Potomac Local News, Author at Potomac Local News

Kids Climbed, Honked, and Smiled at Touch-a-Truck Events in Prince William and Stafford

Published May 6, 2025 at 10:30AM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Two communities in Northern Virginia celebrated big wheels and loud horns this weekend, giving children the chance to get hands-on with the vehicles they usually only see driving by.

In Prince William County, Veterans Memorial Park in Woodbridge welcomed more than 1,000 visitors on Saturday, May 3, 2025, for its annual Touch-a-Truck event. Children of all ages climbed inside fire engines, police cruisers, dump trucks, and more — even getting the chance to honk the horns and meet the men and women who operate them. Hosted as a free community event, it proved to be a hit once again, with organizers already planning next year’s return on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Fredericksburg

Taste of Naples: Orofino Launches Exclusive Campania-Inspired Menu

By Potomac Local News

Published May 6, 2025 at 10:00AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Orofino Restaurant has launched a new regional menu for May, taking guests on a culinary journey to the southern Italian coast with flavors inspired by Campania.

The announcement, made in a vibrant social media post, invites diners to explore the famed regional cuisine of Naples and its surrounding areas. Known for their monthly features that showcase Italy’s diverse culinary heritage, Orofino’s latest offering includes a lineup of carefully crafted dishes and imported wines that reflect Campania’s rich gastronomic tradition.

Fredericksburg

Too Hot to Handle—Until Now: Always Flavored Cooks First Batch In-House

By Potomac Local News

Published May 6, 2025 at 9:00AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Always Flavored, Fredericksburg’s hometown hot sauce sensation, has just bottled its first batch of legendary sauce on-site at its new bistro and market on Caroline Street—a fiery milestone years in the making.

Until now, founder and flavor architect Rita Witte has handcrafted her sauces in a fully built-out commercial kitchen at home. Now, for the first time, her small-batch sauces are made, bottled, and sold all under one roof at 619 Caroline Street, across the street from the brand’s former location.

News

How Stafford Schools Are Adapting for English Learners and Students with Disabilities

By Potomac Local News

Published May 6, 2025 at 8:00AM

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 3: Reaching Every Learner — Special Education, ESL, and Academic Equity

Breaking News

Storms Knock Out Power for Thousands in Stafford County

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 7:44PM

STAFFORD, Va. – Severe thunderstorms that swept through Stafford County on Monday, May 5, have left thousands without electricity, with the hardest-hit areas now including Austin Ridge and Aquia Harbour.

Dominion Energy reports more than 5,200 customers without power in affected neighborhoods. Specific outage counts include 85 customers in Leeland, 67 in Crows Nest, 442 near Stafford Regional Airport, and the largest outage in the area encompassing Austin Ridge and Aquia Harbour.

Manassas

Osbourn High Shines in SkillsUSA and CyberPatriot Programs During School Board Spotlight

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 11:30AM

Students were honored for their medal-winning performances and commitment to public service and career development:

Others competed in Crime Scene Investigation and Job Interview events

Breaking News

BREAKING: Farm Brew LIVE Rebrands as NOVA LIVE

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 11:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – Farm Brew LIVE, one of the region’s top spots for beer, food, and live music, has a new name and an expanded vision. Villagio Hospitality Group announced that the 10-acre entertainment campus in Manassas is now officially NOVA LIVE.

The rebrand reflects more than a name change. According to a press release from Visit Prince William, it signals a “new phase of growth and innovation,” including new dining options, enhanced entertainment, and even overnight accommodations on the way.

Manassas

Manassas Police Chief Unveils New Vision for Department, Emphasizing Community Trust and Accountability

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 10:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – Manassas City Police Chief Doug Keen has announced a new mission, vision, and set of core values for the department, describing the changes as a foundation for how the city will be policed in the years ahead.

Keen said his recent role as Interim City Manager gave him a broader perspective on the city’s operations and allowed him to reflect on the direction of the police department. While Manassas has earned national recognition through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)—including flagship and gold standard status—Keen said it was time to reevaluate the department’s guiding principles.

Stafford

Genesis Logistics Drivers in Stafford Vote to Join Teamsters by Overwhelming Margin

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 9:30AM

STAFFORD, Va. – More than 200 delivery drivers working for Genesis Logistics in Stafford County have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 322, a union representing workers across Virginia.

According to the union, drivers who deliver products to 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic region voted by more than 90% in favor of unionization. The drivers are now preparing to negotiate their first contract with the company.

Prince William

Big Changes Coming to I-95 and Route 123 in Woodbridge—Construction Now Underway

By Potomac Local News

Published May 5, 2025 at 9:00AM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, drivers in Woodbridge can expect some long-term changes and temporary traffic headaches as construction begins on major improvements at the I-95 Exit 160 interchange with Route 123 (Gordon Boulevard).

The $76 million project aims to improve safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian and bicycle access. Among the most noticeable changes will be the removal of the current northbound Route 123 loop ramp to southbound I-95, replaced by a signalized left turn. Crews will also widen the southbound Route 123 ramp to I-95 from one to two lanes and add a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists between Annapolis Way and Devil’s Reach Road.