News - Page 15 of 1915 - Potomac Local News

No Dancing Ban Here: Dumfries Delays Festival Rule Change

Published May 16, 2025 at 9:06AM

DUMFRIES, Va. – In the 1984 movie Footloose, a small town famously banned dancing, sparking pushback from teens who just wanted to have fun. This week in Dumfries, a similar debate surfaced over whether the small town is going too far with proposed new rules for music festivals.

During its May 6, 2025, meeting, the Dumfries Town Council held a public hearing on a proposal to revise the town’s Musical and Entertainment Festivals Ordinance. Among the proposed changes is a requirement that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult at outdoor concerts and festivals.

Stafford School Board Makes It Easier for Bus Employees to Bring Children on Board

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 16, 2025 at 8:58AM

The updated policy, Policy 7205 – Access to Division Transportation Services, now allows not only bus drivers but also bus attendants to bring their minor child or grandchild on board during their assigned routes. This change, approved as part of the Board’s consent agenda, builds on the previous rule that limited this option to preschool-aged children of bus drivers only.

What’s Changing?

PWCS Students Rule the Court—Again

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 16, 2025 at 8:57AM

RICHMOND, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) students have once again claimed top honors at the 47th Annual Model Judiciary Program Supreme Court Round, marking their third consecutive victory at the state level.

According to a PWCS release, Battlefield High School students Anandya Sampath, a senior, and Sakshi Gowda, a sophomore, were named overall winners after presenting appellate arguments before justices from the Virginia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Their performance topped the competition, which simulates real court proceedings.

NOVA Grads Pack Arena in One of School’s Biggest Ceremonies Yet

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 16, 2025 at 8:53AM

FAIRFAX, Va. – More than 7,500 Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) students were celebrated this week during one of the college’s largest-ever commencements.

Held May 12 at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena, the graduation ceremony drew over 1,600 graduates and more than 5,000 guests. The crowd was so big that overflow seating and a livestream were set up in a nearby concert hall, according to a release from the college.

Date Night Spotlight: SEMIFREDDO Italian Cuisine in Manassas

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 15, 2025 at 11:00AM

Looking for a romantic Italian escape without leaving Prince William County? Step into SEMIFREDDO Italian Cuisine—a charming culinary gem in Manassas offering a warm, intimate setting and a menu bursting with traditional and Mediterranean flavors. With over 20 years of chef-driven expertise, this locally owned favorite is ideal for couples seeking a memorable night out over wine, pasta, and candlelight.

Three-Course Menu Suggestion

War, Protest, and Family: New Musical Into the Sun Hits the Vint Hill Stage This June

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 15, 2025 at 8:00AM

Presented by Triune Entertainment, Into the Sun follows Freddy and Mary Sigfried as they navigate the emotional and moral upheavals of World War I. Freddy, eager to serve, rises through the military ranks but is haunted by the consequences of leadership. Meanwhile, Mary breaks with tradition by taking a job in a munitions factory, eventually grappling with the ethics of her work.

Director Esther Wells called the show “an honor” to direct, highlighting its local roots and cast of talented regional performers. Leading roles include Ryan Schaffer as Freddy and Audrey Mollo as Mary, joined by Cam Ezell, Joseph Allen, and others in a rich ensemble cast.

Flood Watch Continues Tonight as Rappahannock River Rises and Weekend Storm Risk Looms

By Potomac Local News

Published May 14, 2025 at 10:05PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Flooding concerns remain high along the Rappahannock River after a day of heavy rain and rescue operations.

At 2:54 p.m. today, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reported multiple people were rescued after their car became stranded in flood waters on River Road near Fredericksburg. Meanwhile, the Fredericksburg City Fire Department announced the closure of City Dock, warning that the river is expected to crest at 13 feet around 2 a.m. Wednesday, May 15. A Flood Warning is in effect for the dock area from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.

City Learns Bank Tenant at Manassas Data Center Is Tax-Exempt, Sparking Revenue Concerns

By Potomac Local News

Published May 14, 2025 at 4:05PM

MANASSAS, Va. – City leaders say they were surprised to learn that the first tenant of the newly opened Brickyard Data Center on Godwin Drive won’t contribute to the city’s business personal property tax base as expected.

The data center, operated by Digital Realty Trust, opened earlier this year. Officials had projected millions in tax revenue from computer equipment expected to fill the site. But when tax paperwork arrived on April 14, 2025, city officials learned the first tenant is a bank—an industry that is exempt from paying business personal property taxes under Virginia law.

Ready to Meet the People Behind Your Favorite Local Shops? Here’s Your Chance

By Potomac Local News

Published May 14, 2025 at 10:00AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Fredericksburg Main Street is launching a new way to help residents get to know the people behind the storefronts that make downtown special. Its new “Meet the Merchant” series kicks off on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Fraser Wood Elements, located on Caroline Street.

In a conversation with Potomac Local News, Main Street board member Dan Craddock shared that the goal of the quarterly event is to build connections between business owners and the community—especially those who are new to the area and might not have explored downtown yet.

Meet Prince William: Q+A with Steve Austin, Criminal Justice Services Director

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published May 14, 2025 at 9:00AM

Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”

We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.