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
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A new 28,000-square-foot event venue in Manassas is preparing to open its doors to the community this weekend.
Magnoliya Grand, located at 6991 Infantry Ridge Road near the Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, will hold its Grand Opening and Open House on Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include an opening ceremony at 11 a.m., live performances from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and an open house from 1 to 4 p.m., according to the venue’s announcement.
DUMFRIES, Va. – In the 1984 movie Footloose, a small town famously banned dancing, sparking pushback from teens who just wanted to have fun. This week in Dumfries, a similar debate surfaced over whether the small town is going too far with proposed new rules for music festivals.
During its May 6, 2025, meeting, the Dumfries Town Council held a public hearing on a proposal to revise the town’s Musical and Entertainment Festivals Ordinance. Among the proposed changes is a requirement that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult at outdoor concerts and festivals.
The updated policy, Policy 7205 – Access to Division Transportation Services, now allows not only bus drivers but also bus attendants to bring their minor child or grandchild on board during their assigned routes. This change, approved as part of the Board’s consent agenda, builds on the previous rule that limited this option to preschool-aged children of bus drivers only.
What’s Changing?
RICHMOND, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) students have once again claimed top honors at the 47th Annual Model Judiciary Program Supreme Court Round, marking their third consecutive victory at the state level.
According to a PWCS release, Battlefield High School students Anandya Sampath, a senior, and Sakshi Gowda, a sophomore, were named overall winners after presenting appellate arguments before justices from the Virginia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Their performance topped the competition, which simulates real court proceedings.
FAIRFAX, Va. – More than 7,500 Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) students were celebrated this week during one of the college’s largest-ever commencements.
Held May 12 at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena, the graduation ceremony drew over 1,600 graduates and more than 5,000 guests. The crowd was so big that overflow seating and a livestream were set up in a nearby concert hall, according to a release from the college.
Looking for a romantic Italian escape without leaving Prince William County? Step into SEMIFREDDO Italian Cuisine—a charming culinary gem in Manassas offering a warm, intimate setting and a menu bursting with traditional and Mediterranean flavors. With over 20 years of chef-driven expertise, this locally owned favorite is ideal for couples seeking a memorable night out over wine, pasta, and candlelight.
Three-Course Menu Suggestion
Presented by Triune Entertainment, Into the Sun follows Freddy and Mary Sigfried as they navigate the emotional and moral upheavals of World War I. Freddy, eager to serve, rises through the military ranks but is haunted by the consequences of leadership. Meanwhile, Mary breaks with tradition by taking a job in a munitions factory, eventually grappling with the ethics of her work.
Director Esther Wells called the show “an honor” to direct, highlighting its local roots and cast of talented regional performers. Leading roles include Ryan Schaffer as Freddy and Audrey Mollo as Mary, joined by Cam Ezell, Joseph Allen, and others in a rich ensemble cast.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Flooding concerns remain high along the Rappahannock River after a day of heavy rain and rescue operations.
At 2:54 p.m. today, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reported multiple people were rescued after their car became stranded in flood waters on River Road near Fredericksburg. Meanwhile, the Fredericksburg City Fire Department announced the closure of City Dock, warning that the river is expected to crest at 13 feet around 2 a.m. Wednesday, May 15. A Flood Warning is in effect for the dock area from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.
MANASSAS, Va. – City leaders say they were surprised to learn that the first tenant of the newly opened Brickyard Data Center on Godwin Drive won’t contribute to the city’s business personal property tax base as expected.
The data center, operated by Digital Realty Trust, opened earlier this year. Officials had projected millions in tax revenue from computer equipment expected to fill the site. But when tax paperwork arrived on April 14, 2025, city officials learned the first tenant is a bank—an industry that is exempt from paying business personal property taxes under Virginia law.
