The candidates were asked: Public school performance is a critical issue for many families in Manassas. With the School Board controlling school management but the City Council being a chief funding source, how do you plan to address the challenges our public schools face, such as lagging Standards of Learning (SOL) scores, provisional accreditation for Osbourn High and Metz Middle and the need for equal resources across all schools? Specifically, would you support setting benchmarks when the school board comes asking for funding during the upcoming budget cycle? Additionally, how do you propose to ensure transparency in the use of public funds, and how would you approach the ongoing discussions about funding and constructing new school facilities to accommodate growing student populations?

Performances will be held in the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory from Oct. 11 to Oct. 20.

Saturday (Oct. 5)

In late August, another man from Prince William County won the Virginia Lottery Cash4Life, which totaled $1 million. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 1,221,759. The rolling jackpot for Cash 5 with EZ Match starts at a minimum of $200,000.

"This study is a critical step in ensuring equitable policies and access for all interested suppliers and vendors. By promoting fairness, we are also enhancing the quality of services we provide to our residents," County Executive Chris Shorter said. "Our ultimate goal is to create an inclusive environment where every business has a fair opportunity to contribute, which in turn ensures we are delivering the best possible service to our community."

• Two-Sentence Horror Story Challenge For Teens (Haymarket)
  • Aspiring teen writers are challenged by the Haymarket Gainesville Library to write the scariest story in just two sentences. Submissions are due by Oct. 25, and make sure to collect a bag of treats when you turn in your story!
• Halloween Pet Costume Contest (Manassas City)
  • Email a photo of your pet in their Halloween costume to [email protected] until Oct. 20. Votes can be cast from Oct. 21 to Oct. 26 at Manassas City Library or on social media, and the winner will be announced on Oct. 31.

Oct. 4

"The new Occoquan Elementary School will be a beacon of progress, embodying our dedication to providing an exceptional learning environment while respecting and preserving our planet,” Babur B. Lateef, chairman of the PWCS School Board, said at the ceremony. "This school will be a place where innovation thrives, where students are inspired to think critically and creatively and where they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to become the leaders of tomorrow. By harnessing the power of the sun and the earth, we are setting a precedent for future generations, teaching them the importance of sustainability and the impact of their choices on the world around them."

SNVMC President Jeff Joyner had the idea to have a mural throughout the hallway entering the north side of the hospital from the employee parking lot. Instead of a regular hallway, this one is now adorned with vibrant colors, flowers and butterflies.

Prince William County staff and leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 26 to celebrate the improvements funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).