Potomac Local News

Stafford School Board Addresses Transportation Chaos, Blames Software Issues, Staff Shortages

Published August 28, 2024 at 6:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

In a meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Stafford County School Board members faced a litany of transportation issues that had plagued the district since the beginning of the school year. A beleaguered transportation system left 3,000 children—nearly 10 percent of the student population—without a ride to school.

On Monday, August 12, the first school day for kindergarten, 6th, and 9th-grade students, parents learned that some children would not have bus transportation. All Stafford County students were scheduled to return to classes the following day, and the problems continued, with about 1,000 students still without a bus.

News

Multiple Homes Struck in Woodbridge Shooting Spree; Suspect Detained

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 27, 2024 at 10:31PM

On August 24, officers responded to multiple residential shootings in Woodbridge, where gunfire struck homes on Yawl Court, Lost Colony Drive, and Minnie Court, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old man, who faces charges including nine counts of attempted aggravated malicious wounding and three counts each of shooting into an occupied dwelling and using a firearm in the commission of a felony, with no reported injuries or additional property damage.

From Prince William police:

Manassas Park

New Evidence Found in Home of Missing Manassas Park Woman

By Alan Gloss

Published August 27, 2024 at 10:12PM | Updated October 17, 2024 at 1:41PM

Manassas Park Chief of Police Mario Lugo speaking to media and onlookers on Wednesday night following a search at the home.

Chief Mario Lugo of the Manassas Park Police addressed the media on Tuesday, providing updates on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, last seen over a month ago. Her husband has been charged with concealing a body and is currently held without bond.

Chief Lugo confirmed that police executed a new search warrant at the couple’s residence Tuesday afternoon. “We located additional evidence today,” he said, without disclosing specifics.

Manassas

Manassas City Council Candidate Survey: Data Centers

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published August 27, 2024 at 1:00PM | Updated August 28, 2024 at 9:22AM

As early voting for the fall 2024 election approaches, Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for one of three open seats on the Manassas City Council and the mayor’s seat.

To help voters make an informed decision, we are continuing a new feature series, “One-Question Manassas City Council Candidate Survey.” This series will run throughout the campaign season, offering insights into each candidate’s stand on key issues affecting our city. Our third one, which ran on Aug. 16, focused on commercial airline services.

Prince William

Back to School, Slow Down: Police Ramp Up Enforcement in School Zones

By Alan Gloss

Published August 27, 2024 at 10:04AM

Officer Anthony Lynch explains what a driver has to do for the multiple violations she received as the nearly four-foot long paper ticket blows in the wind. (Photo by Alan Gloss)

Area police have a message for the public: Slow down in school zones because school is back in session. Prince William County Police officers were out in force this week to encourage motorists to slow down in the posted school zones.

Lt. Jonathan Perok said, “School zone safety is a serious concern that impacts students, school staff, parents, and the broader community. Enforcement in these areas is one-way police can assist in ensuring the speed through these zones during critical times is followed. Drivers and pedestrians alike are urged to follow posted signs, avoid distractions, and plan extra time in their commute, especially during this transitional back-to-school period.”

Features

STEP VA Announces Disney’s “Finding Nemo, Jr.” as 2025 Spring Musical

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 27, 2024 at 10:00AM

(Photo | STEP VA)

Fredericksburg’s STEP VA Inc. has announced Disney’s “Finding Nemo, Jr.” will be its 2025 spring musical. The organization, which empowers people with disabilities through artistic expression, has chosen the show as its fourth licensed musical, following previous productions like “The Lion King, Kids!” and “Seussical Jr.”

The STEP VA musical selection committee of 14 STEP VA participants ranging from middle school-age to adults worked together over four sessions to narrow down show options. The committee then presented the options to the production team, who made the final choice and submitted it to the licensing organization for approval.

News

Big Mac Attack: Girl Faces Assault and Battery Charges After Demanding Customer Get Up from his Table

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 27, 2024 at 9:41AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

An intoxicated woman at McDonald’s on Garrisonville Road in North Stafford assaulted a juvenile after demanding he move from his seat, leading to her arrest on charges of assault and public intoxication, said police.

From the Stafford sheriff’s office:

Stafford

Stafford County Supervisors Discuss Falmouth Beach Operations and Safety Concerns

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 27, 2024 at 9:37AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

The Stafford Sheriff’s Office was called to Historic Port of Falmouth Beach, 401 River Road, on Saturday, August 24, for a report of a drunken man on the public beach.