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Manassas

Manassas City School Board Discusses Collective Bargaining Initiative

By Uriah Kiser
Manassas City Public Schools teacher. [Photo: Manassas City Public Schools]

The Manassas City School Board met on February 5, 2025, where members discussed the Manassas Education Association’s (MEA) decision to initiate a collective bargaining campaign. The discussion revealed concerns about funding, legal implications, and the potential impact on the school division’s ability to retain teachers.

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Fredericksburg

‘Snowmen Against Data Centers’: Protesters Push Back on Fredericksburg Development

By Uriah Kiser

In a unique and chilly demonstration, residents of Fredericksburg gathered Wednesday to protest a proposed data center development near the Rappahannock River by building snowmen.

Organized by the Rappahannock Community Coalition, the “Snowmen Against Data Centers” rally took place just one day after nearly 10 inches of snow blanketed the region. The snowmen were erected on the Mary Washington University Campus, City Hall, and a house off Harrell Road in Stafford County.

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Features

Stefan Boutchyard Brings Fresh Culinary Vision to Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

By Uriah Kiser
Boutchyard

Fredericksburg’s Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has a new star in its kitchen: Chef Stefan Boutchyard. With experience spanning local restaurants and high-profile catering events—including President Donald Trump’s inauguration—Boutchyard is revamping the dinner theater’s menu. His first creation? A Southern-inspired menu for Heartbreak Hotel, featuring Elvis-themed dishes like cornbread waffles and Viva Las Vegas shrimp cocktail. Looking ahead, he’s planning Mediterranean flavors for Jesus Christ Superstar and launching an interactive sushi-making class. Click the link and read the whole story.

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Fredericksburg

‘That money is gone:’ VDOT Snow Budget Depleted After January Storm

By Uriah Kiser

As another significant snowstorm blankets Stafford County with over six inches of snow on February 11, 2025, local officials grapple with the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) depleted snow removal budget, which was exhausted by a previous winter storm on January 5–6.

During a Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 6, 2025, VDOT Residency Administrator Kyle Bates warned about the agency’s financial limitations.

“That money is gone. It’s gone. Our snow budget was that one storm,” Bates said.

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News

Prince William Board of County Supervisors to Revisit Meals Tax in Budget Discussions

By Uriah Kiser
A waitress at Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge.

The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors will address the county’s meals tax during the upcoming budget deliberations, according to Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson. The meals tax, enacted in 2022, has been a concern for local restaurant owners, some of whom are advocating for its repeal.

The proposed meal tax (also called the food and beverage tax) for Prince William County in FY2025 is projected to generate $42 million in revenue. This represents a $10 million increase from the previous year, reflecting a significant rise of 31.25%.

The tax has drawn strong reactions from the restaurant industry, where owners have repeatedly called for its abolition, arguing that it places additional strain on their already tight margins. Restaurant owners have pointed to the increased costs they’ve faced over the past few years, compounded by inflation and staffing shortages, making the meals tax particularly burdensome.

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Manassas

Manassas Proposes Tax Break for Micron as Part of Expansion Plan

By Uriah Kiser
Mircon in Manassas

Manassas City Council will discuss a proposed tax incentive on Monday, February 10, 2025, to support Micron Technology Inc.’s planned $2 billion expansion. The deal would extend the company’s favorable semiconductor equipment tax rate through 2035, saving Micron millions annually. The expansion, backed by $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce, is expected to create over 400 manufacturing jobs. City officials tout the investment as a boost for local economic growth, while residents and businesses will weigh the long-term benefits.

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Weather

Winter Storm Watch Issued: Heavy Snow, Hazardous Travel Expected Tuesday Into Wednesday

By Uriah Kiser

Updated – The National Weather Service (NWS) Baltimore-Washington office has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

Snowfall Forecast & Timing

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News

Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page Appointed to Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees

By Uriah Kiser

Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page has been appointed to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees to represent Stafford County. She replaces Mary Becelia, who was removed in 2024. The Board oversees library policies across Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties. Brown-Page, a retired federal senior manager and mediation expert, brings extensive experience in human and community relations. Her appointment follows the censure of Stafford Supervisor Monica Gary, accused of political maneuvering in Becelia’s removal.

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Manassas

Plan B for Route 28? What Comes After the Bypass Cancelation

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William County has scrapped its $300 million Route 28 Bypass project, leaving residents and officials debating the next steps for traffic relief. The project, which would have taken 70 homes, faced rising costs, land acquisition hurdles, and a lack of Fairfax County support. Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger criticized the decision, saying her city is “stuck in the middle.” Meanwhile, State Sen. Danica Roem is pushing forward with $62.5 million in intersection improvements. A town hall on Route 28’s future will be held Feb. 26 at Manassas Park City Hall. Read more about what’s next for local transportation.

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Features

‘Virginia, I’m Home’: Emily Woodhull’s Path From DC to Fredericksburg’s Music Scene

By Kelly Sienkowski
Emily Woodhull

A journey from DC’s Capitol Hill to Shenandoah’s mountains led Emily Woodhull to Fredericksburg’s music scene.

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