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North Stafford High School embarks on solar transformation; Installs largest rooftop array in Virginia

By Potomac Local News
North Stafford High School students engage with solar professionals to learn about the solar array, explore careers in renewable energy, and build their own solar circuits. [Photo: Stafford County Schoolsl]

Stafford Schools initiated the on-site solar installation endeavor in 2020, partnering with Sun Tribe Solar as the project developer and Madison Energy Infrastructure (MEI) as the financier and managing partner. This week, the installation initiative integrates into the educational curriculum as students interact with solar professionals to gain insights into the solar array, explore careers in renewable energy, and construct their solar circuits.

“Our mission is to inspire and empower our students so that they are prepared to excel, and this project certainly sets them up to be global changemakers,” states Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor in a press release. “I am delighted that the installation has aligned perfectly with Career and Technical Education Month, allowing us to showcase diverse, in-demand careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as clean energy.”

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Sheriff’s report: Deputies seize guns after traffic stop on Garrisonville Road

By Potomac Local News

On February 22, at 1:47 a.m., Deputy P.J. Leon of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office was engaged in speed enforcement duties along Garrisonville Road. During his patrol, Deputy Leon observed a pickup truck exceeding the speed limit, traveling at 55 mph in a 35 mph zone. Promptly, Deputy Leon initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, pulling it over in a Wells Fargo bank parking lot at 131 Garrisonville Road.

Upon contacting the driver, Deputy Leon noted concerning behavior, prompting further investigation. Notably, the driver was found to be carrying a concealed firearm in his waistband, an observation that led to his immediate detainment, police said. Subsequent examination of the vehicle by Deputy Leon unveiled two loaded rifles clandestinely concealed in the backseat, alongside a partially consumed beer, police said.

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Police exchange fire with barricaded man in Manassas incident

By Potomac Local News

What began as a routine response quickly escalated into a tense standoff as officers encountered multiple rounds being discharged from within a residence.

According to reports from the Manassas City Police Department, officers rushed to the scene upon receiving the initial call, only to find themselves under fire upon arrival. The officers, in turn, returned fire as they attempted to gain entry into the besieged residence.

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Manassas City Council meeting gallops with opposition to horse carriages; Residents say ‘neigh’

By Potomac Local News

During the Manassas City Council meeting on February 13, 2024, three residents voiced their concerns about the use of horse-drawn carriages in the city, urging for a ban on the practice. The speakers, identified as Asteria, Moshe, and Prius Xena, presented arguments against the continuation of horse-drawn carriage rides, emphasizing both animal welfare and public safety.

“Horse-drawn carriages provide rides to Downtown Manassas visitors each year in December,” noted Asteria, a resident living off Liberia Avenue. “But every year, these rides pose significant risks to both horses and pedestrians. Horses are prey animals, easily spooked by the noise and commotion of city streets. It’s time for the council to prioritize safety and put an end to this dangerous practice.”

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Stafford Supervisors debate fee increases, Real Estate tax rates ahead of March 5 decision

By Potomac Local News

During the February 22, 2024, Stafford County Board of Supervisors session, deliberations centered on potential fee increases aimed at bolstering funding for various county government operations.

Budget Director Andrea Light, addressing the board, outlined the forthcoming steps regarding fee adjustments. “We have assumed about $150,000 of new revenue based on the fee increases from development services.” She highlighted the proposed timeline for implementing changes, with the Board set to vote to advertise a tax rate on March 5 and the adoption of its FY2025 budget slated for April 2.

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Stafford represented among diverse 140th Virginia State Trooper class

By Potomac Local News
[Photo: Virginie State Police]

This graduating class is unique as it includes both traditional trainees and members of the Expedited Law Enforcement Certified Academy. The latter comprises experienced law enforcement professionals who have already been certified by the Department of Criminal Justice Services and have served at least three years elsewhere in Virginia, according to a police press release.

The new troopers underwent rigorous training, including over 1,300 hours of instruction covering various subjects such as de-escalation techniques, mental health crisis intervention, ethics, constitutional law, and public relations. The Trooper Trainees of the 140th Basic Session began their training on July 26, 2023, while those in the Expedited Academy started on December 28, 2023.

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Rooftop Productions’ ‘Miscast Cabaret’ to celebrate ARTfactory’s 40th anniversary

By Potomac Local News
Meagan Morrison-Crabill and cast rehearse for "Miscast Cabaret" at ARTFactory in Manasass.

ARTfactory is gearing up for a celebration in honor of its 40th anniversary with the upcoming Rooftop Productions’ “Miscast Cabaret.” This unique event, set to take place over two weekends in March at the Wind River Theater, promises an evening of unforgettable performances that challenge traditional casting norms.

“Miscast Cabaret” offers a twist on traditional Broadway performances, with cast members taking on roles that they wouldn’t typically be cast in. Audiences can expect to be surprised and delighted as performers breathe new life into classic and contemporary songs from beloved musicals like “Waitress’, ‘The Book of Mormon,” “Into the Woods”, “Annie’, and “Beauty and the Beast”. The event promises to be a refreshing exploration of familiar tunes presented in unexpected contexts.

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Virginia State Police issue missing/endangered alert for Manassas resident

By Potomac Local News

Sultan Abdu Menfot is a 44-year-old Black male, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. Menfot has brown eyes and black hair.

He was last seen on February 17, 2024, at 17:17 hours in the 6800 block of Frontier Drive, Springfield. At the time of his disappearance, Menfot was wearing an olive green jacket, khaki pants, and a black and white striped shirt. Authorities believe he is on foot and not operating a motor vehicle.

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