Features - Potomac Local News

ARTfactory to celebrate young talent at Off the Wall High School Awards on Jan. 10

Published January 7, 2026 at 7:00AM

The ARTfactory in Manassas will host its 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition awards ceremony on Saturday, January 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with awards announced at 2:30 p.m. Guests can meet student artists, view the exhibit, and enjoy a live judging of Wearable Art designs.

This year’s exhibit, running from December 18, 2025, through January 25, 2026, features work by more than 70 students from nine Prince William County high schools. Categories include Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography, with professional adjudicators selecting winners in each.

Leopold’s Preserve draws 20,000 visitors a year, foundation tells Haymarket officials

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 6, 2026 at 3:00PM

Representatives of the White House Farm Foundation presented an overview of Leopold’s Preserve to the Haymarket Town Council on Monday, detailing the conservation property’s history, public access, and ongoing stewardship efforts.

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Virginia ARTfactory to Host Free Screening of “Prosperity Creek” on January 10

By Potomac Local News

Published January 5, 2026 at 9:15AM

“Join us for a film screening on January 10th of Prosperity Creek, a social satire about a young woman hired to house-sit in an affluent and mysterious DC suburb,” Virginia ARTfactory announced. “As the plot twists and turns, she uncovers increasingly ludicrous secrets about the townspeople, culminating in a battle between humans and… others in this exciting feature film debut from Zack Walsh.”

“This ticketed screening is free to the public, but donations are kindly accepted at the door,” the organization stated. “Tickets are limited, so reserve your seat today!”

‘Master Class of Emotions’: Prince William Father-Son Duo to Star in NBC’s ‘The Wall’

By Potomac Local News

Published January 5, 2026 at 8:45AM

“It is a master class of emotions,” InsideNoVa reported. “From the highest point you can get to the lowest point – and somewhere in between, there’s a heck of a lot of joy and excitement. The show is a quintessential show.”

“We’re called ‘Hardeman and Hardeman,’ the law firm,” Seth Hardeman said. “We’re a duo in California and at home.”

New Year’s Babies: Local Hospitals Welcome the First Newborns of 2026

By Potomac Local News

Published January 3, 2026 at 7:00AM

A family celebrates the first baby born in the Fredericksburg region in 2026 at Mary Washington Hospital. The baby was born at 12:55 a.m. on Jan. 1. (Photo courtesy of Mary Washington Healthcare)

The arrival of 2026 brought more than fireworks and celebrations across the region — it welcomed some of our newest residents.

Hospitals in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Manassas marked the start of the New Year by welcoming their first babies of 2026, each arrival bringing joy, hope, and a memorable beginning for families and medical teams.

Fredericksburg invites public to First Day Hike at Motts Run Reservoir on Jan. 1

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published December 23, 2025 at 9:30AM | Updated December 23, 2025 at 11:21AM

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – Kick off the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike![Submitted Photo]

“Kick off the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “Motts Run Reservoir will be open special for the occasion on Thursday, January 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

“Create your own hike or join one of the three guided hikes throughout the day,” the city added, highlighting the Sensory Stroll at 10 a.m., Storybook Trail at 11:30 a.m., and Hidden Creek Hike at 12:30 p.m.

Occoquan deputy police chief Jason Forman named Prince William Times Reader’s Choice winner

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published December 23, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated December 23, 2025 at 11:11AM

The Town proudly recognizes Deputy Chief of Police, Jason Forman for being voted Prince William Times Reader’s Choice for Best Law Enforcement Officer [Submitted Photo]

“Today we celebrate his dedication, service, and continued commitment to our community,” the town added. “Congratulations, Jason — thank you for all that you do!”

Forman was recognized during the town’s Holiday Dinner, where Mayor Earnie Porta presented the honor following the results of the Prince William Times’ Reader’s Choice awards.

Meet Prince William: Q+A with Levi Bass, Youth Services Director

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published December 22, 2025 at 2:00PM

Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”

We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Virginia State Parks invite visitors to ring in 2026 with First Day Hikes

By Potomac Local News

Published December 22, 2025 at 8:00AM

Widewater State Park in Stafford County. [Photo: Virginia State Parks]

“New this year, DCR will be hosting a few guided hikes at natural area preserves, which are managed by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program,” DCR stated. “Visit the special event website for more information on how to reserve your spot for this unique way to kick off the new year.”

Virginia State Parks will offer a wide range of First Day Hike activities on January 1, including midnight hikes at Pocahontas and Lake Anna, sunrise hikes at parks such as Widewater and Sky Meadows, wildlife and history-themed hikes, and special dog-friendly programs at select locations. Visitors will receive a commemorative sticker while supplies last, and most parks will host multiple guided hikes and programs throughout the day. A full list of hikes and details is available on the DCR website.

WFLS Jingle Mingle raises over $6,000 for Old Dominion Humane Society

By Potomac Local News

Published December 19, 2025 at 8:30AM

The annual Jingle Mingle hosted by WFLS Radio brought the Fredericksburg community together for a festive night that raised more than $6,000 to help local rescue dogs. Held December 12 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center, the event featured a silent auction with big-ticket items like autographed Taylor Swift albums, Richmond getaways, and a recliner from Powell’s Furniture.

WFLS Market Manager Debbie Patten and Promotions Director Sean Quinn, both dog lovers, spearheaded the fundraiser to support Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS). Patten adopted her own dog from ODHS, while Quinn has regularly welcomed rescue dogs and volunteers on air to help connect them with new families.