Potomac Local News

Published February 12, 2025 at 11:36PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:14AM

Organized by the Rappahannock Community Coalition, the “Snowmen Against Data Centers” rally took place just one day after nearly 10 inches of snow blanketed the region. The snowmen were erected on the Mary Washington University Campus, City Hall, and a house off Harrell Road in Stafford County.

The protest comes on the same day of the Fredericksburg Planning Commission meeting, where commissioners took up a proposal to endorse a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, a Zoning Map Amendment applying the Technology Overlay District, and a Zoning Proffer Amendment — which would clear the way to build the city’s first data center. The city council announced it would pursue the data center on an “accelerated” timeline in December but has yet to disclose which firm would develop the project.

Features

Stefan Boutchyard Brings Fresh Culinary Vision to Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 10:16PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:15AM

Boutchyard

Fredericksburg’s Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has welcomed a new force in its kitchen: Chef Stefan Boutchyard. With a rich culinary background spanning Fredericksburg, Culpeper, and high-profile catering events—including the inauguration of President Donald Trump—Boutchyard is breathing new life into the dinner theater’s menu.

A Culinary Journey to Riverside

News

Prince William County Postpones State of the Parks Event

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 10:15PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:15PM

Prince William County Parks executives take questions from residents at the inaugural State of Prince William County parks event.

Prince William County’s State of the Parks event, initially scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Forest Park High School, has been postponed due to weather conditions and other considerations.

The State of the Parks event, set to feature insights from Prince William County Parks and Recreation Director Seth Hendler-Voss, will be rescheduled, with a new date and time to be announced soon.

Originals

Stafford Parents Push for School Funding as Board Eyes No-Tax-Increase Budget

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 1:11PM | Updated February 17, 2025 at 10:14AM

Vanuch

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering a zero-tax-increase budget for 2025, which has drawn community members’ support and concern. During the February 4, 2025, meeting, parents and education advocates urged the board to fund Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) fully, emphasizing the need for higher teacher salaries, facility repairs, and student resources.

Parents Demand More Investment in Schools

News

Winter Storm Blankets Northern Virginia with Heavy Snow, More Wintry Weather on the Horizon

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 11:05AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:15PM

Drivers stalled on Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge as heavy snow began to fall about 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025. [Photo: Gary Earles]

Median Snow Totals by Region:

The heaviest snowfall totals were recorded in Manassas and parts of Stafford County, where accumulations neared 9.5 inches. Many roads across the region remain snow-covered and hazardous, prompting school closures and delays for Tuesday.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra’s Romantic Concert ‘What I Did for Love’

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 10:21AM

Looking for a romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day? Join the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra for their special concert, “What I Did for Love,” on February 14 at James Monroe Auditorium. Enjoy sweeping string melodies featuring famous pieces like Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Massenet’s “Thais,” and a special rendition of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue performed by pianist Thomas Pandolfi. The evening will end with Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

Event Details: Friday, February 14, 2025, 7:30-9:30 p.m. James Monroe Auditorium, Fredericksburg. Tickets: $20-$70

Pets

Meet Nala: Your Perfect Snow Day Companion

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 10:12AM

Nala, a sweet eight-year-old, 20-pound pup, is ready to meet her forever family. After enjoying a playful romp in the snow, Nala loves lounging and soaking up all the attention. She’s excellent with the cats in her foster home, loves human affection, and is good with low-key dogs. However, Nala would be just as happy as an only pet, where she can be the center of attention!

Nala is entirely house and crate-trained and still has plenty of energy. She would do best in a home with an active family who can keep up with her love for playtime or take her on exciting adventures.

Press Release

Take the Polar Plunge this Saturday

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 12, 2025 at 5:30AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:15PM

Polar plungers rush into the Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge on Saturday, February 19, 2022, to raise money for Special Olympics. [Photo: Prince William police]

The Prince William and Manassas police departments are rallying the community to join the effort. Brave individuals and teams of family, friends, co-workers, and organizations are encouraged to participate by taking the plunge, making a donation, or simply attending to cheer on participants.

Ways to Participate:

News

Youngkin Issues Executive Order Banning DeepSeek from Government Devices

By The Center Square

Published February 12, 2025 at 5:00AM | Updated February 12, 2025 at 12:02PM

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) held a bill signing ceremony at Beanstalk, an indoor vertical farming company near Manassas. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch

(The Center Square) – Virginia is the second state in as many days to ban the artificial intelligence app DeepSeek on state devices and state-run networks.