McNeal (Duncan Neasham); and her granddaughter, Natalie Lirio.


Schools

STAFFORD, Va. – The folks at Stafford County Public Schools just told Potomac Local News they’re opening a new Business and IT Center at Colonial Forge High School—and more than 130 students are already signed up.

This specialty program is all about getting teens ready for the jobs of tomorrow, with pathways in Business Administration, Business IT, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Entrepreneurship. Students will learn from industry-recognized curriculum, earn certifications, and tackle real-world projects—all while connecting with local business leaders.


Obituaries

Michael LeCount Jackson (Age 81)

Michael LeCount Jackson peacefully entered his heavenly home on July 26, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on July 8, 1944, to the late Thomas L. Jackson and Maxine J. Smith, Michael was raised in Washington, D.C., where he began his education and built the foundation of a life marked by quiet strength, service and enduring love for his family.


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