News

Fredericksburg Prepares for Tropical Storm Debby

By Uriah Kiser
Overlooking Fredericksburg, the Chatham Bridge, and the Rappahannock River.

Press release:

Tropical Storm Debby is currently tracking north from the Carolinas into Virginia. The storm system is likely to bring heavy rain into the Fredericksburg area off and on, beginning mid-morning Thursday and continuing through mid-day Friday. There is also a moderate chance of thunderstorms or wind gusts, which could lead to downed trees or power lines. Current forecasts are calling for 3-5 inches of rain, with the highest impact on Thursday evening. Be prepared for potential flash flooding on Friday.

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Manassas Republican Party Responds to Criticism of Mayoral Candidate

By Uriah Kiser
Byrom

The Manassas Republican Party has issued a statement following criticism from Democrats directed at mayoral candidate Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom regarding her campaign colors and clothing choices.

The Republican statement reads: “Our Mayor and the city’s elected leaders have their priorities misplaced. Instead of focusing on schools failing our children, limited to no parking that hurts small businesses, safe neighborhoods, limited housing to combat overcrowding, and no tax relief for our citizens – they are instead focused on campaign colors. This is a prime example of why the City of Manassas needs new leadership and a new direction that works for everyone.”

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Manassas Park, Stafford Team Up for Summer Cleaning

By Caitlyn Meisner
Courtesy of Stafford County Animal Shelter via Facebook

Teenagers from the Manassas Park Community Center teamed up with the Stafford County Animal Shelter to do some cleaning earlier this summer.

The Helping Hands Teen Camp serves multiple organizations and one chosen this summer was in Stafford County. They helped the animal shelter wash windows, sweep the front of the shelter, power wash the walls and clean the intake crate. In exchange, the teens were able to play with some kittens and dogs who received love and affection and tour the facility.

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Stafford Deputy Injured in High-Speed Chase Identified as Former Delegate Candidate

By Kelly Sienkowski
Captain Lee Peters

The Stafford County Sheriff’s officer injured in a high-speed chase on July 23 has been identified as Captain Lee Peters, who ran for the Virginia House of Delegates in 2023.

On July 23rd, a high-speed chase involving a wanted suspect began on Kings Highway and ended at Centreport Parkway. The pursuit intensified as the suspect fled onto I-95, exited onto Courthouse Road, and then re-entered I-95 before being stopped by Deputy McAlister’s PIT maneuver. Following the crash, all three suspects fled on foot. The driver, Nicholas Morales, was quickly apprehended by Deputy Vaughn and found to be intoxicated; the back passenger, Ajee Whitter, was captured by Deputy Gildea, and the front passenger, Raymond Whalen, was tracked and caught with the help of a K-9 and SWAT team. All suspects were charged with multiple offenses and are held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

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‘Stunning’ Silence: Youngkin Criticizes White House Over Quantico Base Trespassing Briefing Delay

By Uriah Kiser
Gov. Glenn Youngkin and congressional candidate Derrick Anderson talk with voters at Spotsylvania Town Center.

Updated — Virignia Gov. Glenn Youngkin expressed his frustration at the White House after it did not provide him with a briefing on the arrests of two illegal immigrants charged with ramming the gate and trespassing on Quantico Marine Corps Base.

They haven’t briefed me at all, which is just stunning. What I know is what you know,” Youngkin told Potomac Local News during a tour of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office’s National Night Out event at Spotsylvania Towne Center on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

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Fredericksburg and Stafford Prepare for Major Rail Infrastructure Upgrade

By Uriah Kiser
A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

Ian Ollis, the organization’s director, explained the scope of the project. “It’s one main project that seeks to replace a bridge over the rail line. The reason for that is the need to put a third rail track from Union Station in D.C. down to our region,” Ollis said.

Virginia has purchased 50% of the rail right-of-way, particularly the eastern half, where most stations are located. The third track will be constructed in sections, tying in with the new Long Bridge over the Potomac River. Ollis detailed the project’s progress, noting that it will be built in pieces through Stafford County toward Quantico.

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Manassas City Council Candidate Survey: City Management, Staff Retention

By Caitlyn Meisner

Editor’s note: We have corrected this post, as some responses were attributed to the wrong candidate.

As early voting for the fall 2024 election approaches, Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for one of three open seats on the Manassas City Council and the mayor’s seat.

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Fredericksburg Police Will Text 911 Callers with Updates

By Uriah Kiser

The Fredericksburg Police Department is introducing a new tool called PowerEngage, which was developed in collaboration with PowerDMS. PowerEngage aims to keep citizens informed and gather feedback on non-life-threatening service calls.

The department can now send real-time notifications during service calls. If an officer has not responded to a call within 15 minutes due to high call volume, a text message will be sent with an update. Once the call has been closed, a text survey will be dispatched within six hours, asking for feedback on satisfaction with the services provided. This feedback will improve services and provide appropriate responses to officers and 911 call takers.

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