News - Page 11 of 1912 - Potomac Local News

Buckle Up and Cheer Loud: Prince William Police Gear Up for Two Big Events

Published May 23, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated May 28, 2025 at 7:59AM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – 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 “Click It or Ticket” 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”—a message that could save lives.

‘Be Ready to Commit—But Do It’: Colonial Forge’s EMT Students Reflect on Rigorous, Life-Changing Program

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published May 22, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated May 22, 2025 at 11:43AM

Colonial Forge High School’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is more than just a class—it’s 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 seniors—Parwin Jamal, Katherine Nicole Peterson, Leslie Benyarko, and Kaiya Vazquez—are at the finish line of one of Stafford County Public Schools’ 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.

Prince William Parks Offering Free Fun for Longest Day of the Year

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 21, 2025 at 12:22PM | Updated May 21, 2025 at 1:09PM

The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk on opening day, June 10, 2019.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Prince William County Parks & Recreation is inviting residents to get outside — both to enjoy free summer fun and to help shape the future of the county’s 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.

Repairs Start This Week on Fredericksburg’s Historic Courthouse Bell Tower

By Potomac Local News

Published May 20, 2025 at 2:10PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – 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 city’s most iconic landmarks.

Scaffolding will be installed around the bell tower in the project’s 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.

Fettler Park to Begin Revitalization Efforts Following Comprehensive Study

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published May 20, 2025 at 10:00AM

The Fettler Park Area study has been completed, focusing on how Prince William County can redevelop and strategically new development in the area. [Courtesy of Prince William Economic Development]

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.

Backyard Chicken Proposal Clucked Out by Manassas City Council

By Potomac Local News

Published May 20, 2025 at 9:28AM

MANASSAS, Va. – 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 — making them nearly impossible on most residential lots.

Upgrades Set a New Standard at Highmark Brewery

By Mike Salmon

Published May 19, 2025 at 3:27PM

Josh Alley is one of the brewmasters.

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – 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.

“To continue to expand, we needed to update,” said brewmaster Josh Alley whose been with them a few years as they waded through the ups and downs. With the new equipment, “we’ll be able to put new rotating styles out and possibly get back into canning,” Alley said.

Stafford to Kick Off Virginia’s 250th With Special Memorial Day Ceremony Featuring The Old Guard

By Potomac Local News

Published May 19, 2025 at 3:22PM

Service members assigned to the Military District of Washington Joint Armed Forces Color Guard prepare to present the national colors on the infield stage at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fl., February 16, 2025. The service members were in Daytona to participate in the national anthem performance during the pre-race ceremonies for the 67th Annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Cup Series Race. (U.S.Army photo by SGT. Gabriel J. Bacchus)

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County will honor America’s 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 year’s program will feature a special appearance by The Old Guard, the U.S. Army’s Third Infantry Regiment. Known as the Army’s 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 nation’s capital and beyond.

Live Music, Food Trucks & Fun: ‘Fridays at 5’ Returns to Woodbridge

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 19, 2025 at 1:46PM

Held at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza in Woodbridge, the outdoor shows kick off at 5 p.m. and feature performances from local favorites like The Chocolate Factory Band, The Deloreans, and Whiskey Acolyte. DJ Moe Vibez spins between sets. Admission and parking are free.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring chairs or picnic blankets. Food and drinks, including beer and wine for those 21 and older, will be available. No pets are allowed, except for service dogs.

‘We Did It Together’: Fredericksburg Couple Celebrates Side-by-Side Doctorate Degrees From Liberty University

By Potomac Local News

Published May 19, 2025 at 11:00AM | Updated May 19, 2025 at 1:33PM

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – What began as an unexpected career pivot has led to an achievement for one Fredericksburg-area couple. Drs. Edmond and Sherri Bergeron, both United States military veterans, recently earned their Doctorates in Education from Liberty University—crossing the stage together on May 8, 2025, after four years of hard work, determination, and mutual encouragement.

A New Mission After Military Service