Author: Uriah Kiser

I'm the Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News. Raised in Woodbridge, I'm now raising my family in Northern Virginia and care deeply about our community. If you're not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

Police Blotter

Stabbing in Wawa Bathroom Leads to Abduction Charge

By Uriah Kiser

A woman was stabbed during an attempted abduction in a Wawa gas station bathroom early Saturday morning.

Deputies responded to the store at 4527 Plank Road around 6:30 a.m. on August 16, where they found the victim with a knife wound to her hand. She told investigators the suspect, Austin Wayne Wilson, had hidden in a restroom stall and climbed into hers, displaying a knife and trying to restrain her. Her screams caused him to flee.

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Schools

Lockdown Lifted at Two Stafford Schools After Suspicious Person Report

By Uriah Kiser

STAFFORD, Va. – Two Stafford schools were briefly placed on lockdown Monday afternoon after a report of a suspicious person on Parkway Boulevard.

According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the area and secured both Park Ridge Elementary School and North Stafford High School, which together serve nearly 3,000 students, “out of an abundance of caution.” Park Ridge Elementary enrolls about 910 students, while North Stafford High School has about 1,995 students.

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Police Blotter

Man Shot in Gainesville, Jiffy Lube Live Assault, Caustic Substance Used

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

A 47-year-old man was shot in the hand early Sunday morning, August 17, in Gainesville during an unclear altercation with a 60-year-old woman. Police responded around 12:13 a.m. to Bluff Point Court and Pine Knott Court, where they located the injured man and recovered a firearm. The woman was identified at the scene. No charges have been announced as the investigation continues.

In Bristow, police have charged a 17-year-old from Aldie with Assault by Mob in connection with a July 25 attack at Jiffy Lube Live. A group attacked the 16-year-old victim after a concert. The teen suspect is the first to be charged in the case.

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Features

Free Coffee for a Year? Dunkin’s Throwing a Party in Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS, Va. – The folks at Dunkin’ just told Potomac Local News they’re throwing a grand opening bash for their brand-new “Next Gen” restaurant on Liberia Avenue—and the first 100 people in line could snag free coffee for a year.

It’s all happening Saturday, August 23, from 9 to 11 a.m., at 9502 Liberia Ave. The celebration kicks off with a ribbon-cutting at 9:30 a.m., followed by giveaways, a prize wheel, face painting, music, and a visit from the Dunkin’ mascot. Local franchise owner Andy Cabral will also present a $1,000 donation to the House of Mercy.

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Poll

Reader Poll: What Should Prince William Forest Park Be Called?

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William Forest Park has a unique history. Unlike most national parks, it wasn’t created by a single law. Instead, its land was transferred to the National Park Service on November 14, 1936, as the Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Project. Four years later, on August 13, 1940, Public Law 763 officially put the project on the path to becoming part of the national park system. By 1948, it was officially renamed Prince William Forest Park.

Eighty-five years after that key 1940 milestone, we’re asking:
If you could rename the park today, what would you call it?

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Neighborhood Notes

Prince William County Public Schools Among Most Popular With Home Shoppers

By Uriah Kiser

Realtor.com: Using views per property from out-of-district home shoppers from May to July 2025, we identified the most popular school districts in each metro. To focus specifically on school-driven home shopping activity, we limited the traffic analysis to properties with at least one nearby school rated 8 or above based on scores from GreatSchools. — More from Realtor.com.

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Manassas

VEA Hearing to Decide Fate of Prince William Teachers Union Raises Questions Over Witnesses, Transparency

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS, Va. – The Virginia Education Association (VEA) will convene a hearing on Saturday, August 23, 2025, to determine the future of the Prince William Education Association (PWEA), the largest local teachers union in Virginia, which was placed under emergency trusteeship last month. But as the date approaches, controversy is mounting over whether the individuals who voted to impose the takeover will testify.

In an email exchange obtained by Potomac Local News, the hearing officer confirmed he does not have the authority to compel testimony from any individual, including members of the VEA Board and staff who voted to remove PWEA’s elected leadership. As a result, those decision makers may not appear and would not be subject to cross-examination during the proceedings.

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Features

Neighbors Just Cleaned Up 150+ Pounds of Trash in Manassas Park

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – Keep the Park Beautiful just hauled off more than 150 pounds of trash during a recent neighborhood cleanup on Connor Street—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

On Saturday, August 16, more than 20 volunteers—including students, retirees, local families, and even the fire department—showed up with gloves and good vibes to clear out everything from old car tires to construction debris. It took less than two hours to give the street a major facelift.

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Features

Concert by Canoe Returns to Motts Run Reservoir on Wednesday

By Uriah Kiser
Motts Run Reservoir

Fredericksburg’s popular Concert by Canoe series is set to return next week, bringing live music to the water at Motts Run Reservoir. The summer run kicks off Wednesday, August 20, with the Shim Dogs performing from 6 to 8 p.m.

Concert-goers can paddle out in their canoe or kayak, or rent one on-site, to enjoy an evening of live music surrounded by nature. Gates open at 5 p.m.

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