Author: Uriah Kiser

I'm the Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News. Raised in Woodbridge, I'm now raising my family in Northern Virginia and care deeply about our community. If you're not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Reveals Multi-Year Celebration Leading Up to City’s 300th Anniversary

By Uriah Kiser
Fredericksburg City Hall

The Fredericksburg City Council has outlined an ambitious three-year celebration that will start with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026 and culminate with the city’s 300th anniversary two years later.

The plans, unveiled during the November 26 work session, will spotlight the nation’s founding, Revolutionary War heritage, and Fredericksburg’s integral role in American history.

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Manassas

Manassas City Council to Swear in New, Returning Members

By Uriah Kiser
Manassas City Hall

The Manassas City Council will hold a swearing-in ceremony for its newly elected and returning members on Monday, January 6, 2025,  Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The ceremony will feature the oath of office for Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, Council Member Tom Osina, Council Member Mark Wolfe, and Council Member-Elect Ashley Hutson. Following the swearing-in, all participants will immediately take their seats on the dais to begin their new terms.

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Manassas Park

B&B Theatres to Open in Manassas Park, Replacing Scrapped Cinema Café Project

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas Park’s downtown revitalization project is gaining momentum with the planned opening of a new B&B Theatres location. The luxury eight-screen cinema, complete with a restaurant and entertainment amenities, will anchor the city’s redevelopment initiative and fill the void left by Cinema Café’s withdrawal in 2022.

Originally, Cinema Café, a Hampton Roads-based movie theater and dining chain, had announced plans to establish a combination movie house and restaurant in Manassas Park’s Park Central development. However, by September 2022, the company backed out of the deal, citing concerns over rising inflation. This decision temporarily left the city without a major tenant for its downtown revitalization efforts.

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News

Drew Middle School Rebuild Sparks Debate Over $16 Million Cost Increase

By Uriah Kiser

The planned rebuild of Drew Middle School in Stafford County is moving forward amid discussions about a $16 million increase in costs. The updated total is now $113 million, up from the originally approved $96.5 million in the county’s Capital Improvement Plan.

The additional costs are attributed to land acquisition, off-site infrastructure improvements, and increased contingency funding.

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News

Prince William County School Board Approves New Cell Phone Policy Amidst Debate

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County Schools Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade reads to students at Haymarket Elementary School. [Photo: Prince William County Public Schools]

Under the new policy, students must store their cell phones in lockers or designated areas during school hours, a measure aimed at fostering greater focus and reducing distractions. Exceptions are made for medical needs and approved educational uses.

The policy represents a shift toward stricter regulations, replacing the previous system that allowed limited use during non-instructional periods such as lunch and class changes.

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Breaking News

Updated: 1 Injured at Woodbridge Gym Complex Fire

By Uriah Kiser

Update 9 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024 — Fire crews monitored the scene overnight and will continue overhaul operations with daylight to fully extinguish the fire, as Fire Marshals investigate the cause. Both structures sustained major damage, and one employee of Kid’s Choice Sports Center was treated for a non-life-threatening injury; no firefighters were injured.

From fire and rescue:

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News

Stafford Supervisors to Hold Special Meeting Amid Library Board Controversy

By Uriah Kiser
Gary

The Stafford Board of County Supervisors will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. (not 3 p.m.) on Friday, December 6, 2024. The meeting will occur at the government center at 1300 Courthouse Road, just hours before the board participates in the county’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

The meeting follows a statement issued by Aquia District Supervisor Monica Gary on Facebook. Gary apologized for her role in Mary Becelia’s removal from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees earlier this year.

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Features

Marching Bands, Floats, and Holiday Magic: Don’t Miss the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

By Uriah Kiser

The magic of the holiday season returns to Northern Virginia as the 78th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade takes to the streets on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. Themed “Christmas in Candyland,” this year’s parade promises a of marching bands, floats, balloons, and holiday cheer.

The parade, a staple of the community for over seven decades, is among the largest holiday celebrations in Northern Virginia. With over 100 units participating, attendees can look forward to performances by local marching bands, including those from Osbourn High School in Manassas, Freedom High School in Woodbridge, and others, alongside decorated floats, dancers, and balloons.

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Publisher's Post

Thank You, New Members

By Uriah Kiser

Thank you to our newest members, Dr. Jack, Gina, and Bethany, who became members over Thanksgiving weekend and took advantage of our discounted annual membership special offered as a Black Friday special.

We could use your support to bring you crucial local news about our communities.

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Manassas

Manassas Balances Civil War Legacy with Modern Growth, Survey Reveals

By Uriah Kiser
A band played on the steps of the Manassas Museum during Civil War Weekend in 2014. [Photo: Manassas City]

This one’s for the people who really care about local news. Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts. Think that’s you? 👉 Join Locals Only Already a member? Sign in

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

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