Potomac Local News

Published December 31, 2024 at 11:00AM

I also want to take a moment to thank our dedicated contributing editors and reporters. Their tireless work ensures we cover the stories that shape our neighborhoods and impact our daily lives. Some of their incredible efforts are highlighted in our list of 2024’s most-read stories.

To my surprise, every single one of this year’s most-read stories comes from Stafford County. This signals something exciting: Stafford County is a fast-growing area and a community eager for reliable news and information. In response, we will continue to focus on Stafford County while maintaining strong coverage across Prince William County and the cities of Manassas, Fredericksburg, and Manassas Park.

Features

Fredericksburg’s New Year Pear Drop: Gone But Not Forgotten

By Mike Salmon

Published December 30, 2024 at 3:00PM

On Caroline Street, the pear drop was a big event.

For 11 years, Fredericksburg marked the new year by dropping a six-foot paper mâché pear from a spot above Caroline Street.

The drop-off platform was a building or the raised ladders of a fire truck. Still, it was a celebratory moment that the partiers in Fredericksburg celebrated at midnight on December 31.

News

Stafford County Public Schools Career Pathways Program: Exploring Future Careers for Students

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 30, 2024 at 1:00PM

The Stafford County Public Schools Career Pathways Program creates new opportunities for students to explore career possibilities, acquire real-world skills, and prepare for workforce or higher education success. Open to rising ninth graders and high school students; this initiative provides a wide array of specialty centers and pathways that cater to diverse interests and aspirations.

The Career Pathways Program is designed to align with the Stafford County School Board’s strategic plan by offering thematic specialty centers at local high schools. Each center focuses on specific career fields, ensuring students receive tailored education and experiences. For example:

News

Prince William County Library’s Top 10 of 2024

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published December 30, 2024 at 11:00AM

[Pixabay via Pexels]

Here are the top 10 in each of the categories the library released:

Top 10 Adult Fiction

News

Police Report: Multiple Deaths in Woodbridge, Suspected Cocaine Trafficker Caught in Stafford

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 30, 2024 at 10:30AM

[Photo: Alan Gloss]

Investigators have yet to determine whether the man was struck by a vehicle or suffered injuries from another incident. An autopsy by the Medical Examiner’s Office is pending to ascertain the cause of death. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. The investigation is ongoing.

The deceased was known to reside at the temple. Preliminary investigations suggest no signs of foul play. The cause and manner of death are under review by the Medical Examiner’s Office. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

News

16 Prince William County Officers Complete Basic Recruit School

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published December 30, 2024 at 9:00AM

The Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement 59th Session graduates. [Courtesy of Prince William County]

The Prince William County Police officers completed a 24-week course of training in several aspects of police work, including firearms, use-of-force decision-making, driver training, legal training, patrol techniques and investigations.

This is the most recent class of the county’s police academy, which started their training in July. The county hosts a new academy session in March, July and November of each year.

News

Gainesville Man Arrested in Mine Road Hit-and-Run of Two Pedestrians

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published December 23, 2024 at 4:30PM

The scene shortly after the accident {Photo | Aya Karouane)

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Department has arrested Nicolas Hartman, 26, of Gainesville for a Nov. 1 hit-and-run where two pedestrians were struck on Mine Road. Hartman was charged with two counts of felony hit and run, and one count of false pretenses related to an insurance claim.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on Nov. 1, two pedestrians were crossing Mine Road near Greenspring Drive with a shopping cart when they were struck by a dark Volkswagon that fled the scene. One pedestrian was life-flighted with serious injuries after a witness performed CPR. He remains in a rehabilitation facility.

News

More Than 500 Homes Approved for Former Golf Course Without Supervisors’ Oversight

By Kelly Sienkowski and Uriah Kiser

Published December 23, 2024 at 3:00PM

A decision made in 2019 by Stafford County’s planning staff has enabled the construction of more than 500 homes on the former Cannon Ridge Golf Course without requiring approval from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors.

The development at the end of Celebrate Virginia Parkway has drawn attention following public outcry for the site to be preserved as a regional park and a statement by George Washington District Supervisor Deuntay Diggs expressing concerns over transparency and standard procedures.

News

Police Round-Up: Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash in Manassas Under Investigation

By Potomac Local News

Published December 23, 2024 at 1:00PM | Updated December 23, 2024 at 1:41PM

[Photo: Alan Gloss]

A 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI traveling northbound veered off the roadway into a field, striking a utility pole. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn multiple times and catch fire. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed no other vehicles were involved, and speed was identified as a factor in the crash.

The driver’s identity is pending confirmation and notification of next-of-kin. Police urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact investigators.