Originals - Page 11 of 431 - Potomac Local News

Stafford Supervisors Move Toward Finalizing MOU with EDA

Published January 30, 2025 at 12:44PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.

The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.

During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county’s Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Prince William County Schools’ $1 Billion Capital Improvement Plan

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 30, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:50AM

The Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center is the headquarters for the Prince William County Public School System. [Photo via Prince William County Public Schools]

Prince William County Schools (PWCS) are embarking on an ambitious $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) aimed at alleviating overcrowding, modernizing aging school facilities, and preparing for future shifts in student enrollment. The plan, presented at the January 15, 2025, school board work session, includes new school constructions, significant renovations, and sustainability-focused upgrades.

To address overcrowding in high-growth areas, PWCS will build multiple new schools, including:

Occoquan Replacement School – Scheduled to open in December 2025, this school will add 226 seats and include specialized programs for students with special education and autism support needs.
Woodbridge Area Elementary School – Opening in the 2026-2027 school year, this school will provide a capacity of approximately 632 students and will serve the Cardinal and Neabsco Mills Districts, areas currently experiencing significant overcrowding.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Kings Dominion Scraps WinterFest for 2025, Sparks Backlash from Season Pass Holders

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 29, 2025 at 9:36PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:50AM

[Photo: Kings Dominion]

Kings Dominion, the popular amusement park near Richmond, has announced that it will not be hosting its annual Winterfest event for 2025, despite earlier assurances to season pass holders. WinterFest, a festive holiday event that traditionally featured a dazzling light show, live performances, a petting zoo, and the opportunity to ride the park’s signature roller coasters, has been a seasonal favorite for years.

The cancellation, confirmed by WWBT-TV, comes after the event mysteriously did not appear on the park’s annual event schedule, which was released on Wednesday, January 29. Initially, Kings Dominion promised that admission to WinterFest would be included with the purchase of a 2025 season pass. The sudden absence of the event raised concerns among fans, prompting the park to address the matter publicly.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Fredericksburg Data Center Debate Heats Up: Concerns Grow Over Transparency and Environmental Impact

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 29, 2025 at 4:55PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:50AM

Fredericksburg City Hall

The ongoing debate over the construction of data centers in Fredericksburg took center stage during the City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, with residents and council members expressing mounting concerns about the potential environmental consequences and the lack of transparency in the approval process.

At the heart of the controversy is the city’s aggressive timeline for approving zoning changes and facilitating the development of new data centers. Local residents have voiced their concerns about the environmental impact of such large-scale projects, particularly in areas close to residential neighborhoods and natural resources like the Rappahannock River. While proponents argue that data centers could bring significant economic benefits, critics worry that the city is rushing to approve projects without fully understanding or addressing the long-term consequences.

Hamilton Palmer, a Fredericksburg resident, raised alarms about the transparency of the decision-making process. At the meeting, Palmer expressed frustration over the council’s handling of the issue, particularly regarding releasing information about the proposed data centers. “There has been little effort by the city to engage the public on data centers until this past year,” Palmer said, emphasizing that many residents are still unclear about the full scope of the projects and their potential impact on the community.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Stafford Schools Seek Additional Funding Amid Rapid Growth and Increasing Needs

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 29, 2025 at 4:39PM | Updated February 12, 2025 at 12:58PM

Stafford County Public Schools’ new superintendent says the division is facing significant financial challenges as it prepares for continued growth in student enrollment and increasing demand for specialized services. In a presentation at the Stafford County School Board meeting on January 28, Dr. Daniel Smith unveiled the school system’s funding request for fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which calls for additional resources to support its expanding student body and its growing need for special education services.

Stafford County, one of Virginia’s fastest-growing localities, has seen student enrollment grow from about 2,000 students to 32,000 students—19.2% of the county’s total population. With a projected increase of 6,200 students over the next decade, SCPS says it needs to meet the rising demand for educational resources, staff, and facilities. As the county’s largest employer, with over 5,400 employees, the school division is integral to the community’s economic and social fabric, underscoring the need for investment in education.

Hundreds Attend First Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 29, 2025 at 3:18PM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:36PM

Greg Kihlström, a best-selling author and consultant specializing in marketing technology and digital transformation, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center.

Small business owners and marketing professionals from across Virginia gathered in Stafford County on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, for the inaugural Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center.

The one-day, free event focused on digital marketing, branding, and artificial intelligence, providing attendees with insights into how businesses can enhance their outreach and advertising strategies. The summit featured a keynote address by Greg Kihlström, a best-selling author and consultant specializing in marketing technology and digital transformation.

The summit’s agenda included breakout sessions on social media strategies, branding, and data analytics, giving business owners tools to enhance their marketing efforts. A panel discussion closed the event, allowing industry experts to share their thoughts on the latest trends in digital marketing.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Local Musicians Gather for Eric Becker Memorial Concert to Benefit SPCA

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 29, 2025 at 11:30AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:36PM

On Saturday, February 1, local musicians and bands are gathering at Strangeways Brewing for the Eric Becker Memorial Concert benefiting the Fredericksburg SPCA.

A member of Radar Theory, bandmate Johnny Boothe said Becker was known for being genuinely caring to everyone in his life. He “loved his friends, his family, and his wife Kathleen deeply,” Boothe said.

Becker and Boothe met in 2021 at an Adventure Brewery Open Mic night and decided to form a band called Radar Theory.

In the fall of 2022, Becker noticed chest pain during a rehearsal and went to the hospital a few days later. He was diagnosed with cancer and began aggressive treatment immediately. Becker had several months of treatment and seemed to be doing well for a few months in 2023 before his cancer returned.
A member of Radar Theory, bandmate Johnny Boothe said Becker was known for being genuinely caring to everyone in his life. He “loved his friends, his family, and his wife Kathleen deeply,” Boothe said.

Becker and Boothe met in 2021 at an Adventure Brewery Open Mic night and decided to form a band called Radar Theory.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Declining Enrollment in Prince William Prompts Redistricting, New High School Plans

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 29, 2025 at 11:06AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:36PM

Woodbridge Senior High School, at 3001 Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge.

As Prince William County grapples with shifting enrollment patterns, declining birth rates, and increasing school capacity concerns, school leaders are moving forward with plans to open the county’s 14th high school in the 2029-30 school year. The new school, which may feature specialized programs such as robotics and drone labs, is intended to relieve overcrowding in central and eastern Prince William County high schools, including Colgan, Freedom, and Woodbridge. However, with fewer students entering the school system than graduating, the long-term necessity of the new school and countywide redistricting remains a topic of debate. During a school board work session on January 15, officials discussed the declining birth rates and shifting population dynamics shaping school planning. According to data from the Virginia Department of Health, Prince William County recorded 5,761 births last year, a significant drop compared to previous years. The current enrollment pyramid shows a stark difference, with 1,600 fewer students entering kindergarten than those graduating from 12th grade.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

A Dragon, 6 Bears, and Strangeways Help Fredericksburg’s Beer Scene Hit a High Mark

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 29, 2025 at 9:45AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:36PM

Red Dragon Brewery in Fredericksburg

Red Dragon, 6 Bears & A Goat, Highmark, and Strangeways – Fredericksburg’s local breweries have helped the city earn a nomination for USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Small Town Beer Scenes. Staunton is the only other Virginia city on the list.

The city said the nomination celebrates the area’s craft beer culture and recognizes the community of brewers and craft beer enthusiasts. Josh Summits, Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the city, said, “This nomination is a testament to the hard work of our local breweries and the support of our community. We invite everyone to cast their votes daily and help us showcase Fredericksburg’s exceptional beer culture to the nation.”

The Fredericksburg area, including Stafford and Spotsylvania, is home to 12 breweries, and a new dog park with a taphouse expected to open this year. Stafford is home to World Beer Cup winner Barley Naked and the newly opened Laudenbach Brewing. The Fredericksburg Area Beer Trail marks the breweries, located in Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, and Stafford and offers a Passport visitors can have stamped at each participating brewery.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Prince William school officials review redistricting proposal in Brentsville area

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 28, 2025 at 9:51PM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:36PM

The Prince William County School Board is considering a proposal that would redistrict three new residential developments in the Brentsville District due to overcrowding at The Nokesville School, Insidenova.com reports.

The School Board in November directed division staff to develop a redistricting proposal related to the three developments. The division brought the proposal to the board at its Jan. 22 meeting.

The three developments – Bristow Corner, Bristow Crossing and Thomas Farm at Bristow Station – have already been approved by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors and would be districted to The Nokesville School.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.