Manassas

Old Town Manassas is gearing up for one of its busiest and most festive weekends of the year as the city prepares to welcome thousands for the annual Santa Lights Manassas celebration and the 79th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade.

Historic Manassas, Inc. Marketing and Communications Manager Darren Blevins joined Potomac Local News this week to preview the holiday lineup. A familiar face to many, Blevins previously operated the Shining Sol candle shop on Center Street and now owns Black Metal Mercantile across the street, offering unique gifts and a curated vinyl collection. He says this weekend marks the official start of the holiday season in the city.


Manassas

A person died after experiencing a medical emergency following an arrest outside a Petco store in Manassas.

On Thursday, November 27, at about 5:24 p.m., police responded to a report of an intoxicated person at 10055 Wellington Road. Officers found the person alert and conscious. During their investigation, they discovered the individual had an active warrant and arrested them without incident.


Prince William

“We are dedicated to delivering the same exceptional service and support that our customers have come to rely on. We’re excited to personally welcome Versivo customers and team members into the Naviant community,” Naviant announced. “Becoming part of Naviant allows us to accelerate innovation and expand what’s possible for our customers. With Naviant’s award-winning Hyland partnership and shared dedication to excellence, we’re well positioned to help customers achieve even more through automation and AI.”

“Versivo has built a strong reputation for exceptional customer care, and we’re thrilled to join forces with their talented team and valued customers. We believe this acquisition will elevate everyone’s AI and intelligent automation journey to the next level,” the company added.


Event

Join me during this National Craft Open Studios weekend, a celebration of Amrican craft organized by the American Craft Council (ACC). Come visit my studio July 18-19th, 11am-5pm at 10449 Metropolitan Ave, Kensington, MD. Please drop in, see how my work is created, tour my studio and try your hand at hammering some metal.


Police Blotter

In Stafford County, a significant fraud incident occurred at Colonial Circuits Inc. on Warrenton Road. The business was deceived by an email from someone posing as an employee, providing false banking details for direct deposit. The scam was discovered only after the paycheck was deposited into the fraudulent account.

Another fraud case was reported on Greenridge Drive, where a victim’s personal information was used to open a fraudulent line of credit out-of-state. Additionally, on Le Way Drive, a victim found that their personal information was used to purchase two vehicles fraudulently.


Police Blotter

A high-speed traffic stop on I-95 Northbound led to the arrest of a 36-year-old Alexandria man on multiple charges. The driver was caught traveling at 105 mph in a 65-mph zone and passing on the shoulder. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers found open alcohol containers and two firearms. The driver was charged with DUI (third offense), reckless driving, and weapons violations, and is being held without bond.

In another incident, a 70-year-old Stafford man was arrested for DUI after attempting to enter an ABC store while intoxicated. He was stopped by police on Deacon Road and failed field sobriety tests.


Spotsylvania

A crash involving four vehicles — including a tractor-trailer — shut down all southbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County on Tuesday morning, causing major traffic delays.

According to the Virginia State Police, the crash happened around 8:54 a.m. at mile marker 120. Investigators say the incident began when an unknown white pickup truck bumped into a Nissan Kicks, causing it to hit a guardrail, spin out, and strike a Toyota Highlander. The Highlander was then hit by a tractor-trailer.


Manassas

“At the parade discharge lot (9319 Mosby Street), we’ll help floats safely disassemble their decorations, then sort and repurpose as many materials as possible,” McQuillan added.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 9 a.m. at the discharge lot, with the parade beginning at 10 a.m. The event is expected to wrap between 2 and 3 p.m., and participants may stay for the full shift or as long as they are able. Tools, safety equipment, and guidance will be provided as volunteers help recover decorations for community reuse.


Politics

Virginia Sen. Mark Peake will step down as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia at the end of the year, announcing his resignation after the GOP suffered a bruising statewide defeat in the 2025 general election.

Peake, a state senator who has also served as chairman since mid-2023, said he decided after “reflection, prayer, and conversations with my family,” and cited the upcoming 2026 redistricting referendum and a full legislative calendar as reasons the party needs new leadership.