Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation: “Virginia State Parks will host the annual #OptOutside event to encourage people to take a break from indoor activities and opt to spend time outdoors instead. The campaign will run from Nov. 24 through Nov. 26 at all Virginia State Park locations.”

“Park guests of all ages can indulge in self-guided and ranger-led activities to create Thanksgiving memories. Guests are encouraged to hike, bike or star watch and experience nature while enjoying one of Virginia’s forty-two state parks.”


‘Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “Sam’s Pizza, 432 Garrisonville Road, 11/18, 12:39 a.m. Deputy T.G. Croson was at the intersection of Garrisonville Road and Travis Lane when he observed a Mustang attempt to make a U-turn, but instead do a 360-degree slide. Deputy Croson conducted a traffic stop at the nearby pizza joint and made contact with the driver. The 20-year-old driver had clear signs of being intoxicated, a partly consumed Twisted Tea, and five empty Twisted Tea cans. The driver was charged with driving under the influence, drinking and driving, driving after illegally consuming alcohol, and refusal. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.”

Intersection of Richmond Highway and Garrisonville Road, 11/12, 3:18 a.m. First Sergeant M.R. Flick observed a vehicle stopped at the traffic light. When the vehicle failed to move through multiple green lights, Sergeant M.L. Jacobeen and Deputy J.A. Martin responded to assist in a possible DUI. The driver had clear signs of being intoxicated, including the strong perfume of an alcoholic beverage flowing from his mouth. He was charged with driving under the influence and stopping on a highway. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $3,000 secured bond.


Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office needs your help identifying two individuals involved in an armed robbery that occurred Friday afternoon [November 17, 2023].”

“On November 17th at approximately 4:56 p.m. deputies responded to Red Apple Tobacco, located at 432 Garrisonville Road, for reports of an armed robbery. It was discovered two suspects entered the business and one brandished a firearm towards staff. As the suspects stole multiple items, they demanded staff to open the cash register and proceeded to steal cash.”


Electra.aero, Inc.: “Electra announced today that it has successfully completed the first flights of its EL-2 Goldfinch, a hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft.”

“The Goldfinch completed an all-electric test flight on November 11 and a hybrid-electric flight on November 19, both piloted by Cody Allee, from the Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia. The first hybrid flight lasted 23 minutes, reached an altitude of 3,200 feet, and covered a distance of approximately 30 miles,” said Electra’s Vice President and General Manager JP Stewart. “We’re looking forward to further expanding the envelope of this aircraft and demonstrating the full capability of Electra’s technology.”


Prince William County Public Schools: “There is no school for students on Wednesday, November 22. All PWCS schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24 in observance of Thanksgiving.”

Stafford County Public Schools: “Thanksgiving Break begins on Wednesday, November 22. If you or someone you know might be experiencing food insecurity over break, please visit our website at http://staffordschools.net to access a list of local food assistance organizations in Stafford County.”


There’s now an empty city block where a downtown motel once sat.

According to photos posted by Manassas City Councilwoman Sonia Vasquez Luna, the Old Towne Inn is no more.


ARTfactory: “The ARTfactory is to announce the renaming of their theater to the Wind River Theater. The theater, which is located on the third floor of the ARTfactory, is the home to ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, Pied Piper Theatre, and Primetime Players. The space is also used for local community events, corporate gatherings, and rentals.”

The ARTfactory can be found at 9419 Battle Street in Manassas.


Potomac Local News Fall Membership Sale is Friday, November 24, through Friday, December 1, 2023. You can purchase an Annual Membership for only $108 during this time.

You’ll save over $100 during this sale by purchasing an Annual Membership vs. a Quarterly Membership sold all other times of the year.


View More Stories