News - Page 13 of 1911 - Potomac Local News

Stafford County Shines a Spotlight on Top Educators and Staff at 2025 Gold Star Gala

Published May 9, 2025 at 12:24PM

Tracey Watterson of Colonial Forge High School, honored as the 2025 Teacher of the Year, poses with district leaders at the Gold Star Gala in recognition of her exceptional dedication to students. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County Public Schools rolled out the red carpet on Thursday night to honor its top educators and staff members at the 2025 Gold Star Gala. The annual event recognizes employees across a wide range of roles who help students succeed every day.

The celebration, held before a crowd of staff, students, and community members, included student-led presentations. Gabriella Irish, the 2025 Student Representative to the School Board, kicked off the event with a welcome address. The North Stafford High School Air Force JROTC presented the colors, followed by Mountain View High School student Raina Chan singing the National Anthem.

A New Drew Middle School Is One Step Closer to Reality

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 10:00AM

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to spend $2.5 million on land for the long-awaited rebuild of Drew Middle School.

The money, pulled from the county’s Capital Projects Fund, will be transferred to the Schools Capital Projects Fund to buy a new site for the school. The rebuild has been years in the making—and for many in the community, it’s personal.

Big Wins and Budget Warnings: Lawmakers Talk Session Highlights in Downtown Fredericksburg

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 9:00AM

Attendees pack The 718 Venue in downtown Fredericksburg for a legislative recap on May 6, 2025, featuring local lawmakers who shared highlights and takeaways from this year’s General Assembly session. The event was co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Greater Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, and Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors. [Photo: Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce]

The event was co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Greater Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, and Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors.

Each lawmaker was asked what they considered the biggest accomplishment of the session. Delegate Bobby Orrock pointed to increased education funding and roughly $1 billion in tax rebates coming back to Virginia families. Senator Tara Durant also highlighted education, calling the $222 million investment to eliminate the K-12 support cap “a real game-changer.” She also noted new funding for math instruction—a personal priority she’s worked on for years.

New Workshop Series Aims to Help Prince William Entrepreneurs Lead Through Uncertainty

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 8:00AM

Congressmen Eugene Vindman and Suhas Subramanyam share insights on their first 100 days in office during a discussion hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce in April 2025.

MANASSAS, Va. – Leadership Prince William is launching a new Business Leadership Workshop Series designed to support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs across the region.

According to a press release from the nonprofit organization, the new series is sponsored by Prince William County Economic Development and will offer workshops led by experienced professionals from a range of industries. The first session, titled “Leading Through Uncertain Times,” will be held on Thursday, May 14, with a morning session from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and an afternoon session from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce in Manassas.

Red Carpet Ready: Riverside Theater Honors Cast of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

By Potomac Local News

Published May 8, 2025 at 2:00PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Broadway is meeting the ‘Burg this weekend as Fredericksburg native Tug Coker takes center stage as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The show opened Wednesday, May 7, and a special red-carpet celebration is set for Friday, May 9.

Coker, who was raised in Fredericksburg and graduated from Fredericksburg Academy, brings an impressive résumé to the Riverside stage. Known for his roles on Broadway and on hit shows like The Office, Billions, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, this marks his first professional performance in his hometown. He studied theater at the College of William and Mary and played professional basketball overseas before pursuing acting full-time.

Prince William Fire Crews Awarded ‘Green Cross’ in 2 Life-Saving Situations

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published May 8, 2025 at 1:00PM

Members of the Prince William Fire & Rescue Department's Fire Station 22 award with the Green Cross. [Photo courtesy of PWC Fire on Facebook]

The Green Cross is awarded by Hurst Jaws of Life, which aims to celebrate “the bravery shown by rescue teams worldwide,” according to the company’s website. Crews from Rescue Unit 522 and Trucks 504 and 511 were given the award.

The first incident occurred on Sudley Road and Lee Highway, where a box truck crashed into a tree. According to the department’s Facebook post, the driver was pinned from the waist down and impaled, and it took 40 minutes to rescue him.

Date Night Spotlight: The Spot at Belmont Bay in Woodbridge

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 8, 2025 at 11:00AM

A Waterside Escape for Romance and Relaxation

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Belmont Bay, The Spot at Belmont Bay near the water is quaint and charming. Whether you’re arriving by boat or strolling in from the neighborhood, this locally owned gem invites couples to unwind with handcrafted cocktails, scratch-made dishes, and a view that turns every meal into a mini getaway. With a cozy indoor space and a breezy outdoor patio, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic evening or a laid-back date night.

Stafford Could Soon Use Speed and Red-Light Cameras in School Zones, Work Areas

By Potomac Local News

Published May 8, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated May 8, 2025 at 5:59PM

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday took a major step toward launching a traffic camera program aimed at slowing down drivers in school zones and highway work areas.

Supervisors voted unanimously to authorize County Administrator Bill Ashton to advertise a public hearing for June 17, 2025. The hearing will give residents a chance to weigh in on a proposed ordinance that would allow speed and red-light enforcement cameras in designated areas.

From Federal Jobs to Classrooms: How Stafford Schools Are Hiring Local and Teaching for Tomorrow

By Potomac Local News

Published May 8, 2025 at 9:00AM

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, “A Conversation with the Superintendent,” featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from fixing school transportation to addressing equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.

Part 4: Building a Workforce for the Future — Hiring Local, Teaching Real-World Skills

New Road Nearly Ready to Roll in North Woodbridge

By Potomac Local News

Published May 8, 2025 at 8:00AM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A major transportation project in North Woodbridge is almost finished, promising smoother travel and better connections across the growing area.

Prince William County officials recently celebrated the near-completion of the Annapolis Way/North Woodbridge Mobility Improvements Project, a $9.5 million effort designed to improve vehicle, bike, and pedestrian access. Once fully open in the coming weeks, the project will allow drivers to travel the full length of Annapolis Way between Route 123 (Gordon Boulevard) and Route 1 (Richmond Highway), improving mobility and advancing long-term redevelopment goals.