Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:38AM

“Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has appointed Brooke LeVecchi as principal of ‘Woodbridge Area’ Elementary School, effective January 5, 2026,” the school division announced. “LeVecchi brings more than 20 years of experience in education and a proven record of fostering academic achievement and building strong, inclusive school communities.”

“She has served as principal of Neabsco Elementary School since July 2023… Under her leadership, Neabsco Elementary achieved notable progress, including increases in SOL assessment scores across several content areas, an increase in math SOL pass advanced scores, and English learner student growth.”

Spotsylvania

Driver Killed in Early Morning Crash on Courthouse Road

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:36AM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

Deputies arrived around 4:20 a.m. to find a 2008 Nissan Titan that had veered off the roadway and struck a tree. Investigators believe the vehicle initially left the right side of the road, crossed back over, and then hit the tree. The driver, Saul Amaya Argueta, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the incident.

Fredericksburg

Assault Charge and Multiple Arrests Lead Fredericksburg Police Blotter

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:34AM

An assault and battery charge involving a family member was the most serious incident in the latest Fredericksburg Police blotter for December 9. A 29-year-old Fredericksburg man was arrested in connection with the alleged domestic assault.

Police also responded to a vehicle tampering incident in the 600 block of Maury Street on December 4, where a car was rummaged through. That same day, someone reported the theft of headphones in the 1300 block of Central Park Boulevard.

Schools

Spotsylvania to Add Weapons Detection Systems to All Seven Middle Schools

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:31AM

“On Monday night, the board voted to purchase Evolv weapons detection systems for the county’s seven middle schools,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “The action was part of the consent agenda — a list of items typically approved wholesale without discussion. The board voted 4-0 to approve the $1 million purchase, with board members April Gillespie and Lisa Phelps absent for the final meeting of their tenures.”

The division previously installed Evolv scanners at all five high schools, along with the Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center and the John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center. The expansion follows heightened security measures this fall after a shooting involving juveniles and threats made against school leaders.

Stafford

Stafford County Fire Displaces Four After Theodore Street Blaze

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:26AM

[Photo: Stafford County Fire and Rescue]

“Units arrived on scene less than five minutes later and found smoke coming from a two-story, single-family home [in the England Run area],” Stafford County Fire and Rescue reported. “All occupants evacuated prior to the arrival of units and none reported any injuries.”

The department stated that four residents were temporarily displaced and are receiving support from the American Red Cross. The cause of the December 9 fire remains under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Fredericksburg

Holiday Magic on Main Street Returns Thursday in Fredericksburg

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:22AM

Shoppers line Caroline Street in Downtown Fredericksburg on Small Business Saturday.

“We’re less than 48 hours away from Holiday Magic on Main Street. Join us THIS Thursday, December 11 from 5–9pm at Riverfront Park for a FREE night of festive fun for the whole community,” Fredericksburg Main Street announced. “Come feel the magic — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!”

The organization highlighted free cocoa and cookies, live carolers, children’s STEM activities, and festive displays, with the first 500 attendees receiving a complimentary Holiday Magic travel mug. The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Riverfront Park in Fredericksburg, with no admission cost.

Newslinks

DEQ Approves Caroline’s Application for Rappahannock River Withdrawal

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:17AM

Pumpkin Island returned again this year, visible from the Canal Path. For several years, pumpkins have mysteriously appeared on an island in the Rappahannock River.

“The Garrett family is committed to challenging the taking of their property and we are evaluating what, if anything the DEQ permit does to the argument that we made in our pleading challenging that taking,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “There are a number of issues still unresolved and really have nothing to do with the DEQ component here. Now that piece has been put in place, we’ll be evaluating how best to go forward on that challenge.”

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Stafford

Several Stafford Schools Rated Off Track Under Virginia’s New Accountability System

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 8:00AM

Several Stafford County schools have been rated Off Track or in Needs Intensive Support under Virginia’s new statewide accountability system, according to the first round of ratings released this week.

Six elementary schools — Ferry Farm, Grafton Village, Hampton Oaks, Hartwood, Kate Waller Barrett, and Widewater — were designated Off Track, along with Shirley C. Heim Middle School. Two schools, Anne E. Moncure Elementary and Falmouth Elementary, received the lowest designation, Needs Intensive Support.

Politics

Spanberger taps Del. Candi Mundon King to serve as Secretary of the Commonwealth

By Potomac Local News

Published December 10, 2025 at 7:46AM

Delegate Candi Mundon King

“The Secretary of the Commonwealth plays a vital role in ensuring that the Office of the Governor is responsive to the needs of Virginians, and I’m proud to announce the appointment of Delegate Candi Mundon King to serve in this role,” Virginia Scope reported. “Throughout her career, Delegate Mundon King has worked to bring people together to get results for the people of Virginia, and she has demonstrated dedication, courage, and a commitment to delivering on the promise of our commonwealth.”

Mundon King, first elected in 2021 to represent parts of Prince William and Stafford counties, currently chairs the House Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns and serves on committees for Public Safety and Labor and Commerce. Her appointment will require her to step down from the House, triggering a special election to fill her seat.