Starting Monday, December 3, we’re on our way to a better, stronger website
Since launching our subscription tier of content in January, Potomac Local has seen tremendous growth in readership.
In a world where the term “fake news” is bandied about, in a community of more than a half million people that no longer has access to a daily newspaper, our nearly 400 paid subscribers have proven they want more than just quick-hit clickbait stories — they want real, local news.
I spent all of 2017 debating on whether or not to launch a subscriber content tier and examining which models would work best for Potomac Local. It was refreshing to see so many early subscribers choose to support our reporting by becoming annual paid subscribers, and I cannot thank them enough.
In late October, unfortunately, our growth began to put a strain on our site. Some subscribers were unable to log into their accounts, and some site content didn’t display properly. And, after eight years of adding WordPress plugins and performing ongoing basic site maintenance and upkeep, we decided that we needed a new stronger website to meet demand.
Our Investment in You
Today, we’ve contracted with Web Publisher PRO, a firm that primarily works with local online news operations across the U.S. We are investing $6,000 to improve our website.
It’s an investment in our small company and our big investment in our community. And, while you won’t notice much of a change on the surface of our website (we think the fewer aesthetic changes the better) you will enjoy a stronger, more reliable local news experience.
On Monday, December 3, paying subscribers will also be able to once again log into and manage their accounts. Our subscriber paywall will be fully restored, and that means some content will no longer be available without a paid subscription.
As always, a lot of the content on PotomacLocal.com is FREE to read. But our originals are for paying subscribers, and they’re worth subscribing to.
We also have a FREE Potomac Local News weekday morning newsletter, and it has become the most popular way for our readers to get their news. From FREE stories to exclusive content for paying subscribers, sign up for our weekday morning newsletter that shows you everything Potomac Local has to offer.
Our Investment in Local Journalism
Folks, this new and improved website means we’re making another investment in local journalism, the kind that affects each of us.
Five years after the loss of the News & Messenger, a daily newspaper that once covered the region from Prince William, Manassas, and Stafford for a combined 150 years, we remain dedicated to not only telling you what’s happening in our community, but also to find ways to make your lives better by reporting on:
• New traffic and transit improvements
• New local business opportunities
• New residential and commercial development
• Schools, and their impact on the community
• Local officials who collect and spend your tax dollars — holding them accountable
Plus, we’re a platform for civic discussion and engagement. Trust me. Those local officials read Potomac Local, making us a place for your voice to be heard.
Stronger When We All Invest
We greatly value our advertisers, but advertising, alone, can no longer pay the cost for local news organizations to produce great journalism. Local independent news operations across the country are realizing this, and Potomac Local is no different.
If you’re not yet a paying Potomac Local subscriber, we’re asking you to make a commitment to supporting local journalism and to subscribe today.
Your subscription not only gives you full access to all content on PotomacLocal.com, but it also means we can continue telling the stories that strengthen our community, and that we can continue telling the stories that matter to you.
An annual subscription to Potomac Local is $65 billed annually, a monthly subscription is $6 billed monthly, or you can try us for 14 days FREE and then pay $6 a month.
To celebrate the strengthening of our website, the first 30 people to enter the code STRONGER when subscribing to an annual $65 plan will SAVE 30% on the subscription.
The days when great local news reporting in Prince William and Stafford counties, and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, is made available free to anyone anywhere are behind us. New independent local journalism organizations like Potomac Local are smaller, more focused and more responsive to their readership than ever before.
We need your support. Invest in us. Invest in your community.
Thank you, and Happy Holidays.
Author
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ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
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Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
