Potomac Local News

Stafford Leaders React to Veto of Local Sales Tax for School Construction

Published March 25, 2025 at 5:05PM

Stafford County leaders are responding to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s recent veto of SB1307, a bill that would have allowed counties and cities across Virginia to hold voter referendums on implementing a 1% local sales and use tax dedicated to public school construction and renovation projects.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Jeremy McPike (D-29, Prince William, Stafford), sought to add Stafford County to the list of localities eligible to consider the tax through a ballot referendum. McPike criticized the governor’s decision on social media, calling it a move that blocks local communities from choosing how to fund needed school improvements.

Manassas

Bridge Repairs Begin on Route 28 as City Prepares to Remove Canceled Bypass from Long-Range Plans

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 4:01PM

Drivers should expect delays on Route 28 (Centreville Road) as the Virginia Department of Transportation begins repairs to the bridge over Bull Run, located at the Fairfax County and Prince William County line.

Weather permitting, the work will involve single-lane closures between March 31 and April 24, during daytime hours:

Features

Driving a Legend: Rare British Ambulance a Rolling Mystery in Fredericksburg

By Mike Salmon

Published March 25, 2025 at 11:05AM

The original paint job will stay.

The paint job on an antique ambulance that roams the streets of Fredericksburg hints that a story behind this truck is waiting to be told. Was it part of the British Royal Air Force stationed in Lossiemouth, Scotland? Was it connected to Prince Harry?

Did it see time in the Falkland Islands war in the early 1980s?

News

“I’m 84”: Rider Urges VRE to Bring Back Human Touch as Station Gets Facelift

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 10:00AM

The Woodbridge VRE station [Photo: VRE]

The project, assigned to Fresh Air Cleaning LLC, encompasses extensive preparation work, including sandblasting and sealing, before repainting. This initiative is part of VRE’s ongoing life-cycle maintenance strategy to uphold and improve its facilities.

During the public comment segment of the March 2025 board meeting, Prince William County resident Alfred Williams, 84, highlighted the challenges senior passengers face when purchasing tickets at the station.

News

Student of the Week: Rania Lateef, Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 9:00AM

Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School senior Rania Lateef is no stranger to hard work and high achievement. As one of just 40 national finalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors, Rania has earned her place among the country’s top young scientific minds.

Rania, who also attends the Governor’s School at Innovation Park in Prince William County, was recognized for her research on the effects of disrupted sleep and circadian rhythms—particularly blue light exposure—on mental and physical health outcomes. She presented her project in Washington, D.C., to renowned scientists during a weeklong competition, earning $27,000 and competing for awards totaling $1.8 million.

Breaking News

Driver Dies in Gainesville Crash

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 8:25AM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Police said the crash occurred at 9:48 a.m. when a 2019 Toyota Highlander traveling north on Linton Hall Road crossed into the southbound lanes, left the roadway, and struck a guardrail. The vehicle then went down an embankment, became airborne, rolled over, and came to rest on its side in a field.

The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was taken to a hospital, where she later died.

Schools

New Schools, New Boundaries: Stafford’s Plan to Relieve Overcrowding

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 7:00AM

(File photo)

As Stafford County continues to experience rapid population growth, school officials are moving forward with plans to open two new elementary schools—ES18 and ES19—in Fall 2026. These additions aim to relieve overcrowding in existing schools and are central to the school division’s redistricting plans under Scenario Green, which is currently under public review.

The Stafford County School Board recently reviewed projections showing both ES18 and ES19 will open at 95% capacity. The redistricting scenario ensures no elementary school will exceed 100% capacity in the first year of implementation. By 2030, only three schools are projected to be over capacity.

Celebrate Spring at the Bluebell Festival

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 6:45AM

Bluebells herald the arrival of spring at the Stone Bridge on Bull Run

Looking for a way to connect with nature this spring? Don’t miss the Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm on Sunday, April 7, 2024! This family-friendly event celebrates the beautiful Virginia Bluebells in bloom and features guided tours, live music, local vendors, and fun activities for all ages.

Pets

Burt and Bunny Still Looking for Their Forever Home at Manassas Animal Adoption Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 25, 2025 at 6:30AM

Two lovable bunnies are patiently waiting for their forever families at the Manassas City Animal Adoption Center — and shelter staff can’t believe they haven’t been adopted yet.

Burt, a sweet grey and white bunny, was found as a stray. His buddy, Bunny, a brown and white rabbit, was surrendered by his previous owner at 8 years old, simply because they no longer wanted him.