Potomac Local News, Author at Potomac Local News

With County EDA in Place, Dumfries Seeks More Control Over Business Development

Published April 9, 2025 at 1:00PM

Dumfries is Virginia's oldest continually chartered town.

The Town of Dumfries is considering forming its own Economic Development Authority (EDA), a move that town leaders say would give them more flexibility and control over how to attract, retain, and grow businesses within the town’s borders.

At its April 1, 2025 meeting, the Town Council received a detailed presentation outlining the authority and potential benefits of creating an EDA under the Virginia Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act, passed by the state legislature in 1966. The act allows localities to establish Economic or Industrial Development Authorities (EDAs or IDAs) as separate legal entities to facilitate economic development.

Press Release

Woodbridge Man Indicted for Obstructing IRS, Failing to File Tax Returns

By Potomac Local News

Published April 9, 2025 at 11:30AM

A federal grand jury has indicted a Woodbridge man on charges of obstructing the Internal Revenue Service and willfully failing to file tax returns over multiple years, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.

According to the indictment returned in Alexandria on April 8, Omini Tete Riman, an information technology specialist, is accused of filing false tax returns and later taking steps to hinder the IRS from collecting nearly $400,000 in refunds he allegedly obtained under false pretenses.

Press Release

Stafford County Approves Renovations to Government Center Lobby and Board Chambers

By Potomac Local News

Published April 9, 2025 at 11:00AM

Stafford County’s George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center is set to undergo major renovations following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

The $1 million project will expand and modernize the building’s main lobby and make critical upgrades to the Board of Supervisors’ meeting chambers. The Board approved a work order with Centennial Contractors Enterprises, Inc. to carry out the renovations, which are expected to take about eight months and conclude by the end of the year.

Schools

Manassas School Board Votes Against Collective Bargaining Proposal

By Potomac Local News

Published April 9, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated April 9, 2025 at 1:29PM

The Manassas City School Board has voted 5-2 against allowing collective bargaining for its employees, following a lengthy presentation and passionate discussion during its April 8, 2025, meeting. The decision came after board members weighed financial considerations and community feedback, including from Manassas City Councilwoman Sonia Vazquez Luna, a union leader who voiced her support for the proposal.

The vote on Resolution R2025-03 was preceded by an in-depth presentation from Associate Superintendent John Gefeller, who outlined the fiscal and operational implications of adopting collective bargaining. Gefeller explained that if approved, the school division would need to add six full-time positions, including a chief negotiating officer, chief legal officer, labor relations coordinator, labor specialist, budget analyst/payroll specialist, and administrative assistant.

Breaking News

BREAKING: Three Dead, Four Charged in Spotsylvania Shooting Tied to Illegal Gun Sale

By Potomac Local News

Published April 9, 2025 at 9:14AM

Upson

Three young men are dead, and four others — including three juveniles — now face charges following a violent shooting tied to an illegal gun sale and robbery in Spotsylvania County.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office announced today that investigators have charged four individuals with Malicious Wounding, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, and Unlawful Assembly. The suspects include two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson, whose photo was released by the Sheriff’s Office. One of the 16-year-olds is currently being treated at a local hospital for a gunshot wound and will be taken into custody upon discharge.

Manassas

Renovation Delays at Harris Pavilion Mean the Return of Popular Manassas Events in 2025

By Potomac Local News

Published April 9, 2025 at 9:00AM

Manassas is working on a major maintenance project at Harris Pavilion, a well-known community hub in downtown Manassas.

Originally scheduled to begin in March 2025, the renovation to replace leaking coolant pipes beneath the 23-year-old pavilion’s concrete surface has been delayed. The delay stems from uncertainties in the delivery timeline of construction materials—some of which are made outside of the U.S., notes a press release.

Breaking News

BREAKING: Three Dead, Three Injured in Spotsylvania Shooting

By Potomac Local News

Published April 8, 2025 at 7:16PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

At 5:30 p.m., the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Olde Greenwich Circle, just off Layfaette Boulevard. Upon arrival, deputies discovered multiple individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while three others were transported to nearby hospitals with unknown conditions. The identities and ages of the victims have not yet been released.

Weather

Record Cold Tonight, Rain Returns by Thursday

By Potomac Local News

Published April 8, 2025 at 3:18PM

Residents across Northern Virginia and the surrounding region should prepare for a sharp plunge in temperatures tonight, with conditions expected to reach near-record lows. The National Weather Service reports that a powerful high-pressure system is moving into the area, ushering in clear skies, dry air, and cold temperatures through the middle of the week.

Forecasters say tonight’s weather will create “ideal radiational cooling conditions,” allowing heat from the ground to escape into the atmosphere. Low temperatures are projected to dip into the 20s for most areas, with some of the coldest locations possibly reaching the mid to upper teens. Urban cores like Fredericksburg and Manassas may stay around freezing, but are still expected to see unseasonably cold weather.

Manassas

Freshmen Congressmen to Share Perspectives at Prince William Chamber Event

By Potomac Local News

Published April 8, 2025 at 2:00PM

Subramanyam / Vindman

In one of the first major events at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s new headquarters, Northern Virginia’s two newest congressmen will share insights from their first 100 days in office.

“The First 100 Days: Our Freshmen Congressmen’s Perspective” will take place Friday, April 25, 2025, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Chamber’s new office, located at 9733 Buchanan Loop, Manassas. The event is open to Chamber members; admission is $10, with proceeds benefiting the Chamber Foundation. Breakfast will be served.

News

Stafford Leaders Urge State Action on Veterans Tax Exemption Program

By Potomac Local News

Published April 8, 2025 at 1:00PM

Stafford County leaders are calling on the state to do more to support a growing veterans’ tax relief program that now costs the county more than $27 million a year in lost revenue.

During a presentation at the April 1 Board of Supervisors meeting, Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayausky said the constitutional amendment creating the real estate and personal property tax exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans was not accompanied by adequate guidance or funding from the state.