Manassas

The Manassas City Council appears set to maintain the advertised $1.24 per $100 real estate tax rate for FY2027, preserving a $1.2 million contingency fund rather than dipping deeper into reserves for additional resident relief amid rising utility costs.

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Features

Fauquier Community Theatre will present the world premiere of Tales of the Artisan, an original musical written by Prince William and Fauquier County father-daughter team Matt Moore and Cate Murray. The heartwarming story follows a Scots-Irish Gaelic family fleeing political persecution in 1814 America, blending coming-of-age elements, action, folklore, magic and early American traditions.

The production features book and lyrics by Moore and music and lyrics by Murray. Moore directs, and Murray serves as music director. An ensemble cast of local performers, many from Fauquier County, brings 18 characters to life — including the mysterious Jack á Spadean, his hopeful daughter Queenie, and various family members, soldiers, and fairytale creatures. Special touches include live folk music with Warrenton resident David Morgan on bodhrán and spoons.


Event

Join the New Dominion Choraliers put on a concert to honor the 250th Anniversary of the USA! The music in this choral concert captures the heart and soul of the American spirit through patriotic tunes and songs from the heartland. Joining the chorus are dancers from Dance Etc. School of the Arts and accompaniment from the talented members of Legacy Brass.

This family friendly and FREE event is perfect for young and old. Kids, parents, and grandparents will be familiar with many of the songs in this inspirational program. There are two opportunities to attend: Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 pm or Sunday, May 3 at 3:30 p.m.


News

The 28th Annual Eagle Festival returns to Mason Neck State Park on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a day of family-friendly activities focused on nature and conservation.

The event features live animal demonstrations with reptiles, hawks, and owls, hands-on learning experiences, outdoor recreation clinics, nature programs, a puppet show, live music, food, and exhibits by conservation partners. Visitors may also spot the park’s resident bald eagles flying overhead.


Stafford

 

Lisa Vose stood before the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on April 28 and described a lifetime spent in the county she loves. She moved here as a tenth-grader, rode the school bus past the neighborhood she dreamed of living in, and eventually made Clearview Heights her home.


Fredericksburg

City Council gave first-read approval Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to the FY2027 budget (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), which includes a 4-cent increase in the real estate tax rate and an 8% hike in water and sewer rates, along with a new tiered pricing structure.

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Prince William

“Compass Datacenters will not appeal the most recent court ruling that killed the rezonings underpinning the development,” the company’s attorney said late Tuesday night, Prince William Times reported. “It’s not known whether QTS, the other data center company involved in the project, will attempt an appeal before the Supreme Court of Virginia.”

The decision by Compass likely ends sales contracts that have kept more than 90 property owners in limbo since 2022, including entire neighborhoods along Pageland Lane in rural Gainesville. The Prince William Digital Gateway proposed up to 37 data centers on about 1,760 acres near Manassas National Battlefield Park. Rezonings approved in 2023 were voided by court rulings over public notice failures, and the county has now dropped its own appeal after spending at least $1.7 million in legal fees.


Prince William

Vice Mayor Monaé Nickerson spotlighted parking shortfalls for the Aras on Main development during approval of the April 7 meeting minutes at the Dumfries Town Council meeting on April 26, prompting a 6-1 vote directing staff to evaluate code flexibilities and parking options for the long-planned project.

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