The Wildcat Battalion Marksmanship Team at Mountain View High School has secured a spot in the All-Service Championship—and they’re not stopping there.

Cadets Wallace Hogan, Brooke Hartkopf, Marisa McDonough, Elizabeth Gunn, and Caeleigh Brown, under the guidance of Sergeant Major Allen Tanner, are sharpening their skills as part of the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). Their hard work and dedication have propelled them to this impressive milestone.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.

Fredericksburg’s Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has welcomed a new force in its kitchen: Chef Stefan Boutchyard. With a rich culinary background spanning Fredericksburg, Culpeper, and high-profile catering events—including the inauguration of President Donald Trump—Boutchyard is breathing new life into the dinner theater’s menu.

A Culinary Journey to Riverside

Boutchyard’s journey to Riverside was as unexpected as it was serendipitous. “I was a chef in Culpeper working at a bistro, and I wasn’t making a whole lot, but I was sustaining myself,” he said. Then, a call from a friend, local restaurateur Daniel Orofino, founder of Fredericksburg’s Orofino Restaurant, set the stage for a major career shift. “Daniel told me, ‘I don’t know if it’ll be a job, but I want you to call my friend Patrick,’” referring to Riverside’s CEO, Patrick A’Hearn.

After meeting with Ahern, the opportunity became clear. “They wanted to move forward, felt a little stagnant where they were at,” Boutchyard explained. “So they offered me a position, and here I am. I really jumped headfirst into the deep end—on purpose.”

Reinventing the Menu

Boutchyard wasted no time infusing his personal touch into Riverside’s offerings, beginning with the menu for Heartbreak Hotel, an Elvis Presley-inspired musical on stage now. “I know a little about Elvis, so I said, ‘Let’s look at his early years—Tupelo, Nashville, and Vegas.’ That’s how the Viva Las Vegas shrimp cocktail made its way onto the menu.”

Southern flavors took center stage. “I wanted to do a nod to his roots, so we brought in shrimp and grits and fried chicken. But I thought, ‘Let’s do chicken and waffles—with cornbread waffles.’ Then we added a smoked maple syrup with Tabasco to give it a little different flavor.”

Boutchyard’s creativity doesn’t stop at entrées. Even a simple veggie pastry has meaning: “I had a dream about it. The marinara sauce I make for it is my little homage to Danilo Orofino—it’s not his recipe, but it’s a thank-you to him for introducing me to Riverside.”

The Future of Food at Riverside

With Riverside’s transition to a nonprofit, discussions about reimagining the theater space have been ongoing. Some plans suggest shifting to a more traditional theater seating arrangement and moving food service to a separate banquet area.

But Boutchyard is clear on one thing: “Food is not leaving Riverside. Food will always be a part of Riverside in some form.” Whether through a restaurant model or an event-style format, he insists, “There will always be some kind of culinary experience here.”

He’s already looking ahead to Jesus Christ Superstar, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes starting March 12, 2025. “We’re doing a saffron yogurt chicken kebab, roasted garlic Israeli couscous, and grilled curried zucchini with sun-dried tomatoes,” he revealed. “And we’re partnering with Sweet Reasons in Spotsylvania for a pistachio chocolate cheesecake that is absolutely amazing.”

“Super Fun Time” Sushi Class

Beyond the dinner theater experience, Boutchyard is launching an interactive culinary event: Super Fun Time Sushi Class. “It’s part cooking lesson, part comedy act,” he said. Drawing from his experience teaching sushi classes in Atlanta, he aims to offer a relaxed, entertaining introduction to sushi-making. “It’s a great way to introduce new people to Riverside. Maybe they’re not ready to commit to a full show, but they can come for a fun night, learn something, and have a great time.”

The hour-long class will show foodies how to make and and eat three types of sushi rolls. The class starts at 6 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2025. Tickets are $40 each.

As Riverside enters its next chapter, Boutchyard is determined to keep the flavors fresh and the experience unforgettable. “I want my food to complement the show,” he said. “I’m here to make Riverside something really special.”

In the latest episode of the Occoquan Radio Podcast, host and mayor Ernie Porta shared updates on local business developments, an upcoming town event, and an economic recognition for Occoquan’s tourism sector, and more.

Mill in Occoquan Project Delayed

Porta provided an update on the long-awaited Mill in Occoquan project. This planned development will introduce retail and restaurant spaces, 52 residential units, and a public-access riverwalk along the northwestern end of town. While demolition of old structures was expected this winter, progress has been slow. So far, only a permit for the removal of the steel boat dry dock has been issued, with no permits yet requested for the remaining buildings.

Adding to the time constraints, Porta noted that if ospreys return to the site in the spring, all demolition must halt to protect the birds under environmental regulations. As of now, no definitive timeline for the project’s next steps has been provided.

Police Department Enhances Public Safety with New Dispatch System

The Occoquan Police Department is moving forward with integrating into Prince William County Police’s computer-assisted dispatch system (CAD), a significant step toward improving emergency response capabilities. The new system, developed in partnership with Motorola Corporation, will allow seamless coordination between local law enforcement agencies, improving response times and efficiency.

Additionally, the department will join the county’s report management system, streamlining data collection and case management for officers. Full implementation of the system is expected by the end of this month.

Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Cigarette Sales Tax Ordinance

In an effort to align with regional tax structures, Occoquan town officials have scheduled a public hearing to discuss the implementation of a cigarette sales tax ordinance. While cigarettes are not currently sold within the town, many surrounding jurisdictions in Virginia already impose similar local taxes.

According to state law, cigars would be exempt from the proposed tax, meaning businesses that choose to sell cigars in Occoquan would remain unaffected. The town encourages community members and business owners to attend the hearing and share their input on the proposed ordinance.

Exciting Lineup Announced for 2025 Town Events

The Occoquan Town Council also approved its 2025 events calendar, featuring a mix of returning favorites and a newly reinstated holiday tradition:

• Riverfest – First weekend in June
• Arts and Crafts Show – Last weekend in September
• Easter Peep Show – A springtime favorite
• Trivia Nights – Six planned throughout the year at River Mill Park
• Murder Mystery Costume Parade & Movie Night – A spooktacular Halloween event
• Light-Up Night and Holiday Tree Lighting – The traditional kickoff to the holiday season, taking place the weekend before Thanksgiving
• Holiday Artisan Market – Making a return by popular demand on December 6-7, 2025, featuring local artisans, festive lights, and Santa’s arrival by boat

Unlike previous years, the holiday artisan market will be hosted along Commerce and Union Streets, rather than at River Mill Park, and will feature a unique firelight experience at the intersection of the two streets.

With a full slate of engaging events and major developments in public safety, Occoquan leaders continue working toward enhancing the community’s vibrancy while maintaining its historic charm.

Spot on Mill Closes, Belmont Bay Location Remains Open

A beloved local eatery, Spot on Mill, closed its doors at the end of December after losing its lease. The restaurant was well known for participating in town events such as Trivia Nights in River Mill Park, where it helped provide food and beverage deliveries to attendees. While its presence in Occoquan has ended, the owners continue operating a second location in nearby Belmont Bay, offering residents another opportunity to enjoy their menu.

VisitOccoquan Recognized by State Program

Occoquan’s local tourism organization, VisitOccoquan, Inc., has been selected for Virginia’s 2025-2026 Mobilizing Main Street Program. This two-year initiative provides development support to help communities achieve Main Street America accreditation, a designation that enhances economic growth, small business support, and tourism initiatives. Porta praised VisitOccoquan’s ongoing efforts, including its biannual printed Visitor’s Guide, for drawing attention to the town’s unique charm and history.

Firelight Night Set for Valentine’s Day

Occoquan is preparing for its annual Firelight Night, set to take place on Wednesday, February 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in front of the Millhouse Museum. The outdoor event will feature fire pits, live music, drinks, and concessions, providing a cozy and festive atmosphere for residents and visitors to enjoy. No RSVP is required, and attendees are encouraged to bundle up and bring friends for a memorable evening under the stars.

For more details about the event, visit VisitOccoquanVA.com/firelight.

Public safety officials recently gathered at Dunkin’ Donuts locations from Stafford County to Manassas to meet with community members in two separate events fostering engagement and conversation.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

First Friday returns to Historic Downtown Manassas on Friday, February 7, 2025, with one of its most beloved events—the Souper Bowl. This highly anticipated food festival, where attendees sample an array of soups from local restaurants, has officially sold out.

For those lucky enough to have secured tickets, the Souper Bowl offers a unique culinary experience, allowing participants to venture through downtown, tasting a variety of soups from both returning favorites and new contenders. Each restaurant has put its best ladle forward, hoping to win the title of best soup in town.

Here’s What’s on the Menu:

This year’s lineup features an eclectic mix of flavors, from classic comfort food to adventurous international dishes.

• Rangoli – Hot and Sour Soup @ Manassas Olive Oil
• Vera’s Kitchen – Desta’s Lentil Soup @ Kerbobble Toys
• SEMIFREDDO – Roasted Corn Soup @ Totally Vintage Design
• Ashton Family Restaurant – Beer and Chicken Soup @ Freedom Museum
• Zach Murphy – “Jeff Kha Gai” (Thai Coconut Soup) @ Calico Jack’s
• Monza / Carmello’s – Tomato Basil Bisque @ Shining Sol
• Honey and Ivy Gluten Free – Cocoa Cloud Dessert Soup @ Honey and Ivy
• Voodoo Brothers Cajun Creole – Voodoo Chili @ Studio Luxe And The City
• Mariachis – Mexican Beef Soup @ The Things I Love
• Doug’s Deli & Taproom – Tomato Basil Soup @ Black Metal Mercantile
• Hog Shack Bar-B-Q – Brunswick Stew @ Old Towne Man Cave
• Puerto Rico Cafe – Asopao de Pollo @ Grounds Central Station
• Lume – Pork Belly Ramen @ Dabble_CRC
• Zandra’s Taqueria – Pasta e Fagioli @ Popcorn Monkey
• Philadelphia Tavern – Tortilla Soup @ Fillagreen
• Crossroads Tabletop Tavern – Borschty-Borsch-Borsch-Borscht (aka Muppet Stew) @ Ashby Jewelers
• City Tavern – Clam Chowder @ District Hemp Botanicals
• The Bone – Chicken Tortilla Soup @ Sinistral Brewing Company
• Chef Donnella Pearson – Brazilian-Inspired Tomato Soup @ The Meredith House
• Ashton Family Restaurant’s Meat Chili – Paired with Texas Roadhouse’s fresh-baked bread @ Aroma Wine Tasting

With a mix of bold flavors and comforting classics, this year’s Souper Bowl promises to be an unforgettable event for soup lovers.

Which Soup Will Reign Supreme?

As attendees explore downtown and taste each soup, they will have the chance to vote for their favorite. The restaurant or chef with the most votes will earn bragging rights until next year’s competition.

First Friday’s Souper Bowl is just one of the many signature events that bring the Manassas community together each year. While tickets are no longer available, those who secured their spot are in for a treat.

Stay tuned for the winner announcement—and if you missed out this time, mark your calendars for next year’s event.

A journey from DC’s Capitol Hill to the Shenandoah mountains led Emily Woodhull to Fredericksburg’s music scene. The 23-year-old singer and songwriter just released her first single, “Virginia, I’m Home.”

Woodhull grew up in Washington, D.C., and learned to play piano, guitar, ukulele, and drums by the time she was sixteen. Woodhull became the opening act for her father’s band, “The NativeMakers,” as they toured DC.

A visit to James Madison University (JMU) in the Shenandoah Valley #musicalley helped her fall in love with Virginia. After attending JMU, Woodhull took a gap year and moved to Fredericksburg in 2021, planning to enroll in Germanna Community College. A fan of true crime, Woodhull was interested in the criminal justice program.

She’s fallen in love with the area, saying, “I love Fredericksburg with all my heart. It has had such an important role in my career, and I’m so blessed to call it my home.”

Woodhull’s connection to Fredericksburg deepened as she became involved with the local music scene. “There are so many talented bands in our city, ranging from soft rock to Americana to country to metal to bluegrass,” she explained. Performances with local artists like Jerry Wade, Rob Ralston, and JD Roberts helped build Woodhull’s musical career. 

Woodhull credited Roberts with helping her musical career develop. She said, “By inviting me to sing with him during his shows, he helped me get my name out there and booked me at venues when I didn’t have any shows. He’s been a big help with helping me learn the ropes of the industry and teaching me tricks, and he has given me great advice. I’m grateful to know him and to call him my friend.”

Woodhull’s debut single, “Virginia I’m Home,” was born from her experiences in Virginia. “The song starts, ‘I was 18 when I came rolling in. You opened up your doors and took me in just like a friend,’ which is about my start at JMU and when I first lived in Virginia,” she said. The song serves as her “love letter to the state.”

Woodhull described her musical style as rooted in Americana, though she brings elements from her past interest in hard rock. “I used to be a drummer and into hard rock, so I’d love to make country music with heavy drums and bass,” she said. A small sampling of her influences includes Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Turnpike Troubadours, and Ella Langley.

Although she has been surrounded by music for much of her life, Woodhull didn’t realize until she was 20 that she could make a career out of it. “I got a direct message on Instagram from a scout for a development firm in Nashville and it all got started from there,” she recalled.

The process of recording “Virginia I’m Home” took her to Nashville, where she worked with music producer Joshua David Cockerham in his home studio. “We had a Zoom call before meeting about what I wanted the song to sound like,” she shared. “I got to choose which instruments got to be in and I felt listened to.” Woodhull recorded two songs in the studio in 2023.

In August 2023, Woodhull quit her job in fine dining to pursue music full-time. “I was scared of burning myself out and falling out of love with music,” she admitted. “But from that day on, I have been doing everything I can for my career.”

Woodhull said her family has been an unwavering support system. “My parents have always had my back and I am so blessed to have them,” she said. “The biggest thing for them is that their children are happy, healthy, and loved.” Woodhull, who has a twin brother, has four brothers and one sister.

Looking ahead, Woodhull aims to continue growing her audience, with her song now played on several radio stations across the country. Stations in Michigan, Texas and Wisconsin have played ‘Virginia, I’m home.’

“I’d love to have my song played on a station in Virginia, especially in Fredericksburg like 93.3 WFLS or Thunder 104.5,” Woodhull said.

Woodhull will play at Fredericksburg’s Sky Bar on February 8. Her full show schedule is available online.

The Prince William Mounted Patrol Unit has become a fixture within the police department. Serving on horseback, they go where regular officers cannot. 

We spoke with Sergeant Jeramy Ramos, one of the officers on the Mounted Patrol Unit, to learn more about their role within the community. 

The Mounted Patrol Unit was established in 2006 as a part-time unit. Taking inspiration from a similar unit within Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, the mounted patrol unit, the Prince William Police Department partnered with the National Parks Service at the Manassas National Battlefield Park to load the horses. 

To join the Mounted Patrol Unit, an officer must be in good standing and no longer be on academy probation. The application is competitive since officers must have prior riding experience. If chosen, they attend a ten-week training school to learn how to perform their duties on horseback. The Prince William Police Department is working on creating its certification process to simplify the process. 

Since the unit is part-time, officers have full-time jobs elsewhere in the department. The unit has seven members, including detectives, officers, and administrative staff. Ramos was one of the earliest members of the unit, joining in 2010 and serving as the Community Engagement Officer.  

Mounted Patrol officers have similar duties to regular officers: patrolling communities, investigating suspicious activity, and engaging with local community members. One of the most significant benefits of the Mounted Patrol Unit is its visibility.

The horses draw much attention and increase neighborhood engagement with the officers; an aspect Ramos said he found surprising. The horses make it easier to navigate crowded or narrow streets and give the officer a wider field of view, enhancing their surveillance capabilities.  

The Prince William Police Department owns no horses. Instead, it uses four horses on loan from Manassas National Battlefield Park.

The horses are well trained; the Mounted Patrol Unit has dedicated training days each month. The training ensures that the horses’ skills remain fresh and desensitizes them to any possible triggers, such as noise or crowded spaces. 

Other than patrols, the Mounted Patrol Unit attends community events, visits schools, and participates in engagements such as the National Police Week Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.

Kings Dominion, the popular amusement park near Richmond, has announced that it will not be hosting its annual Winterfest event for 2025, despite earlier assurances to season pass holders. WinterFest, a festive holiday event that traditionally featured a dazzling light show, live performances, a petting zoo, and the opportunity to ride the park’s signature roller coasters, has been a seasonal favorite for years.

The cancellation, confirmed by WWBT-TV, comes after the event mysteriously did not appear on the park’s annual event schedule, which was released on Wednesday, January 29. Initially, Kings Dominion promised that admission to WinterFest would be included with the purchase of a 2025 season pass. The sudden absence of the event raised concerns among fans, prompting the park to address the matter publicly.

Kings Dominion will open for its regular season on March 29, 2025, and will kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations. The park will highlight milestone attractions, including the debut of Rapterra, a new roller coaster, and host events such as A Golden Summerbration, Halloween Haunt, Oktoberfest, and Tricks and Treats. These events are designed to provide thrilling and memorable experiences for all ages.

Following the announcement, angry customers flocked to Kings Dominion’s Facebook page to vent their frustrations over the cancellation. Many season pass holders expressed disappointment about the park not fulfilling its promise of WinterFest, with some demanding compensation.

Here are some of the comments from Facebook users:

• “When can we expect the partial refund on our season pass renewals and all-season add-ons since you canceled Winterfest after they were purchased?”
• “Canceling Winterfest is an extremely poor decision. Most season passholders expect Winterfest to be a part of what we paid for considering it has been in existence for a very long time. Attending Winterfest is a holiday tradition for many local families. My kids will be absolutely devastated. I hope those responsible for making decisions for Kings Dominion read all of these comments regarding Winterfest and reconsider as there is plenty of time to make adjustments to include Winterfest in the schedule.”

For more details, you can view the video where customers share their concerns: Watch here.

Kings Dominion offers season passes ranging from $95 to $260, depending on the desired benefits level.

Kings Dominion is now under new ownership following the merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair Entertainment Corporation, which had managed the park before the merger. The merger created the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, North America’s largest regional amusement resort operator, with 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resort properties across 17 U.S., Canada, and Mexico states.

Kings Dominion has assured season pass holders that they will be contacted regarding alternative benefits or compensation related to the cancellation of WinterFest.

The Fourth Wish Foundation will hold a special white belt graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Underground Krav Maga and Fitness in Gainesville.

The event celebrates the achievements of 54 children who have completed three months of Krav Maga training as part of the foundation’s “Healthy Kid Initiative,” a program launched in 2024 to provide extracurricular opportunities to children from financially challenged families.

“We want to ensure these children can continue with this worthy program that has already made such a positive impact on their lives,” said Sue Khalatbari, Director of The Fourth Wish Foundation. The foundation is seeking donations to sustain and expand the initiative, helping more children gain confidence, physical fitness, and critical life skills.

Have an event you’d like to share with the community? Submitting events is simple! Just visit this link, provide the event details, and hit submit. Best of all, it’s completely FREE to submit your event!