Potomac Local News, Author at Potomac Local News

We Had a Blast at Manassas ‘Haunted Happenings’

Published October 26, 2024 at 3:41PM

We had a blast at Haunted Happenings in Downtown Manassas. The streets were closed to vehicles, allowing families to stroll and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Seeing so many creative costumes was a delight, and the business owners were incredibly welcoming. They greeted everyone warmly, handed out candy, and decorated their shops, making the experience even more magical. Many also invited us in for some shopping, adding to the day’s fun.

We’d love to see your photos from the event! Share your Halloween moments with us by emailing them to [email protected] or texting them to 571-989-1695.

News

Manassas City Public Schools Struggles with High Absenteeism Rates, Particularly at Osbourn High School

By Potomac Local News

Published October 26, 2024 at 12:53PM | Updated October 27, 2024 at 2:59PM

Recent data presented at the October 22 Manassas City School Board meeting showed that Osbourn High School has seen a significant rise in absenteeism. Over 16% of its student population has been categorized as chronically absent, meaning they miss more than 10% of the school year. This places Osbourn among the city’s schools, which are struggling the most with attendance, directly affecting its academic performance and state accreditation.

Student absenteeism has become a growing concern in Manassas City Public Schools, with Osbourn High School facing particularly troubling attendance trends. During a Potomac Local News forum on October 17, 2024, school board candidates and community leaders discussed the root causes of absenteeism and the efforts needed to address this critical issue.

Manassas

Osbourn High’s CTE Program Shines, New Expansion Plans on the Horizon

By Potomac Local News

Published October 26, 2024 at 12:52PM | Updated October 27, 2024 at 8:38PM

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Osbourn High School is a shining example of how Manassas City Public Schools are preparing students for both college and careers by offering practical, hands-on learning experiences. The program covers a variety of fields, including health sciences, information technology, automotive technology, welding, and cosmetology, helping students gain the technical skills they need to thrive in today’s job market.

During a Potomac Local News forum held on October 17, 2024, Maidy Whitesell, a school board candidate and longtime community volunteer, highlighted the need for expanding the program to meet student demand. “There’s a lot of interest in fields like plumbing and electrical work. These are valuable skills, not just for immediate employment but for life in general. We should continue to expand the program to give our students more opportunities to succeed,” Whitesell said during a recent town hall forum on Manassas City schools.

News

Manassas City Public Schools Struggle with Declining SOL Scores and Controversial Grading Policies

By Potomac Local News

Published October 26, 2024 at 12:50PM | Updated October 27, 2024 at 2:59PM

Manassas City Public Schools face increased scrutiny over falling student performance and a contentious grading policy as the November election approaches. During a recent town hall hosted by Potomac Local News, candidates for the city’s school board and concerned residents discussed the troubling decline in Standards of Learning (SOL) scores and how the division’s grading practices may exacerbate the issue.

In the past year, SOL scores for Manassas students have significantly dropped, leaving the school division well below state averages. Two of the city’s schools, Osbourn High School and Metz Middle School, remain partially accredited under pandemic-era standards and struggle to meet performance benchmarks. Caitlyn Meisner, our Manassas Local Editor, covering the school board for Potomac Local News, has followed the downward trend closely since late 2023.

News

Manassas City Schools Face Behavioral Challenges, Teacher Turnover, and Lingering Impacts of COVID-19

By Potomac Local News

Published October 26, 2024 at 12:45PM | Updated October 27, 2024 at 2:59PM

One of the most pressing concerns discussed during the town hall was increased student behavioral problems, which have created significant classroom disruptions. School board candidate Javanese Hailey, a former teacher at Metz Middle School, shared her experience with a lack of accountability in the school.

“When I worked at Metz in 2019, there was just an absolute lack of accountability. The kids were allowed to do whatever they wanted, and there were no consequences,” Hailey said. “I had seventh graders who were on third-grade level academically, and that, coupled with behavioral issues, created chaos. It felt like something was going to break down at any moment.”

Obituaries

Obituary: Herbert R. Tiede (1930-2024)

By Potomac Local News

Published October 25, 2024 at 8:24AM

Colonel Herb Tiede, USMC (Ret.), passed away on September 5, 2024 in Woodbridge, VA. He was 94 years old.

Born in New Britian, CT, he was the son of Julius and Bertha Tiede. In high school, he excelled in math and sports. He enlisted in the Navy and after certifying as an electrician, he attended Naval Academy Prep School for a year. At Annapolis, he was a good football player and student in math and Russian language. His notoriety, however, was more about his room’s weight set and deli food section than academics. Upon graduation in 1953, he was commissioned as a Marine Corps second lieutenant.

Obituaries

Obituary: Lewis Sorley, III (1934-2024)

By Potomac Local News

Published October 23, 2024 at 4:29PM | Updated February 26, 2025 at 9:16AM

Lewis “Bob” Sorley

August 3, 1934 – September 25, 2024

Manassas

Historic Annaburg Manor Celebrates Restoration with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Art Show

By Potomac Local News

Published October 19, 2024 at 3:55PM | Updated October 19, 2024 at 9:00PM

In addition to the ribbon cutting, attendees were treated to the manor’s first-ever art show featuring local artists.

Manassas acquired Annaburg Manor in 2019 to preserve its historical significance while transforming the grounds into a public park. Originally constructed in 1892 by Robert Portner, a Prussian-born entrepreneur and brewer, the home served as a summer retreat and gathering space for the community. The property later became a nursing facility before being purchased by the city.

Features

Annual Art and Wine Festival Returns to Caledon State Park on November 2-3

By Potomac Local News

Published October 18, 2024 at 10:44AM

The annual Art and Wine Festival will be held at Caledon State Park on November 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and November 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This family-friendly event features local art, wine tastings, live music, and food trucks. Attendees can enjoy free wagon rides, archery, and camping programs. Tickets are $25 online or $30 at the gate, with free admission for children and non-tasters. Pets are welcome but must be leashed. The festival will proceed rain or shine.

Poll

Poll: Do you fear the proliferation of data centers will put a strain on electricity in our area?

By Potomac Local News

Published October 17, 2024 at 2:15PM

Village Place Technology Park in Gainesville, approved by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in 2022

Northern Virginia is home to more data centers than anywhere else, and Prince William County is quickly catching up to neighboring Loudoun County, potentially overtaking it as the top data center hub. While the rapid growth of data centers brings economic benefits, some residents are concerned about the impact on local infrastructure, particularly the strain on our electricity grid.