Happy Friday. I hope you get outside and enjoy the day.

Clouds increase, and showers are possible later this weekend. Water’s End Brewery sponsors our weather forecast because, no matter the weather, sometimes you just need a Damn Beer.

Topping the news on Potomac Local right now, following a contentious meeting of the Manassas City School Board on Jan. 23, 2024, discussions about the future of Grace E. Metz Middle School have intensified, spurred by concerns raised during a status report by Principal Gary Morris, with Board members highlighting challenges in maintaining a consistent school culture and addressing fluctuating Standard of Learning (SOL) scores… Caitlyn Meiser reports.

Big changes are on the way for the Kenmore Inn, one of the most historic properties in our region. We’ve got the exclusive report!

For Local’s Only… Learn about the first dish served at the new Bob & Edith’s Diner in Manassas, and learn about future expansion plans for the locally-owned eatery that is starting to expand in our area.

Also for Locals Only: Stafford Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor addressed the pressing need for additional teachers as student enrollment in the school division continues to climb… Sarah Romero reports.

Your local news round-up:

• Potomac District Supervisor announces her bid for Congress, aiming to represent the region in the nation’s capital. [Source: Prince William Times]
• Get creative with democracy: Prince William County offers residents a chance to design the next “I Voted” sticker. [Source: InsideNOVA]
• “A Streetcar Named Desire” rolls into downtown Fredericksburg, bringing Tennessee Williams’ iconic drama to local theater enthusiasts. [Source: Fredericksburg.com]
• Stafford County announces new measures to enhance community safety and well-being. [Source: Stafford County Government]
• PWSPCA urges pet owners to stay vigilant as reports of missing pets surge in the area. [Source: PWSPCA Twitter]
• Fredericksburg residents are encouraged to participate in community cleanup events to maintain the city’s charm and cleanliness. [Source: Fredericksburg City Government]

Local Spotlight member news:

• Dixie Bones BBQ: Get ready for the big game with Dixie Bones BBQ Super Bowl specials!
  Join us this Saturday and Sunday to score some touchdown-worthy deals:
  Half Rack Ribs (6 bones) – $17.95
  1 lb. smoked wings (12 – 14 wings) – $10.95
  1 Qt. Chili – $14.95
  Don’t miss the flavor-packed goodness as you cheer on your favorite team! Swing by Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge and make your Super Bowl celebration a delicious one!
• Water’s End Brewery: Beer Club Appreciation Week Day #6 – Bring your W.E. tankard to drink your favorite brew out of! Don’t have a W.E. tankard? Purchase one for 50% off!
  Tonight, 2/9, the Lake Ridge Taproom has a food pop-up with Pauleen’s Catering from 5-9 PM or until sold out and like music with Michael Stoutenger from 6-9 PM

If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!

• Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
• Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.

Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend!

 

My longtime friend, Kenny Loveless, proprietor at Tangs Alterations in Manassas, a Local Spotlight member, and my tailor picked up this mailbox for me at a local antique store. The Manassas Journal Messenger is where my career came into focus and where I put in the time, training, and effort to learn the media business and laid the groundwork to become an entrepreneur.

Hired in 2006 to work at the daily newspaper, I was tasked with helping the salespeople in the bullpen close their deals. I was able to travel around the community, meet the business leaders of our community, and get an education on how to help businesses grow.

Later, as a reporter at sister publications Stafford County Sun and Potomac News in Woodbridge, I learned the ropes of local journalism — and that advertising salespeople make more money, but that’s another story.

The Manassas Journal Messenger was published from the late 1850s to 2009, when it combined with The Potomac News to become News & Messenger. The combined newspaper and the Stafford Sun stopped the presses for the last time in 2012.

Not a day goes by that I’m not reminded of what I learned at that institution: Tell interesting stories about the community, always provide value to your customers, and deliver on your promises.

Here’s to the “JM” and the people who made it great and all the great things that lie ahead for the future of local news.

In Local Spotlight member news, prepare for the Super Bowl with Dixie Bones BBQ’s unbeatable specials! This Saturday and Sunday, swing by their Woodbridge location to enjoy:

– Half Rack Ribs (6 bones) for $17.95
– 1 lb. of smoked wings (12 – 14 wings) for $10.95
– 1 Quart of Chili for $14.95

From tender ribs to flavorful wings, they’ve got everything you need to elevate your gameday spread. Don’t miss out on these delicious deals!

Meanwhile, the Manassas Park Community Center is celebrating Black History through craft! We love handcrafted creations because they tell a story. Take & make a paper treat bookbag to celebrate student Ruby Bridges’ bravery that helped pave the way for the civil rights movement in the American South. Pick up at the front desk.

If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member, and thank you!

• Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
• Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.

Punxsutawney Phil saw didn't see his shadow yesterday, and apparently, so neither did his cousin in Virginia, Arthur, who is friendly with Fredericksburg police. Spring is on the way.

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Good Thursday morning, and welcome to our newsletter. I don’t have a catchy name yet, so we’ll keep it simple. “Newsletter” is fine.

Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our longtime sponsors Virginia National Bank, where you can hit the target on your financial goals in 2024 with its new four-month, nine-month, and 15-month CD Specials at 5.35%.

Sunny and mild, showers later…Water’s End Brewery has your weather forecast because, sometimes, no matter the weather, all you need is a Damn Beer.

Volunteers were out in force counting the homeless in Prince William County this past weekend, participating in the region’s annual homeless count. As this Potomac Local original report uncovered, the county used a new method to boost participation in the survey — distributing gift cards.

A Haymarket man is charged after police said he shot and killed his 16-year-old cocker-spaniel.

For Locals Only: Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen in downtown Fredericksburg offers a unique bourbon experience with over 180 selections, signature cocktails, and a locally sourced menu.

• Launched in 2020, it survived pandemic challenges by adapting its services. Recognized as a top whisky bar, Rebellion is more than a bourbon bar—it’s a downtown destination.
• Our ‘Locals Only’ members get first read. In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community. Join Today!

From bourbon to beer, the local brewery market is tightening, and beer-makers in our area must differentiate themselves to stay afloat. The Prince William Times reports (leaky paywall) that, nationally, breweries experienced close to zero growth in 2022, and sales declined 2% in the first half of 2023. Locally, demand for brewpubs is still strong, but consumer tastes are changing.

Hello, baby! A Virignia State Police trooper delivered a baby on the side of Interstate 66 in Prince William County. Mom, Audrey, and Dad are doing well, we’re told.

Way to go, baby! Mary Washington University grad Jin Wong talks about his fateful interview with baseball legend Hank Aaron and his 24 years with the Kansas City Royals. Not a bad representative for the class of 1997, who is now working for the Chicago White Sox.

Now for Local Spotlight Member News.

• Join the fun at Manassas Park Community Center! Now accepting applications for Teen Recreation Leaders. Dive into exciting opportunities working with teens in the Community Center and Teen Center. Contact Mike Arrington at [email protected] for more info.
• Dive into Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge! Sunday Special: All You Can Eat BBQ Buffet, 11 am – 3 pm. Adults $18.95, Kids (under 12) $9.95.
• Join Local Spotlight today and put the power of Potomac Local, reaching 1.5 million readers online, on social, and in this email newsletter, to work for you.

Best in the biz: The 2024 Prince William Chamber of Commerce Business Award nominees are up. You probably know a few of them. Voting is open until Valentine’s Day. The award show is on February 23, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Foxchase Manor. Good luck to all the nominees!

Not to be outdone, Stafford County announced its business appreciation ceremony in April at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.

In Richmond, there have been at least 2,529 bills and resolutions introduced during the General Assembly session. Of these, at least 87 have been passed in the House, and 147 have been passed in the Senate. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce updates us.

Also announced, Prince William County will hold its second annual “State of Parks” event on Feb. 29.  The county parks department manages 5,000+ acres of parkland, 80 park properties, and 60+ miles of trails. Get out there.

Helping to spread the word, Occoquan Mayor Earine Porta tells us where to drop off Valentine’s for Vets, a project of Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Prince William, Stafford, Fredericksburg).

And, since we’ve brought politics into it (because what’s a Potomac Local newsletter without some local politics?), time is running out for you to register to vote in person.

That’s it for today. Please email us your news tips and photos, or say hello.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you tomorrow.

Read this newsletter online.

It’s the middle of the week, and it’s a cold one with scattered sprinkles before 4 o’clock today, temps going up to the mid to high 40s. Water’s End Brewery brings you the full forecast because, sometimes, no matter the weather, all you need is a Damn Beer.

Topping the news today, at least 10 students face charges after a series of fights that locked down Brooke Point High School in Stafford. Assault and battery by mob and obstruction of justice are just some of the charges filed after the incident on Monday, January 29, 2024. It comes 11 days after another student was taken to a hospital following a fight at the same school.

They like each other, so far: The Prince William Board of County Supervisors were in high spirits Monday and Tuesday during a retreat at Old Hickory Golf Club in Woodbridge. Elected officials governing Virginia’s second-largest locality were cordial and expressed optimism under Deshundra Jefferson’s new leadership, who replaced Ann Wheeler as At-large Chair on January 1.

• It’s an about-face from the past four years rife with disagreement and partisanship, with pressing decisions — from data centers and immigration policies at the county jail to an asphalt plant— resulting in marathon meetings that lasted for days and ended in party-line votes.

We caught you looking: This photo sent to us by Community Transparency Advocate Alan Gloss shows the supervisors during Tuesday’s meeting looking at PotomacLocal.com, no doubt eyeing that mouthwatering ad from Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge. You gotta love those supervisors supporting local businesses.

• And the best part about that ad is that we designed it so that when you click “like,” you see a meat explosion! Let us design a custom “likable” ad today for your local business and put it in front of 1.5 million readers.

Things aren’t looking good at Metz Middle School in Manassas, where SOL pass rates are down in every category except geometry. Truancy is also up at the school, and some parents have taken to our Facebook comments section to express their outrage.

• They’re encouraging more parents to flood school board meetings to speak up and demand teachers confiscate distracting cell phones in the classroom, address chronic bullying, and give more help to struggling ESL students they say are dragging down the school’s overall scores.

With the big-box store closing its doors, we want to know what should replace Best Buy at Stafford Marketplace. Take our one-question survey now. Later this week, we’ll post the top results in a poll and tell you what Best Buy told us about why it’s closing the Stafford location.

Several people from our communities are On the Move today, from making the Dean’s List and honor roll to the new guy appointed to the Board of Directors at The Young Marines, a national youth organization headquartered in Dumfries. See who they are and congratulate them as our region’s best!

Ever wanted to work at an actual baseball stadium? The Fredricksburg Nationals will hold a Gameday Staff Job Fair on Thursday, February 8. The Minor Leaguer is hiring for everything from parking attendants to production staff.

If you’d rather spend your summer working in the halls of local government instead of vying for the Baseball Hall of Fame, Prince William County announced its new paid internship program for college students. The county says it’ll give students “invaluable experience and expand their knowledge regarding local government.”

But who wants to work when you can laugh the night away at the first-ever comedy show at the Clubhouse at Aquia Harbour? The March 2 show will feature Dewayne White, a D.C.-based standup comedian and a combat-wounded Army veteran. When clicked, the event link wants to automatically start a Facetime call with the Clubhouse at Aquia Harbor. If you call, tell ’em you read about the show on Potomac Local News.

Also making local entertainment news today, Workhouse Arts Center received five Helen Hayes Awards for its 2023 production of “Urinetown.” The awards are the Washington, D.C.-area equivalent to the Tony Awards, and it’s the second year in a row the Workhouse has been honored.

Still to come this week…

Stafford County’s Economic Development Team will explore the ever-changing world of AI and examine how it will affect local businesses during its upcoming Beer and Business event at Full Distance Brewing. Keynote speaker Will King shared his insights with us ahead of the event.

We look into Rebellion Bourbon Bar and Kitchen and how its owners plan to shake up the Fredericksburg city restaurant scene…

We’ll tell you about plans for a new museum and environmental education center at one of the oldest homes in Prince William County…

We’ll also explore why Virginia is the fourth-easiest state to sell a home and talk with a local Realtor about what’s selling and who’s moving into our region. Our interview comes after new numbers show people are fleeing Fairfax County in droves.

Unleash your inner hero: Join the Potomac Local ‘Locals Only’ membership! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community. Join Today!

Thanks for reading today, and we’ll see you tomorrow.

Welcome to Local Spotlight!

We are thrilled to have your business join our innovative marketing solution, which is dedicated to boosting local business in Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg cities, Prince William, and Stafford counties. As a Local Spotlight member, you’ve taken a significant step toward enhancing your online presence and connecting your brand with a broad local audience.

To kickstart your Local Spotlight journey, we need to set up your listing on PotomacLocal.com.

You’ll need to send us a simple email — Here is what we need to get started:

1. Share Your Social Media Link:
Please email us the link to your company’s preferred social media page, such as your Facebook or Twitter. We’ll use this page to fetch your business logo. Alternatively, please attach and send us your logo in a separate email (JPEG or PNG formats).

2. Craft Your One-Sentence Tagline:
Create and email a one-sentence tagline that represents your business. This will be featured in your Local Spotlight listing. Don’t worry about it being perfect. We’ll help ensure you have the best tagline that fits your business, gets right to the point, and perfectly fits within the size of your Local Spotlight member listing.

3. Share Your Website URL:
Don’t forget to provide us with your website URL (yourbusinessname.com) so we can link your website to your Local Spotlight listing. Let us know if you’d rather us link your Local Spotlight listing to another website, such as your Facebook page or something else.

4. Tag us on Social Media
Since Local Spotlight member callouts in our Publisher Posts and our social media platforms, tag us @PotomacLocal on Facebook and @PotomacLocal on X (formerly Twitter) when posting your updates. This ensures we see your post and include it in our promotional efforts.

Thank you for becoming a Local Spotlight member! We’re excited to collaborate and grow your business. Let’s leverage the power of Local Spotlight to showcase your services and products to our engaged audience.

Let’s get started on this exciting journey of business growth!

Uriah Kiser
Founder and Publisher
Potomac Local News

Happy Monday, supporters of local journalism in our communities. We’ve got some breaking news and insight for you today, so let’s get started.

Breaking: Brooke Point High School is in lockdown for the remainder of they day. It follows another fight that occurred at the school earlier this month that sent a student to a hospital.

Also breaking at this hour: Best Buy in Stafford will close, marking a shift in Stafford County’s retail landscape. It’s a blow for county residents who say they want more shopping and entertainment destinations — not fewer.

Water’s End Brewery sponsors our weather forecast: Windy and cold today, rain/snow possible later this week. 

One-on-one: Just back from the city council retreat, Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis updates us on happenings in Manassas ahead of budget negotiations. Coates Ellis says she’s advocating for the taxpayer this year, as the average homeowner saw a hike in their property tax bill last time.

Route 28: Transportation planners want your input on remaking one of Northern Virginia’s busiest corridors. We’ve got the details on the study, the decade-long discussion on building a bypass around the corridor, and the threat that forced an about-face among county and city officials a few years ago.

In lighter news: Disabled veterans in Virginia are finding physical and mental recovery through scuba diving, thanks to the nonprofit organization Patriots for Disabled Divers, founded in 2013 in Occoquan by retired Navy Capt. Jeff Currer and his wife Merial are in collaboration with Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.

Poll: With our story about the owners of a Sheetz in Dale City wanting to rebuild with a drive-through window, we want to know: Do you/will you use a Sheetz drive-through?

Coming this week:

• I review”Jersey Boys” at Riverside Dinner Theater, the show, the songs, and the drink you must try when you’re there.
• A look at how Manassas Regional Airport is preparing for commercial flights.
• A look at Rebellion Bourbon Bar, named one of “America’s Best Bourbon Bars.”
• Plus, we’re making a big announcement about Local Spotlight, our easy, affordable advertising solution for your business or nonprofit that gets you in the club.

This newsletter is made possible by generous support from Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge. Support local, and try some of the best dang barbecue you’ll ever eat.

Thanks for reading, and have a great week.

Good morning, members and supporters of local journalism. Sunday is a day to catch up on what you missed and get a jump on the week ahead. So let’s dive in.

Our forecast sponsored by Water’s End Brewery: Today, rain and wind today, high 49.

Huntley hangout (Sunday read): Katora Coffee Shop in Fredericksburg is not just a cozy spot for coffee and pastries; it also serves as a hub for local artists and musicians, including Michael Huntley, winner of Season 24 on NBC’s “The Voice.” As the English say, come and grab a cuppa.

275th birthday: Dumfries will commemorate its 275th anniversary with a three-day celebration featuring events such as an opening gala at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Charter Day activities at various parks with historical reenactments and contemporary performances, and a Mother’s Day jazz festival, all emphasizing the town’s rich history. How you can participate.

Parkway transformation: The ongoing transformation of the Prince William Parkway, particularly the interchange between Brentsville Road and Interstate 66, involves an innovative design including a Continuous Green T-type intersection, grade separation of roadways, and the construction of overpass bridge structures. Here’s what you need to know.

Bike paths: As Fredericksburg expands, a new trail segment near Watts Reservoir, developed by the cycling advocates group FredTrails, enhances bicycling infrastructure, fostering community growth and engagement, with plans for more trails and a skills section pending funding, while initiatives like “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day” aim to involve the younger generation in the city’s biking movement.

Local’s Only: Join our Locals Only Membership (only $108 for the whole year) for 100% access to everything we post. Support local journalism and help us pay our reporters who cover the heroes in our community.

Your events and announcements: Sharing what’s important to you with our members has always been important to me. That’s why, since I started publishing Potomac Local in 2010, I’ve always had a place for you to post Events (free) and Community Announcements.

7th District Congress race: We’ve had some exclusive endorsement news for candidates looking to win the seat now held by Abigail Spanberger.

Sold out: I’m happy they’re sold out for the “Souper Bowl” in Manassas this coming Friday. We told you about the event last week.

The Week Ahead

Sheetz demolition? Have we reached an inflation point in our community when Sheetz wants to tear itself down and rebuild itself? After reading this one from Dale City and the upcoming Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday, I’ll let you decide.

They actually posted this: I’ve been covering public bodies in our region for a while now, and I’ve never seen something as vague on a meeting agenda as “facilitators will guide the Board through a variety of discussions and exercises.”

• That’s what the Prince William County Executive posted for the Board of County Supervisors upcoming retreat tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday at Old Hickory Golf Club in Woodbridge (open to the public).
• It’s the same meeting where we told you supervisors would consider Victor Angry’s proposal to curb citizen comment time.

Fxbg regional summit: After its members visited Lexington, Kentucky, in October 2023, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce will follow up with a Regional Summit on Tuesday January 30, aimed at fostering regional collaboration among leaders in business and politics to discuss economic strengthening, infrastructure improvement, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the Fredericksburg region, with Ted Abernathy of Economic Leadership facilitating the conversation.

Thanks for reading, and have a great week.

Attention, citizens of Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg – the time has come for you to don your capes and join forces with Potomac Local News as we invite you to become our esteemed “Locals Only” members!

In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.

Daily Planet may call the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office when Superman is unavailable, but we call on you, our community, to be the real heroes!

A Locals Only membership is your key to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and the information to help shape our hometown.  Potomac Local News is at the forefront of showcasing the incredible tales within our neighborhoods of those fighting against cancer, advocates for congestion relief, and public servants leaving indelible marks.

Join us and be part of the heroics that shape our community:

• Superintendent Leads the Way! Celebrate the heroes who shape the future and learn about the remarkable achievements of Prince William County Public Schools under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade. Stay informed about the positive impact on student success and educational milestones.
• Play4Kay Initiative: Discover the inspiring stories of cancer survivors and the heroes who support them. Potomac Local News is proud to amplify the #Play4Kay initiative by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, combating cancers affecting women.
• Smashing Barriers to Summer Fun:  Potomac Local brings you the heroic initiative of the “Count Me In” scholarship. Provided by the Prince William Parks Foundation, this scholarship aims to be a beacon of hope for families at or below the poverty line.
• Champions of Congestion Relief: Dive into the ongoing projects and efforts to improve your commute. From interchange projects to widening the parkway, Potomac Local is committed to informing you about developments that ease traffic congestion in Prince William County.
• Safety of World Leaders: Gain exclusive insights into the preparations and challenges faced by local heroes ensuring the safety of world leaders. Potomac Local had an exclusive interview with Jolene Berry, Assistant Airport Director at Manassas Regional Airport, on how the airport prepared for President Biden’s visit.
• Honoring Public Servants: Remember the heroes who took the arrows while working to improve our community. Potomac Local pays tribute to Elmer Cassius “Bill” Williams, a dedicated public servant whose legacy of commitment and service inspires us all.
• “Souper” Celebration: Join us in celebrating the extraordinary soup makers who curb your wintertime hunger. Historic Manassas Inc. is gearing up for a “souper” celebration, and Potomac Local News is your guide to this heartwarming event.

Unleash your inner hero, become a “Locals Only” member, and join the Potomac Local community! Together, we’ll continue to write the stories that shape our neighborhoods and make a difference in the lives of our fellow citizens.

Get all the news and fewer ads. Are you a Local? Thank you for your continued support.

Uriah Kiser
Potomac Local News
Founder and Pubilsher

Hey everyone, Uriah Kiser here to share my thoughts for your Thursday.

Locals Only: Don’t miss our Locals Only exclusive interview with the Prince William County Department of Transportation about how it’s working to transform the county’s parkway. The article focuses on the road between the new Brentsville Road interchange and Interstate 66, removing two traffic signals, introducing a continuous shared-use path, and creating unique driving directions for the new interchange.

• The article provides valuable information for residents and commuters interested in local infrastructure developments and efforts to reduce traffic congestion.
• Become a Local today and support journalism in our communities.

Weekend specials: We’re proud to have Dixie Bones BBQ as a Local Spotlight member, our region’s premier, affordable local advertising solution.

• I am so happy we will start posting Dixie Bones weekend specials on our social media to more than 20,000 local readers for NO EXTRA CHARGE.
• When I said having three ads on our website was just the beginning of the benefits of being a Local Spotlight member, I wasn’t kidding.

“Oh, What a Night:” If you haven’t already made plans to go to the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts to see “Jersey Boys,” what are you waiting for?

• The show is excellent, and the songs are fantastic (you’ll probably know most of them, but you might not know who sang them).
• Look for my upcoming post about our experience at the show and the one item I highly recommend off the drink menu.
• I’m also working to get an interview with the show’s lead, which I’ll share with our Locals Only members!

New owners: As reported earlier this week, the historic Kenmore Inn has some new owners. Exciting changes and superb additions are in store, especially if you like Bourbon. Look for our story in the coming weeks.

FREE promotion: Potomac Local News is not just your go-to source for local news—it’s also the perfect platform to promote your community, nonprofit, or business events through our Events Calendar.

• Whether you’re hosting a charity fundraiser, a local festival, an event for your church, or a business workshop, our calendar is here to help you reach a wider audience and make your event a success.

Thanks for your continued support!