News - Page 24 of 1914 - Potomac Local News

Fire Damages Apartment on Oliver Court in Manassas; Four Displaced

Published April 16, 2025 at 8:00AM

Emergency crews work to extricate a driver from a pickup truck after it was struck by an Amtrak train at a railroad crossing on Bristow Road near Manassas on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The driver was transported to a regional hospital with injuries. No one on board the train was hurt. Photo courtesy of Prince William County Fire and Rescue.

MANASSAS, Va. — Firefighters from the City of Manassas, Manassas Park, and Prince William County responded to an apartment fire this afternoon at 8872 Oliver Court, just off Liberia Avenue, where smoke was seen billowing from a second-story unit in a three-story building.

The fire broke out in a bedroom on the second floor shortly before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15. According to Manassas Fire Chief Edward Mills, the unit was unoccupied at the time. Crews arriving at the scene reported smoke showing but no visible flames from outside.

Woodbridge Named Fastest-Growing Suburb in U.S.

By Potomac Local News

Published April 15, 2025 at 2:00PM

The Neabsco Boardwalk bridges the gap between Leesylvania State and Neabsco Regional parks in Woodbridge.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Woodbridge has been named the fastest-growing suburb in the United States, according to a new report from Travel + Leisure, shining a national spotlight on eastern Prince William County and prompting praise from local business and government leaders.

The article, published April 10, 2025, highlights Woodbridge’s explosive 887% population growth between 2018 and 2023, jumping from approximately, in what it cited as 4,000 to more than 43,000 residents. However, anyone who has lived here knows there were more than 4,000 residents in Woodbridge in 2018.

Manassas Tax Hike, Congressional Forum, and Stafford Tensions Lead This Week’sNews

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 15, 2025 at 7:30AM

Manassas residents should prepare to pay more in taxes and utility costs starting July 1.

The city is working to finalize a $327.9 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year. While the real estate tax rate would remain at $1.26 per $100 of assessed value, rising property values mean most homeowners will still see higher bills.

Manassas School Board Reviews Plan to Adopt New Math Curriculum for 2025-26 School Year

By Potomac Local News

Published April 14, 2025 at 9:00AM

The Manassas City Public Schools Board approved its new budget on June 10.

MANASSAS, Va. — The Manassas City School Board on Tuesday heard an update on the division’s plan to adopt a new primary mathematics curriculum resource, set to be implemented in the 2025-26 school year.

Dr. Ed Stevenson, director of instruction, and Deputy Superintendent Craig Gefeller presented the plan and explained how the state’s accelerated rollout of new math standards forced the division to revise its typical adoption process.

Prince William Supervisor Raises Questions About Fair Funding of Court Services Amid Clerk’s Expansion Requests

By Potomac Local News

Published April 11, 2025 at 1:00PM

Clerk of the Circuit Court Jacqueline Smith (bottom left) presents an update on her office’s services and funding requests to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors during its April 1, 2025, meeting.

A Prince William County Supervisor is calling for a review of how the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park contribute to the operation of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, citing concerns about equity as the office expands its public service offerings and technology footprint.

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The Next Chapter for Fredericksburg Readers: Novel Opens Downtown

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published April 11, 2025 at 9:00AM

Fredericksburg welcomed a new novelty to its downtown business scene last week: Novel, an independent bookstore and plant shop has opened its doors at 212 William Street.

Novel, owned and operated by Andie Ayers, offers a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction titles, unique gifts, and a quiet space designed for connection and conversation.

Prince William Leaders Voice Concern Over Federal Funding Uncertainties

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published April 10, 2025 at 11:00AM

The Prince William County Board of Supervisors and Prince William County Schools administrators met on April 1.

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With County EDA in Place, Dumfries Seeks More Control Over Business Development

By Potomac Local News

Published April 9, 2025 at 1:00PM

Dumfries is Virginia's oldest continually chartered town.

The Town of Dumfries is considering forming its own Economic Development Authority (EDA), a move that town leaders say would give them more flexibility and control over how to attract, retain, and grow businesses within the town’s borders.

At its April 1, 2025 meeting, the Town Council received a detailed presentation outlining the authority and potential benefits of creating an EDA under the Virginia Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act, passed by the state legislature in 1966. The act allows localities to establish Economic or Industrial Development Authorities (EDAs or IDAs) as separate legal entities to facilitate economic development.

Freshmen Congressmen to Share Perspectives at Prince William Chamber Event

By Potomac Local News

Published April 8, 2025 at 2:00PM

Subramanyam / Vindman

In one of the first major events at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s new headquarters, Northern Virginia’s two newest congressmen will share insights from their first 100 days in office.

“The First 100 Days: Our Freshmen Congressmen’s Perspective” will take place Friday, April 25, 2025, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Chamber’s new office, located at 9733 Buchanan Loop, Manassas. The event is open to Chamber members; admission is $10, with proceeds benefiting the Chamber Foundation. Breakfast will be served.

Stafford Leaders Urge State Action on Veterans Tax Exemption Program

By Potomac Local News

Published April 8, 2025 at 1:00PM

Stafford County leaders are calling on the state to do more to support a growing veterans’ tax relief program that now costs the county more than $27 million a year in lost revenue.

During a presentation at the April 1 Board of Supervisors meeting, Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayausky said the constitutional amendment creating the real estate and personal property tax exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans was not accompanied by adequate guidance or funding from the state.