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0225 Newsletter


Prince William County has scrapped its $300 million Route 28 Bypass project, leaving residents and officials debating the next steps for traffic relief. The project, which would have taken 70 homes, faced rising costs, land acquisition hurdles, and a lack of Fairfax County support. Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger criticized the decision, saying her city is “stuck in the middle.” Meanwhile, State Sen. Danica Roem is pushing forward with $62.5 million in intersection improvements. A town hall on Route 28’s future will be held Feb. 26 at Manassas Park City Hall. Read more about what’s next for local transportation.


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Did you know some of Prince William County’s elementary schools have a distinctive circular design? Loch Lomond Elementary, built in 1961, was the first of several schools featuring this innovative layout, known as a “Bailey Building.” Designed to maximize space while keeping costs low, these schools became local landmarks. Loch Lomond also played a key role in school integration when Zella Brown, one of the “Courageous Four” Black educators, joined its staff in 1964. Over the years, the school has evolved but remains a vital part of the community. Click the headline to learn more.


A debate over financial transparency and fiscal responsibility erupted during the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ meeting as members weighed the transfer of $31.6 million to Prince William County Schools (PWCS). The funds, representing the school division’s share of the Fiscal Year 2024 general revenue surplus, were allocated under the county’s long-standing revenue-sharing agreement. While the measure ultimately passed, some supervisors raised concerns that the county’s revenue-sharing model does not adequately oversee how the school system spends taxpayer money.

Osbourn Park High School has received the Virginia School Breakfast Award from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for its success in expanding breakfast access, maintaining nutritional integrity, and serving more scratch-cooked meals. The school is one of three recipients this year. Cafeteria manager Nidia Bruno expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the team’s dedication to feeding students. Andrea Early, director of Food and Nutrition, noted that breakfast participation at Osbourn Park has increased by 30% and praised the cafeteria team for efficiently managing the expanded program. The school benefits from the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, which provides free…

(FXBG Advance) – Local delegates Joshua Cole, a Democrat, and Hillary Pugh Kent, a Republican, have been appointed to an emergency committee that will monitor the impact to Virginia of the Trump Administration’s moves to reduce the federal workforce and pause some federal funding.


A debate over financial transparency and fiscal responsibility erupted during the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ meeting as members weighed the transfer of $31.6 million to Prince William County Schools…

Prince William County has scrapped its $300 million Route 28 Bypass project, leaving residents and officials debating the next steps for traffic relief. The project, which would have taken 70…

Metro Nova Creative is adding a creative twist to fundraising in downtown Fredericksburg: Business owner Dan Craddock announced that his team will surprise a different non-profit organization each quarter with…

The “Souper Bowl” returns to Historic Downtown Manassas for First Friday on February 7, 2025, with a sold-out crowd ready to sample soups from top local restaurants. Attendees will explore…

A new Home Depot is set to open in Gordon Plaza, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of North Woodbridge. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the…

At the Jan. 27 Manassas City Council Meeting, the Department of Economic Development detailed the economic health of the city in the past year as new businesses entered the city…

Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) will soon embark on a new initiative to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) student opportunities, thanks to a $1 million donation from the Silver…

A journey from DC’s Capitol Hill to Shenandoah’s mountains led Emily Woodhull to Fredericksburg’s music scene.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work….

Manassas city officials are discussing major redevelopment projects, particularly in Old Town, Mathis Avenue, and Fairview Avenue. According to the city council, these discussions come as multiple developers have expressed…


Publisher’s Post

Big decisions and new initiatives are always unfolding around us—decisions that can leave us questioning the future and wondering how they will impact our community. But at Potomac Local News,…


Podcast

In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, host Uriah Kiser sits down with Craig Wade, President of the Prince William Association of Realtors, and Matthew Rathbun, President-Elect of the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors. They discuss the latest trends in the local real estate market, the impact of rising interest rates, and the challenges first-time homebuyers face in Northern Virginia. The conversation also dives into the region’s housing inventory, with insights on the growing demand for homes and the lack of affordable options, especially in areas like Prince William, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. Craig and Matthew share their predictions for 2025,…


Pets

Pullman is a lovable, playful dog in need of a second chance at a forever home. Born at the Manassas City Animal Adoption Center in August 2021, Pullman was one of ten siblings and was adopted when he was just three months old. Recently, he was found as a stray in Fairfax County, and despite efforts to contact his previous owner, no one has come forward to claim him. We know that Pullman’s mother was a boxer, and DNA tests from his littermates reveal he also has Cane Corso in his lineage. He’s a big, affectionate pup with plenty of…


Event

“Seussical Jr.” performance at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. This limited-run show features the classic Dr. Seuss story of Horton the Elephant and his journey to protect the Whos and an egg left in his care. The show runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from February 4 to March 1, 2025, with an additional Saturday show on March 1. Tickets are just $20 per person, and children under three are free. The Children’s Theatre returns with an amazing performance for all ages! You can even bring your own lunch to enjoy before the show on Tuesday and Thursday performances….


Obituaries

Elva Lorraine Hansson, affectionately known as Lori to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, in Plant City, Florida, at the age of 77.

Funeral home directors may now submit obituaries for publication at no charge via this Google Form.

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Recent Stories

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering a zero-tax-increase budget for 2025, which has drawn community members’ support and concern. During the February 4, 2025, meeting, parents and education advocates urged the board to fund Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) fully, emphasizing the need for higher teacher salaries, facility repairs, and student resources.

Speaking during the public comment period, Shannon Fingerholtz, a parent from the Hartwood District, called on the board to take responsibility for properly funding Stafford schools.

“Our students, our teachers, our staff, our community require a quality school system,” Fingerholtz said. “Quality means decently paid staff, buildings in good repair, and adequate materials. These all require funding.”

A stunning lakefront home in Marshall, VA, is now on the market for $1,250,000. Located in the Cobbler Springs Farm Subdivision, this colonial-style home offers privacy, space, and breathtaking water views.

This home features five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, and 3,596 square feet of living space. The main level includes a spacious primary suite, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and skylights, a family room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a sunroom with stone flooring. The upper level has four additional bedrooms, a loft, and three full bathrooms. The lower level offers a large recreation room with a fireplace, a workshop, and ample storage space.

Northern Virginia saw heavy snowfall, with Manassas and Stafford County reaching 9.5 inches. More wintry weather is expected tonight as another system moves in. A cold front will bring gusty winds and dropping temperatures.

Looking for a romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day? Join the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra for their special concert, “What I Did for Love,” on February 14 at James Monroe Auditorium. Enjoy sweeping string melodies featuring famous pieces like Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Massenet’s “Thais,” and a special rendition of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue performed by pianist Thomas Pandolfi. The evening will end with Elgar’s Enigma Variations. 

A Night on the Riviera

Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!

Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.

For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.

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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:

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