News - Page 128 of 1912 - Potomac Local News

Shining a New Light: North Stafford High Powers Up Virginia’s Largest School Solar Array

Published September 12, 2024 at 3:00PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Submitted photo

Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) and Madison Energy Infrastructure (MEI) celebrated a major step toward sustainability today with the unveiling of Virginia’s largest school solar array, a 1.8-megawatt installation atop North Stafford High School that is set to provide 90% of the school’s electricity while saving an estimated $2.8 million in energy costs over the next 25 years.

On September 12, officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to unveil Virginia’s most extensive school solar array. “Today’s ribbon cutting marks an exciting step forward for our school and community. The installation of this rooftop solar array not only reduces our environmental footprint but also serves as a powerful educational tool for our students,” said Stafford County Public Schools Acting Superintendent Chris R. Fulmer. “Through this project, students are learning the real-world benefits of renewable energy and how it contributes to a sustainable future.”

12-Year-Old Student Arrested Following Violent Threat on TikTok

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published September 12, 2024 at 2:42PM

The Prince William County Police Department arrested a 12-year-old Unity Braxton Middle School student Wednesday after a tip was received about a threat of potential violence posted on TikTok toward the school.

Officers responded to the tip on Monday morning and the suspect was arrested Wednesday.

University Boulevard Extension Now Open for Drivers

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published September 12, 2024 at 2:30PM

Courtesy of Prince William County

Today (Thursday, Sept. 12), the newest 1.25-mile section of University Boulevard between Edmonston and Sudley Manor Drives opened for drivers. Now, University Boulevard stretches from Godwin Drive in Manassas to Route 29 in Gainesville.

The $23.5 million project was funded by various state, local and regional organizations; $9.7 million came from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, $9.5 million from the Virginia Department of Transportation and $2.5 million from Prince William Water.

Breaking News: Schools in Manassas and Stafford County on Alert Following Separate Incidents

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 12, 2024 at 1:09PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Schools across the region are on heightened alert today as police investigate multiple incidents at schools in Manassas and Stafford County. While no immediate danger has been reported, authorities are taking extra precautions to ensure student and staff safety.

Incident at Osbourn High School, Manassas

Stafford Announces Annual Shredding Event on Oct. 5

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 12, 2024 at 11:00AM

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has announced its annual paper-shredding event will be on October 5, 2024, from 9 to 11 a.m., or until the bins are full. Shredding is $5 per box, with the maximum box size 15 x 12 x 10.

The drive-through event is hosted by Stafford County Crime Solvers. Stafford County Crime Solvers is a community-driven program that encourages public involvement in solving crimes by offering cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests, resolutions of unsolved cases, or recovery of stolen property. Callers remain anonymous, and confidentiality is strictly maintained throughout the process. The program is managed by a volunteer board of directors and is funded entirely by private donations.

Stafford Continues Annual Fall Festival Oct. 5

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 12, 2024 at 10:00AM

Celebration Stage at John Lee Pratt Park in Stafford County

Stafford County has announced the return of its annual Fall Festival on Oct. 5 at John Lee Pratt Memorial Park. The family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The festival will include several food trucks and vendors, as well as live music from the Leroy Burks Band. Alpacas, hayrides, a petting zoo and pony rides will be on site. Those wishing to participate in the Pumpkin Derby are asked to pre-register.

Stafford School Board Chair Addresses Transportation Failures Amid Calls for Independent Investigation

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 12, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Stafford County School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund, elected in 2021 to represent the Garrisonville District, spoke with Potomac Local News for the first time since the school division failed to provide transportation to more than 3,000 students at the start of the school year. The transportation issues, which affected about 10% of the student population, left parents struggling to find alternate ways to get their children to school for nearly two weeks.

Siegmund addressed the growing calls for an independent investigation into the transportation breakdown, stating, “We don’t know yet what that [investigation] will look like. The RFQs [Requests for Qualifications] are out, and once we get through that process, we’ll determine what that looks like.” When asked if any personnel changes had been made within the transportation department, Siegmund was unable to provide specifics but emphasized that discussions have been ongoing.

Leadership Prince William Class of 2025 Kicks Off with Passing of the Torch

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 12, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated September 12, 2024 at 8:42PM

Haney

Heather Haney, a participant in the Leadership Prince William Signature Program Class of 2025, shared her journey with the organization, reflecting on how it began with the Emerging Leaders Program. Haney’s involvement in Leadership Prince William started in 2018 after a friend encouraged her to apply.

“I was in a tough headspace at the time, working on launching my own business,” Haney said. “My friend, who was already involved with Leadership Prince William, suggested I give it a try.”

Stafford School Transportation Woes Spark Parent Outcry, Calls for Independent Review

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 11, 2024 at 3:16PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Multiple parents raised concerns about ongoing transportation issues in the school district at the Stafford County School Board meeting on September 10, 2024. During the citizen comment period, delays, missed buses, and lack of communication were highlighted.

Michael Schultz, a parent, addressed the board about the transportation challenges his daughter has faced. “We’re about in week five of the school year, and I can say that transportation has been consistently horrible and inconsistent in pretty much all aspects,” Schultz said. He described situations where students were left at school for extended periods, saying, “There were kids that were still at the school two hours and 45 minutes after dismissal.” Schultz expressed frustration at the lack of improvement and transportation discussions on the meeting agenda.

Italian Flavors and Southern Hospitality: Fredericksburg’s Bella Manzo

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published September 11, 2024 at 11:30AM

Nestled in downtown Fredericksburg, Bella Manzo brings a blend of authentic Italian flavors and American comfort to the local dining scene. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Ruth and Jose Matus, the restaurant represents over 25 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry. After working in corporate dining since 1995, the duo made the leap to open their own establishment in July 2023 at 715 Caroline Street, crafting a warm, inviting space for family and friends.

Ruth said the restaurant stands as a tribute to the excellence of American beef, known as “Good Beef”, or Bello Manzo. The menu, designed with the help of a Chicago-based Executive Chef, features food ranging from “Manzo Traditionals” (Italian Beef sandwiches), creamy and tomato-based pastas, soups and salads, fish and chicken sandwiches, and desserts.