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!

Manassas Park

Santa Visits the Manassas Park Community Center for ‘Capture the Claus’ Photo Event

By Uriah Kiser
Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted children who attended the tree lighting. [Photo by Mike Beaty]

The community event will be held Saturday, November 15, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the MPCC Banquet Hall. Families are encouraged to arrive early, as Santa will return to the North Pole promptly at 5 p.m. Organizers note the timing offers “plenty of time to turn your photos into Christmas cards for family and friends.”

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Breaking News

Manassas City Public Schools to Reopen Wednesday on Two-Hour Delay After Cybersecurity Incident

By Uriah Kiser
Osbourn High School. [Courtesy of Homes.com]

“We will operate on a two-hour delayed start for students,” Manassas City Public Schools announced. “This means students will report to school two hours later than their normal time. Bus riders will report to bus stops two hours later than their normal time. There is NO SCHOOL FOR PRE-K.”

“Our internal IT team, working closely with outside cybersecurity experts, has made significant progress in restoring division systems after the recent cybersecurity incident,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman stated. “We truly appreciate your patience, trust, and understanding as we worked to ensure our systems and campuses were ready for students and staff to return.”

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Features

Spotsylvania Teen Honored with National Young Marines Award in Washington, D.C.

By Uriah Kiser

“Young Marine Sgt. Clevenger represents the very best of today’s youth,” Col. William P. Davis, USMC (Ret.), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines, said. “She combines humility with drive, leadership with compassion, and discipline with service. Faith has made her family, her unit, and the entire Young Marines organization proud.”

“As a proud member of the Young Marines, I’ve grown not only in self-discipline and leadership, but also in my ability to serve others through storytelling and design,” said Sgt. Faith Clevenger of Spotsylvania. “These experiences have shaped my passion for communication and creative service—skills I hope to carry forward into my professional journey.”

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Stafford

Beer & Business Networking Series Returns November 12 at Highmark Brewery

By Uriah Kiser

“Health care and employee benefit costs continue to climb—putting pressure on businesses of all sizes,” Stafford County Economic Development Authority announced. “As local employers strive to attract and retain talent while managing overhead, understanding what’s driving these rising costs—and how to plan strategically—is more important than ever.”

The quarterly Beer & Business Networking Series, sponsored by HUB International, will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Highmark Brewery in Stafford. The event will feature Alex Clegg of HUB International, who will discuss “The Bottom Line of Benefits: Navigating the Rising Costs of Health Care & Employee Coverage,” offering insight into current industry trends and strategies to help businesses stay competitive without sacrificing employee coverage.

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Features

House of Mercy Hosts Annual “Stuff the Truck” Toy Drive in Manassas on November 15

By Uriah Kiser
“Grow Your Own Vegetable Garden” free class will be at House of Mercy Tuesday November 17, 7-9pm. You must register for this class. Dinner will be served.

“Join us for the annual Stuff the Truck Toy Drive and help bring the magic of Christmas to life!” House of Mercy announced. “Your donation of a new, unwrapped toy makes a meaningful impact, ensuring a happy holiday for a child in need.”

The event supports the organization’s Christmas with Mercy program, which last year provided more than 6,000 new toys to over 1,300 local children. This year’s drive is a simple, drive-up, drop-off event taking place Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8170 Flannery Court in Manassas.

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Stafford

Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins Celebrate Grand Reopening in Stafford

By Uriah Kiser

“We were thrilled to welcome the Stafford community to our newly remodeled Next Generation Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins combo restaurant,” local franchisee Pravina Bhalani stated. “This celebration was our way of saying thank you to our loyal guests and sharing the excitement of our refreshed, modern space.”

During the November 8 event, guests enjoyed free medium coffees, merchandise giveaways, music, and face painting. The grand reopening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a $500 donation to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation. That evening, the Baskin-Robbins location hosted a “Baskin Family Night,” offering $1.99 single scoops.

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Manassas

Manassas Council Approves $1.75M Land Sale for Hilton Hotel, Advances Airport Lease Proposals

By Uriah Kiser

The Manassas City Council on Monday approved a $1.75 million sale of city-owned property at the Landing at Cannon Branch to pave the way for construction of a new Hilton Home2 Suites extended-stay hotel, while also advancing two major bids for long-term lease rights at the Manassas Regional Airport.

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Fredericksburg

From AI Fears to YouTube Fights: Fredericksburg Parents Keep Pressure on Schools Over Student Technology

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo courtesy of Prince William County Schools]

A month after Fredericksburg parents demanded answers about an artificial intelligence mental health app used in city schools, new complaints over student laptop access have reignited debate over technology, privacy, and communication in classrooms.

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Schools

Low change orders, big operating bill: Stafford details 2026 school openings as county weighs how to pay

By Uriah Kiser
An aerial view of Stafford County's sixth high school under construction. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

Stafford County Public Schools say Hartwood High School, Falls Run Elementary, and Crow’s Nest Elementary remain on track for August 2026, but opening the buildings will require $10.5 million a year in recurring operating costs and 86.8 new full-time positions—about $7.9 million.

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Manassas Park

Manassas Park expands workforce-homebuyer program to all city employees

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas Park is widening the path to homeownership for the people who keep the city running.

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