Author: Potomac Local News

Schools

Falmouth Students Dig Into Real-World Learning With New Garden Project

By Potomac Local News
[Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Falmouth Elementary School students got a fresh taste of hands-on learning today, thanks to a Project Learning Garden enhancement grant from Cox Enterprises and the Captain Planet Foundation. The school celebrated the expansion of its outdoor classroom during a community event that drew local leaders and education supporters.

Originally built by students in 2017, the school’s learning garden now includes five raised beds filled with organic soil where students grow a variety of vegetables and herbs. With the help of a $500 grant, new gardening tools, a Vitamix blender, and a mobile cooking cart, students harvested their produce and prepared a garden-fresh salad—learning about nutrition, science, and sustainability in the process.

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Manassas

Major Overhaul Planned for Manassas VRE Station

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. – Virginia Railway Express (VRE) unveiled a sweeping set of changes coming to its downtown Manassas station, promising major improvements in safety, accessibility, and future service flexibility.

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Fredericksburg

Rappahannock River Floods Again, But Fredericksburg Crews Were Ready

By Potomac Local News

The river reached its peak early on May 15 following heavy rainfall in the Shenandoah Valley the day before. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning for Fredericksburg, as the 13-foot crest marked the official start of flooding, according to local river gauge data.

City staff quickly activated their flood preparedness plan at Old Mill Park, the city’s most popular park located right along the river. That included removing porta-potties, pumping out bathrooms, and detaching fixtures at risk of water damage.

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Prince William

Police Charge Suspect in Deadly Woodbridge Shooting Behind Shopping Center

By Potomac Local News

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A man has been arrested and charged with murder following a deadly shooting that took place in a wooded area behind a shopping center on Smoketown Road Wednesday evening.

Prince William County Police say officers responded to the 14200 block of Smoketown Road at 5:13 p.m. on May 21, 2025. Initially, there were no signs of injuries in the area, but a search led officers to discover three adult males with gunshot wounds in a secluded wooded section behind the shopping complex.

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Pets

Winston the Kitten and Dory the Dog Prove Opposites Attract – Adopt Your Own Perfect Pair in Stafford

By Potomac Local News

Winston was adopted just yesterday by a family who already had a dog, Dory. The adopter, a bit hesitant about adding a feline to the mix, asked if he could return Winston if things didn’t work out. The shelter’s answer? Yes—but they always recommend giving pets time to adjust.

Turns out, time wasn’t needed. From the moment they met, Dory and Winston clicked. The gentle dog found a little brother to watch over, and the curious kitten found a best friend. It’s a heartwarming match that shows just how magical adoption can be.

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Schools

Cyber Students Celebrate Milestone and Look Ahead to the Future

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – Students in the Cyber4+ Cohort I (Class of 2026) from Stafford County Public Schools came together for a special luncheon on Tuesday, May 20, at Robiolina Italian Cuisine. The event, themed “Cyber4+ Reflect – What’s Next,” offered students a chance to reflect on their progress and connect with local mentors in cybersecurity, IT, and public service.

According to a press release from the school division, Cyber4+ launched in 2021 through the Virginia Department of Education’s CTE High School Innovation Grant. The program is a partnership between Stafford County Public Schools, Germanna Community College, GCubed Inc., and the Stafford County Office of Economic Development and Tourism. It helps high school students earn CompTIA certifications and prepares them for jobs in the fast-growing cybersecurity field.

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Stafford

VDOT Updates Stafford: Road Repairs, New Bridge, and Roundabout Plans

By Potomac Local News
Photo: VDOT

STAFFORD, Va. – Local leaders got a closer look at several upcoming road and bridge improvements during the Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 20, 2025.

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Fredericksburg

Get Ready to Pay: Fees Resume at Old Mill Park and Falmouth Beach This Weekend

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Starting Memorial Day weekend, visitors heading to the Rappahannock River will notice something familiar at two popular parks: entrance and parking fees are back for the summer season.

At Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg, fees will be collected Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., now through Labor Day. Non-residents—those who live outside the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County—will pay $15 per car or $5 per walk-in visitor aged 12 and up. City and county residents can enter for free with valid ID. The park remains open daily but closes from dusk to dawn.

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Prince William

Shooting Behind Woodbridge Shopping Center Leaves Three Injured

By Potomac Local News
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Police say three men were injured in a shooting that broke out Wednesday afternoon, May 21, 2025, in a wooded area behind a busy shopping center on Smoketown Road.

According to an update from Prince William County Police, the incident occurred in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road, behind the center that includes stores such as Mom’s Organic Market and Ross Dress for Less. Officers responded to reports of a shooting and found two men with gunshot wounds. A third victim was later confirmed.

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Stafford

FBI Reviewing Agent Who Shot Man in Stafford, Now Faces Four Gun Charges

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – The FBI is reviewing the actions of one of its off-duty agents involved in a fatal shooting earlier this year in a Stafford County neighborhood. That agent now faces four separate criminal charges stemming from unrelated firearm incidents.

The shooting occurred on February 28, 2025, in the Stratford Place subdivision. Deputies from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a reckless off-road motorcyclist. Authorities say the rider fled after being confronted by Benjamin Spinale, a 43-year-old off-duty FBI agent. The motorcyclist later returned with several family members, prompting deputies to initiate a traffic stop.

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