News

Residents Allege Timbering Violations, Hostile Developer Actions Near Proposed Stafford Data Center Site

By Potomac Local News

STAFFORD, Va. – Residents living near a proposed data center site in Stafford County are raising alarms about logging activity they say violates local zoning laws, environmental protections, and community trust.

The controversy, first reported by FXBG Advance, centers on a parcel of land associated with the GWV data center project, owned by Augustine South Associates, LLC. Residents say the developer began clear-cutting trees on a portion of the 1,042-acre site beginning June 4, 2025—despite zoning that prohibits forestry activity and a proffer mandating tree preservation buffers.

Go to Residents Allege Timbering Violations, Hostile Developer Actions Near Proposed Stafford Data Center Site Read more
Manassas

Manassas City Council Unanimously Adopts $512 Million Budget

By Caitlyn Meisner
Manassas City Council approved its fiscal year 2026 budget Monday night.

At the Monday night meeting, Manassas City Council unanimously approved its fiscal year 2026 budget, totaling more than $512 million and following months of meetings.

The budget will take effect on July 1; though the real estate tax rate will remain flat at $1.07 per $100 of assessed value, property assessments are increasing an average of 8%. The average increase for a homeowner’s tax bill is expected to be about $406 starting July 1.

Go to Manassas City Council Unanimously Adopts $512 Million Budget Read more
Features

WWII Tank Gun Barrel Unearthed in Prince William Forest Park

By Potomac Local News

TRIANGLE, Va. – A rusted WWII-era tank gun barrel, likely left behind by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during secretive wartime training exercises, has been recovered from a remote section of Prince William Forest Park.

Interpretive Park Ranger Melissa Weih said the discovery was made in an archaeological site deep in the woods, in an area once used by the OSS — the forerunner to today’s CIA — during World War II. While the exact location is being kept confidential to protect the historical site, Weih confirmed it’s a low-traffic, off-trail part of the park where old training grounds still exist.

Go to WWII Tank Gun Barrel Unearthed in Prince William Forest Park Read more
Spotsylvania

‘I Saw One Giant Black Paw’: Spotsylvania Resident Recounts Backyard Bear Encounter

By Mike Salmon

 

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – Spotsylvania resident Barbara Ucman was working in her garden when she heard commotion across the fence. She thought it was a dog, and but then, to her surprise, she saw a bear paw grip the top of her wood fence. 

Go to ‘I Saw One Giant Black Paw’: Spotsylvania Resident Recounts Backyard Bear Encounter Read more
Stafford

PFAS Found in Stafford Water—but There’s a Fix in the Works

By Potomac Local News

Stafford County’s drinking water met or exceeded all state and federal health standards in 2024, according to the county’s latest Water Quality Report.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to PFAS Found in Stafford Water—but There’s a Fix in the Works Read more
Podcast

What’s Going On in Dumfries? A Conversation with Mayor Derrrick Wood

By Potomac Local News

Join us for an in-depth, inspiring conversation with Mayor Derrick Wood of the Town of Dumfries, Virginia’s oldest continuously chartered town. Hosted by Uriah Kiser, publisher of Potomac Local News, this live podcast dives deep into the major transformations reshaping the town—making it a destination rather than a drive-through.

Go to What’s Going On in Dumfries? A Conversation with Mayor Derrrick Wood Read more
Obituaries

Obituary: Sharon L. Bassarab (1944-2025)

By Potomac Local News

Sharon L. Bassarab (Age 80)

Sharon Louise Henderson Bassarab, 80 of Orchard Park, entered into rest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in her home. She was born on October 8, 1944 in Houston, Texas to the late James and Shirley Ward Henderson. Beloved wife of the late Joseph James Bassarab; devoted mother of Laurisa (Mark) Goergen and the late Erik Graybill; stepmother of Joanne Smith and James Bassarab and one daughter-in-law, Kristy Graybill; cherished grandmother of Andrea Goergen, David Goergen, Katrina Goergen, Vanessa Goergen, Hayden Graybill, Tiffany (Mark) Bowers, Daniel (Robyn) Hayzlett, Joshua (Aaris) Hayzlett, Connor Smith, Jenifer (Jonathon) Griffith, Hanah Bassarab, and Emma Bassarab; adored great grandmother of Devon Goergen, Makenzie Bowers, Logan Bowers, Makayla Hayzlett, Madison Hayzlett, Haley Hayzlett, Hannah Hayzlett, Kyleigh Hayzlett, Evie Griffin, Allie Griffin, Gabriel Griffin, and Michael Griffin; dear sister of Linda (Stephen) Jenkins, Candy Henderson, and Kim Henderson and three sisters-in-law, Margaret (Frank) Grabiec, Wilma (Peter) Stevens and Linda (Walter) Bassarab; also loved by numerous nieces and nephews.

Go to Obituary: Sharon L. Bassarab (1944-2025) Read more
View More Stories