Features

Fredericksburg celebrated the grand opening of its new Visitor Center on January 10, 2025, with an open-house event that drew hundreds today at the newly renamed City Center government building, formerly known as the Executive Plaza. Community members gathered at 601 Caroline Street to explore the revamped space, enjoy light refreshments, and learn about the Visitor Center’s offerings.

The new facility, described as brighter and more accessible, provides an inviting hub for showcasing Fredericksburg’s artists and businesses. “The center is fabulous,” said Mayor Kerry Devine. “It has space for showcasing our artists and businesses, and we’re just so excited to welcome people to this new center.”


Podcast

In this episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, Uriah Kiser interviews Delegate Paul Milde, a Republican representing Stafford County in Virginia’s 64th District. Delegate Milde discusses his reelection campaign, his work on transportation funding, data center growth, land preservation efforts, and revitalizing blighted areas like Aquia Town Center.


News

Prince William County Police officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 6:19 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found no immediate signs of injuries or involved parties at the scene. However, shortly thereafter, they were notified that a 22-year-old man was being treated at a local hospital for gunshot wounds. Tragically, the man later succumbed to his injuries.

The deceased has been identified as Calvin Tyshaun Odell Batson, 22, of Woodbridge.


Manassas

NVCT is a regional nonprofit founded in 1994 to safeguard the region’s wildlife and natural landscapes. According to the nonprofit’s website, it has protected more than 9,000 acres of land across the region in both urban and rural areas.

Doves Landing is a 308-acre park with access to the Occoquan River. 95% of the land is forested and the area around the river are considered a crucial wetland habitat. The county acquired the land in the 1990s, but remained vacant until the Board of County Supervisors made it a park in 2013.


Podcast

In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, host Uriah Kiser interviews Dr. Amarda Shehu, the Associate Vice President of Research for the Institute for Digital Innovation and the inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at George Mason University.


Manassas

The UVA Health Prince Wiliam Medical Center in Manassas has earned a top spot in the U.S. News & World Report list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, a recent press release stated.

The hospital system’s Manassas campus received a “high-performing” rank from the publication, the highest recognition a hospital can receive. U.S. News & World Report highlighted the hospital’s low unnecessary Cesarean section and newborn complication rates and saw it as a birthing-friendly facility.


News

The Prince William County Fire and Rescue System warns residents to stay off naturally occurring ice on local waters, as it is often too thin and weak for safe outdoor activities. Unlike ice in colder northern climates, ice in this area is prone to cracks, instability, and variability due to fluctuating temperatures, moving water, and wildlife activity.

Key dangers include rapid ice deterioration, which can outpace its formation, and the risk of falling into icy waters, where hypothermia can occur in less than 10 minutes, making rescues extremely time-sensitive.


Business

Scaffolding Solutions, a comprehensive scaffolding services provider operating across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and the Carolinas, has relocated its Northern Virginia operations to Manassas. The move, completed in late 2024, positions the company closer to key transportation hubs and the Washington, D.C., area.

The company has supported significant projects, including the past two Presidential Inaugurations and the restoration of Annaburg Manor in Manassas. They are also a primary contractor for the U.S. Treasury. Division Manager Steve Ott praised Manassas for delivering quality facilities and fostering a supportive environment for construction and service businesses.

Manassas will host a ribbon-cutting event for Scaffolding Solutions on January 16 at 10 a.m. at 8643 Phoenix Drive.

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