Potomac Local News

Photos: Occoquan at Halloween

Published October 25, 2024 at 9:40AM | Updated October 25, 2024 at 1:27PM

Join us Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. for our annual family-friendly Halloween Costume Parade and Contest. Meet at the Riverwalk Shops at 125 Mill Street, from which we will begin our parade down Mill Street to River Mill Park. At the park judging will take place for the categories of cutest, scariest, funniest, most original, and family/group. First place winners in each category will receive $25 gift certificates that can be used at select businesses in town. No advance registration is necessary, there is no fee to participate, and this event is open to everyone. (To accommodate the parade Mill Street will be closed briefly on a rolling basis between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m.). For more information go to the Visit Occoquan web site at https://www.visitoccoquanva.com/costumeparade. Hope that you can join us for this popular annual Occoquan event.

Manassas

City of Manassas Maintains High Credit Ratings

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published October 25, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated October 25, 2024 at 2:04PM

The City of Manassas has maintained high credit ratings with the two major global credit rating agencies, Moody’s and S&P Global, according to a Monday press release.

These credit ratings ensure the city can borrow money at lower interest rates and signal the city is in a stable financial condition. The lowest rating an entity can receive is a C or D, depending on the agency issuing the rating. These ratings, according to Investopedia, help investors determine the riskiness associated with investing in bonds issued by a company, government or a government agency.

Manassas

Manassas to Limit Downtown Events Amid Rising Public Safety Concerns

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2024 at 8:38AM

Manassas City Hall

Following concerns over underage drinking and unregulated alcohol consumption, the Manassas City Council has implemented a new policy to limit the number of events held downtown. The decision, discussed at the October 21 council meeting, aims to reduce the strain on city resources and improve public safety, particularly for the popular First Friday gatherings in Downtown Manassas.

The policy will reserve one weekend each month as a “respite weekend,” when no significant events will be held in downtown, allowing city infrastructure and staff a much-needed break. Furthermore, city officials are considering reducing the frequency of First Fridays and other recurring events to manage safety risks and improve the experience for residents and local businesses.

Obituaries

Obituary: Herbert R. Tiede (1930-2024)

By Potomac Local News

Published October 25, 2024 at 8:24AM

Colonel Herb Tiede, USMC (Ret.), passed away on September 5, 2024 in Woodbridge, VA. He was 94 years old.

Born in New Britian, CT, he was the son of Julius and Bertha Tiede. In high school, he excelled in math and sports. He enlisted in the Navy and after certifying as an electrician, he attended Naval Academy Prep School for a year. At Annapolis, he was a good football player and student in math and Russian language. His notoriety, however, was more about his room’s weight set and deli food section than academics. Upon graduation in 1953, he was commissioned as a Marine Corps second lieutenant.

News

Prince William Breaks Ground on 23rd Fire Station

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published October 24, 2024 at 2:00PM

Prince William County broke ground on the new Fire and Rescue Station 27 on Oct. 17. [Photo courtesy of Prince William County]

Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey, the district in which the station will reside, said this is of the utmost importance to the community.

“With Station 27, we’re bringing faster emergency response times, state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated team of firefighters and first responders,” Bailey said. “… It’s an investment in our future and a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in making this vision a reality.”

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Community Health Assessment Prioritizes Mental Health, Housing, and Healthcare Access

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 24, 2024 at 1:59PM

Obasanyo

The Fredericksburg City Council recently heard an update on the ongoing Community Health Assessment from Rappahannock Area Health District Director Dr. Oleg Benga Obasanyo.

Obasanyo’s presentation focused on the progress made since the last health assessment and the priorities identified for improving the well-being of the Fredericksburg community and surrounding areas. The three main priorities—mental health, affordable housing, and access to healthcare—remain focal points for improvement.

News

Out of the Blue: Restaurant Announces Sudden Closure

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 24, 2024 at 1:46PM | Updated October 24, 2024 at 4:07PM

Out of the Blue Seafood restaurant in Gainesville has closed its doors after seven years of serving the community. The restaurant announced its closure on its Facebook page on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Shortly after the announcement, the restaurant’s phone line was disconnected, and its Facebook page was removed.

Since opening in 2017, Out of the Blue has been a popular gathering place in Prince William County, hosting numerous community events, including several organized by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant quickly became known for its fresh seafood and welcoming atmosphere, drawing in regulars and new patrons alike.

Manassas

Dominion Energy to Donate Historic Cottage to Manassas

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published October 24, 2024 at 1:45PM

Dominion Energy is donating an historic cottage to the City of Manassas. [Photo courtesy of the City of Manassas]

“The cultural value of the cottage within the community cannot be underestimated,” Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger said.

The cottage used to be the Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth (MIS) and was chartered in 1893 by Jennie Dean, a former slave and resident of Prince William County. The structure was originally built on Wellington Road by the existing Jennie Dean Elementary School building but was moved to Jefferson Street in the 1960s.

News

Note Containing Threat Passed Among Students at North Stafford High School, Investigation Ongoing

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 24, 2024 at 1:28PM

On Wednesday, October 23, a note containing a threat of bodily harm was found at North Stafford High School, located at 839 Garrisonville Road. The note was initially discovered by a student and circulated among other students before eventually being passed to an adult, who alerted authorities.

Deputy A.N. Taormina, the school resource officer, was informed of the situation at approximately 1:15 p.m. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, school administration, and school security quickly began investigating the potential threat.