Potomac Local News

Published December 6, 2024 at 6:33PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

Press Release from Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office:

On December 5, 2024, at approximately 1:40 pm, deputies with the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Patriot Highway and Orchard Ridge Drive for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Traffic Reconstruction Unit responded to the crash scene. Preliminary investigation shows that a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado operated by William Aimino was traveling north on Patriot Highway, and crossed over the centerline of the roadway into opposing lanes of traffic, causing a head-on crash with a 2005 International flatbed truck. Mr. Aimino was pronounced deceased on the scene and was found to be wearing his seatbelt. Mr. Aimino’s next of kin has been notified. The case is still under investigation by the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Traffic Reconstruction Unit. Sheriff Roger Harris and the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office extend their condolences to Mr. Aimino’s family and friends for their loss.

Features

Stafford Lights Christmas Tree Tonight

By Potomac Local News

Published December 6, 2024 at 11:28AM

The Stafford County Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on December 2, 2022.

Stafford County is gearing up for a magical evening to kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Event, scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Stafford County Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road. Beginning at 6 p.m., the event promises various performances, activities, and surprises for the whole family.

Attendees will be treated to holiday music from local choirs and bands, showcasing the talents of Stafford’s youth and community groups. For art enthusiasts, artisans and crafters will offer unique holiday-themed creations.

Manassas

Manassas City Council to Swear in New, Returning Members

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 6, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated December 8, 2024 at 3:07PM

Manassas City Hall

The Manassas City Council will hold a swearing-in ceremony for its newly elected and returning members on Monday, January 6, 2025, ~~Dec. 9,~~ at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The ceremony will feature the oath of office for Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, Council Member Tom Osina, Council Member Mark Wolfe, and Council Member-Elect Ashley Hutson. Following the swearing-in, all participants will immediately take their seats on the dais to begin their new terms.

Event

2026 Ocean, River Cruises and Guided Tours Showcase

September 19, 2026 9:00 am -2:00 pm

BlackRock Center For The Arts

12901 Town Commons Dr

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Website Contact Social

Dreaming about your next vacation? Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for an inspiring day devoted to ocean and river cruises, guided tours, luxury travel and unforgettable destinations!

Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.

Breaking News

More on Fire at Eagle Village: Multiple Businesses Damaged

By Potomac Local News

Published December 6, 2024 at 10:30AM

A fire at the Eagle Village Shopping Center yesterday damaged two businesses and disrupted several others. Play It Again Sports and A Stitch in Time sustained significant fire damage, while adjacent businesses, including the U.S. Post Office, a laundromat, and Perfect 10 Nail Salon, experienced smoke and heat exposure but no flames. The fire, reported at 12:43 p.m., was controlled in approximately 35 minutes by a team of 50 firefighters.

Crews from the Fredericksburg Fire Department, Spotsylvania County Fire, Stafford County Fire-Rescue, King George Emergency Services, and an ambulance from the Naval District of Washington worked together to extinguish the blaze. The cold, brisk wind spread the flames across the roof, which had a styrofoam insulation and rubber membrane structure that complicated firefighting efforts. Firefighters had to cut through the roof membrane over five stores to ensure the flames were fully extinguished.

Manassas Park

B&B Theatres to Open in Manassas Park, Replacing Scrapped Cinema Café Project

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 6, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated December 8, 2024 at 6:23PM

Manassas Park’s downtown revitalization project is gaining momentum with the planned opening of a new B&B Theatres location. The luxury eight-screen cinema, complete with a restaurant and entertainment amenities, will anchor the city’s redevelopment initiative and fill the void left by Cinema Café’s withdrawal in 2022.

Originally, Cinema Café, a Hampton Roads-based movie theater and dining chain, had announced plans to establish a combination movie house and restaurant in Manassas Park’s Park Central development. However, by September 2022, the company backed out of the deal, citing concerns over rising inflation. This decision temporarily left the city without a major tenant for its downtown revitalization efforts.

News

Drew Middle School Rebuild Sparks Debate Over $16 Million Cost Increase

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 6, 2024 at 9:58AM | Updated December 6, 2024 at 11:25AM

The planned rebuild of Drew Middle School in Stafford County is moving forward amid discussions about a $16 million increase in costs. The updated total is now $113 million, up from the originally approved $96.5 million in the county’s Capital Improvement Plan.

The additional costs are attributed to land acquisition, off-site infrastructure improvements, and increased contingency funding.

Manassas

Annual Tree Lighting, Christmas Parade Return to Manassas

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published December 6, 2024 at 9:00AM

The 2023 Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. [Photo/Mike Beaty]

The holiday season will kick off at 5:15 p.m. Friday with Santa Lights Manassas, an annual event for more than 30 years. The tree lighting ceremony takes place the evening before the city’s big holiday parade.

According to the event website, the evening will begin with musical performances. Santa is expected to arrive around 6 p.m., then will greet children and listen to their holiday wishes. Free wagon rides will be available, as well as ice skating at Harris Pavilion.

News

Hire Heroes USA Brings Hope and Opportunity to Woodbridge Veteran

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Published December 6, 2024 at 8:50AM | Updated December 6, 2024 at 1:37PM

The organization provides free, comprehensive assistance beyond securing a job through tailored programs and services, offering veterans and military spouses the tools and guidance needed to thrive in their new careers.

Since its inception, Hire Heroes USA has celebrated over 100,000 job placements and confirmed hires—a testament to its transformative impact. “Each hire is more than a statistic—it represents a life change, a family stabilized, and a community strengthened. This is the heart of our mission,” said Ross Dickman, the organization’s CEO.

Fairfax

Workhouse Arts Center Collaborates with OAR NOVA for Annual Toy Drive

By Teresa Davidson

Published December 5, 2024 at 9:09PM

The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, is hosting its Annual Toy Drive in partnership with OAR NOVA to support local families affected by the criminal justice system. Running through December 8, the community is encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys at drop-off locations across the Workhouse campus. The drive aims to bring holiday joy while emphasizing the center’s commitment to creativity, compassion, and community engagement. For more information, visit the Workhouse Arts Center’s website.

Press Release: