Press Release

Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) has initiated the search for a new principal for Hugh Mercer Elementary School, following the transition of current Principal James Snyder to a division-level role focusing on facilities and operations. Effective February 14, 2025, Courtney Wheeler will assume the position of Interim Principal at Hugh Mercer Elementary.

Wheeler’s extensive experience within FCPS includes serving as principal of Lafayette Elementary School until December 2024 and being appointed as principal of Gladys West Elementary School in August 2024. She began preparations in January 2025 to open Gladys West Elementary, the division’s third elementary school, scheduled to welcome students this fall.


News

The Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office posted an announcement: A 53-year-old man who raped a 15-year-old will serve 30 years in prison.

On September 1, 2023, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Prince William County Police Department began investigating the report of an intoxicated fifteen-year-old missing juvenile. At approximately 3:00 p, m., the juvenile was located in the bathroom at the train station in Manassas City, Virginia, in an incoherent state. Mr. Brown was located later that afternoon, through GPS tracking of the juvenile’s cell phone, and was in possession of the cell phone. Mr. Brown initially told law enforcement he had located the juvenile on the fourth floor of the parking garage adjacent to the train station, clearly intoxicated, and asking for assistance. Further investigation by the Manassas City Police Department revealed that the juvenile had been sexually assaulted in the parking garage by Mr. Brown. When confronted with the video footage, Mr. Brown admitted to picking the fifteen-year-old up near Nokesville Road in Prince William County, Virginia, before driving her to the parking garage in downtown Manassas City, Virginia, but denied assaulting her. Additional DNA evidence presented at trial supported the juvenile’s report of sexual assault by Mr. Brown.


News

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in gathering information regarding the double homicide that took place on January 25, 2025, on Heatherwood Drive.

Detectives are seeking any details from residents in the area who may have noticed suspicious activity, have video footage, or possess information—no matter how small—between Monday, January 20, 2025, and Saturday, January 25, 2025. Authorities believe even seemingly minor details could be crucial to advancing the investigation.


Fredericksburg

Although the area has already braved several winter storms in 2025, Fredericksburg’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is still nine days away. 

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Manassas

The Manassas City School Board met on February 5, 2025, where members discussed the Manassas Education Association’s (MEA) decision to initiate a collective bargaining campaign. The discussion revealed concerns about funding, legal implications, and the potential impact on the school division’s ability to retain teachers.

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Fredericksburg

Finn, an urban planning professional and Chair of the Fredericksburg Planning Commission, brings a decade of experience in city planning and holds a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners. She also has an educational background in historic preservation from the University of Mary Washington.

“Fredericksburg, and particularly Ward 3, is where my family and I have planted our roots, grown, and thrived,” Finn stated in a press release. “I am excited about the bright future of our city and confident that with genuine collaboration, we can overcome challenges and enact positive solutions.”


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At Potomac Local News, we value our readers’ feedback. Recently, we surveyed to learn what you think about our email newsletter and the local news coverage we provide. Your responses helped us better understand what works, what could be improved, and what content you’d like to see more of.

High Satisfaction and Relevance


Set sail for a night of mystery and adventure with Who Killed Jolly Roger? on February 14, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the ARTfactory in Manassas. This immersive murder mystery, directed by Talya Conroy and written by Robert J. Leblanc, brings together a rowdy crew of pirates, thrilling twists, and plenty of audience interaction.

Guests are encouraged to wear pirate-themed attire for a chance to win a costume contest. Enjoy a four-course meal, join in a 50/50 pirate cash booty giveaway, and bid on silent auction treasures. Tickets are $85 through February 7, with table reservations available.


News

Four female athletes from Prince William County were among those who attended the February 5, 2025, signing ceremony, where President Trump issued an executive order barring transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

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