Author: Potomac Local News

Obituaries

Obituary: Sharon L. Bassarab (1944-2025)

By Potomac Local News

Sharon L. Bassarab (Age 80)

Sharon Louise Henderson Bassarab, 80 of Orchard Park, entered into rest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in her home. She was born on October 8, 1944 in Houston, Texas to the late James and Shirley Ward Henderson. Beloved wife of the late Joseph James Bassarab; devoted mother of Laurisa (Mark) Goergen and the late Erik Graybill; stepmother of Joanne Smith and James Bassarab and one daughter-in-law, Kristy Graybill; cherished grandmother of Andrea Goergen, David Goergen, Katrina Goergen, Vanessa Goergen, Hayden Graybill, Tiffany (Mark) Bowers, Daniel (Robyn) Hayzlett, Joshua (Aaris) Hayzlett, Connor Smith, Jenifer (Jonathon) Griffith, Hanah Bassarab, and Emma Bassarab; adored great grandmother of Devon Goergen, Makenzie Bowers, Logan Bowers, Makayla Hayzlett, Madison Hayzlett, Haley Hayzlett, Hannah Hayzlett, Kyleigh Hayzlett, Evie Griffin, Allie Griffin, Gabriel Griffin, and Michael Griffin; dear sister of Linda (Stephen) Jenkins, Candy Henderson, and Kim Henderson and three sisters-in-law, Margaret (Frank) Grabiec, Wilma (Peter) Stevens and Linda (Walter) Bassarab; also loved by numerous nieces and nephews.

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Prince William

Haymarket Kiwanis Proposes Little Free Library in Town Park

By Potomac Local News

HAYMARKET, Va. – The Haymarket-Gainesville Kiwanis Club has proposed installing a Little Free Library in the town park near the bulletin board, a plan shared during the Haymarket Town Council work session on May 27, 2025.

Carl Davis and Terry Flight, representing the Kiwanis Club, introduced the idea to councilmembers as part of the club’s mission to support literacy and education in the community. “We’re just starting and we want to start with Haymarket,” said Flight, noting that the club is just two and a half years old. “Our focus is on children and families, health and nutrition, education and literacy, and youth leadership development.”

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Fredericksburg

Table for None: GOP Told to Leave Wegmans Café

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – A political postcard-writing session hosted by the Fredericksburg Republican Committee at Wegmans ended prematurely on Sunday, June 8, after store staff asked the group to leave, citing company policy.

According to a statement released by Fredericksburg GOP Chair Scott Vezina, several members of the committee gathered at the 2nd-floor market café in the Fredericksburg Wegmans to eat, socialize, and write postcards in support of Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Sears. Vezina said a Wegmans employee had given verbal approval beforehand, provided the group remained non-disruptive and refrained from soliciting.

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Neighborhood Notes

Neighborhood Notes: Road Work, SNAP Debate, Luau Bingo, and a Buzzing New Mural in Manassas

By Potomac Local News

🚧 Heads up, Stafford drivers
A new safety project is starting this week on Stefanniga Road.
Crews will begin work to widen the road shoulders and install rumble strips between Kellogg Mill and Cavalry Run roads. Expect brief delays during construction. Learn more from VDOT.

🍽️ Local leaders push back on potential SNAP cuts
Virginia Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Del. Joshua Cole, are voicing concerns over proposed federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), warning that the changes could impact over 200,000 Virginians.
They gathered at the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank to discuss how the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill” could reduce food assistance by more than 20%, leaving local food banks struggling to meet increased demand. Read the full story.

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Breaking News

FredNats Sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings, Will Stay in Fredericksburg Under New Ownership

By Potomac Local News

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Silber family, long-time owners of the Fredericksburg Nationals, announced today they have agreed to sell the Minor League Baseball team to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), a company that owns and operates select Minor League Baseball clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball.

The FredNats will remain the Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals and continue to call Virginia Credit Union Stadium in Fredericksburg home. The team will also join DBH’s growing portfolio, which includes the Nationals’ Double-A affiliate, the Harrisburg Senators. General Manager Robert Perry and the current front office staff will stay in place, while Seth Silber will remain as club president and minority shareholder.

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Manassas Park

City to Mark 50 Years with Flag Raising, Food Truck Fest

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – Manassas Park’s 50th Anniversary celebration is well underway, with a lineup of events that will continue into the fall and a focus on honoring the city’s history while engaging its community in meaningful ways.

The next big event will be a ceremonial anniversary flag raising on July 1, now set to take place at City Hall instead of Costello Park. Officials shifted the venue due to low RSVPs and a lighter entertainment schedule than expected. The ceremony will resemble the city’s annual Memorial Day and Pride flag raisings and will include a light reception in the City Hall banquet room. The gathering will lead into the regular Tuesday night council meeting.

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Breaking News

Officers Injured After Semi Hits Cruisers on I-95; Separate Motel Shooting Reported

By Potomac Local News
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

DUMFRIES, Va. – A chaotic early morning on Monday, June 9, 2025, began with a violent crash on Interstate 95 and was followed just an hour later by a shooting at a nearby motel.

Shortly after midnight, a semi-truck barreled through a police traffic stop on southbound I-95 near Exit 150 at Quantico Marine Corps Base. The truck struck multiple Virginia State Police county police cruisers and injured several officers, one of whom suffered serious head and arm injuries. At least five cruisers were reportedly damaged, and at least two vehicles caught fire. Authorities shut down all southbound lanes as emergency crews responded.

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News

No More Long Stays: Occoquan Clamps Down on Dock Use

By Potomac Local News
Occoquan riverwalk. [Photo: Occoquan Town Government Facebook page]

The council unanimously agreed to limit overnight stays at the town dock to three consecutive nights. Anyone wishing to stay longer must now obtain a special permit from Town Hall. The change follows an incident where an inoperable boat was docked for several days, during which the owner left fuel containers on-site while making repairs—raising safety alarms.

To further protect the public space, councilmembers directed staff to:

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Neighborhood Notes

Neighborhood Notes: SOL Scores, Judge Indicted, Duck Splash Delayed, and Cupcake Heaven Turns 17

By Potomac Local News

📊 How are Fredericksburg students doing in school?
This spring’s SOL test pass rates are out, showing a mixed bag for Fredericksburg’s public school students — with some subjects showing improvement and others slipping.
👉 See how your local school stacked up

⚖️ A local judge faces serious charges
Chief Judge Richard T. McGrath of the 15th Judicial District has been indicted for allegedly bribing a Spotsylvania County public official, with the incident dating back to July 2024.
👉 Read the full story on Fredericksburg Free Press

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