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Proposed changes to Prince William County’s Early Voting Ordinance aim to expand access

By Potomac Local News
Olsen

Prince William County is considering significant changes to its early voting ordinance, aiming to enhance accessibility and streamline the process for voters. General Registrar Eric Olsen presented a comprehensive plan to the county Electoral Board, highlighting the current trends in early voting and proposing adjustments to meet the community’s evolving needs.

Olsen noted that while early voting has seen steady participation, it remains relatively flat compared to other methods, such as mail-in voting. “Early voting is kind of flat right now,” Olsen said, indicating that only about 25% of voters opt for early voting, with the majority still preferring Election Day turnout.

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Fredericksburg parks master plan meeting set to shape future recreational opportunities

By Potomac Local News

A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. to discuss the master plans for three parks in Fredericksburg: Alum Spring Park, Ficklen Island, and Old Mill Park.

In adverse weather conditions, the meeting will be rescheduled for March 6. For further details, interested parties can contact Todd Brown, Director, at [email protected] or by calling 540-372-1086.

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Warmer temperatures, increasing shower chances ahead | Water’s End Brewery sponsors our weather posts

By Potomac Local News

 

As the workweek kicks off, residents across the region can expect mostly dry conditions today, accompanied by slightly warmer temperatures. The National Weather Service forecasts high pressure to shift offshore, allowing temperatures to climb gradually. Despite a weak disturbance passing through this morning, the day will see mostly sunny skies with a high near 64°F.

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Stafford to begin kindergarten registration March 6 at area libraries, online

By Potomac Local News
Central Rappahannock Regional Library Porter Branch sits at 2001 Parkway Boulevard in North Stafford.

Stafford County Public Schools will commence kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 academic year on March 6. Parents and guardians of children who reach the age of five by September 30, 2024, are encouraged to complete the online registration process.

Several documents are requisite for enrollment, including a driver’s license or photo ID for the parent or guardian, the child’s official birth certificate, current physical and updated immunization records before the school’s opening, and proof of residence or domicile. The latter entails providing a deed, lease, or tax bill, along with two additional current documents, such as utility bills tied to the home, employment verification, tax documents, or other official correspondences.

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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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