Hello and Happy Wednesday.
I’m taking a moment to update you on a few things happening locally, as well as a few things happening here at PLN.
More masks
First, the news. I was at the Manassas School Board meeting last night where officials voted unanimously to require facemasks for everyone inside the school buildings, regardless of whether or not you’ve had a vaccination for the coronavirus.
Also, in this story, I talked with a 13-year-old girl who won’t be returning to Manassas City Public Schools this fall after her experience with online learning last year.
- The city was one of the few school divisions in the region that did not return children to the classroom part-time.
- The student provided me with an open and honest take on her virtual learning experience. After hearing about her experience, I understand why school officials are keen on getting students back into school buildings.
- My reporting is possible by our subscribers like you. Thank you.
- Please subscribe today if you haven’t already done so, as it is the best way to ensure I can continue to bring you the trusted local news reporting you come to expect.
Fairfax and Prince William counties and Fredericksburg schools require masks, while they’re optional for children in Fauquier, King George, and Spotsylvania counties.
- Caroline County schools will require masks for children in grades K through 5, optional for grades 6 through 12.
I’ll be at the Stafford County Schools headquarters at 6 p.m. today for a rally where parents are pushing for the option to choose if their child wears a mask.
- The School Board is expected to make a final decision at 7 p.m.
Route 1
It ain’t Jefferson Davis Highway any longer, as the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, last year decided to rename its portion of Route 1, from Quantico to the Occoquan River, Richmond Highway, to match the road’s name in Fairfax County.
- County leaders will now spend $3 million to help affected business owners cover the cost of changing addresses and marketing materials.
- Business owners may apply for funds.
National Night Out
Last night was National Night Out across the region when communities are encouraged to go outside and talk to neighbors and get to know law enforcement.
- I’ve seen photos of celebrations in Prince William County, Manassas, and Dumfries.
- Stafford County, which holds the largest National Night Out festival I’ve ever seen (a personal favorite), will hold its annual event on Tuesday, October 5.
WbtR
Congratulations to Write by the Rails on its 10th anniversary.
- I was at the group’s inaugural meeting at Okras restaurant in Manassas on Aug. 9, 2011, and I couldn’t be more thrilled the group is still going strong.
Coming up here at PLNÂ
We’ll continue to post our interviews with candidates running for the Stafford County Board of Supervisors and Stafford County School Board. Â Last month, my contributing reporter Rick Horner and I requested to interview every candidate on the ballot for these seats.
- Election season in Virginia begins with early voting on September 18.
We’re working on improving our news email, which has become the easiest way for me to share our news with you and having a direct conversation with you without interference from social media (you’ll remember Facebook wouldn’t allow us to post new content to its site for more than two months last year).
- I”m always interested to hear from you and get your thoughts on the stories we cover, how we cover them, and what more I can do to include you in our reporting process.
- Anyone interested in a subscriber-exclusive Zoom call to discuss local news and events and preview stories we’ll soon publish?
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- As always, send me a note via email.
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Recent Stories
Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025.
The preliminary hearing for Tryevon Davis, one of three men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Jason Thomas Blake in Dumfries, has been delayed due to the pending completion of the Medical Examiner’s report. This critical evidence is being handled by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Northern District office.
Davis, along with Jerrome Thomas Barnes, 40, and Jackson Arthur Crisler, 30, face charges stemming from a fatal shooting on October 25, 2024. Police said Blake had gone to a residence on Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries to sell a firearm and purchase narcotics. An altercation ensued, leading to Blake being handcuffed, abducted, and taken to a secluded area along Triangle Street, where he was fatally shot. His body was discovered two days later in the backseat of his car.
The Prince William County Police Department charged Davis, 31, of Dumfries, with accessory before the fact in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to commit a felony, two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and abduction. Barnes and Crisler face additional charges, including murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. All three suspects remain in custody without bond.
The Fourth Wish Foundation invites the community to a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.
The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.
“We want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,” said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.
A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.
The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.
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.
