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!

Schools

Stafford Schools Opening ON TIME (Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026)

By Uriah Kiser

 

Several school divisions across Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg region will operate on modified schedules on Thursday as crews continue to address lingering snow and ice from the January 25, 2026, ice storm. One division plans a full return to normal operations, while others will open with delays. Some systems have not yet announced a decision.

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Business

Stafford Advances Plan for ‘High-End’ Grocer

By Uriah Kiser
Old Moncure Elementary School, at 75 Moncure Lane in North Stafford.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a Feb. 17 public hearing on the proposed conveyance of the former Moncure Elementary School property, where a high-end grocer could replace the shuttered school.

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Prince William

Bahama Breeze Future Unclear In Woodbridge

By Uriah Kiser
Bahama Breeze Potomac Mills opened in 2013.

Darden Restaurants is winding down its Bahama Breeze brand nationwide while moving forward with taxpayer-backed expansion of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse in neighboring Stafford County.

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Politics

Republicans Pick LaCroix, Democrats Set Caucus

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William Republicans and Democrats are moving forward with plans to select their candidates for the upcoming Woodbridge District Supervisor special election, scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

At a Feb. 2 special meeting, the Prince William County Republican Committee unanimously selected Jennie LaCroix as its nominee. LaCroix, a longtime Woodbridge resident and local business professional, previously ran for the Board of County Supervisors and was chosen to represent Republicans in the race to replace former Supervisor Margaret Franklin.

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Police Blotter

Two Women Touched At Dumfries Walmart

By Uriah Kiser

Gunfire reported near a Woodbridge shopping center led police activity in Prince William County during the first days of February, according to police.

Officers responded to the 14200 block of Smoketown Road in Woodbridge after callers reported hearing multiple gunshots. Investigators found several shell casings in an alley behind the Prince William Square Shopping Center. No injuries or property damage were reported, and police did not release suspect information.

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Police Blotter

Two Fraud Reports Filed In Stafford

By Uriah Kiser

Two fraud cases involving phone scams led the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office daily incident report, with victims losing money after being contacted by callers posing as legitimate financial institutions.

In the first case, a resident on Basalt Drive reported receiving a call from someone claiming to represent USAA. The caller had detailed information about the victim’s bank account and was able to fraudulently wire funds out of it. In a second case on Courthouse Road, a victim reported being contacted by someone claiming to be with a loan company and was convinced to wire money before realizing the company was not legitimate.

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Prince William

Dumfries Casino Guest Wins $1M Jackpot

By Uriah Kiser

A Prince William County resident won more than $1 million at The Rose Gaming Resort in Dumfries after placing a 25-cent wager, according to a press release from the casino. The $1,014,879 jackpot is believed to be the largest historical horse racing payout in U.S. history.

The winning bet was placed on January 22, 2026, on a “Straight Cash” historical horse racing terminal at the Dumfries casino. The jackpot surpassed the previous record of $914,530, which was won at Rosie’s Hampton in 2021, the release states.

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Schools

Stafford Schools Seek More County Funds

By Uriah Kiser
Smith

Stafford County Public Schools leaders began the FY27 budget process with a funding request that would require additional county support to operate new schools and raise employee pay.

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Traffic

Police urge sober driving ahead of Super Bowl Sunday

By Uriah Kiser
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Police say Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most dangerous days of the year on roadways due to alcohol-related crashes, as friends and families gather to watch the game. Officers are reminding anyone who plans to drink to designate a sober driver in advance or arrange alternate transportation.

The department offered safety tips for those attending parties, including pacing alcohol consumption, eating food, alternating with non-alcoholic drinks and never getting behind the wheel if impaired. Police also encourage people to step in if they believe a friend is about to drive after drinking.

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