Potomac Local News

Published August 11, 2025 at 9:46AM

The current center is full of Fredericksburg maps, hats and sweatshirts. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The folks at City Hall just told Potomac Local News they’ve officially adopted Fredericksburg Forward—a big-picture plan that lays out how the city will grow, preserve its history, and improve quality of life over the next two decades.

After 18 months of neighborhood meetups, pop-up events, online surveys, and public hearings, the updated Comprehensive Plan got the green light from City Council on June 24. It covers everything from housing and transportation to historic preservation and environmental stewardship—basically, the blueprint for Fredericksburg’s future.

Prince William

Want to Help Clean Up Local Rivers This Fall? Here’s How

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published August 11, 2025 at 9:10AM

OCCOQUAN, Va. – Volunteers from across the region are invited to roll up their sleeves for the annual FOTO Fall River Clean Up, happening Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. Organized by Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO), the event aims to remove trash and debris from local waterways to help protect wildlife, improve water quality, and support a healthier Chesapeake Bay. The cleanup will take place at five locations: Lake Ridge Marina, the Town of Occoquan, Bull Run Marina, Fountainhead Park, and Occoquan Regional Park.

Participants are encouraged to preregister by emailing FOTO at [email protected] with their names, preferred site, and check-in time. While walk-ups are welcome, preregistration helps organizers plan ahead for supplies and staffing. The cleanup will be held rain or shine, unless weather conditions become unsafe. Volunteers are advised to dress for the outdoors and bring reusable gloves if they have them. Bags and other cleanup supplies will be provided on site.

Fredericksburg

Board Member’s Son Has Salary Raised After Texts With Superintendent

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2025 at 8:59AM | Updated August 11, 2025 at 4:17PM

Fredericksburg Advance — A Fredericksburg City elementary assistant principal’s salary was increased following text messages between his father, a member of the School Board, and division superintendent Marci Catlett. In the text messages, School Board member Jarvis Bailey shared communication from his son, Matthew Bailey, laying out his rationale for requesting that he be placed at a higher step on the elementary assistant principal salary scale. More from Fredericksburg Advance.

Fredericksburg

Arlington Woman, 19, Drowns in Lake Anna

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2025 at 8:49AM | Updated August 11, 2025 at 4:17PM

Lake Anna (Photo: Virginia State Parks)

InsideNoVa — A 19-year-old Arlington woman drowned in Lake Anna over the weekend. Deputies were called to Sandy Point Drive in Bumpass at 10:45 p.m. Saturday, where witnesses reported seeing the victim, 19-year-old Sally Bedell, jump from a structure into the water, resurface, and then go missing, the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. More from InsideNoVa.

Politics

Gainesville Republicans Pick Nominee This Saturday—Dems Already Chose Theirs in Nail-Biter

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2025 at 8:28AM

GAINESVILLE, Va. – The folks at the Prince William County Republican Committee just told Potomac Local News they’ll hold a firehouse primary this Saturday, Aug. 16 to decide their candidate for Gainesville District Supervisor. Voting runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bull Run Middle School on Catharpin Road—and it’s only open to Gainesville District voters.

Two Republicans are vying for the nod: Patrick Harders, a longtime Manassas resident and founder of a regional outdoor lighting company, and Brian Landrum, who entered the race earlier this month. Harders says he wants to carry on the work of the late Supervisor Bob Weir—particularly his opposition to sprawling data center developments. Landrum has called for greater transparency in local politics and recently accused a prominent community leader of misleading voters—charges she denies while endorsing Harders.

Schools

New Specialty Center Prepares the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs, Analysts, and Cybersecurity Experts

By Potomac Local News

Published August 11, 2025 at 7:30AM

Stafford schools suggests wellness fair participants bring a canned food donation to benefit those in need through S.E.R.V.E. [Photo: S.E.R.V.E.]

STAFFORD, Va. – The folks at Stafford County Public Schools just told Potomac Local News they’re opening a new Business and IT Center at Colonial Forge High School—and more than 130 students are already signed up.

This specialty program is all about getting teens ready for the jobs of tomorrow, with pathways in Business Administration, Business IT, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Entrepreneurship. Students will learn from industry-recognized curriculum, earn certifications, and tackle real-world projects—all while connecting with local business leaders.

Obituaries

Obituary: Michael LeCount Jackson (1944-2025)

By Potomac Local News

Published August 10, 2025 at 11:00AM

Michael LeCount Jackson (Age 81)

Michael LeCount Jackson peacefully entered his heavenly home on July 26, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on July 8, 1944, to the late Thomas L. Jackson and Maxine J. Smith, Michael was raised in Washington, D.C., where he began his education and built the foundation of a life marked by quiet strength, service and enduring love for his family.

Prince William

Townhouse Fire Near Manassas Displaces Five, Injures One

By Potomac Local News

Published August 10, 2025 at 8:40AM

Firefighters from multiple agencies battled a large townhouse fire on Whitemoss Drive near Manassas on Saturday evening. Crews arrived just after 8:30 p.m. to find heavy flames in the back of the home quickly spreading inside.

A second alarm was called to help fight the blaze. All residents escaped safely, but one adult was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The home suffered extensive damage and was declared unsafe to occupy, along with an adjoining townhouse.

Stafford

Early-Morning Fire Destroys White Oak Home; Residents and Dog Safe

By Potomac Local News

Published August 10, 2025 at 8:36AM

A single-story home in Stafford County’s White Oak area was heavily damaged in an early-morning fire Saturday.

Fire and rescue crews were called to the 00 block of McCauley Lane, off Belle Plains Road, at about 3:15 a.m. They arrived within six minutes to find the house fully engulfed in flames.