Potomac Local News

Published November 3, 2025 at 7:05AM

Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle‑Sears speaks during a rally outside the Prince William County Public Schools headquarters on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2025. Supporters behind her held signs reading “Parents for Winsome,” “We do not co-parent with the government,” and *“Water fountains are for everyone”—*a direct response to a controversial sign that appeared at a school board meeting in Arlington the week before.

Republican lieutenant governor and gubernatorial candidate Winsome Sears will end her statewide campaign tour with a rally at the Salisbury Center in Manassas at 8 p.m. on November 3 — the night before voters head to the polls on Election Day.

Sears will make several other stops across Virginia in the final two weeks of the race, including a meet and greet in Fredericksburg on October 30 and a morning appearance in Gainesville on October 25. These events are part of a multi-city push aimed at energizing voters in the lead-up to Election Day on November 4.

Schools

ICYMI: Happening tonight: Stafford’s 15th Annual “Band Together to Fight Hunger”

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 3, 2025 at 7:00AM

(Photo: Mary Davidson/PotomacLocal.com)

A countywide showcase of music and community spirit will return next month as Stafford County’s five high school marching bands come together for the 15th annual Band Together to Fight Hunger event.

Event coordinator Deb Pickeral and the drum majors representing each high school announced plans for this year’s concert during a presentation before the Stafford County School Board.

Weather

Clearing Skies and a Cool Start to the Week

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 2, 2025 at 4:10PM

Clouds and a few early sprinkles may greet the I-95 corridor Monday morning as a coastal low moves away, but sunshine will return by afternoon. Highs will reach the low 60s with light north winds, turning a bit breezy by evening as a cold front moves through. Skies will clear overnight, setting up a crisp, cool start to Tuesday.

Bus Stop Forecast — Monday, November 3, 2025

News

‘Why Here?’ — Stafford Planning Commission Grills Buc-ee’s Over Location and Impact

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 2, 2025 at 3:00PM

The Texas-based retailer wants to build a 74,000-square-foot travel center with 120 fueling stations along Courthouse Road, just off I-95’s Exit 140, adjacent to the Austin Ridge and Embrey Mill communities.

By the end of the night, commissioners voted 6–1 to defer the rezoning and permit applications until Jan. 14, 2026, citing unanswered questions about traffic, safety, and neighborhood impacts.

Stafford

Stafford Supervisor Monica Gary says domestic case stemmed from shouting, not assault

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 2, 2025 at 11:24AM

“I yelled and I yelled a lot,” she told WTTG-TV’s The Good Word podcast. “One of my children called the police.” “There was no alcohol issue. I actually had not been drinking… there was no sobriety tests.” “I don’t really see any guilt here. You can go home, peaceful order.”

Gary, a Stafford County supervisor and mother of seven, appeared on WTTG-TV’s The Good Word podcast to address the misdemeanor domestic-violence charge first reported by Potomac Local News.

Fredericksburg

Volunteers Needed for the 2025 Fredericksburg Christmas Parade

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 2, 2025 at 10:07AM

“Dash left the North Pole a little early this year to let you all know that there is still time to sign up to volunteer for the 2025 Fredericksburg Christmas Parade!” Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events announced. “All volunteers will get this cool ornament courtesy of Fraser Wood Elements. Volunteers are needed by November 12.”

The Fredericksburg Christmas Parade is one of the city’s most anticipated holiday events, featuring floats, lights, and performances downtown. Organizers are calling for community volunteers to help with setup, logistics, and crowd support to ensure the parade runs smoothly and continues its festive tradition.

Stafford

Stafford Schools Launch Annual Learn & Serve Turkey Drive to Support Local Families

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 2, 2025 at 10:05AM

“It’s time to show the power of the Stafford community! The Learn & Serve Turkey Drive is kicking off to collect frozen turkeys for the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank,” Stafford County Public Schools announced. “Help us ensure every local family can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 19. We need a helping hand!”

The annual initiative invites students, families, and community members to donate frozen turkeys to help feed local residents during the holiday season. All contributions will go to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, which distributes Thanksgiving meals to families in need across the region.

Prince William

Prince William County Names Kaytie Carroll as Director of Public Safety Communications

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 2, 2025 at 10:03AM

“Kaytie’s extensive operational experience and decades of service in Prince William County make her uniquely qualified to lead Public Safety Communications into its next chapter,” County Executive Chris Shorter said. “Her leadership, innovation and institutional knowledge will ensure that our emergency communications center continues to set the standard for reliability, professionalism and service to residents.”

“It’s an incredible honor to lead the department where I began my career more than three decades ago,” said Carroll. “Public Safety Communications is built on teamwork, trust and service to our community. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and look forward to continuing to ensure that every call for help in Prince William County is answered with professionalism and care.”

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events Releases 2026 Winter/Spring Catalog

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 2, 2025 at 10:01AM

“Our 2026 Winter/Spring Catalog is now online! Discover all the programs, activities, and events we have planned for this season,” Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events announced. “We have something for everyone, so make sure to check it out to plan for a fun winter and spring!”

The catalog highlights a variety of seasonal programs for all ages, from outdoor recreation and cultural activities to community events across Fredericksburg. Residents can browse the full catalog online to register and plan ahead for the upcoming season.