Prince William

A 38-year-old woman has died after being struck by a car in Manassas in mid-July. Carolina Isabel Rosales Cepeda was walking in the roadway along Centreville Road near Orchard Bridge Drive when she was hit by a southbound 2022 Honda Civic around 2:09 a.m. on July 13. She was hospitalized in critical condition and succumbed to her injuries on July 31. The driver, a 24-year-old woman from Woodbridge, remained at the scene and was not injured. Police are asking witnesses to come forward.

In Woodbridge, police are investigating the Death of a 26-year-old man found unresponsive in a bush near Cheshire Station Plaza on July 31. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No signs of foul play were found, and the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.


Prince William

Electric vehicle chargers at Prince William County’s first commuter parking garage have generated more than $1,300 in net revenue since opening in November 2024, offering a slight return amid broader concerns about the garage’s low usage and rising operating costs.

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Obituaries

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Denise Mara Spencer, 60, and Patrick “Pat” Henry Padberg, 81, passed away on July 25, 2025, leaving behind legacies of love, family, and service.

Denise, born in West Islip, New York, was a devoted Army wife and mother of seven. After a career as an optician, she dedicated herself to raising her family while supporting her husband Scott through 28 years of military service and 17 moves across the country. Denise cherished time with her children, five grandchildren, and loved simple joys like coffee, crafts, beach vacations, and family gatherings. Read Denise’s full obituary here.


Event

Join the New Dominion Choraliers put on a concert to honor the 250th Anniversary of the USA! The music in this choral concert captures the heart and soul of the American spirit through patriotic tunes and songs from the heartland. Joining the chorus are dancers from Dance Etc. School of the Arts and accompaniment from the talented members of Legacy Brass.

This family friendly and FREE event is perfect for young and old. Kids, parents, and grandparents will be familiar with many of the songs in this inspirational program. There are two opportunities to attend: Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 pm or Sunday, May 3 at 3:30 p.m.


News

MANASSAS, Va. – A brand-new theater troupe for young audiences is making its debut this weekend with a playful spin on a classic fairy tale. The folks at the ARTfactory in Manassas just told Potomac Local News that their new group, Actors Theatre for Young Audiences, is kicking off with The Sleeping Beauty—a musical packed with comedy, magic, and even a dragon.

Performances will be held at the Wind River Theater inside the ARTfactory on August 2, 9, and 16 at 11 a.m.—perfect timing for a morning outing with the kids. This isn’t your typical fairy tale: the show features quirky characters like Chester the Jester, Tipsy the Mystic, and a royal magician who accidentally turns himself into a frog.


Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The folks at the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce just shared the names of 33 local professionals selected for the Leadership Fredericksburg Class of 2026. These leaders will meet monthly from September through May, tackling real-world projects aimed at improving our region.

Participants will connect with mentors, sharpen their leadership skills, and work together on community-driven Action Learning Projects. The sessions take place at businesses throughout the Fredericksburg area, giving participants a deeper look at how our local institutions operate.


Stafford

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Deputies are continuing to search for a man who fled a traffic stop and crashed near the Giant grocery store on Town and Country Drive Thursday afternoon.

The suspect, identified as Andre Bennett Jr., 44, of King George, remains at large as of 8 a.m. Friday, August 1, 2025. Deputies believe he evaded capture overnight by hiding in a wooded area near Baron Park Road. A law enforcement presence remains in the White Oak Road area, and residents may continue to see increased activity.


Politics

GAINESVILLE, Va. – Patrick Harders, a longtime Manassas area resident and founder of a regional outdoor lighting company, is running for Gainesville District Supervisor—and he’s entering a race already stirred by internal Republican friction and calls for leadership rooted in integrity.

Harders announced his candidacy Thursday, casting himself as a conservative voice for responsible growth, fiscal accountability, and transparency. He says he’s stepping up to continue the work of the late Supervisor Bob Weir, who died earlier this month and was known for his outspoken opposition to data center sprawl.