Potomac Local News

Published May 20, 2025 at 9:28AM

MANASSAS, Va. – A plan to allow backyard chickens within city limits has stalled after the Manassas City Council chose not to move forward during its May 20, 2025, work session.

The proposal resurfaced after growing public interest over the past year. Manassas previously explored the idea in 2021 but paused it amid concerns over noise, odor, neighborhood impacts, and enforcement challenges. Under current rules, chicken coops must be 250 feet from neighboring homes — making them nearly impossible on most residential lots.

News

Upgrades Set a New Standard at Highmark Brewery

By Mike Salmon

Published May 19, 2025 at 3:27PM

Josh Alley is one of the brewmasters.

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – Newly added brewing equipment at Highmark Brewery in Stafford County takes this already-established name in local beer to another level. Moving beyond its menu of eight standards and a few rotating beer types, Highmark is setting a new note on the brew scene with the recent installation of three new fermentation tanks, three extractors, and a modern keg washer.

“To continue to expand, we needed to update,” said brewmaster Josh Alley whose been with them a few years as they waded through the ups and downs. With the new equipment, “we’ll be able to put new rotating styles out and possibly get back into canning,” Alley said.

News

Stafford to Kick Off Virginia’s 250th With Special Memorial Day Ceremony Featuring The Old Guard

By Potomac Local News

Published May 19, 2025 at 3:22PM

Service members assigned to the Military District of Washington Joint Armed Forces Color Guard prepare to present the national colors on the infield stage at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fl., February 16, 2025. The service members were in Daytona to participate in the national anthem performance during the pre-race ceremonies for the 67th Annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Cup Series Race. (U.S.Army photo by SGT. Gabriel J. Bacchus)

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County will honor America’s fallen heroes with a special Memorial Day Ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the Armed Services Memorial on the campus of the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, located at 1300 Courthouse Road in Stafford.

This year’s program will feature a special appearance by The Old Guard, the U.S. Army’s Third Infantry Regiment. Known as the Army’s official ceremonial unit and the escort to the president, The Old Guard performs military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, guards the Tomb of the Unknowns around the clock, and represents the Army at ceremonies in the nation’s capital and beyond.

Event

Dialogue for Democracy

November 3, 2026 1:00 pm -5:30 pm

Event location

George Mason University, Buchanan Hall

4379 Mason Pond Drive

Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Add to Calendar

High school students from across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region are invited to participate in Dialogue for Democracy at George Mason University!

Hosted by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, this event offers high school students an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about democracy, civic engagement, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.

News

Live Music, Food Trucks & Fun: ‘Fridays at 5’ Returns to Woodbridge

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published May 19, 2025 at 1:46PM

Held at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza in Woodbridge, the outdoor shows kick off at 5 p.m. and feature performances from local favorites like The Chocolate Factory Band, The Deloreans, and Whiskey Acolyte. DJ Moe Vibez spins between sets. Admission and parking are free.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring chairs or picnic blankets. Food and drinks, including beer and wine for those 21 and older, will be available. No pets are allowed, except for service dogs.

Features

‘We Did It Together’: Fredericksburg Couple Celebrates Side-by-Side Doctorate Degrees From Liberty University

By Potomac Local News

Published May 19, 2025 at 11:00AM | Updated May 19, 2025 at 1:33PM

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – What began as an unexpected career pivot has led to an achievement for one Fredericksburg-area couple. Drs. Edmond and Sherri Bergeron, both United States military veterans, recently earned their Doctorates in Education from Liberty University—crossing the stage together on May 8, 2025, after four years of hard work, determination, and mutual encouragement.

A New Mission After Military Service

Stafford

Stafford Could Strip Data Centers of Automatic Approval in Three Zones

By Potomac Local News

Published May 19, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated May 19, 2025 at 1:35PM

STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will consider a sweeping proposal on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, that could dramatically change how and where data centers operate. The proposed changes, which the county planning commission will first review, include stricter zoning rules, expanded development standards, and long-term operational oversight to reduce impacts on nearby communities.

Data Centers May Lose “By-Right” Status in Three Zones

Manassas

Big Plans for Mathis Avenue: Manassas Wants Your Ideas for Shopping Center’s Future

By Potomac Local News

Published May 19, 2025 at 9:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. – The City of Manassas is moving ahead with the next phase of its $16 million purchase of the Manassas Shopping Center, and residents are invited to help shape what comes next.

City officials will present details about the property at 9018 Mathis Avenue and ask residents for their ideas on its future. Both meetings will cover the same information, giving people the flexibility to attend the date that works best for them.

Fredericksburg

Crash Shuts Down I-95 Local Lanes Near Rappahannock Bridge Saturday Night

By Potomac Local News

Published May 17, 2025 at 9:24PM

STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County Fire and Rescue says all northbound lanes of Interstate 95 were shut down around 8:45 p.m. Saturday in the area of mile marker 132.9/133, just north of the Rappahannock River bridge, following a traffic crash. Drivers were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

About 15 minutes later, the Virginia Department of Transportation clarified that the closure affected the local lanes of I-95 northbound. In a social media post just before 9 p.m., VDOT said the entrance ramps to I-95 northbound from Exit 130 (Route 3) in Fredericksburg were closed due to the crash near mile marker 132.

Fredericksburg

Big Changes Coming to Spotsylvania Bus Routes Starting May 19

By Potomac Local News

Published May 17, 2025 at 10:00AM

A Fredericksburg Regional Transit bus serves a bus stop at the Stafford County Courthouse. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/Potomac Local News]

According to FXBGo!, the adjustments come after extensive community feedback gathered through its Transit Strategic Plan. The updated routes aim to streamline service, reduce travel times, and better connect riders to key destinations throughout Spotsylvania County.

As part of the update, FXBGo! will retire letter-based route names, switching to a number-only naming system designed to make navigating the system easier for riders. New maps and updated schedules reflecting the changes will be available at Central Station and online at rideFXBGO.com.