The Stafford County Public Schools Career Pathways Program creates new opportunities for students to explore career possibilities, acquire real-world skills, and prepare for workforce or higher education success. Open to rising ninth graders and high school students; this initiative provides a wide array of specialty centers and pathways that cater to diverse interests and aspirations.

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In an era of rapid development and change, few leaders, like Mayor Janette Rishell of Manassas Park, leave a lasting impact. After 12 years of dedicated service—four on the City Council and eight as Mayor—Mayor Rishell is stepping down, leaving behind a transformed city with a brighter future.

On the latest episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, our founder, Uriah Kiser, sits down with Mayor Rishell for an insightful conversation about her journey, her achievements, and her vision for Manassas Park’s future.

Why Listen to This Episode?

1. A City Transformed
Mayor Rishell reflects on how Manassas Park emerged from financial challenges to become a vibrant community with a thriving community center and a new downtown development. Her leadership helped the city avoid state intervention for fiscal distress and achieve a strong credit rating.

2. Leadership Lessons
As a supporter of term limits, Mayor Rishell shares her thoughts on balanced governance, teamwork, and the importance of a shared vision in achieving success.

3. The Road Ahead
Learn about Mayor Rishell’s hopes for the city’s continued growth, from filling downtown storefronts to improving economic development and lowering taxes. She also shares heartfelt advice for residents to stay involved and support their community.

4. A Personal Touch
This episode offers a glimpse into the personal side of leadership. Mayor Rishell discusses her unique hobbies, including translating ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, and her plans to spend more time with family and pursue her passions in retirement.

Whether you’re a Manassas Park resident or someone interested in community growth and leadership, this podcast episode offers inspiration and insight into the dedication required to lead a city through challenging times.

Don’t miss this chance to hear from a leader who has guided her city with resilience and vision. Subscribe to the Potomac Local News Podcast today and join the conversation about shaping the future of our communities.

After over a decade of dedicated public service, Manassas Park Mayor Janette Rishell is stepping down. In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, Mayor Rishell joins us to discuss her remarkable journey, from helping the city recover from financial challenges to fostering community growth and development.

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In our latest episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, we tackle the complex and controversial topic of data centers and their growing presence in our region. Joining the conversation are two experts with unique perspectives: Bill Wright, a data center activist from Prince William County, and Dr. Eric Bonds, a professor at the University of Mary Washington and a concerned Fredericksburg resident.

Fredericksburg City Council recently held a work session to discuss an ordinance that would allow data centers within the city limits for the first time, focusing on a 250-acre site at Celebrate Virginia South. The proposed timeline is ambitious, with plans to finalize the ordinance as early as February 2025. While data centers promise potential economic benefits, including increased tax revenue, concerns about their environmental and community impact have sparked significant debate.

In this episode, we explore:

• Community Impacts: Dr. Bonds outlines how the proposed digital overlay zone would surround residential areas, including an apartment complex and retirement communities, raising questions about compatibility and quality of life.
• Lessons Learned: Bill Wright shares insights from Prince William County, where data center developments have led to environmental challenges, lawsuits, and a lack of transparency.
• Economic Realities: While data centers generate tax revenue, our guests discuss the hidden costs, including legal fees, infrastructure demands, and environmental compliance, which often go uncalculated.
• Climate Considerations: Dr. Bonds raises concerns about the energy-intensive nature of data centers and how they conflict with local and state commitments to renewable energy and environmental stewardship.
• Whether you’re a Fredericksburg resident, an environmental advocate, or simply curious about how data centers impact communities, this episode offers an in-depth look at these developments’ challenges and opportunities.

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New Podcast Episode: Honoring the Legacy of Jenny Dean and the Future of Manassas City Public Schools

Our latest Potomac Local News Podcast episode features an inspiring conversation with Almeta Radford, spokeswoman for Manassas City Public Schools. We dive into the details of the $47 million groundbreaking project for the new Jennie Dean Elementary School, set to open in 2026.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. The Significance of Jenny Dean’s Legacy

• Discover how Jennie Dean, born into slavery, became a trailblazer by founding the Manassas Industrial School for African American Children and how her contributions shaped the community.

2. A Community-Centered Design

• Hear how architects and community leaders worked together to design a building that honors Dean’s legacy while incorporating modern educational needs, including outdoor learning spaces, energy-efficient features, and state-of-the-art security.

3. Behind the Budget

• Learn how strategic timing and innovative procurement processes brought the project in under the $62 million budget originally estimated.

4. What’s Next for Manassas City Schools

• Get insight into future challenges and priorities for the school division as the city grows.

This episode captures the excitement and importance of a project that’s not just about a building but about celebrating history, serving the present, and shaping the future.

Tune in to hear Almeta’s reflections, the passion behind the project, and what this milestone means for the Manassas community.

Listen now and join us in celebrating this major step forward for our schools and students.

What are your thoughts on the new Jennie Dean Elementary School project? Please share them in the comments below.

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We’re back with another episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, where we connect our communities one story at a time. In this episode, Uriah Kiser, founder of Potomac Local News, sits down with Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, to discuss critical issues facing Prince William County.

Chair Jefferson made history on January 1, 2024, as the first Black person elected to this role. Her journey—from a single mother saving for homeownership to a community leader—informs her commitment to tackling the affordable housing crisis, workforce housing solutions, and planning for future infrastructure needs.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The proposed Affordable Housing Dwelling Unit Ordinance and its impact on residents and local workers like teachers, police, and firefighters.
• Balancing affordable housing with school capacity concerns and infrastructure development in growing areas like Brentsville.
• The ongoing debate over the Bi-County Parkway extension to ease congestion on Route 28.
• Chair Jefferson’s favorite local restaurants—from the western side of the county to the east.

Jefferson also shares her vision for ensuring Prince William County residents can live where they work. This focus prioritizes local families and community safety: “We have cost-burdened households spending more than 30% of their income on housing. We need solutions now, said Chair Deshundra Jefferson

Stay Connected
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to the *Potomac Local Podcast. Please help us share these important local stories with more of our neighbors.

Become a Supporting Member
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Have a news tip? Please email us at [email protected]. Uriah reads every email.

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In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, Manassas is shaping its future while honoring its past. Host Uriah Kiser sits down with Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis to discuss the North Star Branding Study findings, tackling challenges like preserving history, fostering economic growth, and addressing community concerns. Stay tuned for local news highlights, including a shocking insurance scam and updates on the City Council’s new term.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction: Host Uriah Kiser sets the stage for a discussion of the North Star Branding Study’s findings and their implications for Manassas’ future. The podcast also teases other local stories, including an insurance scam and City Council updates.
• Conversation with Theresa Coates Ellis:
  • North Star Branding Study: Theresa discusses the study’s insights, including the city’s brand awareness and challenges in balancing its historical identity with modern growth.
  • Balancing History and Growth: Discussion on preserving Manassas’ Civil War legacy while fostering tech and business opportunities.
  • Community Concerns: Addressing high taxes, overdevelopment, and the need for workforce readiness in tech industries.
  • Future Vision for Manassas: Theresa shares her vision for redeveloping key areas and fostering investment to make Manassas a thriving community.
• Local News Highlights:
  • Insurance Scam Story: A troubling case of predatory towing in Prince William County, with police investigation updates and tips for residents to avoid similar scams.
  • City Council Swearing-In Ceremony: Details about the January 2025 ceremony, reflections on a contentious election season, and hopes for a collaborative future.
• Closing Thoughts: Uriah reflects on the power of local journalism, encourages community engagement, and invites listeners to share their thoughts on the podcast and local news stories.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about the North Star Branding Study results and its role in shaping Manassas’ identity.
• Understand how Manassas balances historic preservation with modern economic development.
• Discover actionable insights for preventing predatory towing scams.
• Gain perspective on the recent City Council election and what it means for Manassas residents.

What to Listen For:

• Insights from Theresa Coates Ellis about preserving Manassas’ historic charm while embracing its future.
• Shocking details about the insurance scam and police response.
• Reflections on the heated City Council election and the swearing-in ceremony.

Listen to the full episode for these stories and more, and subscribe for updates on what’s shaping Northern Virginia communities!

We just wrapped up an important discussion on the state of Manassas City Public Schools in our latest podcast episode, featuring insights from local education leaders and school board candidates. This special forum covered pressing issues facing our schools and presented diverse perspectives on how we can collectively move forward.

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Simone Reddington, co-host of the “Until They Kick Us Out” podcast, sat down with Uriah Kiser, publisher of Potomac Local News, to discuss local politics, business, and the pulse of Manassas. Simone and her co-host, Nikki France, have used their platform to spotlight the city’s political landscape while celebrating its small businesses and tight-knit community.

The interview explored Simone’s evolving involvement in local politics, an area she didn’t initially set out to cover. When asked about Manassas’s state, Simone expressed her optimism and concerns.

“I would be ignorant if I didn’t acknowledge that there hasn’t been a lot of improvement over our city in the past three years… But I’m seeing it go in a direction where I don’t believe it’s being led healthily,” she said. Reddington emphasized the disconnect between local government and business owners, sharing her frustration over land purchases, the lack of effective leadership, and the underrepresentation of small businesses.

Simone also touched on the city’s Real Estate purchases, including the controversial acquisition of properties like the Mathis Avenue Shopping Center and the underdeveloped Old Town site. “We’ve been staring at fencing and concrete slabs for almost a year now, and there’s no plan for it,” she remarked.

A major theme in the interview was Reddington’s commitment to amplifying the voices of small business owners in downtown Manassas, particularly as they navigate economic challenges. “They’re suffering. They pull in money on First Fridays, but that’s one day. The rest of the time, many are struggling,” she explained, calling for more government support and collaboration with the community.

Listeners can catch the full interview on Potomac Local News’ YouTube or Facebook page. Simone’s candid take on Manassas’ leadership, her passion for small business, and her call for change in the community make for a compelling listen. Don’t miss this insightful conversation!