Dear Potomac Local News Readers,
We’re excited to introduce our new History and Heritage Feature Series, exploring our region’s rich history and cultural heritage. This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Sentara, whose commitment to local education helps bring these stories to life.
The project, which was funded by the Board of County Supervisors’ $500,000 allocation for such projects in fiscal year 2024, provided new landscaping to “enhance the appeal of the area.” Some of the landscaping included adding crape myrtles, knock-out roses, shamrock hollies, hydrangeas and more.
Both Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega and Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony because the project covers portions of each district.
Join us for a delightful Sunday afternoon at the BlackRock Center for the Arts as Cruise Planners Beth & Rod present a special travel-inspired matinee featuring the beloved film Under the Tuscan Sun.
Date & Time: Sunday, May 31 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
According to Major Shawn Kimmitz from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, the crash led to an immediate response from local rescue teams, who successfully extracted one person from the submerged vehicle. The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, is currently receiving medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
The conditions during the accident included rainfall, although it is still unclear whether speed played a role in the mishap. The intersection was partially closed to facilitate the rescue operation and to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A Prince William County police officer, James Thomas Clinton, was arrested on September 26 after investigations revealed he had inappropriate contact with an adult woman on two separate occasions while on duty, police said.
According to Prince William County Police, who reported the incident, the first incident occurred on June 4 at Potomac Mills mall, where he handcuffed the woman during a conversation without a lawful reason, police said. The second incident took place on September 22 at Turley Park in Dale City, where he forcibly detained the woman during a verbal altercation, made threats, and physically assaulted her.
Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
Today, get to know Milagros “Milly” Polanco, the new principal of Unity Reed High in Manassas. Polanco started her teaching career with Prince William County Schools in 2015, and most recently served as assistant principal of Gar-Field High School.
So far this year, Stafford County reported the highest number of early ballots cast among the listed jurisdictions, with 4,682 votes, showing a significant increase from 2,779 in 2020.
Manassas saw a decrease in early voting numbers, with 2,652 ballots cast in 2024 compared to 3,051 in 2020. Prince William County also experienced a notable drop, with 1,022 early votes in 2024, down from 3,096 in the previous election cycle.
As Hurricane Helene intensifies and approaches Florida’s Big Bend with the potential to become a major Category 4 hurricane, swift water rescue teams from Virginia are mobilizing to assist with the expected impacts.
The Prince William County Swift Water Rescue Team, a FEMA Type 3 team comprising six technicians and a Battalion Chief, was activated by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and deployed to Norton, Virginia. They left at 10:00 AM today from the Prince William Public Safety Training Center, aiming to coordinate with local authorities and manage water rescues in hurricane flood waters.
A fatal paraglider crash is under investigation by Virginia State Police after occurring on September 20th at 6:36 p.m. in Fauquier County on Lucky Hill Road. The pilot, 77-year-old Robert N. Eaheart Jr. from Springfield, died upon impact when his paraglider lost control while trying to fly over a power plant smokestack and crashed to the ground. His body has been sent to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Manassas for autopsy.
No injuries were reported on the ground. The FAA and NTSB have been notified, and the investigation is ongoing.
