Dumfries Town Council approved the amended proffer agreement and memorandum of understanding between the town and Churchill Downs, owner and operator of The Rose Gaming Resort, which is under construction, six to one.
Under the new agreement, Churchhill Downs Group (CDG) would give the town $3.6 million, a one-time contribution in unrealized taxes due in 10 days, following the Special Town Council meeting on February 13, 2024, when the council agreed to the changes. Additionally, there is an additional $400,000 per month in lost tax revenue if the site does not open before August 1, 2024, as anticipated. The loss in tax income significantly impacted the town's finances and led to the implementing of an amended budget for the town, officials said.
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Joseph Lombardi, a resident of Dumfries, has been recognized for his outstanding academic achievement. Lombardi made the Dean’s List in the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business and Technology at Georgia College & State University.
University of Delaware Recognizes Local Achievers
Several local students have been named to the University of Delaware Fall 2023 Dean’s List. Among them are:
- Andrew Bean of Manassas
- Emily Buckley of Gainesville
- Evan Martin of Bristow
- Maya Vydareny of Woodbridge
McDaniel College Student Explores Greece
Jacqueline Kuzma, a senior Mathematics major from Stafford attending McDaniel College, had the opportunity to participate in a study tour to Greece during Jan Term, enriching her academic experience.
Claude Moore Charitable Foundation Grants Over $2.5 Million
The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation recently distributed $2,553,570 in grants to nonprofit organizations primarily serving Loudoun County. These grants aim to support under-resourced populations and individuals living with disabilities, as well as fund nursing scholarships, literacy, and youth leadership programs.
The 2024 grants were initiated by invitation from The Foundation and include support for various organizations such as A Place to Be, Loudoun Literacy Council, Loudoun Youth, Inc., and many more.
Academic Achievements from Various Institutions
- SUNY Cortland: Over 2,800 students earned recognition for academic excellence.
- WPI: 2,299 undergraduate students achieved Dean’s List status, including James Kuhn, Keira Schoolcraft, and Tristin Youtz from Woodbridge.
- University of Hartford: Campbell Pagel of Dumfries was named to the President’s and Dean’s List.
- Shenandoah University: Alexandra Reid of Manassas was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society.
- Emerson College: Harley Novy from Dumfries participated in a comedic production at Emerson Stage.
- Georgia Institute of Technology: Several local students graduated and earned academic honors, including Joshua Boisvert who made the Dean’s List.
Dean’s List and Academic Achievements at Various Universities
- Eastern Mennonite University: Tatiana Ayala and Hailey Smith of Stafford were named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s List.
- The University of Tampa: Ryan Kindel of Gainesville earned dean’s list honors.
- York College of Pennsylvania: Several local students were recognized for academic achievement.
- Albion College: Ellen Chown of Stafford made the Dean’s List.
- Muhlenberg College: Shelby Mejia of Manassas achieved Dean’s List status.
- Frostburg State University: Jessica Howie of Manassas received a Bachelor of Science degree.
- Augustana College: Abigail Tegtmeyer of Manassas was named to the fall semester Dean’s List.
- Hollins University: Several local students earned Dean’s List honors for the fall 2023 semester.
These achievements highlight local students’ dedication and hard work in pursuing academic excellence. Potomac Local congratulates these high achievers. Send us your local news
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In an exclusive follow-up to a story brought to you last month, new information has emerged regarding the case of a dog injured after being struck with a projectile.
According to Prince William police spokeswoman Renee Carr, after consultation with Animal Services, it has been determined that the dog is recuperating well and does not require extensive treatment, as once thought.
Reports from the county’s Animal Services indicate that the dog, whose name remains unknown, is continuing to progress in its recovery. Currently, efforts are underway to evaluate options for placing the dog with a suitable rescue organization or for adoption. Despite diligent efforts, neither the owner nor the dog’s identity has been established.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, January 13, at 8:30 a.m., when officers responded to a distress call in the 1500 block of Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries.
A concerned resident had discovered the dog, an American Bully estimated to be between one to three years old, with injuries consistent with being struck by a projectile. Prompt action was taken, and the injured animal was taken to a veterinarian for urgent medical attention.
While the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, the focus now shifts to ensuring the continued well-being of the dog and finding a suitable placement where it can receive the care and attention it deserves.
The start of the construction for the H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility-Wide Improvements Project, known as the Mooney Design-Build Project, signals a significant milestone for the Prince William County Service Authority.
With an investment nearing $200 million, this multi-year initiative is poised to revolutionize the plant’s wastewater treatment processes, paving the way for enhanced operational resiliency.
At the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Mooney facility in December 2023, key stakeholders, including Service Authority’s General Manager and CEO Calvin D. Farr, Jr., Director of Environmental Services & Water Reclamation Glenn Pearson, and Director of the Project Management Office Shannon Spence, shared their insights. Representatives from construction firms involved in the project, such as Ulliman Schutte Construction, HDR Inc., and AECOM, also attended the event.
Calvin Farr, General Manager of the Service Authority, emphasized the project’s historic significance, stating, “This project is a critical development for the Service Authority, and it’s the largest single project that we have ever undertaken, so we’re making history.”
Erin Hunt, President of Global Water Program at HDR Inc., underscored the project’s alignment with the Service Authority’s values, particularly in environmental leadership and sustainable operations, saying, “This project really capitalizes on the Service Authority’s key Areas of Excellence including, among others, environmental leadership, community engagement, continuous improvement and innovation, and sustainable operations.”
The Mooney Design-Build Project comprises 19 components, primarily focused on rehabilitating existing infrastructure. Notable upgrades include the construction of a new pretreatment facility, expansion and centralization of the odor control system, and various electrical and structural enhancements.
Addressing concerns about potential disruptions, Shannon Spence, Director of the Project Management Office, reassured stakeholders that construction activities would be contained within the H.L. Mooney AWRF property line, minimizing impacts on customers and neighbors.
Looking ahead, the completion of the Mooney Design-Build Project is expected to enhance the Service Authority’s ability to meet regulatory standards and ensure operational resiliency. By investing in aging infrastructure, the Service Authority aims to continue delivering treatment services, protecting the environment, and maintaining strong community partnerships.
The H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility is 1861 Rippon Boulevard in Woodbridge.
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After a brief setback due to cold weather, the much-anticipated Huntley Homecoming event is set to take place on March 30, 2024, in downtown Fredericksburg. The event, organized to celebrate the musical achievements of Michael Huntley, winner of season 24 of The Voice on NBC, promises a day of festivities and community spirit.
The homecoming festivities will commence with a Downtown Driving Procession Along Huntley’s Performance Venues, starting at 11 a.m. and concluding at 12:30 p.m. Spectators can expect a vibrant display of musical talent as they traverse downtown Fredericksburg.
Following the procession, the focal point of the celebration will be the rally held at Virginia Credit Union Stadium, located at 42 Jackie Robinson Way in Fredericksburg, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Contrary to speculation, city officials clarified that the rally is not a concert but rather an opportunity for the community to come together and honor Huntley’s achievements.
Admission to the stadium rally is free; however, due to limited capacity, RSVP is required. Interested attendees can reserve their RSVP vouchers on Eventbrite, with spaces limited to four people per email address. City officials issued a warning to only obtain RSVP vouchers from the official Eventbrite event to avoid potential scams.
Parking at the stadium will be provided free of charge, but attendees are advised to arrive early to secure a spot, considering the anticipated large crowds. Additionally, in the spirit of giving back to the community, Huntley has chosen to support Loisann’s Hope House, the region’s oldest and largest family homeless shelter. Donations honoring Huntley’s community spirit can be made through the organization’s website.
The celebration events are scheduled outdoors, rain or shine, with attendees advised to dress accordingly. In case of extreme weather, cancellation announcements will be made on FXBG.com/Huntley and on Facebook @VisitFXBG.
Mayor Kerry P. Devine originally declared January 21, 2024, as “Huntley Day” in Fredericksburg, recognizing Michael Huntley’s dedication to the musical profession and his unwavering commitment to his roots in Fredericksburg. As a native son of the city, Huntley’s success on The Voice has brought pride and inspiration to the local community.
Event organizers have emphasized that the Huntley Homecoming celebration is inclusive and welcomes fans of all ages. Concessions will be available at the stadium, with cashless transactions preferred. Stadium concession stands were to be open during the first planned event on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2024. Due to stadium capacity limitations, attendees are reminded to bring only clear bags and adhere to RSVP requirements.
Correction: An earlier version of this story reported the incorrect date.
“My district is hurting. This issue has torn apart our community,” Thomas lamented before the committee’s vote.
Kathy Kulick of the HOA Roundtable highlighted the contentious nature of the issue and emphasized the potential conflict between economic interests and environmental concerns. Kulick pointed out the influence and intimidation of the data center industry on localities, highlighting the need for state-level legislation to guide land use change requests.
“Localities are being overwhelmed by the enormous financial influence and intimidation of the industry,” Kulick told Potomac Local.
Chap Petersen, representing residents in a lawsuit against the Prince William Board of County Supervisors over the PW Digital Gateway development, echoed concerns about the data center industry’s overwhelming impact on rural areas. Petersen criticized the General Assembly’s inaction, emphasizing the environmental cost and the need for immediate legislative measures.
“The data center industry is overwhelming the Rural Crescent in Virginia. The environmental cost will be incalculable,” said the lawyer and former Democratic State Senator from Fairfax. “The General Assembly has done nothing for years. To defer the issue for ‘more study’ is a joke.”
The ongoing legal battle over the PW Digital Gateway development, approved by Prince William supervisors in December 2023, underscores the high stakes. Residents, supported by organizations like the American Battlefield Trust, argue that approving massive data centers near historical sites like the Manassas Battlefield National Park would irreversibly alter the region’s character and damage its historical significance, Insidenova.com reports.
The rezoning vote in December cleared the way for two companies, QTS and Compass Datacenters, Inc., to build the nearly 100-foot tall data center buildings on what has been billed as the world’s most significant data center complex, on nearly 900 acres next to the battlefield, a tourist magnet, and the site of the first major Civil War battle in 1861.
The Prince William County Republican Committee is poised for its Biennial Convention on March 2, 2024, set to convene at Osbourn Park High School in Manassas. Registration will commence at 8:30 a.m., and proceedings will start at 10 a.m. The event will assemble delegates from the county’s seven magisterial districts.
At the forefront of the convention’s agenda is the election of a successor to outgoing Republican Chairman Jacob Mosser. Additionally, delegates will vote to determine Prince William’s representatives for the Republican conventions of the 7th and 10th Congressional Districts and the state convention.
Mosser expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming elections. “We have an exciting year ahead of us with the 2024 Presidential and Congressional Elections. If you would like to be part of electing conservative leaders who will represent you in Congress, sign up to be a delegate and attend our convention on March 2,” he said.
Interested Prince William County voters can register online at pwcgop.gop or download the Delegate form from the website for submission by mail. The deadline for delegate filings is 5 PM on February 21st, accompanied by a $20 registration fee to offset convention expenses.
Each magisterial district delegation holds the privilege of dispatching five delegates per vote, with a total convention vote limit of 283 and a delegate limit of 1,415. The magisterial districts represented include Brentsville, Coles, Gainesville, Neabsco, Occoquan, Potomac, and Woodbridge.
Individuals aspiring to the position of Chairman must submit a written statement and a nonrefundable $500 filing fee to the Temporary Nominations Committee Chair by 5 p.m. February 21, 2024.
All eligible residents of Prince William County who are voters and aligned with Republican Party principles may partake in the convention. Participants must express in writing their commitment to endorse all Republican nominees for public office in the ensuing election.
In addressing inquiries about the political climate in Northern Virginia and President Trump’s aspirations to sway traditionally blue states such as Virginia, Mosser underscored the potential for the Republican Party to make headway. He cited recent triumphs in local elections and voiced confidence in the party’s message resonating with voters, particularly concerning family values, education, and security.
‘It is not a bottomless blue in Northern Virginia. While the last elections did not give us all the results we wanted, I note that with Ian Lovejoy, we sent a Prince William Republican delegate to Richmond, we added a [Prince William County] School Board member Erica Tredinnick, we held our seats on the County Board of Supervisors and County Chairwoman Anne Wheeler was toppled,” Mosser told Potomac Local.
The one-term Wheeler lost her re-election bid to Deshundra Jefferson in a June 2023 Democratic Primary Election. Jefferson beat Jeanine Lawson, the Republican running for county Board Chair-At large, in the November General Election.
Mosser acknowledged the prospect by responding to President Trump’s remarks regarding flipping Virginia red, citing past surprises in Virginia’s political dynamics. He stressed the significance of competition in shaping the state’s political trajectory, asserting that failure to engage could perpetuate Democrat-progressive dominance.
The GOP’s push comes as the number of Democrats vying for the 7th District Congressional Seat grows. Prince William County Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey announced her candidacy this week and joins a notable roster of candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the 7th District seat, including former U.S. Army Col. Eugene Vindman, a key figure in President Donald Trump’s first impeachment, along with Del. Briana Sewell, Del. Elizabeth Guzman, and Prince William County Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin.
Although election analysts consider the 7th District to lean Democratic, many Republican contenders have also thrown their hats into the ring. Among them are former Special Forces soldier Derrick Anderson, Navy SEAL combat veteran Cameron Hamilton, former Marine Corps officer Jon Meyers, entrepreneur Bill Moher, minister and author Terris Todd, businessman John Prabhudoss, and retired Lt. Col. Jeff Sacks.
Eastern Prince William County, Stafford, Spotsylvania counties, and Fredericksburg lie in the 7th District.
The status report given by second-year Principal Gary Morris at the meeting sparked calls to action to improve Standard of Learning scores and the overall school culture.
School Board member Sara Brescia said the unique nature of Metz – having a 50% turnover rate each school year because the school houses only children in 7th and 8th grades – makes building a consistent, positive culture challenging.
