Author: Potomac Local News

Health

Health Officials Confirm Rabid Raccoon Found in Spotsylvania County

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Health officials have confirmed a raccoon found near the 7000 block of Stubbs Bridge Road in Spotsylvania County tested positive for rabies, according to the Rappahannock Area Health District.

Anyone who may have had contact with the animal is urged to seek medical care right away and contact the Spotsylvania County Health Department at 540-507-7386. Pet owners concerned their animal may have been exposed should call their veterinarian and contact either the Health Department or Spotsylvania County Animal Control at 540-507-7549.

Go to Health Officials Confirm Rabid Raccoon Found in Spotsylvania County Read more
Features

NOVEC Crews Head to Doswell for Record-Breaking Gaff-n-Go Rodeo

By Potomac Local News

DOSWELL, Va. – Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) lineworkers are among hundreds of utility professionals heading to Meadow Event Park this weekend for the 21st annual Gaff-n-Go Rodeo, one of the largest events of its kind in the U.S.

According to the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, which hosts the event, this year’s rodeo will feature more than 350 competitors from 12 states — including teams from as far away as Hawaii — making it the biggest turnout in event history. NOVEC crews will join linemen from across the region to showcase their safety skills, speed, and teamwork in events that simulate real-life challenges, including pole-top rescues and equipment operations.

Go to NOVEC Crews Head to Doswell for Record-Breaking Gaff-n-Go Rodeo Read more
News

No Dancing Ban Here: Dumfries Delays Festival Rule Change

By Potomac Local News

DUMFRIES, Va. – In the 1984 movie Footloose, a small town famously banned dancing, sparking pushback from teens who just wanted to have fun. This week in Dumfries, a similar debate surfaced over whether the small town is going too far with proposed new rules for music festivals.

During its May 6, 2025, meeting, the Dumfries Town Council held a public hearing on a proposal to revise the town’s Musical and Entertainment Festivals Ordinance. Among the proposed changes is a requirement that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult at outdoor concerts and festivals.

Go to No Dancing Ban Here: Dumfries Delays Festival Rule Change Read more
Fredericksburg

Heads Up, Fredericksburg: Marine Corps Historic Half Will Bring Road Closures May 17-18

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Runners and their fans will be out in force as the Marine Corps Historic Half returns to Fredericksburg the weekend of May 17-18, 2025.

This year, a new event—the Semper Fred 5K—will take place on Saturday, May 17, ahead of the main half marathon. This family-friendly race will lead to road closures in the Central Park area from midnight to 9 a.m. on Saturday. Expect impacts on Gordon Shelton Boulevard and portions of Carl D. Silver Parkway. You can view the 5K course map here: Semper Fred 5K Course Map.

Go to Heads Up, Fredericksburg: Marine Corps Historic Half Will Bring Road Closures May 17-18 Read more
Manassas

Three Little Bunnies Are Ready for Adoption in Manassas

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas City Animal Shelter is hopping with excitement as three two-month-old bunnies are now ready to find their forever homes.

According to shelter staff, these energetic, curious female rabbits are looking for families ready to commit to proper rabbit care. “Bunnies make wonderful companions, but they have specific care needs that are different from other pets like cats or dogs,” the shelter shared. “We always recommend doing a little homework first to ensure their new families are prepared to give them the best life possible.”

Go to Three Little Bunnies Are Ready for Adoption in Manassas Read more
Prince William

Heads Up, Drivers: Overnight Lane Closures Coming to Prince William Parkway

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. – Drivers traveling on northbound Prince William Parkway near Balls Ford Road in Manassas should expect overnight lane closures later this week.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, crews plan to close the parkway’s right lane on Friday night, May 16, and Saturday night, May 17, to make repairs to the Balls Ford Road overpass.

Go to Heads Up, Drivers: Overnight Lane Closures Coming to Prince William Parkway Read more
Fredericksburg

Flood Watch Continues Tonight as Rappahannock River Rises and Weekend Storm Risk Looms

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Flooding concerns remain high along the Rappahannock River after a day of heavy rain and rescue operations.

At 2:54 p.m. today, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reported multiple people were rescued after their car became stranded in flood waters on River Road near Fredericksburg. Meanwhile, the Fredericksburg City Fire Department announced the closure of City Dock, warning that the river is expected to crest at 13 feet around 2 a.m. Wednesday, May 15. A Flood Warning is in effect for the dock area from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Go to Flood Watch Continues Tonight as Rappahannock River Rises and Weekend Storm Risk Looms Read more
Manassas

City Learns Bank Tenant at Manassas Data Center Is Tax-Exempt, Sparking Revenue Concerns

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. – City leaders say they were surprised to learn that the first tenant of the newly opened Brickyard Data Center on Godwin Drive won’t contribute to the city’s business personal property tax base as expected.

The data center, operated by Digital Realty Trust, opened earlier this year. Officials had projected millions in tax revenue from computer equipment expected to fill the site. But when tax paperwork arrived on April 14, 2025, city officials learned the first tenant is a bank—an industry that is exempt from paying business personal property taxes under Virginia law.

Go to City Learns Bank Tenant at Manassas Data Center Is Tax-Exempt, Sparking Revenue Concerns Read more
Prince William

Prince William Schools Celebrate Nearly 300 Retirees at Hylton Performing Arts Center

By Potomac Local News
[Photo: Prince William County Public Schools]

MANASSAS, Va. – Hundreds gathered last night at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas to honor nearly 300 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) employees who are retiring this year.

According to PWCS, 278 educators, administrators, and support staff were recognized during the ceremony for their years of dedication to students across the county. The honorees included those who officially submitted retirement notices between April 2024 and April 2025.

Go to Prince William Schools Celebrate Nearly 300 Retirees at Hylton Performing Arts Center Read more
Schools

Big School Shuffle Coming for Stafford County Elementary Students in 2026

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Thousands of elementary students in Stafford County will head to different schools starting in the 2026-27 school year, following the School Board’s unanimous approval of a countywide redistricting plan.

The board voted on Tuesday, May 13, to adopt Scenario Lime, a boundary adjustment that prepares for the opening of two new elementary schools currently under construction—Elementary School 18 (ES-18) and Elementary School 19 (ES-19).

Go to Big School Shuffle Coming for Stafford County Elementary Students in 2026 Read more
View More Stories