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 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 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 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.
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.
