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!

Features

“Rhythm & Hues” brings René Dickerson’s jazz-inspired art to the ARTfactory

By Uriah Kiser

“The ARTfactory proudly announces a special exhibition featuring the celebrated artist René Dickerson, whose visionary works bridge the worlds of fine art, jazz, and Motown,” the ARTfactory announced. “The exhibition, titled ‘Rhythm & Hues’, will open on November 12 and run through December 14 at the ARTfactory. An Opening Artist Reception will be held on Saturday, November 15 from 6–8 PM.”

Born in Oakland, California, Dickerson’s signature “Linear Art” style fuses cubism, surrealism, and emotional realism, reflecting influences from both jazz and Motown. The exhibition will showcase new works alongside select pieces from his acclaimed My Girl series, inspired by Smokey Robinson and The Temptations. Dickerson, now based in Historic Manassas, continues to collaborate with the Jazz Legacy Foundation and Ocean City Jazz Festival.

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Fredericksburg

Public comment opens for regional economic development plan

By Uriah Kiser
A view of Downtown Fredericksburg from above Hurkamp Park [Photo: Fredericksburg City]

“The George Washington Regional Commission (GWRC) has released the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan (CEDS) for public review and comment,” the George Washington Regional Commission announced. “Input from community members is a crucial part of developing this strategic plan. Public Comment will be available for 30 days from October 31, 2025, to November 30, 2025.”

The CEDS outlines a regional vision for economic growth, identifying development opportunities and strategies for collaboration among local jurisdictions across Planning District 16. Residents, businesses, and community organizations can submit feedback electronically, by email, or in person at a public meeting on November 24 at 5 p.m. at the GWRC office in Fredericksburg.

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Stafford

Man, 18, charged in connection with Cambridge Street arson

By Uriah Kiser

“The Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the fire that occurred on Monday, October 27th, in a vacant commercial structure in the 700 block of Cambridge Street was incendiary,” Stafford County Fire and Rescue announced. “On Thursday, October 30th, the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office arrested Samuel Harang, 18, of Stafford County. Mr. Harang has been charged with burning an unoccupied structure and is currently being held in the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.”

Fire and Rescue units were dispatched around 4:55 p.m. on October 27 to the 700 block of Cambridge Street near Enon Road, where crews found smoke coming from three sides of a vacant, single-story commercial building. The fire was brought under control quickly, and no one was inside at the time. The investigation into Mr. Harang remains ongoing.

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Manassas

ICYMI: Happening tonight: Sears to close gubernatorial campaign in Manassas

By Uriah Kiser
Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle‑Sears speaks during a rally outside the Prince William County Public Schools headquarters on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2025. Supporters behind her held signs reading “Parents for Winsome,” “We do not co-parent with the government,” and *“Water fountains are for everyone”—*a direct response to a controversial sign that appeared at a school board meeting in Arlington the week before.

Republican lieutenant governor and gubernatorial candidate Winsome Sears will end her statewide campaign tour with a rally at the Salisbury Center in Manassas at 8 p.m. on November 3 — the night before voters head to the polls on Election Day.

Sears will make several other stops across Virginia in the final two weeks of the race, including a meet and greet in Fredericksburg on October 30 and a morning appearance in Gainesville on October 25. These events are part of a multi-city push aimed at energizing voters in the lead-up to Election Day on November 4.

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Schools

ICYMI: Happening tonight: Stafford’s 15th Annual “Band Together to Fight Hunger”

By Uriah Kiser
(Photo: Mary Davidson/PotomacLocal.com)

A countywide showcase of music and community spirit will return next month as Stafford County’s five high school marching bands come together for the 15th annual Band Together to Fight Hunger event.

Event coordinator Deb Pickeral and the drum majors representing each high school announced plans for this year’s concert during a presentation before the Stafford County School Board.

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Weather

Clearing Skies and a Cool Start to the Week

By Uriah Kiser

Clouds and a few early sprinkles may greet the I-95 corridor Monday morning as a coastal low moves away, but sunshine will return by afternoon. Highs will reach the low 60s with light north winds, turning a bit breezy by evening as a cold front moves through. Skies will clear overnight, setting up a crisp, cool start to Tuesday.

Bus Stop Forecast — Monday, November 3, 2025

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News

‘Why Here?’ — Stafford Planning Commission Grills Buc-ee’s Over Location and Impact

By Uriah Kiser

After listening to nearly five hours of public testimony on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, members of the Stafford County Planning Commission turned their attention to the Buc-ee’s development team—pressing them on safety, siting, and specifics.

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Stafford

Stafford Supervisor Monica Gary says domestic case stemmed from shouting, not assault

By Uriah Kiser

“I yelled and I yelled a lot,” she told WTTG-TV’s The Good Word podcast. “One of my children called the police.” “There was no alcohol issue. I actually had not been drinking… there was no sobriety tests.” “I don’t really see any guilt here. You can go home, peaceful order.”

Gary, a Stafford County supervisor and mother of seven, appeared on WTTG-TV’s The Good Word podcast to address the misdemeanor domestic-violence charge first reported by Potomac Local News.

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Fredericksburg

Volunteers Needed for the 2025 Fredericksburg Christmas Parade

By Uriah Kiser

“Dash left the North Pole a little early this year to let you all know that there is still time to sign up to volunteer for the 2025 Fredericksburg Christmas Parade!” Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events announced. “All volunteers will get this cool ornament courtesy of Fraser Wood Elements. Volunteers are needed by November 12.”

The Fredericksburg Christmas Parade is one of the city’s most anticipated holiday events, featuring floats, lights, and performances downtown. Organizers are calling for community volunteers to help with setup, logistics, and crowd support to ensure the parade runs smoothly and continues its festive tradition.

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Stafford

Stafford Schools Launch Annual Learn & Serve Turkey Drive to Support Local Families

By Uriah Kiser

“It’s time to show the power of the Stafford community! The Learn & Serve Turkey Drive is kicking off to collect frozen turkeys for the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank,” Stafford County Public Schools announced. “Help us ensure every local family can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 19. We need a helping hand!”

The annual initiative invites students, families, and community members to donate frozen turkeys to help feed local residents during the holiday season. All contributions will go to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, which distributes Thanksgiving meals to families in need across the region.

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