Potomac Local News

Published August 13, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 3:41PM

[Photo: Manassas City Public Schools]

MANASSAS, Va. – The 2025–26 school year in Manassas opened Tuesday with excitement, new initiatives, and a shared focus on student safety and family engagement.

Several School Board members greeted students at bus stops and school entrances, marking the first day with messages of teamwork and optimism. “Today was more than just the start of a new school calendar, it’s the start of new possibilities,” said Board Chair Suzanne Seaberg. “Let’s make this year one of great learning, great connections, and great memories.”

Features

Prince William County Fair Draws Crowds for Annual Summer Tradition

By Alan Gloss

Published August 13, 2025 at 9:45AM

Ryan Davis of Stafford, shows his daughters around the poultry barn. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

The fair hosts carnival rides, animal shows, arts and craft vendors, and grandstand events such as a demolition derby, quad racing, and monster trucks. Adult admission is $25, and children are $15.

Admission includes parking, grandstand and midway shows, interactive animal exhibits, and home-arts demonstrations, but does not include midway rides—those require separate wristbands or individual ride tickets. More information is available online.

Opinion

Why I’m Supporting Brian Landrum for Gainesville Supervisor

By Letters to the Editor

Published August 13, 2025 at 9:00AM

Landrum

Dear Editor,

My name is Bill Card. My family and I moved to Prince William County and purchased a home in August 1995. Two years later, I retired from the Marine Corps, and we decided to stay here. At the time, I thought politics was a dirty business, so I focused on new career options and went to work.

Health

Virginia Marketplace Health Plans Could Jump 20% Next Year — One Insurer Wants 40%

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 13, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 3:41PM

[Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography/Unsplash]

Virginians who buy health insurance on the state’s marketplace could see big premium hikes in 2026, with most insurers proposing average increases of 20% or more — and one requesting twice that.

The State Corporation Commission says 10 insurers plan to sell individual marketplace plans in Virginia next year. Optimum Choice, Inc. has proposed the steepest average increase, 40.2%, according to SCC records. Rates in the small group market, which covers businesses with fewer than 50 workers, could rise an average of 11.2%.

Fredericksburg

Essay Contest Offers Chance to Win $1.8M Historic Fredericksburg Home for $200

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2025 at 7:26PM

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

Fredericksburg Free Press: Paula and Robert Welsh are selling their six-bedroom, five-bath historic home in downtown Fredericksburg through a “write your way home” essay contest, with tickets priced at $200. Proceeds will benefit the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and SPCA if at least 15,000 tickets are sold. — More from Fredericksburg Free Press.

Breaking News

Water Main Break Closes Lanes on Route 28 in Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2025 at 4:17PM

MANASSAS, Va. – Crews are working to repair a water main break that’s forced lane closures on Route 28 (Centreville Road) this afternoon.

The folks at Manassas Public Works told Potomac Local News that the break has shut down both northbound and southbound inside lanes from Liberia Avenue to Carriage Lane. Drivers should expect delays and plan to use an alternate route.

Stafford

Stafford School Board 2025 Election: How Should the Board Plan for Growth?

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 12, 2025 at 1:10PM | Updated August 14, 2025 at 8:02AM

This fall, Stafford’s voters will also choose their representatives for the School Board and Board of Supervisors for Garrisonville, Hartwood, Falmouth, and Aquia. George Washington, Rockhill, and Griffis-Widewater are up for election in 2027.

Stafford

Three DUI Arrests in a Night Lead Stafford Sheriff’s Blotter

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2025 at 1:00PM

A Stafford County Sheriff's' patrol car.

Three suspected drunk drivers were arrested in Stafford County on Sunday night, including one woman allegedly driving with a cup of vodka in her console.

The first DUI arrest came at 5:20 p.m. on Stony Hill Road, when deputies say a driver crossing the double yellow line admitted she was “on a break from her family” and had been on her phone. She was also found with an open container of vodka and showed signs of intoxication. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, using a phone while driving, and a lane violation, and held until sober.

Traffic

Weekend Closure Coming to Occoquan Road in Woodbridge—Here’s the Detour

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2025 at 11:55AM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Heads up if you use Occoquan Road—you’ll need a different route this weekend. The Virginia Department of Transportation just told Potomac Local News they’ll be shutting down the stretch between Horner Road and Old Bridge Road from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, through 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18. Crews will be installing storm drains as part of the big I-95 and Route 123 interchange improvements project.

Drivers will still be able to get to homes and businesses along Occoquan Road, but you won’t be able to pass under the I-95 overpass. The detour will send through traffic along Horner Road, Route 123 (Gordon Boulevard), and Old Bridge Road.