Potomac Local News

Published October 2, 2025 at 3:30PM

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – The Prince William County School Board voted unanimously on October 1, 2025, to introduce a slate of new courses for middle and high school students beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

At Porter and Pennington Traditional Schools, four new Project Lead the Way (PLTW) classes will be added to the curriculum. Sixth graders can take Design and Modeling, a hands-on course where students use computer-aided design programs, simulations, and 3D printers to build objects. Seventh graders will have the option of Medical Detectives, a lab-based class where they analyze vital signs, investigate disease outbreaks, and even dissect a sheep brain. For eighth grade, Automation and Robotics will focus on building and programming robotic systems, while App Creators will teach students the fundamentals of designing and developing mobile applications.

Prince William

Firefighters’ new contract could mean higher taxes or cuts elsewhere

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2025 at 3:00PM

Prince William County's Fire & Rescue System Engine 23. [Courtesy of PWCFRS]

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County supervisors will decide on October 7 whether to approve an amended labor contract with county firefighters. This deal carries millions in new costs and could affect taxpayers.

The contract with Local 2598 of the International Association of Fire Fighters updates pay scales, specialty stipends, and referral bonuses for fire and rescue personnel. County staff estimate that the changes will add approximately $3 million in costs in fiscal year 2027 and increase to $5.8 million by fiscal year 2028.

Prince William

Big vote ahead: Prince William Supervisors to revisit Kline property plan

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2025 at 2:04PM

Prince William County supervisors will take up a vote on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, to expand the study area around the controversial Kline Property, located at the corner of Prince William Parkway, Liberia Avenue, and Wellington Road, just outside Manassas.

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Police Blotter

Police blotter: Student with knife threatens peers on school bus

By Press Release

Published October 2, 2025 at 1:16PM

An incident occurred at Stafford Middle School on October 1, 2025, when a student made verbal threats and displayed a knife while on the school bus, according to the Stafford sheriff’s office.

Deputy R.L. Beasley, who was performing his School Resource Officer duties, was informed of the situation. With the assistance of school staff, the knife was confiscated, and the student was charged with weapon possession on school property and threats to kill, according to the Stafford sheriff’s office.

Features

Win Free Tickets to See the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Swing into Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2025 at 10:00AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Potomac Local News is giving away two tickets to see the world-famous Tommy Dorsey Orchestra when it takes the stage at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, October 12, 2025. One winner will be chosen at random and notified by email. Click here to enter the giveaway.

The 15-piece orchestra, known as “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing,” will bring silky-smooth swing, toe-tapping rhythms, and timeless ballads that defined an era. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Appetizers and drinks will be available, and Riverside is opening a space down front for those who want to dance along. Tickets are $55 online, and the show lasts 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.

Schools

Stafford Schools Principal Appointed to National Assessment Governing Board

By Press Release

Published October 2, 2025 at 9:30AM

SIdebotham

STAFFORD, Va. — Stafford County Public Schools proudly congratulates Michael Sidebotham, principal of Grafton Elementary School, on his appointment by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to the National Assessment Governing Board, the body that oversees the Nation’s Report Card.

The National Assessment Governing Board plays a critical role in shaping the assessment of student achievement nationwide, including determining which subjects and grades to assess and setting performance standards. This appointment recognizes Principal Sidebotham’s extensive expertise in educational assessment and his dedication to using data to support student growth.

Police Blotter

DUI Arrest After Running Red Light in Stafford

By Press Release

Published October 2, 2025 at 9:00AM

A driver was charged with driving under the influence after running a red light at Warrenton Road and Village Parkway.

Deputy A.M. Oliveira observed the violation and pulled over the Hyundai, according to the sheriff’s blotter. The driver claimed the light was green and admitted to smoking marijuana, though he insisted he doesn’t drink due to his religion. He was charged and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Fredericksburg

Christy Maupin Named Chair of Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board

By Press Release

Published October 2, 2025 at 8:41AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Christy Maupin of Westmoreland County has been named Chair of Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Board of Trustees, succeeding David Ross. Dr. Janet Brown-Page of Stafford County will serve as Vice Chair.

In the past 27 years, Christy Maupin has resided in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, ultimately setting in Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County. She is well acquainted with the region the library system serves. Before retiring, Ms. Maupin gained 30 years of experience as a technical writer and editor, as well as serving as an instructional developer for adult learners.

Features

Report: White House eyes cutting up Discovery for Houston move

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2025 at 7:58PM

(Photo: Christopher Griffin)

The KeepTheShuttle team claims to have obtained a letter from a congressional staffer confirming that the White House’s Office of Management & Budget has directed the Smithsonian and NASA to examine plans to disassemble the Space Shuttle Discovery to facilitate its relocation to Houston.

The letter, sent by the Smithsonian to congressional authorizing and appropriating committees, warns that moving Discovery would likely require dismantling the historic orbiter. This process would cause “irreparable damage” to its aluminum frame, 24,000 ceramic tiles, and 2,000 thermal insulation blankets. The Smithsonian and NASA estimate the base cost of such a move to be between Z$120 million and $150 million, excluding the cost of constructing a new exhibit in Texas, which far exceeds the currently authorized $85 million.

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