Potomac Local News

Published October 25, 2025 at 8:58PM | Updated October 25, 2025 at 9:34PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

“On Thursday, October 23, 2025, at approximately 6:49 a.m., deputies from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Patriot Highway and Southpoint Parkway,” the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office reported. “Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male lying in the roadway… the pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Investigators said the driver, who remained on scene and is cooperating, had the green light and no time to react when the pedestrian attempted to run across the highway. The victim has not yet been identified, and next of kin are being notified.

Stafford

Gari Melchers Home and Studio celebrates 50 years open to the public

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2025 at 8:53PM

“Happy 50th, Gari Melchers Home and Studio! This past Sunday, October 19th, the home officially celebrated 50 years of being open to the public,” Tour Stafford Virginia shared. “We have Corinne Melchers (last photo) to thank for being able to utilize this incredible estate, creating a space for generations to enjoy art, history, and inspiration.”

The Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont in Falmouth, once the residence of American Impressionist painter Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne, opened to the public in 1975. Today, it operates as a museum and cultural site managed by the University of Mary Washington, preserving Melchers’ art and legacy while hosting exhibitions, educational programs, and community events.

Stafford

Stafford County invests $70 million in transportation and safety improvements

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2025 at 8:42PM

“Stafford County, with the Board of Supervisors’ support, has made improving transportation for residents a top priority,” the County Government announced. “This year, the County is investing $70 million in road improvement projects across the community to enhance roadway safety, improve accessibility, and reduce congestion.”

Police Blotter

Police seek information after armed robbery of postal carrier in Woodbridge

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2025 at 8:38PM

“Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious vehicles or activity in the area of Minnieville Rd between the PW Pkwy and Dale Blvd, including side streets, on the morning of Oct. 20… to contact police,” the Prince William County Police Department stated.

“On October 20 at 12:12PM, officers responded to the 14700 block of Dodson Dr in Woodbridge to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed a United States Postal Service carrier was delivering mail… when their vehicle was approached by an unknown masked man who implied he was armed. The suspect took several packages from the truck before leaving the area in an older white sedan,” police said.

Features

Northern Virginia Veterans Parade returns to Old Town Manassas on November 1

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2025 at 11:12AM

“The Northern Virginia Veterans Parade, honoring all Veterans and their families, will take place Saturday, November 1 at 11:00 a.m. in Old Town Manassas,” VetPar, Inc. announced. “This year marks the 17th annual celebration — attendees are encouraged to arrive early to grab seats along the parade route.”

Fredericksburg

City invites public input on Fredericksburg Downtown Traffic Engineering Study

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2025 at 10:58AM | Updated October 25, 2025 at 12:24PM

A view of Downtown Fredericksburg from above Hurkamp Park [Photo: Fredericksburg City]

“The City of Fredericksburg invites residents and business owners to attend a public meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, 601 Caroline Street,” the City of Fredericksburg announced.

“This community meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to share feedback on the ongoing Downtown Traffic Engineering Study, which aims to improve safety, traffic flow, and accessibility throughout the downtown area.”

Prince William

Prince William, state leaders urge contingency funding for SNAP come November

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2025 at 10:51AM

“Yes, to some people’s surprise, even Gainesville, Bristow and Haymarket – we have very real hunger needs,” said state Sen. Danica Roem, who represents parts of western Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park. “[This] is why the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry exists that far west in the first place,” InsideNoVa reported.

“We were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will ‘run out of money in two weeks,’” wrote U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, urging the use of contingency and transfer funds to sustain the program.

Pets

Spike, the lovable “bull-doggish” sweetheart, is thriving in foster care

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2025 at 10:08AM

“I just can’t get over how different he looks to me in person versus in photos. He has an underbite and kind of a funny voice! He is also very muscley. I feel like he’s kind of ‘bull-doggish,’” Spike’s foster mom shared. “Spike is very loving and playful. He has energy and is loving our walks… He’s quiet and doesn’t seem to get anxious if he’s not with somebody. Last night I found him tucked into the smallest dog bed we have — what a silly boy!”

Spike, a 3-year-old pup with a heart-melting smile, was cherished in his previous home, and it shows in his gentle, affectionate nature. He’s crate trained, great with older kids, and adores squeaky toys almost as much as cuddle time. Spike is currently in foster care and available for adoption through the Prince William County Animal Services Center in Manassas, Virginia.

Stafford

Stafford supervisors clash publicly over data center hearing delays

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 24, 2025 at 7:11PM

“To the George Washington District, over the next few weeks, you may hear half-truths or see social media posts from people unwilling to learn or understand how local government works,” Supervisor Deuntay Diggs of the George Washington District wrote. “Stafford County now has the strictest data center standards in Virginia—yet for some, that’s still not enough.”

Diggs defended the Board of Supervisors’ recent handling of a contentious meeting, saying that the agenda change was made “to accommodate an attorney whose wife had recently undergone surgery,” not to silence public comment. “The FOIA request submitted will confirm these facts—but it will likely never see the light of day, because there is simply no there there,” he added.