News

Fredericksburg Free Press launches with ribbon-cutting ceremony, promises unbiased local news coverage

By Uriah Kiser
Mitzi Brown, legal services director for Gerlach Law Firm, PLC, played a pivotal role in shepherding the establishment of the online news operation. [Photo: Uriah Kiser / Potomac Local]

As a Virginia 501(c)(3), the Fredericksburg Free Press has set out with a noble mission: to deliver impartial and nonpartisan digital news coverage to educate and inform the residents of the Fredericksburg region.

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Seth Silber, one of the founding members of the board of directors, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community. Silber, whose familial ties include the ownership of the Fredericksburg Nationals Baseball team, highlighted the communal spirit that drives endeavors like the Free Press, stating, “It’s incredible… when it comes together, and it sees a need, and it wants to do something, it does it.”

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Get ready to pay more for your home: Stafford County property assessments see notable increase in 2024

By Potomac Local News

Scott Mayausky, Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue, has released the 2024 bi-annual property reassessment results, revealing significant changes in property values across various sectors. The comprehensive reassessment, aimed at ensuring equitable tax distribution, has led to noticeable increases in property assessments, reflective of the current market values.

Residential properties in the county have seen an average increase of 13% in assessments, indicating a substantial rise in home values. Commercial properties have experienced an even more significant jump, with assessments increasing by 23%, highlighting robust growth in the commercial sector. Agricultural properties are not far behind, with a 14% increase, while multi-family properties have seen a more modest rise of 9%.

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Call to Action: Grace United Methodist Church needs volunteers

By Amelia Breeden

Greetings, Prince William – Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas, is holding its next session of ESL from March 11 to May 22. They need volunteers age 18+ to help as Classroom Aides on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings, 7 pm-9 pm. No experience necessary, and you’ll enjoy working with students as they improve their English language skills! An orientation/training will be held on March 3 at 12:30 pm, and a light lunch will be provided. Please email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.

–Information submitted by Volunteer Prince William

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Fredericksburg police seize 800 fentanyl pills in major drug bust

By Potomac Local News

The primary suspect, identified as Jaquan Mincy, 24, a resident of Fredericksburg, was apprehended at the scene. Mincy faces charges including possession, manufacture, or distribution of a weapon of terrorism containing fentanyl, and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. He is currently being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

This successful raid was the culmination of an extensive investigation conducted by the Fredericksburg Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit. Police Brian Chief Layton emphasized the department’s commitment to combatting the distribution and usage of illegal drugs within the community. “The Fredericksburg Police Department is committed to actively investigating the distribution and use of illicit drugs and arresting those offenders,” stated Chief Layton in a press release. “I’m very proud of our detectives and officers for removing these dangerous drugs from our community.”

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Stafford sheriff’s office utilizes drone to rescue missing hiker

By Potomac Local News

In the early hours of Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office demonstrated remarkable proficiency in aerial search and rescue operations, using a drone to locate a missing hiker in distress.

The ordeal began at 1:17 a.m. when deputies received a call regarding a 36-year-old male hiker who had gone missing in the Civil War Park on Mount Hope Church Road. The sheriff’s office states that the hiker was separated from his companion and ill-equipped for the freezing temperatures.

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Snowfall totals: Prince William, Stafford see light accumulations compared to Md. 

By Potomac Local News

Snowfall totals in Prince William and Stafford counties in Virginia reached up to 1.2 inches and 0.3 inches, respectively. These totals were part of a broader snowfall event across the Mid-Atlantic region on Friday, Feb. 16, and Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Comparatively, Maryland saw higher accumulations, with Allegany County reporting up to 3.6 inches and Baltimore County measuring up to 4 inches.

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Stafford appeals for dog adoptions amid overcrowding crisis

By Potomac Local News
Zion, a resilient Boxer mix, who was faced with Parvovirus shortly after his arrival to the animal shelter. Now, he is in desperate need of a loving home.

Stafford County’s Animal Shelter is facing a dire situation as it grapples with an unprecedented number of dogs in its care. Animal Captain Joe Bice revealed that the shelter has far exceeded its capacity.

“Last year, we adopted or transferred 583 dogs, with an average stay of 21 days in the shelter,” stated Bice. “However, we’ve been over adoption capacity for most of 2023 and 2024.”

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Deputy injured: Stafford sheriff seeks public assistance in locating suspect

By Potomac Local News

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance from the public in locating a suspect involved in an incident that resulted in injuries to a deputy following a crash on Thursday morning.

On February 15 at 1:34 a.m., Sergeant J.T. Forman observed a Scion disregarding a red traffic signal at the intersection of Butler Road and Chatham Heights Road. Forman attempted a traffic stop, but the suspect failed to yield and initiated a pursuit, police said.

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Questions loom as court’s handling of DWI case raises concerns following fatal pedestrian crash in Downtown Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

The arrest of Jose Rafael Lizama, a 47-year-old resident of Manassas Park, has stirred concerns following the death of Justin Burns on December 2, 2023.

Burns, a beloved figure known for his altruism and community service, was fatally struck by a drunk driver while walking the streets near Old Town Sports Pub in Downtown Manassas.

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