[Photo by John Tuesday on Unsplash]If you're planning to attend or tune into the Prince William County School Board meeting tonight, here’s a look at some big topics on the agenda. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Kelly Leadership Center, located at 13833 Dumfries Road near Woodbridge.
One hot topic for discussion is the cell phone policy in schools—a decision that could shape students' school-day routines. Recently, the Virginia Department of Education suggested a strict “bell-to-bell” policy, which would prevent students from using phones entirely during the school day, including lunch and passing periods. However, Prince William County has a slightly different plan. Their proposed policy, if adopted, would allow high school students to use their phones during lunch and in hallways between classes, but keep devices out of sight and silent during class time. For younger students in elementary and middle school, phones would need to stay stashed away all day.
If this policy goes into effect on January 1, 2025, students who break the rule could face referrals and might even need to bring home a form for parents to sign. Tonight is the first time the public will get to hear details of this plan, and it’s sure to be a point of interest.
Potomac Mills has announced a major renovation to its Food Pavilion, timed with the mall’s upcoming 40th anniversary in 2025. The remodel, set to begin this winter and expected to be completed by early 2025, will transform the dining space with a modernized look, new seating options, energy-efficient lighting, and enhanced areas for socializing, all designed to elevate visitors' experience.
According to Potomac Mills’ press release, the upgraded Food Pavilion will feature contemporary flooring, stylish lighting, and a refreshed color palette to create a more inviting atmosphere. New seating arrangements, including elevated banquet tables, intimate conversation spots, and flexible benches, will offer comfortable spaces for groups of all sizes. The renovation, which incorporates energy-efficient LED lighting throughout, aligns with the mall’s commitment to sustainability.
Bethany Webb, a spokeswoman for Potomac Mills, shared additional details with Potomac Local News:
[Photo courtesy of Prince William County]Twelve inmates at the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center (ADC) recently completed the "Speak to Me: Reentry" public speaking workshop as they prepare to be released.
Throughout the six-week course, inmates are able to develop their communication skills, build their confidence, develop active listening skills and articulate their stories with intent and purpose, a county press release stated.
Nick Baskerville, who coaches the workshop, emphasized the powerful tool that is storytelling. Baskerville is a storyteller and comedian.
Jennifer Snitselaar, General Manager of Potomac Mills, distributed 30 Build-A-Bear stuffed animals to children during a police meet-and-greet at the mall on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. [Uriah Kiser/Potomac Local News]Families gathered at Potomac Mills mall on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, for a unique opportunity to meet and greet with Prince William County Police officers. The event, held in collaboration with Potomac Mills, aimed to foster positive connections between police officers and the local community. As part of the event, the mall provided free Build-A-Bear stuffed animals, all of which sported a police uniform, to the first 30 young visitors, creating a warm, friendly atmosphere for children and parents alike.
Jennifer Snitselaar, General Manager of Potomac Mills, emphasized the mall’s commitment to being a “center of community” in Woodbridge. “We are a very large tourist destination, and we aim to be a reflection of our community within our doors,” said Snitselaar. “Collaborating with Prince William Police to create a safe and welcoming environment is part of that mission.” The mall’s police substation, a permanent fixture, is another example of the ongoing partnership designed to enhance safety and build community connections.
Parent Lauren Lumley, who lives in Woodbridge with her 13-month-old son, Sawyer, said the event provided an invaluable experience for her child. “I thought it was really important for Sawyer to get to see police officers, so the first time he either needs one or sees one out in the world, it’s not so scary,” Lumley explained.
For Lumley and other local families, Potomac Mills has become more than a shopping destination—it’s a central community hub. “We come to the mall many times a week,” she said. “They offer so much for kids, from play areas to events like this. It’s a place where the community comes together.”
The meet-and-greet event exemplifies Potomac Mills' role as a gathering place for the local community, offering not only shopping but also family-friendly activities that promote safety and engagement. The partnership with Prince William Police aims to build lasting bonds and a welcoming environment where children and families feel at home with their local law enforcement officers.
Democratic state Sen. Suhas Subramanyam defeated Republican challenger Mike Clancy for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.
Subramanyam won by 52.1%-47.9% with more than 95% of votes in.
Subramanyam, having represented Virginians in the state House of Delegates and Senate for four years and served as a White House technology policy advisor to President Obama, put out a formal statement at 9:20 PM, with 89% of the vote in and before the race had been called by the Associated Press or the New York Times.
Dumfries voters have spoken, re-electing Shaun Peet, Russell Young, and Brian Fields to the Town Council in a tight race that saw two incumbents retain their seats. The three winners edged out challenger Ebony Lofton, a familiar face in local politics who previously ran for Mayor in 2022.
Shaun Peet, who garnered the most votes with 939 (26.17%), credited his focus on long-term projects, including his "main priority," the town's new recreation center. "I want this center to stand for decades, giving our kids and seniors a place to come together," Peet said outside the polls. "As a Council member, I’m always going to do what’s right for this town, all the time."
Updated 11:52 p.m -- In a tightly contested race, Eugene Vindman emerged victorious over Republican Derrick M. Anderson in Virginia's 7th Congressional District, securing a seat that will keep the district under Democratic control. Vindman’s win fills the seat previously held by Abigail Spanberger, who chose not to seek re-election and is widely speculated to be considering a run for Virginia governor in 2025.
However, Anderson has not conceded the race. "The media calling the #VA07 race before all votes have been reported is premature. This is still too close to call," Anderson posted to X. "Over ten thousand votes - including Election Day votes, early votes, & mail-in votes - are yet to be reported. This race & the voters deserve more time."
In a notable shift from the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump (R) has made gains in reducing the Democratic lead in the latest 2024 election results, even as Kamala D. Harris (D) secures a majority of votes in the area.
The latest results show that Trump narrowed the margin between Democratic and Republican votes, reflecting a change in voter sentiment across the region.
Updated 1 a.m, November 6, 2024 — The race for Virginia’s U.S. Senate seat remains closely watched, with updated numbers showing incumbent Senator Tim Kaine in the lead:
– Tim Kaine (D): 52.43% (1,833,594 votes)
– Hung Cao (R): 47.57% (1,663,630 votes)
Currently, 2,050 of 2,536 precincts have reported, and an estimated 885,261 early votes are still outstanding, which could impact the final outcome.
Virginia’s 7th and 10th Congressional Districts
The race for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District has concluded, with all precincts reporting:
Vindman declared victory, releasing this statement via email:
Eugene Vindman
With the support of our grassroots army, we accomplished something together that many didn’t think was possible. It’s a testament to the power of the American experience, that an immigrant who escaped a Soviet Regime and came to this great nation with less than $800 in our pockets, would now stand here as a Congressman-elect of the United States House of Representatives. Thank you to my incredible wife Cindy, our two wonderful kids Max and Madi, and of course my less handsome twin Alex.”
In my 25 years of military service, and when we were jumping out of airplanes, it didn’t matter to me the color creed, background, race, or party affiliation of the person next to me. What mattered was getting the mission done. That’s the type of service I am going to take to Washington as the next Congressman from Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.
All votes have been counted in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, showing a lead for Democrat Suhas Subramanyam:
Suhas Subramanyam (D): 51.91% (206,621 votes)
Mike Clancy (R): 47.72% (189,946 votes)
“I am honored and humbled that the people of Virginia’s 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress. This district is my home. I got married here, my wife Miranda and I are raising our daughters here, and the issues our community faces are personal to our family. It is an honor to continue serving this district in Washington,” Subramanyam posted to Twitter.
Manassas City Results
With five of six precincts reporting, the race for key positions in Manassas is nearing completion as candidates compete for mayoral, city council, and school board seats.
Manassas Mayoral Race
– E. Michelle Davis-Younger: Leads with 56.98% (7,741 votes).
– Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom**: Trails with 42.69% (5,799 votes).
– Write-In**: Accounts for 0.33% (45 votes).
Manassas City Council
The top three candidates poised to secure seats on the council are:
– Mark D. Wolfe: 19.35% (6,996 votes)
– Ashley R. Hutson: 18.52% (6,699 votes)
– Tom C. Osina: 16.40% (5,931 votes)
Close contenders include Robyn R. Williams (15.53%), Lynn Forkell Greene (15.27%), and Stephen D. Kent (14.67%), with write-ins making up 0.25% (92 votes).
Manassas School Board
The top four finishers in the school board race are:
– Suzanne Seaberg: 14.62% (6,317 votes)
– Diana Ivette Brown: 14.04% (6,063 votes)
– Zella M. Jones: 13.55% (5,851 votes)
– Dayna-Marie Miles: 13.06% (5,639 votes)
Additional candidates include A. R. “Allie” Forkell (12.53%), Javanese M. Hailey (12.44%), Maidy M. Whitesell (12.38%), and Christina S. Brooks (7.10%), with write-ins totaling 0.29% (124 votes).
These results reflect near-final standings, with only one precinct left to report. Potomac Local News will continue to track the final tallies as they come in.
CORRECTED Final Results: Manassas Park Mayoral and City Council Races
The latest and final tallies for the Manassas Park elections are in, showing decisive outcomes for both the mayoral and city council seats, all Democrats.
Mayor of Manassas Park
– Alanna M. Mensing: Won overwhelmingly with 83.78% (4,029 votes).
– Write-In Candidates: Accounted for 16.22% (780 votes).
All precincts have reported, with no early votes left to count.
### Manassas Park City Council
The top three candidates who have secured seats on the Manassas Park City Council are:
– Yesenia E. “Yesy” Amaya: 26.46% (2,739 votes)
– Darryl G. Moore: 26.26% (2,718 votes)
– Stacy J. Seiberling: 22.54% (2,333 votes)
Laura H. Hampton closely followed with 21.98% (2,275 votes) but did not secure a seat.
These results mark the final standings in Manassas Park. Potomac Local News will provide further updates if statements or additional analysis are released by the elected officials.
Town of Dumfries Council
In Dumfries, incumbents Brian K. Fields and Shaun R. Peet retain their seats, joined by newcomer Ebony E. Lofton. The final tallies are:
– Brian K. Fields: 25.60% (553 votes)
– Shaun R. Peet: 25.60% (553 votes)
– Ebony E. Lofton: 24.31% (525 votes)
Town of Haymarket Results
– Mayor: Tracy Lynn Pater, running unopposed, won with 96.47% (410 votes).
– Town Council: The top six finishers securing seats are Mary A. Ramirez (18.14%), Matthew J. Gallagher (15.03%), Joseph R. “Joe” Pasanello (14.84%), Kenneth M. “Ken” Luersen (13.81%), Justin L. Baker (13.50%), and Alexander M. Beyene (12.52%).
Town of Quantico Results
Quantico Election Results: Community Elects Mayor and Town Council
The residents of the Town of Quantico have cast their votes, finalizing the leadership for the upcoming term. The election saw competitive races for both Mayor and Town Council.
Mayor’s Race
Kevin P. Brown emerged as Mayor with 66.45% of the vote (103 votes). Write-in candidates accounted for 33.55% (52 votes), showcasing a spirited race.
Town Council Results
Quantico’s Town Council election allowed voters to select up to five candidates. Here are the official results, highlighting the top five who secured seats on the council:
Potomac Mills has announced a major renovation to its Food Pavilion, timed with the mall’s upcoming 40th anniversary in 2025. The remodel, set to begin this winter and expected to be completed by early 2025, will transform the dining space with a modernized look, new seating options, energy-efficient lighting, and enhanced areas for socializing, all designed to elevate visitors' experience.
