Calling All Student Artists in Prince William County

The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline Smith is once again inviting local students to showcase their creativity in the 5th Annual Law Day Art Contest. This year’s theme, inspired by the American Bar Association, is “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.”

Open to all students in grades 1–12 enrolled in private, public, or home schools in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park, this contest is a unique opportunity for students to engage with our nation’s founding values and explore the idea of unity under the Constitution.

The deadline for submissions is April 23, 2025.

Awards will be presented at the Law Day ceremony on May 1, and the winning artwork will be on display at the Judicial Center and Manassas Museum from May 10 to June 8.

For more information—or if you’d like to sponsor this community initiative—visit: Clerk’s Annual Law Day Art Contest or email Candi Choi at [email protected].

 

Heads Up, Manassas Park Pet Owners

Due to soggy ground conditions, the Manassas Park dog park will remain closed until Monday, April 21. The wet weather has delayed the setting of concrete needed for bench installations and fence repairs.

“We apologize for the delay—thank you in advance for your patience and understanding!” officials said.

 

New CTE Partnership Launched in Fredericksburg

Germanna Community College and The Oberle Academy celebrated the launch of their new partnership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today. The ceremony highlighted a shared commitment to career and technical education (CTE) for high school students in the Fredericksburg area.

The partnership brings Germanna faculty to The Oberle Academy’s CTE Center at 403 Willis Street in Downtown Fredericksburg. Students will receive hands-on instruction in electrical, HVAC, forklift operations, welding, and solar energy—skills urgently needed in today’s workforce.

“This partnership between Germanna and The Oberle Academy is a vital step in strengthening workforce development,” said Dr. Janet Gullickson, president of Germanna Community College.

 

Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Settles Federal Loan Allegations

The Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association has agreed to pay $695,000 to settle allegations it falsely certified its eligibility to receive a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alexandria.

The federal government alleged that Lake Ridge is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, a classification that made it ineligible to receive PPP funding at the time of its application.

 

County Picks Site for Western Prince William Homeless Navigation Center

After years of delays and previous community pushback, Prince William County has selected a new site for its western homeless navigation center. County officials will build the long-planned facility at 9930 Battleview Parkway, near Sudley Road, just north of I-66 and close to NOVA’s Manassas campus and Manassas National Battlefield Park.

On April 8, the Board of County Supervisors unanimously approved $4.15 million for the 4.5-acre property—$4 million for the land and $150,000 for feasibility and settlement costs.
Read more from Prince William Times

 

Stafford Superintendent: Schools Have Strengths, But Must Improve

Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel Smith shared reflections this week on his first 100 days in office, telling the School Board the division is doing good work—but that it must do better.

“You didn’t hire me to be your superintendent to keep the status quo,” Smith said. “I believe strongly in a culture of continuous improvement, and we must continue to get better.”

Smith emphasized preparing students for life after graduation—whether through college, the military, or a meaningful career—as a priority for the school division going forward.
Read more at Fredericksburg Free Press

 

Today’s Weather: Bring an Umbrella

A slow-moving low pressure system will bring periods of rain and below-normal temperatures through Saturday. Highs today will stay in the low to mid 50s, with steady rainfall expected across the region—especially in the afternoon and evening.

Expect 1–2 inches of rain east of the Blue Ridge and between 0.25–0.75 inches to the west. Some patchy fog is possible early this morning west of the Blue Ridge. Lows tonight will remain in the mid to upper 40s, with low to mid 30s in the mountains.

Looking ahead: Dry and warmer conditions return Sunday and Monday before the next cold front arrives early Tuesday.

 

FredNats Take Advantage of Errors to Rally Past Salem

Fredericksburg, VA – The Fredericksburg Nationals (2-4) rallied to beat the Salem Red Sox (4-2) by a score of 7-4 thanks to four costly errors by the Red Sox defense.

Boston prospect Brandon Clarke shined in his pro debut, hitting 98 mph on the radar gun and tossing four perfect innings before being pulled. Salem scored four runs in the fifth off walks, an error, and a sacrifice fly to take the lead.

The FredNats got on the board in the sixth after Salem’s defense began to unravel. An errant throw and a wild pitch helped Fredericksburg cut the lead to 4-2. Then, in the eighth, another error and a key two-RBI double by Randal Diaz gave the FredNats a 5-4 lead. Cristhian Vaquero followed with a two-RBI triple to secure the win.

Reliever Robert Cranz closed it out with a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his first save. The win went to Matt Bollenbacher. Fredericksburg now leads the series 2-1 and will send Alexander Meckley to the mound tonight against Blake Aita in a 7:05 start.

 

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