Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Today, get to know Jesse Rivera, Ed.D., the new principal of Haymarket Elementary School. Rivera has taught in Culpeper and was an assistant principal in Fauquier County.


A press release from Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman’s (D) congressional campaign challenges his opponent, Derrick Anderson (R), to be transparent about his stance on abortion rights during upcoming debates and public events. Vindman’s campaign accuses Anderson of trying to hide his anti-abortion views due to their unpopularity.

Vindman, the Democratic nominee for Virginia’s 7th District in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties, and Fredericksburg, has openly shared his pro-choice position and plans to continue doing so at events throughout September and October. He pledges to vote for codifying Roe v. Wade and against a national abortion ban.


Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Today, get to know Rose Moore, the new principal of Woodbridge Middle School. She’s been an educator for 20 years in Fairfax County, working as a math teacher, a math coordinator and an assistant principal at two middle schools.


Prince William County will host a remembrance ceremony on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The event will be held at the 9/11 Liberty Memorial Fountain in Woodbridge.

The ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors, the National Anthem, the Tolling of the Bell, and remarks from Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson, County Executive Christopher Shorter, and Battalion Chief Craig Beavers. The names of county residents who died in the attacks will be read, and the ceremony will conclude with the playing of taps. The community is invited to attend.


A fatal crash investigation is underway following an incident on September 5 at 3:27 p.m. in Woodbridge, near Old Bridge Road and Occoquan roads. A 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by 23-year-old Melanie Ruby Morales of Woodbridge, was traveling at high speed when she lost control and slid under a 2009 Roll-off Dumpster truck.

Morales, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, a 56-year-old man from Triangle, remained on-site and was uninjured. Speed was determined to be a factor in the crash. Investigators are seeking witnesses as the investigation continues.


The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved the use of condemnation and quick-take powers to acquire properties needed for the Route 1 road widening project between Brady’s Hill Road in Dumfries and Route 234.

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A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Braemar Park will be held on Thursday, September 26, at 11 a.m. at 12401 Braemar Parkway in Bristow. The park has seen several updates, including a new playground, repaved parking lot, renovated basketball and tennis courts, and the addition of two pickleball courts. The event is open to the public.

A new playground design has been finalized at Fairmont Park, located at 9801 Fairmont Avenue near Manassas. The community is invited to participate in Build Week from October 23 to 26. Volunteers are needed to help with tasks such as assembling equipment and mixing concrete. All necessary tools and safety gear will be provided, along with food and drinks for participants. Volunteers must be 18 or older, though those aged 14 and up are welcome to assist with certain tasks.


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