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.”


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.


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. 


Press Release:

Yesterday, at the warehouse operated by Northern Virginia food pantry Food For Others, employees and associates of I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), the builder and operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, packed a grand total of 660 Power Packs for the area’s school-aged children.


The panel, also known as TAP, brings together regional experts to evaluate an area with unique circumstances. This TAP will examine several issues along the Sudley Road corridor, including land use, economic development, housing, equity and transportation issues.

The panel will meet in early 2025 over a two-day period. The panel will be constituted of experts in real estate, economic development and planning. Site visits and interviews will be conducted, followed by a presentation to the sponsor organization and a written report from the Urban Land Institute with expert recommendations.


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 Jesse Rivera, Ed.D., the new principal of Haymarket Elementary School. Rivera has taught in Culpeper and was an assistant principal in Fauquier County.


Although initially estimated in 2014 to cost $8.5 million, the city’s final price tag came in at a staggering $15.9 million. With the exception of Social Services, residents can find all services in the renovated building.

After the ribbon cutting, City Council held its first meeting in the newly refurbished building and officially named the room in honor of Edgar Rohr, a former mayor and City Councilor with deep roots in Manassas.


Stafford County:

On June 24, 2024, the Stafford County Treasurer’s Office earned accreditation from the Treasurers’ Association of Virginia (TAV), demonstrating its commitment to excellence in public service. This recognition is part of the TAV voluntary Office Accreditation program, designed to ensure treasurer’s offices across Virginia uphold the highest standards of performance in treasury management. This year, 70 treasurer’s offices statewide received this prestigious accreditation.


Press Release:

This week, the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department (OWL VFD) proudly unveils its newest community initiative: a Little Free Library dedicated to Assistant Chief Michael Clark. Located in front of Station 14, the library is a tribute to Chief Clark’s 35 years of service, commitment to education, and lifelong dedication to the OWL VFD.


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