News - Page 6 of 1912 - Potomac Local News

Doug Ollivant Just Jumped Into the VA-7 Race Against Tara Durant

Published September 16, 2025 at 9:30AM

Olivant

CULPEPER COUNTY, Va. – We just heard from retired Army Lt. Col. Doug Ollivant—he’s officially in the race for Congress in Virginia’s 7th District. That means he’ll face State Sen. Tara Durant in the 2026 Republican primary, with the winner taking on Democrat Rep. Eugene Vindman in November.

Ollivant, who lives in Culpeper County, says his campaign will focus on cutting government spending, strengthening the military, securing the border, and supporting families. He’s a father of seven, a grandfather of two, and a veteran of two combat tours in Iraq.

Fredericksburg Police Want Teens to Join Their Youth Academy This Fall

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 3, 2025 at 9:12AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The folks at the Fredericksburg Police Department just told Potomac Local News they’re gearing up for the second year of their Youth Academy—and they’re looking for young people to sign up now.

The 10-week program is open to teens and young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 who want a behind-the-scenes look at how local law enforcement works. Participants will meet every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. starting September 15 at the Fredericksburg Police Department on Cowan Boulevard.

Confetti & Cocktails Opens Near Dumfries, Blending Creativity and Celebration

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 25, 2025 at 1:00PM

A new event center in Prince William County is inviting residents to raise a glass — and maybe make a candle while they’re at it.

Confetti & Cocktails, located near Dumfries, celebrated its official ribbon-cutting on August 21, 2025, in a ceremony hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.

Hot Chicken, Smash Burgers, and a Downtown Vision: Nash & Smashed Opens in Manassas Park

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 19, 2025 at 1:18PM | Updated August 19, 2025 at 2:18PM

Known for its Nashville-style hot chicken and signature smash burgers, the fast-growing chain launched in Woodbridge in 2023 and has expanded to more than 25 locations across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Its Manassas Park debut comes just weeks after the All American Steakhouse opened nearby, signaling new momentum in the city’s plan to build a vibrant dining and entertainment district.

City Manager Carl Cole said the restaurant opening shows how years of planning are beginning to take hold. “The plan has been working to develop the downtown, and Nash & Smashed is just the latest in a string of success stories,” Cole said. “We’ve brought in several hundred units of housing, and we have about 450 more on the books within walking distance. That customer base sustains businesses and builds our tax base. It really is an ecosystem that works together.”

Stafford Schools Partner with George Mason’s Direct Admissions Program

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published August 15, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 3:40PM

George Mason University has partnered with local school divisions for its Direct Admissions program. [Photo/Courtesy of Visit Prince William]

Eligible Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) high schoolers will now receive admission offers directly from George Mason University (GMU), a step in the institution’s expansion into the region through the Direct Admissions program.

The program, which began in the fall of 2023, was piloted to try to reach students who may experience challenges in pursuing higher education. The release from 2023 stated that if eligible, students would not have to submit an application fee, teacher recommendations or essays.

Two Domestic Assault Arrests in Woodbridge Top Prince William Police Blotter

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published August 5, 2025 at 10:50AM

[Photo: Alan Gloss]

The most serious incident happened around 2:30 a.m. on July 30 at Woodbridge Station Apartments, where 23-year-old Yahziel Tyrik Collins allegedly hit a 28-year-old man in the head with a metal pot during an argument. The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

On August 4, officers arrested 53-year-old Bryant Lee Hardy after a woman reported that he assaulted her and prevented her from leaving an apartment at River Oaks Apartments the night before. She later contacted police and reported minor injuries.

Traffic Stops Have Increased in Manassas, New Police Data Shows

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published August 4, 2025 at 1:15PM

Calls for service to the Manassas City Police Department (MCPD) have decreased in recent months as traffic stops and enforcement citations have increased in 2025, a recent presentation to City Council shows.

Chief of Police Douglas Keen presented crime data for the city from January to June 2025 in an effort to “push back and fight incorrect information” from social media, he said.

Alternative Education Program Funding Approved for Manassas City Schools

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published August 4, 2025 at 11:00AM | Updated August 9, 2025 at 6:49PM

Manassas City Councilor Theresa Coates-Ellis at the July 28, 2025, meeting discussing the MCPS alternative education program funding request. [Courtesy of the City of Manassas]

The pilot funding request was approved unanimously by the MCPS School Board on May 13 and needed to be formally approved by City Council. The Board requested $2 million from its fund balance be used to get the program off the ground.

Council’s approval of this funding went hand-in-hand with its approval of the Board’s purchase of 8700 Centreville Road, where the program would be housed along with the district’s Central Office staff and operations.

Manassas City Council Approves Schools’ Purchase of 8700 Centreville

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published August 4, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated August 9, 2025 at 6:49PM

Manassas Public Schools HQ at 8700 Centreville Road.

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A Fairy Tale with a Twist Is Coming to Manassas—And It’s Just for Kids (and Their Grown-Ups)

By Potomac Local News

Published August 1, 2025 at 10:56AM

MANASSAS, Va. – A brand-new theater troupe for young audiences is making its debut this weekend with a playful spin on a classic fairy tale. The folks at the ARTfactory in Manassas just told Potomac Local News that their new group, Actors Theatre for Young Audiences, is kicking off with The Sleeping Beauty—a musical packed with comedy, magic, and even a dragon.

Performances will be held at the Wind River Theater inside the ARTfactory on August 2, 9, and 16 at 11 a.m.—perfect timing for a morning outing with the kids. This isn’t your typical fairy tale: the show features quirky characters like Chester the Jester, Tipsy the Mystic, and a royal magician who accidentally turns himself into a frog.