Potomac Local News, Author at Potomac Local News

How Stafford Schools Are Adapting for English Learners and Students with Disabilities

Published May 6, 2025 at 8:00AM

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, “A Conversation with the Superintendent,” featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from fixing school transportation to addressing equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.

Part 3: Reaching Every Learner — Special Education, ESL, and Academic Equity

Breaking News

Storms Knock Out Power for Thousands in Stafford County

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 7:44PM

STAFFORD, Va. – Severe thunderstorms that swept through Stafford County on Monday, May 5, have left thousands without electricity, with the hardest-hit areas now including Austin Ridge and Aquia Harbour.

Dominion Energy reports more than 5,200 customers without power in affected neighborhoods. Specific outage counts include 85 customers in Leeland, 67 in Crows Nest, 442 near Stafford Regional Airport, and the largest outage in the area encompassing Austin Ridge and Aquia Harbour.

Manassas

Osbourn High Shines in SkillsUSA and CyberPatriot Programs During School Board Spotlight

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 11:30AM

Students were honored for their medal-winning performances and commitment to public service and career development:

Others competed in Crime Scene Investigation and Job Interview events

Breaking News

BREAKING: Farm Brew LIVE Rebrands as NOVA LIVE

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 11:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – Farm Brew LIVE, one of the region’s top spots for beer, food, and live music, has a new name and an expanded vision. Villagio Hospitality Group announced that the 10-acre entertainment campus in Manassas is now officially NOVA LIVE.

The rebrand reflects more than a name change. According to a press release from Visit Prince William, it signals a “new phase of growth and innovation,” including new dining options, enhanced entertainment, and even overnight accommodations on the way.

Manassas

Manassas Police Chief Unveils New Vision for Department, Emphasizing Community Trust and Accountability

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 10:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – Manassas City Police Chief Doug Keen has announced a new mission, vision, and set of core values for the department, describing the changes as a foundation for how the city will be policed in the years ahead.

Keen said his recent role as Interim City Manager gave him a broader perspective on the city’s operations and allowed him to reflect on the direction of the police department. While Manassas has earned national recognition through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)—including flagship and gold standard status—Keen said it was time to reevaluate the department’s guiding principles.

Stafford

Genesis Logistics Drivers in Stafford Vote to Join Teamsters by Overwhelming Margin

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 9:30AM

STAFFORD, Va. – More than 200 delivery drivers working for Genesis Logistics in Stafford County have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 322, a union representing workers across Virginia.

According to the union, drivers who deliver products to 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic region voted by more than 90% in favor of unionization. The drivers are now preparing to negotiate their first contract with the company.

Prince William

Big Changes Coming to I-95 and Route 123 in Woodbridge—Construction Now Underway

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 9:00AM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, drivers in Woodbridge can expect some long-term changes and temporary traffic headaches as construction begins on major improvements at the I-95 Exit 160 interchange with Route 123 (Gordon Boulevard).

The $76 million project aims to improve safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian and bicycle access. Among the most noticeable changes will be the removal of the current northbound Route 123 loop ramp to southbound I-95, replaced by a signalized left turn. Crews will also widen the southbound Route 123 ramp to I-95 from one to two lanes and add a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists between Annapolis Way and Devil’s Reach Road.

News

Young Artists Shine at Law Day Celebration in Prince William County

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 8:30AM

MANASSAS, Va. – Student creativity took center stage at the 5th Annual Law Day Award Ceremony, hosted by Jacqueline Smith, Clerk of the 31st Circuit Court, on May 1, 2024. Held at the Judicial Center in Manassas, the event honored young artists from Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park who illustrated the national theme “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.”

According to a press release from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, the evening featured a keynote address by Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy, who presented Clerk Smith with a formal Law Day Proclamation on behalf of the Board of County Supervisors. The proclamation celebrated the historical significance of law in American society and underscored the event’s civic message.

News

PWCS to Host Second Annual Sports Fair May 10 to Inspire Future Student-Athletes

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 8:00AM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) will host its second annual Sports Fair on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kelly Leadership Center, located at 14715 Bristow Road, at Independent Hill.

The event is free and open to all students, but rising sixth-grade, middle, and high school students are especially encouraged to attend. The goal of the Sports Fair is to promote awareness of the many athletic opportunities available through PWCS and to inspire interest among students who may be new to organized sports.

Breaking News

Shots Fired During Early Morning Break-In; 1 Dead, 2 Teens Involved

By Potomac Local News

Published May 3, 2025 at 3:23PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – A young man is dead and two juveniles are involved following a shooting during an early morning break-in just two miles from Shannon Airport.

According to a press release from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to McKenzie Lane around 3 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, for a reported burglary in progress. A resident at the home told dispatchers they had fired shots.