News

$73M Approved Plan Includes New Dean School, Metz Middle School Upgrades

By Uriah Kiser

At its Dec. 10 meeting, the Manassas City School Board approved the fiscal year 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which outlines significant facility and resource investments to improve the district’s educational environment.

The Board unanimously passed the $73 million plan. It includes several projects aimed at upgrading school facilities, addressing maintenance needs and creating more engaging spaces for learning. A notable addition is the installation of new bleachers at Metz Middle School.

Go to $73M Approved Plan Includes New Dean School, Metz Middle School Upgrades Read more

Prince William Wants More Authority to Address Speeding

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry with constituents at the new Dale City donation center. (Photo by Alan Gloss)

Prince William County’s Board of Supervisors and School Board members convened at the Kelly Leadership Building to address pressing legislative priorities for 2025. Among the key issues discussed was the urgent need for enhanced authority to mitigate speeding and improve roadway safety throughout the county.

Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry emphasized the ongoing dangers on local roads, including Cardinal Drive, a corridor that has seen multiple fatalities in recent years. He highlighted the limitations of current state-level control over traffic measures, stating, “We need more authority to install speed cameras and implement other speed control measures in non-school and non-construction zones.” Angry also criticized the reliance on fatality thresholds before state agencies, such as the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), prioritize action, calling for more proactive measures to save lives.

Go to Prince William Wants More Authority to Address Speeding Read more

Dumfries Businesses Face Zoning Challenges, Call for Clearer Rules

By Uriah Kiser
Dumfries is Virginia's oldest continually chartered town.

During the December 3, 2024, Dumfries Town Council meeting, frustrations surfaced over zoning challenges that have delayed the approval of a new banquet hall. Local business owners and council members called for greater clarity and consistency in the town’s zoning processes, citing delays caused by undefined regulations.

Maria Aguilera, an entrepreneur, expressed her concerns during the public hearing. “We applied to get an occupancy permit to have a banquet hall at 7650 Possum Point Drive, which was not denied, not approved, because the definition was not included,” Aguilera said. “We believe it’s a good opportunity for the community to have a place to celebrate their birthdays, weddings, and any celebration.”

Go to Dumfries Businesses Face Zoning Challenges, Call for Clearer Rules Read more

$275M Expansion: Baseball Fields Stay Intact as Micron Opts for Growth Without Relocation

By Alan Gloss
A Micron engineer in its chip manufacturing plant (Photo courtesy of Virginia Economic Development Partnership)

The U.S. Department of Commerce has committed up to $275 million to support Micron Technology’s expansion of its semiconductor facility in Manassas. The move aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing and secure critical supply chains. The funding comes as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Incentives Program, which seeks to revitalize American leadership in chip production.

Micron’s plans call for a $2 billion investment over several years to enhance its production capabilities with 1-alpha technology, a sophisticated process for creating DRAM memory chips used in sectors like automotive and industrial manufacturing. At its peak, the project is expected to create over 400 direct jobs and as many as 2,700 related positions.

Go to $275M Expansion: Baseball Fields Stay Intact as Micron Opts for Growth Without Relocation Read more

Stafford Schools Raise $27,000 to Fight Hunger

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Stafford County Public Schools (Stafford Schools) is pleased to announce the 14th annual Band Together to Fight Hunger, organized by Stafford County’s five high school marching bands, raised $27,593 and collected 3,778 pounds of food this year, equating to 58,333 meals for the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. The culminating event featured individual performances by each marching band from Brooke Point, Colonial Forge, Mountain View, North Stafford, and Stafford High Schools. Nearly 400 student musicians performed in a combined finale, led by North Stafford High School Assistant Principal Brandon Neal, showcasing unity and talent while supporting local families in need.

Contributions at a Glance:

Go to Stafford Schools Raise $27,000 to Fight Hunger Read more

Stafford County Sheriff’s Report: Target Shoplifting, Trespassing at Brooke Point HS

By Potomac Local News

On December 9, at the Target on South Gateway Drive, First Sergeant D.F. Purcell intervened in an active shoplifting incident during an anti-shoplifting patrol. A man, Quinten Howard, 40, is charged with stealing nearly $190 worth of items and was discovered to have outstanding warrants for robbery, breaking and entering, possession of controlled substances, and trespassing. He was arrested and held without bond. Two female accomplices were issued summonses for shoplifting.

Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop

Go to Stafford County Sheriff’s Report: Target Shoplifting, Trespassing at Brooke Point HS Read more

Shop Local, Gift Local: Elysian Float Spa Offers a Way to Let It Go

By Kelly Sienkowski

No sound, no touch, no light: Elysian Float Spa offers a sensory deprivation spa experience to take away the stress of the holidays. Located in Fredericksburg, Elysian offers 60 minute or 90 minute float therapy sessions. Owner Debbie Elkins said float therapy has three main targets: athletic recovery, chronic pain,, and mental wellness (anxiety, depression, PTSD).

Two couples, Mark and Debbie Elkins from Stafford and Jason and Christy Ostrander met 15 years ago at a small church group. After a float spa experience in Williamsburg, Mark and Debbie told Jason, a career massage therapist, that this type of wellness experience was needed in the Fredericksburg area. 

Go to Shop Local, Gift Local: Elysian Float Spa Offers a Way to Let It Go Read more

Prince William County Starts Soccer Field Improvements at Hellwig Park

By Caitlyn Meisner
Prince William County leaders celebrated the start of improvements to two soccer fields at George Hellwig Memorial Park on Monday. [Courtesy of Prince William County]

On Monday, leaders from Prince William County gathered to celebrate the start of improvements to two of the soccer fields at George Hellwig Memorial Park in Manassas.

The improvements are scheduled to be completed by March 2025.

Go to Prince William County Starts Soccer Field Improvements at Hellwig Park Read more
View More Stories