Author: Potomac Local News

Breaking News

Hazmat Spill Shuts Down Road in Stafford After Crash Near Ferry Road

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – A vehicle crash involving hazardous materials shut down a section of Town and Country Drive on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.

According to Stafford County Fire and Rescue, crews were called just before 1:30 p.m. to the 100 block of Town and Country Drive, near Ferry Road, for a reported traffic accident. On arrival, responders discovered that the vehicle involved was transporting a large container of herbicide, which was actively leaking at the scene.

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Features

Red Carpet Ready: Riverside Theater Honors Cast of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Broadway is meeting the ‘Burg this weekend as Fredericksburg native Tug Coker takes center stage as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. The show opened Wednesday, May 7, and a special red-carpet celebration is set for Friday, May 9.

Coker, who was raised in Fredericksburg and graduated from Fredericksburg Academy, brings an impressive résumé to the Riverside stage. Known for his roles on Broadway and on hit shows like The Office, Billions, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, this marks his first professional performance in his hometown. He studied theater at the College of William and Mary and played professional basketball overseas before pursuing acting full-time.

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News

Stafford Could Soon Use Speed and Red-Light Cameras in School Zones, Work Areas

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday took a major step toward launching a traffic camera program aimed at slowing down drivers in school zones and highway work areas.

Supervisors voted unanimously to authorize County Administrator Bill Ashton to advertise a public hearing for June 17, 2025. The hearing will give residents a chance to weigh in on a proposed ordinance that would allow speed and red-light enforcement cameras in designated areas.

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News

From Federal Jobs to Classrooms: How Stafford Schools Are Hiring Local and Teaching for Tomorrow

By Potomac Local News

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, “A Conversation with the Superintendent,” featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from fixing school transportation to addressing equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.

Part 4: Building a Workforce for the Future — Hiring Local, Teaching Real-World Skills

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News

New Road Nearly Ready to Roll in North Woodbridge

By Potomac Local News

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A major transportation project in North Woodbridge is almost finished, promising smoother travel and better connections across the growing area.

Prince William County officials recently celebrated the near-completion of the Annapolis Way/North Woodbridge Mobility Improvements Project, a $9.5 million effort designed to improve vehicle, bike, and pedestrian access. Once fully open in the coming weeks, the project will allow drivers to travel the full length of Annapolis Way between Route 123 (Gordon Boulevard) and Route 1 (Richmond Highway), improving mobility and advancing long-term redevelopment goals.

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News

Fresh Produce, Local Goods Coming to Woodbridge Hospital Parking Lot Every Thursday

By Potomac Local News

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A new farmers market is sprouting up at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, bringing fresh food and community spirit to the heart of Woodbridge.

Starting Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Long Family Farmers Market will operate weekly from 2 to 7 p.m. in the hospital’s main parking lot at 2300 Opitz Boulevard. The market will run every Thursday through September.

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News

Major Kevin Hughart Retires After 35 Years; Major Jaime Pavol Steps Up as New Assistant Chief

By Potomac Local News

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – After more than three decades of dedicated service, Major Kevin Hughart is retiring from the Prince William County Police Department, closing a chapter defined by integrity, mentorship, and community leadership. Stepping into his role is Major Jaime Pavol, a 22-year department veteran and county native who will serve as the new Assistant Chief of the Support Services Division.

Major Hughart began his public service in the U.S. Army, serving four years with the elite 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” In 1989, he joined the Prince William County Police Department and graduated from session #74 of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy. He started his career in Eastern District Operations as a patrol officer, later becoming an auto theft detective.

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Manassas

Catch This Panel on the Future of News at Manassas Museum

By Potomac Local News

A panel of local journalists and media experts will take center stage at the Manassas Museum on Thursday, May 15, 2025, to explore how nonstop news, citizen reporting, and social media are reshaping the world of journalism.

The event, titled “News Reboot: When News Went Live,” is hosted by the Prince William Committee of 100 as part of its annual membership meeting. It runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and features a catered buffet dinner alongside a discussion on how the news industry is evolving—and what that means for civic trust and public accountability.

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News

Help Name the Horse at Laudenbach Brewing’s Taproom

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. –  Brewing wants your help naming a key part of its identity—the horse in its logo.

In a playful twist, the family-owned brewery announced it never gave the horse a name and is now turning to customers to fix that. Through May 18, guests visiting the taproom can submit their best name ideas by writing them down and dropping them into the suggestion box at the bar. The brewery’s owners will narrow the list to five finalists.

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News

Aging Gracefully Expo at Potomac Mills Set to Connect Seniors with Local Resources

By Potomac Local News

Now in partnership once again, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and the Prince William Area Agency on Aging are co-hosting the event as part of Older Americans Month. The goal: to build stronger connections between seniors and local businesses that serve their needs.

“We’ve doubled the number of vendors this year,” said Chamber CEO Bob Sweeney, “allowing us to highlight a diverse range of local businesses that offer valuable resources to support our aging community.”

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