Correction: This new data center is near Unity Reed High School, near Manassas. An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported Patriot High School.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.
Updated 10:30 p.m. – Local restaurant owners are voicing strong opposition to Prince William County’s meals tax, which is set to generate $42 million in Fiscal Year 2025—an increase of $10 million, or 31.25%, from the previous year.
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson has signaled the meals tax will be discussed during the annual budget process this spring. “It would like to see a partial repeal of the meals tax, but it truly depends on our proposed budget for the next fiscal year,” Jefferson told Potomac Local News.
Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
The Haymarket Town Council approved a budget amendment on February 3, 2025, increasing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget by $111,749 to fund the demolition of the former Haymarket Food Pantry building at Haymarket Community Park. The funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the council says was designated for infrastructure improvements.
The decision has sparked debate among council members and residents, with some questioning the public benefit of demolishing the building instead of repurposing it. During the public hearing, resident Marchant Schneider raised concerns over long-term financial impacts, particularly regarding the cost of future public restrooms at the park.
Osbourn Park High School has received the Virginia School Breakfast Award from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for its success in expanding breakfast access, maintaining nutritional integrity, and serving more scratch-cooked meals. The school is one of three recipients this year.
Cafeteria manager Nidia Bruno expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the team’s dedication to feeding students. Andrea Early, director of Food and Nutrition, noted that breakfast participation at Osbourn Park has increased by 30% and praised the cafeteria team for efficiently managing the expanded program. The school benefits from the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students.
Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia recently secured convictions in multiple high-profile cases. A Maryland man was convicted of trafficking cocaine and fentanyl to Fredericksburg, while a Stafford man was found guilty of assaulting a deaf passenger during a flight. A Honduran national was sentenced for illegally reentering the U.S. and failing to register as a sex offender, and a Dumfries man pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds. Each case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to hold criminals accountable. Read on for case details and links to full press releases.
From Prince William County Police Department:
Fatal Crash Investigation Nokesville Rd. & Sowder Village Sq., Nokesville: On February 6 at 5:48 AM, crash investigators responded to the area of Nokesville Rd. and Sowder Village Sq. in Nokesville to investigate a fatal pedestrian crash. The investigation revealed that the driver of a 2024 Nissan Sentra was traveling southbound on Nokesville Rd. when the vehicle struck a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the road outside of a crosswalk while wearing dark-colored clothing. The pedestrian was subsequently struck by a 2005 Mazda 6, also traveling southbound on Nokesville Rd.
