Potomac Local News, Author at Potomac Local News

Obituary: Robert Dooley (1976-2025)

Published September 9, 2025 at 1:16PM

Robert “Rob” Raymond Dooley age 49, of Southport, North Carolina passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rob was born on February 14, 1976, in Washington, DC, to Barbara Buczynski and the late Robert E. Dooley.

Rob lived a life marked by generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness, and loyalty. Building relationships and cultivating friendships were essential elements of Rob’s life, evidenced as far back as his high school days in Woodbridge, Virginia. He always showed up for friends and family, whether to buy a drink or bring something he knew they would enjoy.

Quantico

Jazz Takes Flight August 21 with the Airmen of Note

By Potomac Local News

Published August 21, 2025 at 7:30AM

QUANTICO, Va. – Jazz lovers are in for a treat on Thursday, August 21, when the U.S. Air Force Band Airmen of Note hits the stage at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Formed in 1950 to carry on the musical legacy of Glenn Miller, the Airmen of Note is the Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble. Expect a lively mix of swing, bebop, Latin, and modern jazz—perfect for a summer night under the stars.

Obituaries

Obituary: Cathleen Carole McNeal (1947-2023)

By Potomac Local News

Published August 15, 2025 at 10:18AM

Cathleen Carole “Cathy” McNeal, 76, of Alexandria, VA, passed peacefully on March 21, 2023. Born October 6, 1947, in Cheverly, MD, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Renee Chaffee.

Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy McNeal. She is survived by her brother, Jerry Chaffee; her children, Shannon Lirio (Ronic) and Tommy McNeal (Duncan Neasham); and her granddaughter, Natalie Lirio.

Schools

New Specialty Center Prepares the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs, Analysts, and Cybersecurity Experts

By Potomac Local News

Published August 11, 2025 at 7:30AM

Stafford schools suggests wellness fair participants bring a canned food donation to benefit those in need through S.E.R.V.E. [Photo: S.E.R.V.E.]

STAFFORD, Va. – The folks at Stafford County Public Schools just told Potomac Local News they’re opening a new Business and IT Center at Colonial Forge High School—and more than 130 students are already signed up.

This specialty program is all about getting teens ready for the jobs of tomorrow, with pathways in Business Administration, Business IT, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Entrepreneurship. Students will learn from industry-recognized curriculum, earn certifications, and tackle real-world projects—all while connecting with local business leaders.

Obituaries

Obituary: Michael LeCount Jackson (1944-2025)

By Potomac Local News

Published August 10, 2025 at 11:00AM

Michael LeCount Jackson (Age 81)

Michael LeCount Jackson peacefully entered his heavenly home on July 26, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on July 8, 1944, to the late Thomas L. Jackson and Maxine J. Smith, Michael was raised in Washington, D.C., where he began his education and built the foundation of a life marked by quiet strength, service and enduring love for his family.

Prince William

Townhouse Fire Near Manassas Displaces Five, Injures One

By Potomac Local News

Published August 10, 2025 at 8:40AM

Firefighters from multiple agencies battled a large townhouse fire on Whitemoss Drive near Manassas on Saturday evening. Crews arrived just after 8:30 p.m. to find heavy flames in the back of the home quickly spreading inside.

A second alarm was called to help fight the blaze. All residents escaped safely, but one adult was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The home suffered extensive damage and was declared unsafe to occupy, along with an adjoining townhouse.

Stafford

Early-Morning Fire Destroys White Oak Home; Residents and Dog Safe

By Potomac Local News

Published August 10, 2025 at 8:36AM

A single-story home in Stafford County’s White Oak area was heavily damaged in an early-morning fire Saturday.

Fire and rescue crews were called to the 00 block of McCauley Lane, off Belle Plains Road, at about 3:15 a.m. They arrived within six minutes to find the house fully engulfed in flames.

Prince William

Shooting in Woodbridge Leaves Man Hurt; Police Still in Area

By Potomac Local News

Published August 10, 2025 at 8:33AM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Police are investigating a shooting in the 1300 block of Bayside Avenue in Woodbridge, just behind Marumsco Plaza. Officers found an adult man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Residents should expect a continued police presence in the area while detectives work the case. No suspect information has been released.

Fredericksburg

Roadwork Watch: Major Lane Closures Coming This Week in Fredericksburg, Stafford & Spotsy

By Potomac Local News

Published August 8, 2025 at 11:15AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The folks at VDOT just gave Potomac Local News the heads-up: expect plenty of overnight lane closures and daytime work zones in Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and the City of Fredericksburg from Sunday, Aug. 10 through Saturday, Aug. 16.

On I-95, crews will be milling and paving northbound between Thornburg (Exit 118) and Spotsylvania (Exit 126) and southbound between Courthouse Road (Exit 140) and Centreport Parkway (Exit 136). Police will direct traffic during the mobile paving operations.

Stafford

Suspect Named in Fatal Stafford Hit-and-Run; White Audi Seized

By Potomac Local News

Published August 8, 2025 at 10:48AM

Stafford County investigators say they’ve identified the driver who struck and killed a pedestrian along Richmond Highway early Tuesday morning — and she’s on the run.

Authorities are searching for 21-year-old Gabriela Alejandra Bonilla Flores, wanted for a hit-and-run resulting in death. Deputies say she was behind the wheel of a white Audi Q5 that hit a 36-year-old man walking along the road near Foreston Woods Drive just before 2 a.m. Tuesday, August 5. The victim died at the scene.