As construction progresses on the new Jennie Dean Elementary School, a debate is unfolding over the future of the existing historic building. The Manassas City School Board is weighing multiple options, including repurposing the facility into a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Innovation Hub, preserving its legacy, or demolishing it altogether.
A Vision for Vocational Training
At a school board work session on February 27, 2025, Jared Johnson, founder of the Manassas-based nonprofit Larryâs Legacy, proposed transforming the old Jennie Dean Elementary into a CTE Innovation Hub. The initiative aims to expand vocational training opportunities for underrepresented students, introducing pathways in aviation maintenance, culinary arts, performing arts and fashion, pharmacy technician training, residential skilled trades, ROTC, and TV and podcast production.
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The Haymarket Town Council has deferred a decision on a special use permit (SUP) application for the proposed Islamic Center at 14600 Washington Street, opting to continue discussions at a March 31 work session at 7 p.m.
The application, submitted by Mohammed Kasim Gul, seeks approval to establish a permanent place of worship for the local Muslim community in the old Pace West school building at 14600 Washington Street, now home to QBE, a federal contracting firm in the old school building. The nearest Islamic center is about 13 miles away, requiring residents to travel 20-30 minutes for daily and Friday prayers.
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As Stafford County prepares its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, officials and citizens alike are raising concerns over the mounting financial burden of a state-mandated tax exemption for disabled veterans. The issue, discussed at the March 4, 2025, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, has sparked debate over the program's sustainability and impact on county taxpayers.
Mayausky: "A Worthy Program, But an Unfunded Mandate"
Stafford County Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayausky detailed the rapid growth of the veteran tax relief program, which has significantly expanded since its inception in 2011.
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Welcome to a new Potomac Local News series, "Meet Prince William."
We've started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county.
We'll be continuing this series with other leaders; please let us know who you'd like to know more about in the comments! Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
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Prince William County will introduce a 3-1-1 system this spring, streamlining residents' and businesses' access to non-emergency government services. The Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) officially recognized March 11, 2025, as National 3-1-1 Day, marking the countyâs commitment to improving transparency and responsiveness in local government.
What is the 3-1-1 System?
The 3-1-1 service will provide a centralized contact point for residents to request county services, check service statuses, and obtain government information. It is designed to reduce non-emergency calls to 9-1-1 while offering residents multiple ways to engage with local government.
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On March 5, the Manassas City Council held a closed-door session to discuss "terms and conditions for the disposition of publicly held real property" located at Nokesville Road and Godwin Drive, where the baseball complex sits. The meeting was held under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(3), which allows real estate negotiations to be discussed in private. Following the closed session, the council made no public statements regarding the discussion, leaving uncertainty about the future of the property.
In 2021, the City of Manassas granted Micron Technology an option to purchase the complex as part of the companyâs potential expansion plans. The agreement allowed GMBL to continue using the fields for up to 24 months after a sale while the city explored alternative locations for the league. However, Micron never exercised the option, and the baseball league has remained in place.
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The Stafford County School Board is set to present the conceptual design plans for the new Edward E. Drew Middle School at its meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
The presentation will provide the public with a first look at the proposed layout, key features, and community-driven design elements aimed at enhancing education, safety, and accessibility for future students.
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During a tense Manassas Park Governing Body meeting on March 4, Mayor Alanna Mensing raised a pointed question about the city treasurerâs plan to publish the names of delinquent taxpayers.
"It is a shame tactic, right? You are putting out people's names to kind of compel them to pay so that they're not publicly shamed. And so does that actually work?"
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Maria Martinâs journey from catering her sister's wedding to opening Juan More Taco in Fredericksburg began with a small food truck in 2016.  Juan More Taco visited community events and local businesses, serving Latin American food with a twist - the dishes incorporate Honduran flavors.
Martin said the community support of their food truck was a driving factor in opening a restaurant. âWe couldnât keep up with the demand on our tiny little food trailer,â she said. They moved into 826 Caroline Street in March 2019. A second restaurant opened in Richmond in January 2024.
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In mid-February, Peter Mealy headed to the Walker Grant Middle School PTA meeting in Fredericksburg to speak about his latest venture teaching guitar to students after school at Walker Grant and hopefully enlarging the program in one form or another.
Mealy is a well-known musician around Fredericksburg, and if he can use the guitar in a positive fashion then so can students who learn it in middle or high school. âThen they have a skill for life,â he said, stressing that itâs not going to cost the school system a huge chunk of money for something that might deliver a huge chunk of benefits for the students.Â
