News

Historic Kenmore celebrates Betty Washington’s 291st birthday

By Kelly Sienkowski
Historic Kenmore in Fredericksburg (Photo: The George Washington Foundation)

George may have a Federal holiday, but Historic Kenmore is making sure his sister Betty has a party of her own. Betty Washington’s 291st birthday celebration will be June 22 at her Fredericksburg home Kenmore.

Betty Washington Lewis and her husband Fielding Lewis began construction on Kenmore in 1769, and the family moved in by the fall of 1775. The Fredericksburg plantation originally covered 1,270 acres, now reduced to a single city block. Kenmore is notable for its 18th-century decorative plasterwork ceilings. After Fielding’s death in 1781, the property passed to his first-born son, John, while Betty stayed on for 14 more years. Kenmore has had eleven owners and has been owned by The George Washington Foundation since 1925. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

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Area schools offering children summer meals

By Kelly Sienkowski
(Photo: USDA.gov)

Stafford, Prince William, and Manassas are all participating in the Summer Food Service Program this year. The meal service is part of the Summer Food Service Program federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, or age, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.  Meals will be provided at the sites and times below:

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Church sign damaged by unknown culprit

By Kelly Sienkowski
The damaged sign at Iglesias Bethel de Manassas.

The marquee sign at Iglesias Bethel de Manassas was destroyed overnight on June 18, 2024. No witnesses or suspects are currently known.

A tip sent to Potomac Local News suggests the Manassas Police Department responded to the scene and called it a Hit and Run. No related press releases or crime reports were listed on the Manassas Police website or Facebook page on June 19.

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Stafford Schools appoints Acting Superintendent, revises budget

By Kelly Sienkowski
Chris R. Fulmer has been named Acting Superintendent for Stafford County Public Schools

Following the announcement of Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor’s departure from Stafford County Schools (SCPS), the School Board held a Special Called Meeting on June 18. After a closed session, the School Board voted unanimously to appoint Chris R. Fulmer as the Acting Superintendent.

On June 25, the board will meet to select a Superintendent search firm.

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Vindman Overcomes Criticism, Emerges as Democratic Nominee for Virginia’s 7th District

By Uriah Kiser
California Rep. Adam Schiff (center) congratulated Eugene Vindman on his Primary Election win by posting photo of him and twin brothers Eugene and Alexander Vindman. [Photo: @AdamSchiff on X]

Vindman, of Dale City, ran a campaign solely to oppose Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for President. He and his twin brother Alexander Vindman were key figures in Trump’s first impeachment in 2020.

“The stakes of this election couldn’t be higher; the passion behind my campaign comes from voters wanting integrity, moderation, and professionalism in a government that works for them; and our grass-roots movement is coming for the extreme MAGA agenda,” Vindman wrote in a prepared statement sent to the press after declaring victory about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18.

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Vindman threatens to sue reporter asking about his military rank

By Uriah Kiser
Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman

The Independent: “A law firm representing the Vindman campaign then contacted The Independent threatening litigation. The letter insisted that Vindman “is a Colonel and correctly identifies himself as such” and that “Pursuant to Army Custom and Regulation 25-50, the proper mode to address Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels is Colonel.” The letter also claimed that reporting Bedell’s statement would be defamatory.

The attorney for Vindman further stated that he “does not dispute that he retired at the grade of O5 [Lieutenant Colonel]. However, his pay grade at retirement has no impact on either pay or entitlements and on whether he is in fact a retired Colonel.”

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Dr. Taylor leaves Stafford County Schools

By Kelly Sienkowski
Dr. Thomas W. Taylor will leave Stafford County Schools to join Montgomery County this fall.

Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) has announced the departure of Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, who has led SCPS since November 2021. Dr. Taylor will begin serving as Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools effective this fall. In a county-wide email, Dr. Taylor lauded accomplishments made in the schools, but also noted the county has dropped from 111 to 117 in state rankings for school funding.

During his tenure, Dr. Taylor implemented several measures aimed at improving educational outcomes, including the introduction of staffing standards and a streamlined budget focused on efficiency.  SCPS saw an over 20% increase in average staff wages, as well as advancements in both diversity and gender equity in leadership positions that exceed national and state averages. Dr. Taylor also oversaw the construction of three new schools and the renovation of Edward E. Drew Middle School to accommodate the county’s growth.

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Limited Tickets for Manassas Rooftop July 4 Party On Sale

By Uriah Kiser
A parking garage in Downtown Manassas.

Historic Manassas Inc. (HMI) is now selling tickets for a July 4th Stars & Stripes Rooftop Picnic, set to provide the best view of the City of Manassas fireworks display. The event will occur on July 4, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., atop the downtown parking garage at 9102 Prince William Street.

The rooftop picnic promises a variety of food and drinks. Attendees can look forward to hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, chips, green beans, cupcakes, beer, wine, soda, and water. The evening will also feature a DJ and games, ensuring entertainment for guests of all ages.

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Seven displaced, 1 Injured in Stafford County House Fire

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Stafford County fire and rescue]

From Stafford County fire and rescue:

Just after 4 A.M. on Saturday, June 15th, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) were dispatched for a reported structure fire along Melanie Hollow Lane in the southeastern part of Stafford County. Multiple callers reported a home on fire, and crews arrived within five minutes and found a two-story, single family home with fire showing throughout the second floor. The fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes. The home was occupied by seven individuals at the time of the fire. All were able to evacuate prior to the arrival of units on scene. They were evaluated; one was transported for non-life-threatening injuries.

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