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!

Originals

Gainesville GOP Candidates Spar Over Growth, Data Centers, and Immigration Enforcement Ahead of Saturday Primary

By Uriah Kiser
Harders/Landrum

GAINESVILLE, Va. — The two Republicans vying to replace the late Supervisor Bob Weir clashed over land use, data center growth, fiscal priorities, and immigration enforcement during a candidates’ forum this week, just days before GOP voters choose their nominee for the Gainesville District seat.

Patrick Harders, a 24-year Gainesville resident and founder of a regional outdoor lighting company, and Brian Landrum, a historic preservation advocate serving on the Prince William County Architectural Review Board, met in a debate hosted by the Prince William Republican Committee at Guiseppie’s Restaurant in Haymarket, a haunt of the late supervisor. The forum honored Weir’s legacy, with both men praising the late supervisor’s bipartisan approach and focus on putting residents first.

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Prince William

Rosie’s Folds in Dumfries as The Rose Takes the Pot

By Uriah Kiser

DUMFRIES, Va. – Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Dumfries is shutting down this month—just four years after it opened as Northern Virginia’s first licensed gaming parlor. The Virginia Racing Commission just confirmed the closure, which is set to happen by August 20.

The move comes less than a year after the flashy November 2024 grand opening of The Rose Gaming Resort, a massive, resort-style facility just up the road. That opening was hailed as a “landmark of transformation and opportunity” in Dumfries—complete with a hotel, restaurants, and a much larger gaming floor. Now, Colonial Downs Group says The Rose will become its flagship, and all Rosie’s staff will transition to the new resort.

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Fredericksburg

First Responders, Citizens Celebrated for Acts of Heroism in Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser
Major Shawn Kimmitz of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 31 years of exemplary service, leadership, and innovation in law enforcement and community engagement. His visionary approach to public communication and steadfast commitment set a high standard for future generations.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The folks at the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber just wrapped up their annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast, and it was a big one. Held August 13 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center, the event spotlighted local heroes across law enforcement, fire, and EMS for their life-saving efforts and long-term service.

From snowy highway rescues to swift water saves and daring house fire rescues by everyday citizens, the awards covered a wide range of heroic acts. Citizen Valor Awards went to locals who jumped in to help during life-threatening situations, while police officers and EMTs were recognized for bravery, teamwork, and quick action in high-stakes emergencies.

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Stafford

Suspect Hiding in Shed After Felony Warrant Leads Stafford Blotter

By Uriah Kiser

A man wanted for multiple charges—including felony domestic assault, vehicle tampering, and unauthorized use of a vehicle—was found hiding in a shed on Brooke Road after refusing to comply with deputies’ commands. He was ultimately arrested without incident and now faces an additional charge of obstruction of justice. He remains held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Also on Tuesday, deputies responded to two larceny incidents. At Kohl’s in Stafford Market Place, a woman reportedly stole over $600 in beauty products from the Sephora section. Later that evening, a woman dining at Chipotle on South Gateway Drive reported her wallet missing, likely stolen while she was picking up food.

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Prince William

Man Killed in Construction Equipment Accident in Woodbridge, Plus Arrests for Assaults, Abduction, and Child Endangerment

By Uriah Kiser

Updated 2:20 p.m. – A 61-year-old man died after being trapped under heavy machinery at a construction site near Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road in Woodbridge on August 13. Emergency responders pronounced the man dead at the scene. Authorities say no foul play is suspected, and the case remains under investigation.

Police said the accident was not related to the Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI), a significant road upgrade that is currently underway at that intersection.

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Originals

Jefferson Slams ‘Racist’ Mailer—Landrum Fires Back

By Uriah Kiser

Chair Deshundra Jefferson is firing back after a campaign mailer sent by Republican hopeful Brian Landrum labeled her a “DEI hire”—a phrase she calls a racist dog whistle aimed at diminishing her landmark victory as the first Black Chair of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors.

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Manassas

Christopher Stone Jumps Into District 20 Delegate Race Against Maldonado

By Uriah Kiser
Stone

MANASSAS, Va. – Virginia’s 20th House District—covering Manassas, Manassas Park, and part of Prince William County—now has a Republican challenger in this year’s delegate race. Christopher Stone, a retired Air Force officer and former U.S. Senate staffer, has officially announced he’s running to unseat Democratic incumbent Michelle Maldonado (D).

Stone, who lives in Manassas, says his campaign will center on “security, accountability, and economic prosperity for all.” His career includes work in the U.S. Senate on agriculture and education issues, serving as a chamber of commerce director during the Great Recession, and holding a presidential appointment in defense policy. He’s also taught graduate courses on security policy and held private sector leadership roles.

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Fredericksburg

B101.5’s Parent Company Buying Thunder 104.5 and SuperHits 95.9

By Uriah Kiser

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Centennial Broadcasting II, LLC, the parent company of WBQB-FM (B101.5) and WFVA-AM, announced it has reached an agreement to acquire WGRQ-FM (SuperHits 95.9) and WGRX-FM (Thunder 104.5) from Telemedia Broadcasting and longtime station owner Carl Hurlebaus. The deal, announced August 13, is expected to close later this year pending Federal Communications Commission approval.

WGRQ, licensed to Fairview Beach, plays classic hits from the 1970s through the 1990s and has been a staple in the Fredericksburg market since 1990. WGRX, licensed to Falmouth, has offered a country music format since 2001. Both have established loyal listener bases and a strong community presence.

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Features

What’s On Stage This Weekend: August 15–17

By Uriah Kiser
Cast members of “A Bridgerton Too Far” bring Regency-era antics to the stage at Allstate Community Theater in Fredericksburg, August 15–16. Photo courtesy of Stage Door Productions Fredericksburg.

Live music, theater, improv, art, and even a bit of history are all taking center stage across the region this weekend. From Manassas to Fredericksburg, here’s a look at what’s happening August 15–17.

At NOVA Live, the summer tribute concert series wraps up on Saturday, August 16, with all-day performances at theYARD Stage. Headliner Nightrain – A Guns N’ Roses Tribute will close the night. The 12-acre entertainment campus at 9901 Discovery Boulevard includes 2 Silos Brewing Co., The Black Sheep Restaurant, Proof Kitchen + Bar, and more, offering plenty of food and drink options before and after the show.

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Features

Stafford County’s Turn in the Spotlight as FOX 5’s Zip Trip Heads to Embrey Mill

By Uriah Kiser

STAFFORD, Va. – FOX 5 DC’s Zip Trip series is back in Northern Virginia, and next week it’s Stafford County’s time to shine.

The station will broadcast live from Embrey Mill Town Center on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 7 to 11 a.m., highlighting local attractions, businesses, and community pride. It’s the latest stop in the station’s popular summer series, following recent visits to Fredericksburg and Occoquan earlier this summer.

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