News

Meet the Principal: Q+A with Unity Reed High’s New Principal, Milagros Polanco

By Caitlyn Meisner

Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Today, get to know Milagros “Milly” Polanco, the new principal of Unity Reed High in Manassas. Polanco started her teaching career with Prince William County Schools in 2015, and most recently served as assistant principal of Gar-Field High School.

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Stafford Outpaces Prince William in Early Voting, Local Officials Encourage Turnout

By Alan Gloss

So far this year, Stafford County reported the highest number of early ballots cast among the listed jurisdictions, with 4,682 votes, showing a significant increase from 2,779 in 2020.

Manassas saw a decrease in early voting numbers, with 2,652 ballots cast in 2024 compared to 3,051 in 2020. Prince William County also experienced a notable drop, with 1,022 early votes in 2024, down from 3,096 in the previous election cycle.

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Swift Water Rescue Teams Headed to Southwest Virgina

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County Swift Water Rescue Team

As Hurricane Helene intensifies and approaches Florida’s Big Bend with the potential to become a major Category 4 hurricane, swift water rescue teams from Virginia are mobilizing to assist with the expected impacts.

The Prince William County Swift Water Rescue Team, a FEMA Type 3 team comprising six technicians and a Battalion Chief, was activated by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and deployed to Norton, Virginia. They left at 10:00 AM today from the Prince William Public Safety Training Center, aiming to coordinate with local authorities and manage water rescues in hurricane flood waters.

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Fatal Paraglider Crash in Fauquier County Under Investigation After Pilot Dies Attempting Smokestack Maneuver

By Uriah Kiser

A fatal paraglider crash is under investigation by Virginia State Police after occurring on September 20th at 6:36 p.m. in Fauquier County on Lucky Hill Road. The pilot, 77-year-old Robert N. Eaheart Jr. from Springfield, died upon impact when his paraglider lost control while trying to fly over a power plant smokestack and crashed to the ground. His body has been sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Manassas for autopsy.

No injuries were reported on the ground. The FAA and NTSB have been notified, and the investigation is ongoing.

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Sentara Health Innovates with Specialized Smartphones to Enhance Patient Care

By Uriah Kiser

Sentara Health has announced a technology rollout to enhance clinician-patient interactions across its network. All 12 hospitals, including Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) in Woodbridge, have nearly 6,000 specialized smartphones designed to improve workflow and patient safety.

These devices are engineered to consolidate multiple tools—walkie-talkies, basic phones, pagers, and computer carts—into one device, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care and less on juggling equipment.

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Updated: Manassas Park Latino Fest Rescheduled to Oct. 6, 2024

By Aya Karouane

The 4th Annual Manassas Park Latino Fest, “Unidos en Fiesta,” will occur Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, on September 29, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature live performances, food, games, and activities, promoting community unity and cultural appreciation.

The event was rescheduled, according to Manassas Park Council woman Yesi Amaya, who said, “We had to change the date to Sunday, October 6 due to weather.”

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30 Small Businesses Opened in Prince William County in July

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Photo: Tim Mossholder via Pexels]

“Our dedicated team of experts is committed to simplifying the complexities of construction project management,” Mandi Spina, director of the Department of Development Services (DDS), said. “We understand that every project is unique and our professionals are equipped to enhance workflows by leveraging our in-depth knowledge of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.”

The DDS launched the Small Business Project Management Program, which, since its inception and implementation, has brought in and retained more than 2,400 small businesses in the county.

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Fredericksburg Nationals’ Championship Celebration Set for Spring 2025

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Mike Salmon

While the Fredericksburg Nationals have clinched the Carolina League Championship, fans must wait until spring 2025 for the official celebration. The city and the team have announced plans to honor the champions before next year’s season opener. This decision aligns with the players’ schedules, as they typically leave town shortly after the season concludes.

“The players leave right after the season. It was a joint decision between the FredNats and the city to hold the celebration next spring,” explained Sonja Cantu, spokeswoman for Fredericksburg City Government.

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Woman Charged in DUI That Killed One, Injured Woodbridge Woman

By Aya Karouane
Miraya-Mayuri, L.

On September 25, investigators charged Lesly Miraya-Mayuri, 21, with DUI manslaughter following a fatal crash on September 13 near Woodbridge that killed a passenger, Elvis Gabriel Alvarez, 23, and injured a Woodbridge woman. The accused was found to be intoxicated and driving the wrong way when the collision occurred, and has a court date set for October 9, 2024.

Press Release from Prince William County Police:

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