STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County’s newest dog park is open, and it carries the name of a four-legged public servant who spent years protecting the community.
Friends of Havoc Dog Park opened Saturday, August 9, at 2085 Mountain View Road, just south of Margaret Brent Elementary School. It’s the first dog park in the Rock Hill District and was named for Havoc, a Stafford County Sheriff’s Office K9 who served from October 2013 to March 2020. Havoc died on July 29, 2021, due to health issues.
MANASSAS PARK, Va. – The folks at the Manassas Park Community Center just told Potomac Local News they’re taking a short break this week for their annual cleaning and maintenance. From Sunday, August 10, through Friday, August 15, the entire center—including the indoor pool—will be closed. Doors reopen bright and early on Saturday, August 16, at 7 a.m.
This isn’t just any local rec center—it’s a multi-generational community hub that’s been serving Manassas Park since 2010. Built with a 50-year vision in mind, the $18.5 million, 79,280-square-foot facility has two full-size basketball courts, an eight-lane pool, a fitness center, multi-purpose rooms, event spaces, and areas for preschoolers, teens, and seniors. It’s also designed as an emergency shelter with backup power for more than 1,000 people.
Editor’s note: This article is part of a series by Potomac Local News introducing candidates for the Stafford County Board of Supervisors. This fall, voters will choose representatives for the Garrisonville, Hartwood, Falmouth, and Aquia Districts. To help local voters learn more about their candidates, Potomac Local News invited all Board of Supervisors candidates to a virtual interview with the same five questions. Their answers have been condensed for clarity. The remaining candidates either declined, had scheduling conflicts, or did not respond.
In a separate shooting incident on Danbury Court Aug. 9, two men from Richmond — Deshawn Antione Baker, 20, and Deonte Antoine Carrington, 19 — were arrested after exchanging gunfire during an argument. An unoccupied vehicle was struck, but no injuries were reported.
Also in Woodbridge, an aggravated assault Aug. 7 on Nickelson Drive left a 46-year-old man with multiple wounds. He later arrived at a local hospital. Police are still investigating how the injuries occurred.
FREDERICKSBURG — For the first time, the George Washington Regional Commission (GWRC) is creating a comprehensive economic development plan for Planning District 16 — and it wants to hear directly from the community.
GWRC, which serves Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties, as well as the City of Fredericksburg, has launched an online survey to help shape a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The initiative is funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and facilitated by GWRC’s consultant, RKG Associates, Inc.
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.
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 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.
