Potomac Local News

Published November 21, 2025 at 10:24AM

The Stafford County Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on December 2, 2022.

“This event is always a wonderful start to the holiday season and a great time of community fellowship,” Stafford County Government said. “I am delighted we can provide a venue for our local artisans, small businesses and school music groups to interact with our residents,” added Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Deuntay Diggs.

The county’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:55 to 8 p.m. at the Government Center Campus. The evening includes performances from local schools, artisans and crafters, food trucks, and a 7 p.m. tree lighting. Free parking will be available at the VDOT commuter lot on Courthouse Road with shuttle service, and limited accessible parking will be offered on-site.

Traffic

State trooper injured in I-66 crash while assisting at earlier accident

By Potomac Local News

Published November 21, 2025 at 10:21AM

A Virginia State Police trooper was injured early Thursday morning, November 21, while assisting at a crash scene on Interstate 66 eastbound near the Capital Beltway.

The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m., when the trooper, who was inside his patrol car with emergency lights activated, was struck by a Lexus SUV in the right lane of the I-66 Express Lanes. At the time, he was responding to a previous crash involving a tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle that was blocking lanes in both the mainline and Express Lanes.

Police Blotter

Man Arrested After Assaulting Officer in Woodbridge

By Press Release

Published November 21, 2025 at 10:20AM

A 26-year-old man from Alexandria was arrested in Woodbridge after assaulting a law enforcement officer. The incident occurred on November 20 when officers responded to a crash on Grand Masters Way. The driver, who had struck a parked vehicle, fled the scene on foot. Upon being located by officers, he attempted to escape, leading to a brief chase and struggle during which he grabbed an officer. Minor injuries were reported.

In a separate incident, a residential burglary was reported in Bristow. On November 9, entry was made into a home on Falcon Glen Ct through an unsecured basement door. Jewelry and money were reported missing.

Event

Celebrate Hope and Joy with the New Dominion Choraliers!

December 6, 2025 7:30 pm -9:30 pm

First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City

14391 Minnieville Rd

Dale City, Virginia 22193

Website Contact Social

Celebrate the season with the New Dominion Choraliers as they present Celebrate Hope and Joy, a vibrant holiday program filled with sacred works, beloved carols, and familiar favorites from The Grinch and Irving Berlin. Under the artistic direction of Katherine Nelson-Tracey, the concerts feature string accompaniment by the founders of The Onyx Project—champions of diversity and inclusivity in the arts—along with the energetic musicians of Legacy Brass. Dancers from Dance Etc. School of the Arts add visual beauty to select musical pieces.

Performances take place Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 3:30 p.m. at First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City. Tickets: $10 per individual or $25 per family of three or more at newdominionchoraliers.org or at the door.

Fredericksburg

Chef Cody DeRosett to Fredericksburg’s Publisher Hotel

By Potomac Local News

Published November 21, 2025 at 10:11AM

The Publisher Hotel in Fredericksburg has named Cody DeRosett as its new executive chef, just in time for the holidays. DeRosett joins the Marriott Tribute Portfolio property with more than 10 years of culinary leadership at top restaurants and hotels nationwide.

Chef DeRosett will oversee the hotel’s signature restaurant, Five Chophouse, where he’s introducing seasonal menus inspired by local ingredients and personal stories. One standout dish, a Jerk Hen entrée, originated from a recipe he learned from a friend in Jamaica. His style blends creativity, comfort, and guest-centered hospitality.

Fredericksburg

Falmouth Bridge Replacement to Begin in 2030, Last Three Years

By Potomac Local News

Published November 21, 2025 at 10:09AM

VDOT inspects the Falmouth Bridge before work begins (X: Vadotfred

“That allows us to expand from a fairly straightforward traditional deck replacement to a full superstructure replacement,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “It’s something that would add complexity significantly to the project.”

The Virginia Department of Transportation told Fredericksburg City Council that construction on the 1943 Falmouth Bridge will begin in 2030 and last three years, with the span remaining open but reduced to two southbound lanes and one northbound lane. The $160 million project includes a full superstructure replacement, a 14-foot shared-use path, a six-foot sidewalk, and 11-foot travel lanes.

Prince William

Investigation Finds No Inappropriate Action by Battlefield Chain Crew

By Potomac Local News

Published November 21, 2025 at 8:27AM

“Revealed no evidence of inappropriate, unsportsmanlike or unethical behavior by the Battlefield High School parent volunteers serving on the line-to-gain crew during the game,” InsideNoVa reported. The letter added that “there is no indication or evidence of communication between the volunteers, coaches, or players.”

Forest Park staff discovered the headsets late in the third quarter of the Nov. 14 quarterfinal, prompting Battlefield to replace the crew. While headset use by chain crews is a rule violation, investigators determined no competitive advantage or improper communication occurred. The Class 6, Region B semifinals are set for Friday, with North Stafford traveling to Battlefield for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Prince William

Prince William Supervisors Approve $61M Contract for Minnieville–Parkway Interchange

By Potomac Local News

Published November 20, 2025 at 3:59PM

A section of Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge is about to undergo the biggest transformation in its history. On Tuesday, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted to award a $61.4 million construction contract to The Lane Construction Corporation, clearing the way for a new grade-separated interchange at Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road.

The project will create the county’s second Single-Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) and aims to untangle one of eastern Prince William’s most notorious traffic chokepoints.

News

Fundraiser for Joe Langiu’s Family AT Strangeways Brewing, Dec. 6

By Potomac Local News

Published November 20, 2025 at 3:57PM

“We’re all devastated by Joe’s passing,” according to an event posted to the Potomac Local News events calendar. “Joe was always a positive presence as a bandmate and friend, and his warmth and kindness to everybody he met will always be remembered.”

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Schools

PWCS Superintendent Highlights Four Years of Progress Under Vision 2025 Strategic Plan

By Potomac Local News

Published November 20, 2025 at 3:37PM

Prince William County Schools Superintendent LaTanya McDade. [Courtesy of PWCS on X]

“We now have 45.7% of all graduates earning post graduate credentials and 65% of career and technical education (CTE) graduates earning one or more college or career credentials,” Dr. McDade reported. “To date, PWCS has the highest entry-level teacher salary in Northern Virginia.”

During the Nov. 18 School Board meeting, Dr. McDade outlined gains including a 94.8% graduation rate, reductions in absenteeism and dropout rates, improved SOL pass rates, expanded CTE opportunities, and major compensation increases to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention. She also introduced PWCS Elevate 2030, the next strategic plan focusing on global competency, personalized learning, and teacher empowerment.