Features

The Manassas Young Marines, a dedicated unit of the national youth development program, has just been named Division 1 Unit of the Year—a testament to years of hard work, heart, and community impact.

The national Young Marines is a nonprofit youth education and service program open to boys and girls ages 8 through high school graduation (or age 18+). It emphasizes character building, leadership, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to drug-free, healthy living—drawing inspiration from Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment, without requiring any military family background or pushing enlistment.


Schools

The Stafford County School Board is examining a potential revenue-sharing agreement with the Board of Supervisors that could provide schools with more stable, multi-year funding and reduce the uncertainty tied to the annual budget cycle.

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Prince William

The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors showed majority support during its March 10, 2026, work session for placing a potential bond referendum before voters in November 2026 that would authorize borrowing for parks, open space, libraries, and — for the first time since the 2019 attempt — an indoor sports facility.

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Features

Council Member Theresa Coates Ellis highlighted the event during the March 9, 2026, City Council meeting, calling it “a big favorite in our city.” She encouraged everyone to “wear your green so you don’t get pinched” and to “support our businesses afterwards—our restaurants and our shops, and our factory and our museum… so much to see and do in Manassas.”

The parade offers a classic seasonal kickoff, with participants and spectators alike filling the charming downtown area to celebrate Irish heritage and local spirit.


Manassas

The City of Manassas Republican Committee has a new leader following an uncontested election. Pat Geary was elected chairman on March 11, 2026, succeeding outgoing Chairman George Ellis. Geary will serve a two-year term.

Geary, a retired senior federal official, has resided in Manassas for the past seven years with his wife, daughter, and son. He brings extensive leadership experience, having held positions at the local, state, and national levels across multiple states over the last 45 years. A published author, trainer, and parliamentarian, Geary has traveled widely across all 50 states and four continents, focusing on policy development, process improvement, and career advancement for others.


Fredericksburg

The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI) celebrated outstanding contributions to historic preservation during its 71st Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The event honored individuals, businesses, and organizations for their exceptional efforts in safeguarding the Fredericksburg area’s unique cultural heritage and historic built environment.

The awards highlight a range of projects and lifelong commitments that protect the city’s architectural legacy, from rehabilitating historic homes to restoring iconic signage and conserving key structures.


Stafford

Stafford County Public Schools is advancing a phased reduction of its 60 elementary modular classrooms—installed between 2021 and 2024 to accommodate a surge in student enrollment—as updated November 2025 projections reflect slower future growth and a rare recent one-year decline.

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Features

From mid-March through early May, thousands of anadromous fish surge upstream, drawing wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, anglers, and families to the riverbanks. Stafford County stands out as a prime, accessible spot to witness this ancient migration—often called one of the region’s best-kept secrets for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience blending wildlife, history, and seasonal wonder.

American shad (*Alosa sapidissima*) and hickory shad (along with river herring like alewife and blueback) are the stars. These fish spend most of their lives in the salty Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay but return each spring to freshwater rivers to spawn.


Prince William

Prince William County’s financial advisors presented a stark assessment during the Board of County Supervisors work session on March 10, 2026: the county’s outstanding debt is on track to surge more than 60% over the next five years, reaching approximately $1.94 billion by the end of FY2031.

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