Woodbridge – Page 8 – Potomac Local News

Published January 31, 2025 at 10:30AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Photo: Virginia Department of Historic Resources

Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session; to keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes. Virginia shares bills, votes, and schedules online through the Legislative Information System.

Virginia has 100 delegates who serve two-year terms. Between Jan. 8 and Jan. 30, 2,370 bills were introduced by delegates and senators. A total of 287 have failed the House of Delegates so far, and 306 have passed the House, many of which have moved into a committee for further review.

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News

Prince William County Schools’ $1 Billion Capital Improvement Plan

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 30, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:50AM

The Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center is the headquarters for the Prince William County Public School System. [Photo via Prince William County Public Schools]

Prince William County Schools (PWCS) are embarking on an ambitious $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) aimed at alleviating overcrowding, modernizing aging school facilities, and preparing for future shifts in student enrollment. The plan, presented at the January 15, 2025, school board work session, includes new school constructions, significant renovations, and sustainability-focused upgrades.

To address overcrowding in high-growth areas, PWCS will build multiple new schools, including:

Occoquan Replacement School – Scheduled to open in December 2025, this school will add 226 seats and include specialized programs for students with special education and autism support needs.
Woodbridge Area Elementary School – Opening in the 2026-2027 school year, this school will provide a capacity of approximately 632 students and will serve the Cardinal and Neabsco Mills Districts, areas currently experiencing significant overcrowding.

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Manassas

VRE’s Vision for the Future: Expanding Service and Infrastructure

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 28, 2025 at 2:28PM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:37PM

A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board meeting on January 17, 2025, saw several significant discussions aimed at enhancing service and infrastructure across the transit system. Among the most talked-about topics were the introduction of Saturday service, a crucial funding agreement for the Manassas Line, solutions for parking challenges at stations, and major infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Seminary Yard and the Long Bridge upgrades. Each of these initiatives is designed to improve the commuter experience and accommodate a growing ridership base.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the ongoing development of Saturday service, a long-awaited addition that has been approved and included in VRE’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Set to feature three round-trip trains on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines, this service is expected to cater to weekend commuters, offering a much-needed alternative to the crowded roads in the region.

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News

Upcoming Virtual Town Hall for Woodbridge Residents

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:02AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

The Woodbridge District invites residents to join a Community Update Town Hall Meeting hosted by Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin. This virtual event offers an opportunity for residents to stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives in the community.

Details of the Town Hall:

Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

Residents can participate in the meeting by joining the Zoom session.

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Fredericksburg

Updated: Investigators Unable to Determine Cause of Eagle Village Shopping Center Blaze

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:53PM | Updated January 22, 2025 at 1:11PM

Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.

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Prince William

‘Father & Daughter Dance’ Will Return to Prince William on Feb. 8

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published January 20, 2025 at 11:00AM | Updated January 20, 2025 at 1:11PM

[Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels]

A part of Prince William County’s Fatherhood Initiative, the free Father & Daughter Dance is a signature event of the initiative. It’s hosted by the Department of Social Services.

“The Fatherhood Initiative is dedicated to equipping fathers with the resources and support they need to nurture healthy relationships with their children. Through workshops, forums, and community events, we aim to help fathers strengthen family bonds and leave a positive, lasting impact on their children’s lives,” Fatherhood Engagement Coordinator Jeffery Faulkerson said.

Manassas

Two House Fires Displace Multiple Families in Prince William County

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 15, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated January 15, 2025 at 2:25PM

16300 block of Boatswain Circle in Woodbridge

Two recent house fires in Prince William County displaced multiple families and highlighted the importance of fire safety measures. On January 14, a fire in Woodbridge damaged a home on Boatswain Circle, displacing five adults and three children. One adult was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Working smoke detectors and a closed bedroom door limited the fire’s spread and ensured the occupants’ safe evacuation.

On January 10, a fire on Harvey Road in Manassas destroyed a home while the occupants were away, displacing four adults. Firefighters battled challenging weather conditions to extinguish the flames. Both fires are under investigation, and the Red Cross is assisting the affected families. Fire officials emphasized the importance of maintaining working smoke detectors and practicing fire safety.

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Health

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center: Then & Now

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 9, 2025 at 11:17AM

In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, we sit down with Jeff Joyner, President of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, to explore the hospital’s incredible 50+ year journey – the past 15 years of which have been under Sentara’s watch.

Breaking News

OmniRide Adjusts Service for January 7, FXBGO! Suspends Operations

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 6, 2025 at 6:47PM

OmniRide has announced adjusted operations for Tuesday, January 7, in response to anticipated inclement weather conditions. Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) has also confirmed the suspension of all transit services on Monday, January 6, due to the weather, with plans to resume operations on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Breaking News

Prince William County Government Offices to Close Monday Due to Weather Conditions

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 5, 2025 at 9:37PM

Prince William County government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, as officials anticipate potential impacts from adverse weather conditions. The decision was made to ensure the safety of residents and county employees during what is expected to be a challenging day for travel and operations.

The closure affects all county government buildings, including administrative offices, public libraries, community centers, and other public facilities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the weather forecast and road conditions, taking precautions as necessary to remain safe.