OpinionÂ
Welcome back to another school year here in Prince William County; I am confident it will be a great one.
My name is Wendy Dempsey. I am a resident of Prince William County and a mother of two Prince William County School students: one is in middle school and the other is in elementary school. We have been in the Prince William County Public School System system going on seven years; I am a strong believer in Prince William County Schools. In 2013, I was appointed by my School Board representative, Loree Williams, to be a member of the Safe Schools Advisory Council.
It was a pleasure meeting Tim Singstock when I attended my first meeting of the Safe Schools Advisory Council (SSAC). The following school year (2014-2015) the SSAC unanimously selected Tim to be our chairman. The SSAC consists of parents and school division staff members. Our meetings are open to the public and held at the Kelly Leadership Building once every month. We discuss safety issues that may need to be brought to the attention of the School Board and the community as a whole.
As Chairman, Tim was in charge of running these meetings and keeping the council focused on the task at hand. Tim respects every member’s position and stays on schedule by starting and ending the meetings on time. Tim not only gives each member time to voice their opinion but he encourages each member to contribute to the conversation.
Tim led our council in two expos during the 2014-2015 school year. The May 2015 Social Media expo at Benton Middle School drew more than 250 parents, teachers and kids. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with parents requesting more events like this in the future. When Tim has something in mind he will deliver with astonishing results.
In our time together serving on the council I have had the opportunity to get to know Tim. He is not only a fellow Prince William County Public School System parent, but he completed his thirteen years of public school here in the county graduating from Potomac high school in 1993. Tim later went on to serve our country as an officer in the U.S. Army where he learned many leadership skills. In 2002 Tim chose to come back to the county he calls home and to the school system that he believes in. This assures me that his passion for the Prince William County Public School System is one of true rarity.
Tim is very passionate about school safety. Tim would like to provide a safe, healthy and drug free learning environment for kids and staff. Having worked with Tim directly, I can see that he understands how to collaborate with other people and build consensus. Tim is “The Safe Schools Candidate.” He will deliver positive results for the families, teachers and children in Prince William County! Please join my family in voting Tim Singstock for School Board Chairman on November 3.
Wendy Dempsey is the Woodbridge District Representative on the Prince William County Safe Schools Advisory Council.
Recent Stories
Looking for a fun and educational experience for kids? Check out Semillitas: Puerto Rican Bomba Kids. This event brings Puerto Rican bomba songs, dance, and music to Stafford every Sunday starting February 2, 2025, and running through June 1, 2025. Kids will enjoy learning rhythm, dance moves, and songs in an interactive environment.
The classes are designed for children up to 10, with a unique May 4 program featuring visiting artists from Puerto Rico!
Dates: Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th, Jun 1st
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center, 31 Utah Place #101, Stafford.
Cost: $10 for the first child, $7 for additional children per class, $32 for all four classes for the first child, and $24 for each additional child.
It’s free to submit your events to Potomac Local! Simply visit this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Just fill out the details, and we’ll feature your event!
Authorities have released additional details regarding the homicide of 61-year-old Charles Childress and 59-year-old Kimberly Newcomb, whose bodies were discovered on January 25, 2025, at a residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to the home after a concerned friend discovered a deceased female and called 911. Upon arrival, deputies found both victims dead at the scene. Investigators have now confirmed that both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following the autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) continue their investigation and work around the clock to process evidence and interview potential witnesses. While the relationship between the victims remains under investigation, it has been confirmed that they were living together at the residence.
Crews from Stafford Utilities are repairing a water main break on Route 1 southbound near Centreport Parkway. The far-right and center lanes of the highway will be closed to traffic as repairs are made, though the far left lane remains open. Drivers are advised to proceed with caution through the area.
Stafford County spokeswoman Shannon Eubanks said one customer remains without water due to the break. The cause of the water main rupture is still under investigation.
There is no estimated completion time for the repairs, as crews must first identify the problem before calculating how long it will take to fix it. Howell emphasized that safety remains a priority and urged drivers to avoid the closed lanes where possible.
More as we have it.
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board meeting on January 17, 2025, saw several significant discussions aimed at enhancing service and infrastructure across the transit system. Among the most talked-about topics were the introduction of Saturday service, a crucial funding agreement for the Manassas Line, solutions for parking challenges at stations, and major infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Seminary Yard and the Long Bridge upgrades. Each of these initiatives is designed to improve the commuter experience and accommodate a growing ridership base.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the ongoing development of Saturday service, a long-awaited addition that has been approved and included in VRE’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Set to feature three round-trip trains on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines, this service is expected to cater to weekend commuters, offering a much-needed alternative to the crowded roads in the region.
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.
