Schools

Prince William County Public Schools: “The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has shared the Prince William County Public Schools’ preliminary on-time graduation and dropout rates for the 2023-24 school year, citing remarkable progress throughout the division.

The preliminary on-time graduation rate for the 2023-24 school year is 94.3%, a 2.6% increase over the previous school year, and the English learners’ on-time graduation rate is 80.6%, a 9.6% increase over the year prior. The overall dropout rate decreased by 2.7% and the English learners’ dropout rate decreased by 9.6%.”


Podcast

In today’s fast-paced digital world, where information is at our fingertips, the importance of local media cannot be overstated. Local news is the backbone of our communities, providing us with timely information, holding leaders accountable, and telling the stories that matter most to our daily lives. But what goes into making local news? How do independent publishers sustain a hyperlocal news business in an ever-changing media landscape?

I’m excited to introduce my latest podcast episode, where I sit down with Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian, one of the most successful independent local news websites in the country. Howard and I both share a deep passion for community journalism, and in this episode, we peel back the onion on what it takes to run and sustain a hyperlocal news business.


Fredericksburg

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has scheduled various lane closures and maintenance work on I-95 and Route 3 in the Fredericksburg District from August 18-24, 2024, affecting both northbound and southbound traffic. Additionally, the Falmouth Bridge on Route 1 will have alternating lane closures for load testing, with full traffic stops planned for certain nights as part of a future major rehabilitation project.

Press release:


Manassas

Manassas City Public School Board members did not approve a resolution to require monthly attendance reports be made public in a 4-2 vote Tuesday.

The issue of attendance at MCPS was born from a meeting on Oct. 10, 2023, where Chevese Thomas, executive director of student services, gave a 36-slide presentation on attendance. Board Member Sara Brescia expressed concerns and presented this resolution to the Board in February, but the discussion was postponed to this meeting, the first of the 2024-2025 school year.


Features

The show at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts centers on Hercule Poirot, the famed Belgian detective, tasked with unraveling the mystery of an American tycoon found dead in his compartment. The victim was stabbed multiple times, and the door to his room was locked from the inside. With the train immobilized and no escape possible, Poirot must sift through the alibis and secrets of the eclectic group of passengers to find the killer before they strike again.

Kevin Cleary steps into the shoes of Detective Poirot, delivering a performance that aligns well with the iconic sleuth’s meticulous and observant nature. His portrayal anchors the show, guiding the audience through the intricate investigation. Andrea Kahane, as Mrs. Hubbard, adds a layer of charm and wit to the production. Her character injects humor into the otherwise tense atmosphere, making her a memorable presence on stage. Kathy Helenda’s depiction of Princess Dragonmiroff is also noteworthy, particularly in her interactions with Stephanie Wood, who plays Greta Ohlosson. The chemistry between these characters enhances the unfolding drama and keeps the audience engaged.


News

Press release:

Just after 2PM yesterday, [Stafford County Fire and Rescue] units were dispatched for a large brush in the 100 block of Daisy Hill Lane. First arriving units marked on scene approximately 15 minutes later and reported spot brush fires across 3-4 acres. Crews worked to extinguish the fire, and were challenged by some of the difficult terrain. The fire was brought under control in approximately 15 minutes, but crews remained on scene to monitor hot spots. SCFR crews were assisted on scene by King George County (Va) Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, Fauquier County Fire Rescue System and the Virginia Department of Forestry.


Manassas Park

Police and residents have been searching for 28-year-old Mamta Kafle, who has been missing since late July. The case has been classified as an Involuntary/Critical Missing Person, prompting an intensified search effort.

The investigation began on August 2, after she failed to report to her job at Prince William UVA Hospital the day before. Officers with MPPD responded to her home in the Blooms Crossing neighborhood to do a welfare check. At that time, her husband, Naresh Bhatt, provided information to the police but did not report her as missing. It was not until eight days after anyone besides her husband last saw her that Bhatt reported his wife missing. Police began a formal investigation but waited three more days to inform the public of the disappearance. Despite the delay in reporting, Police say that Bhatt has cooperated with the investigation.


News

Stafford County’s fourth annual Via Colori will return the weekend of Sept. 28-29, 2024. The annual street painting festival is a free family-friendly event where artists create large-scale chalk drawings, attracting thousands of spectators each year. while food, vendors, and live music add more activity.

Discover Stafford, formerly known as the Stafford County Museum & Cultural Center, established Via Colori Stafford, an annual signature fundraising event. Funds raised through sponsorships of Via Colori Stafford go back to the county through the Museum and local efforts of the Rotary Club of North Stafford and the Rotary Club of Stafford.