A knife found at Potomac Senior High School on January 3, 2024, was not passed through a metal detector.
We incorrectly reported it had been in an earlier version of this story.
Police reported a knife was found inside the school building on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. School spokeswoman Megan Silas said a security guard found a knife on the student, whom police described as a 15-year-old boy.
A school resource officer with the county police department determined the student didn’t mean to hurt anyone with the knife and charged the boy with possessing a weapon on school grounds, police said.
“Because we are less than six months into the deployment of this recent technology, we are continuously monitoring our processes and adjusting toward improvement. This situation remains under review,” said Silas.
Prince William County has invested nearly $11 million in new metal detectors at middle and high schools since the fall of 2023.
Insidenova.com published a detailed look at how the metal detectors work on January 8, 2024. Popular at concerts and large sporting venues, the Evolv scanners are supposed to detect weapons of all kinds while allowing large numbers of people to pass through the scanners simultaneously.
Prince William County and Manassas City public schools contracted with Evolv last year to install the scanners. In addition to the nearly $11 million to install the devices, it’s costing Prince William County an additional $725,000 a year to operate the scanners, reports Insidenova.com.
Prince William County is Virginia’s second-largest school division, with more than 92,000 students. Before inking the deal with Evolve, county school board members traveled to Charlotte, N.C., to view the scanners in action in public schools.
Potomac Senior High School is at 3401 Panther Pride Drive in Woodbridge.
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Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.
A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.
Katie Brady, county fire department spokeswoman and Fire Life Safety Manager, clarified that “wildfire” is a broad blanket term. Stafford is likelier to experience “brush fires” than quick-moving wildfires that cause widespread destruction like California’s. Brushfires can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can be precursors to a larger wildfire capable of causing significant damage. Brushfires are more common when the area experiences drought conditions, like in 2024.
The disciplinary action taken against Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop earlier this month is the latest chapter in a turbulent tenure at the school, Insidenova.com reports.
Bishop was placed on involuntary leave, the school announced Jan. 9.
The school division did not provide further details upon request from InsideNoVa because it is a “personnel matter,” said Diana Gulotta, the school system’s director of communications.
Fredericksburg police arrested Daquan Warren, 24, for a December 2024 shooting and investigated a January 20 shots fired and burglary incident on Townsend Boulevard. Stafford County saw assaults at Chatham Heights Road and North Stafford High School, a break-in on Ripley Road, and larcenies at Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, and an ABC store. In Prince William County, a strong-arm robbery on Balls Ford Road resulted in the arrest of Jose Fernando Martinez-Gonzalez. Authorities urge public assistance with investigations and provide tips hotlines for each jurisdiction.
Looking for a furry companion to brighten your days? Meet Harley, a 6 ½-year-old neutered male Domestic with short hair and a loving personality. Harley is ready to find his forever home and is available for adoption now.
Harley is waiting for you at the Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter. This local shelter is dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need.
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.
