MANASSAS, Va. â Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory is bringing high-energy comedy to the stage this summer with Lend Me a Soprano, a fast-paced farce by acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig. The show runs from June 13 to 22 at the Wind River Theatre in downtown Manassas.
This gender-swapped take on Tony Ludwigâs Lend Me a Tenor, directed by Vince Worthington, is set in 1934 at the fictional Cleveland Grand Opera Company. Audiences can expect a night full of backstage mayhem as the characters scramble to save a performance of Carmen when their star soprano arrives late, a jealous husband crashes the scene, and a young assistant must think on her feet to prevent a disaster.
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[Photo: Prince William County Public Schools]
According to the school division, the fair aimed to encourage student participation in middle and high school sports. Thirty tables highlighted Virginia High School League (VHSL) programs and activities. Coaches and student-athletes were on hand to answer questions and inspire attendees to get involved.
âThis event is all about showing students that thereâs a place for everyone in PWCS,â said Ashley Ausborn, PWCS coordinator of sports medicine. âWhether youâre into track, robotics, or wanting to try something new, we want kids to feel excited and confident about getting involved.â
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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. â The Prince William County Police Department is hitting the streets for two important missions in the coming weeks: keeping drivers safe and supporting Special Olympics athletes.
First up, officers are joining law enforcement across Virginia for the annual âClick It or Ticketâ seatbelt enforcement campaign, running now through June 1, 2025. According to a department announcement, officers will be out in full force during high-visibility patrols, day and night, to ensure drivers and passengers are buckled up. The campaign reminds everyone to "wear your seatbelt every time"âa message that could save lives.
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Colonial Forge High Schoolâs Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is more than just a classâitâs a commitment to saving lives, a fast track to high-demand careers, and a transformation of ordinary students into certified first responders before they don graduation robes. Stafford County Public Schools offers an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program as part of their Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings.
Four high school seniorsâParwin Jamal, Katherine Nicole Peterson, Leslie Benyarko, and Kaiya Vazquezâare at the finish line of one of Stafford County Public Schoolsâ most intensive career and technical education programs: the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) track. Each student has completed multiple levels of EMT coursework, earned certification as a Nationally Registered EMT (NREMT), and gained real-world experience through ride-alongs and emergency call response.
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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. â Prince William County Parks & Recreation is inviting residents to get outside â both to enjoy free summer fun and to help shape the future of the countyâs trails and blueways system.
On Thursday, May 29, the department will host a Countywide Trails Planning Charette from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center (14715 Bristow Rd, Manassas). The interactive public meeting is the first step in updating the Countywide Trails Master Plan, and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to weigh in on what connections the county should prioritize. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, or paddling, this is your chance to help expand and improve local trails and water access.
Prince William Countyâs trail network includes more than 100 miles of paved and natural surface trails spread across over 50 parks and natural areas. The system includes popular routes like the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk and the Broad Run trail network, offering everything from scenic views and wildlife spotting to fitness and commuter paths. The countyâs âbluewaysâ â water trails for kayaking and canoeing â are also an important part of the outdoor experience, especially along the Occoquan and Potomac rivers.
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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. â Crews began structural repairs to the historic Renwick Courthouse bell tower on Monday, May 19, marking the start of a four-month restoration effort to preserve one of the cityâs most iconic landmarks.
Scaffolding will be installed around the bell tower in the projectâs first phase. Greensboro, N.C.-based WxTite, LLC was selected for the job following a competitive bidding process. According to city spokeswoman Caitlyn McGhee, the company was chosen for its experience working on historic buildings and its expertise in traditional restoration methods.
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According to a press release on May 8, the county's Department of Economic Development and Tourism worked with outside firms Hunden Partners and Convergence Design to better understand the supply and demand in the area, the opportunities available in the corridor and what was needed to revitalize the area to create a Small Area Plan.
"The study notes that heavy traffic on nearby major roadways creates significant visibility for potential retailers, while the growing local population ensures a strong customer base," the release states.
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MANASSAS, Va. â A plan to allow backyard chickens within city limits has stalled after the Manassas City Council chose not to move forward during its May 20, 2025, work session.
The proposal resurfaced after growing public interest over the past year. Manassas previously explored the idea in 2021 but paused it amid concerns over noise, odor, neighborhood impacts, and enforcement challenges. Under current rules, chicken coops must be 250 feet from neighboring homes â making them nearly impossible on most residential lots.
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STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. â Newly added brewing equipment at Highmark Brewery in Stafford County takes this already-established name in local beer to another level. Moving beyond its menu of eight standards and a few rotating beer types, Highmark is setting a new note on the brew scene with the recent installation of three new fermentation tanks, three extractors, and a modern keg washer.
âTo continue to expand, we needed to update,â said brewmaster Josh Alley whose been with them a few years as they waded through the ups and downs. With the new equipment, âweâll be able to put new rotating styles out and possibly get back into canning,â Alley said.
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STAFFORD, Va. â Stafford County will honor Americaâs fallen heroes with a special Memorial Day Ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the Armed Services Memorial on the campus of the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, located at 1300 Courthouse Road in Stafford.
This yearâs program will feature a special appearance by The Old Guard, the U.S. Armyâs Third Infantry Regiment. Known as the Armyâs official ceremonial unit and the escort to the president, The Old Guard performs military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, guards the Tomb of the Unknowns around the clock, and represents the Army at ceremonies in the nationâs capital and beyond.
Lester Evans, a retired Marine Corps Lt. Colonel and President of Rolling Thunder, Inc., VA 3, will deliver keynote remarks. Evans, a Stafford resident, has long participated in the countyâs Memorial Day observances and brings decades of military service experience, including humanitarian missions and operations during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.