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

Attempted Hit-and-Run Assault Leads Prince William Police Blotter, Plus Burglaries and Robbery

By Uriah Kiser

Police are searching for a 33-year-old Manassas man who allegedly rammed another driver, then struck him with his vehicle after a crash near Ashton Avenue and Crestwood Drive on January 21. The suspect fled the scene on foot, leaving behind his car, several beer cans, and a dog that was believed to have been hit by passing vehicles. Arrest warrants were issued for attempted malicious wounding and multiple other charges.

In Woodbridge, a 37-year-old Lorton man was arrested in connection to two commercial burglaries. The incidents occurred on January 17 and 18 at a Sunoco gas station and El Paso restaurant, respectively. In both cases, the suspects forced entry—one through a shattered door and another through the roof—stealing lottery tickets and alcohol.

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Manassas

Airport Shows New Snow Equipment

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas Regional Airport is highlighting new and upgraded snow removal equipment as the region prepares for winter weather. Airport officials say the fleet includes a new front-end loader for clearing ramps and loading snow, along with snow brooms, blowers, and a recently acquired Oshkosh plow truck to keep runways and taxiways clear during snow and ice.

The airport says its large snow blower can move tons of snow per hour during heavy snowfall, helping maintain operations during winter storms. Most of the equipment was obtained through auctions or donations from larger airports, with officials noting that future eligibility for state and federal grants could allow new purchases once the airport becomes a commercial service facility. This update comes as a winter storm is expected to affect the region.

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Traffic

Limited Parking at Park and Ride Lots

By Uriah Kiser

“Limited parking spaces will be available for ridesharing starting this weekend in two Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Park and Ride lots in the Fredericksburg area due to winter weather operations,” VDOT announced. “The number of available parking spaces will be significantly reduced.”

“Parking is anticipated to remain limited into next week, depending on the status of snow removal operations,” the agency added. “No vehicles remaining in the lot will be removed as part of this storm event.”

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Weather

Stafford Schools Identified as Shelters

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County Public Schools has identified several facilities that could be used as emergency shelters if needed during the ongoing winter storm, but officials emphasize that no shelters are currently open.

⚠️ Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article listed specific school buildings that could potentially serve as shelters. County officials later asked that those locations be removed out of concern that residents might mistakenly show up assuming the shelters are open, even though no decision has been made to activate them.

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Weather

Hospitals Activate Plans as Storm Nears

By Uriah Kiser
Mary Washington Hospital

Mary Washington Healthcare says it has activated winter storm preparedness plans across Mary Washington and Stafford Hospitals, along with outpatient and affiliated facilities, as a potentially serious weather event approaches. The health system says staffing coverage, on-site support, and continuity plans are in place to keep essential services operating during the storm.

Officials are asking the public to help reduce strain on the system and improve safety. Community members who do not have a reason to be at the hospital are asked to remain at home and to limit all non-essential travel for the duration of the storm. Patients with appointments are encouraged to check for delays or changes before traveling by visiting mwhc.com.

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Stafford

Stafford Business Summit Pushed to February

By Uriah Kiser
Greg Kihlström, a best-selling author and consultant specializing in marketing technology and digital transformation, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center.

The Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit has been rescheduled due to anticipated winter weather, with organizers moving the event to early February while keeping the same location and agenda.

Key Takeaways

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Prince William

Second FBI Raid Hits Prince William

By Uriah Kiser

“An FBI investigation into an alleged drug and gun trafficking conspiracy, with significant activity at Haymarket’s Rancho Los Cerritos farm, culminated in Wednesday’s raid on the property and several arrests,” InsideNoVa reported. “The affidavit states he sold numerous firearms, including pistols, rifles and a shotgun, as well as cocaine and fentanyl to a confidential source.”

At the scene Thursday, an FBI agent told an InsideNoVa reporter, “this is a secured scene” and “you can’t be here.”

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Fredericksburg

Monks’ Walk for Peace Nears Region

By Uriah Kiser

“The local governments of Caroline County, the City of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County and Stafford County are officially facilitating the Walk for Peace as it moves through the region,” Stafford County announced. “The Walk for Peace is a 2,300-mile pilgrimage from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., led by a group of Buddhist monks who are currently expected to arrive in the area during the first week of February.”

Officials said they will provide ongoing updates and logistical information as the walk progresses, including access to a Google map tracking the monks’ real-time location. Community members who wish to observe the walk are asked to follow guidance from law enforcement and event coordinators, maintain a respectful distance, stay out of roadways, and not follow behind the monks. Organizers noted the monks are not accepting material donations.

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