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!

Spotsylvania

Spotsylvania’s New School Board Majority Set to Begin with Ban of Outspoken Critic

By Uriah Kiser
Shamgar Connors wore a unicorn costume while addressing the Stafford County School Board on Sept. 9, 2025. The board chair later sent him a letter warning that disruptive behavior could lead to his removal from future meetings.

The tone of Spotsylvania County’s political transformation was set in a letter.

On November 7, School Board Chair Megan Jackson signed a no-trespass order banning outspoken critic Shamgar Connors from all school division properties through July 1, 2026, citing what she called an “obscene depiction of child molestation” and repeated violations of school board decorum rules.

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Politics

Spanberger Wins Prince William by 33 Points as Democrats Sweep Local Races

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Spanberger Facebook page

“Spanberger took advantage of voter angst to become the first woman elected governor in the commonwealth’s 400-year history,” Prince William Times reported. “Spanberger beat her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, by 15 points statewide but bested her in Prince William County by a whopping 33.9 points.”

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Features

Downtown Fredericksburg Welcomes the Holidays With Lights, Music, and Family Fun

By Uriah Kiser

“The most magical & festive time of the year is here in Downtown Fredericksburg!” Fredericksburg Main Street announced. “From twinkling lights to festive events and family fun, there’s something for everyone in downtown Fredericksburg.”

The holiday season kicks off November 15 and 16 with the Holiday Open House Weekend, featuring festive shop specials, holiday treats, and the start of the Window Wonderland Riddle Contest. The Fredericksburg Tree Lighting follows on Saturday, November 15, at 4 p.m. in Riverfront Park, with live performances, food vendors, and photos with Santa.

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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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