Potomac Local News

Published October 2, 2023 at 10:03AM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:25PM

Prince William County fire and rescue: “Firefighters of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System will join students, from selective schools around the county to celebrate International Walk to School Day. Although the official event occurs on Wednesday, October 4th, Prince William County schools will be extending the activity throughout the month known as “Walktober.”

“The Walk to School Day/Walktober event will begin at various times, corresponding with the school’s opening. Students, along with parents and community leaders, will walk from meeting points along the walker’s route. Walkers at some schools will be joined by Fire & Rescue personnel as they exit the buses and enter the schools for the day. The event raises awareness of the need to create safer routes for our children when walking and biking. In addition, it emphasizes important issues as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concern for the environment. International Walk to School Day is a global event involving communities from more than 40 countries walking and biking to school on the same day.”

Prince William

New Woodbridge area high school, Potomac Shores area elementary school delayed until 2027

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:50AM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:25PM

(Photo: Prince William County Public Schools)

Prince William Times: “Two new Prince William County schools — a high school in Woodbridge and an elementary school in Potomac Shores — that are coincidentally planned near sites once considered by the Washington Commanders for a new stadium, will be delayed by more than a year and are now slated to open in 2027.”

“But the possible future stadium was not a factor in the delays, according to School Board Chairman Babur Lateef and a school division spokeswoman.”

Politics

Brentsville supervisor candidate was convicted of tax fraud two decades ago. He still calls the IRS ‘terrorists.’

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:48AM

Prince William Times: “Jim Gehlsen, the Democratic candidate for Brentsville supervisor, pleaded guilty to tax fraud in 2000 and spent a year in federal prison. More than 20 years later, he continues to have strong feelings about the IRS, saying he was “harassed” by the federal agency and that its actions “provoked” his crimes.”

“In an interview with the Prince William Times, Gehlsen, 69, called the IRS “terrorists” and repeatedly said he was ”tortured and terrorized” by the federal agency. Gehlsen said he is running for the Brentsville District supervisor’s seat in part because he believes Prince William County “does tax terrorism as well.”

Event

Travel & Movie Matinee: Under the Tuscan Sun

May 31, 2026 2:45 pm -6:00 pm

BlackRock Center For The Arts

12901 Town Commons Dr

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Website Contact Social

Join us on Sunday, May 31st, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM for a beautifully curated afternoon celebrating the romance and inspiration of European travel. We recommend arriving at 2:45 PM for the best seating. We’ll begin with a brief presentation highlighting unforgettable journeys along Europe’s iconic rivers with AmaWaterways, followed by a special screening of Under the Tuscan Sun — a heartwarming story set against the breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany and the transformative power of embracing life abroad. A minimum $5 per person donation to Manna Food Center is required to attend, and we are proud to match donations up to $500. You may also elect to donate more. Non-perishable food donations are also warmly welcomed. Raffle proceeds will benefit Manna as well, helping provide nourishment and support to families in our community. Come immerse yourself in the beauty of Europe, enjoy wonderful company, and make a meaningful difference. We look forward to welcoming you.

News

Historic Manassas launches community survey

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:45AM

Historic Manassas Inc.: “I am pleased to announce that HMI, in partnership with Main Street America and the City’s Economic Development Department, launched a community survey yesterday to gain a better understanding of regional market trends and the community’s aspirations for Historic Downtown Manassas. The survey is confidential and takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Responses will be collected directly by Main Street America and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our cherished Historic Downtown Manassas community, together.”

“We ask for your partnership in promoting the survey via any distribution channels you may have (i.e., general word of mouth, social media, dissemination of a promotional flyer in your store or business, etc.). If you would like some promotional flyers (which include the QR code to the survey) to distribute, please email Herbert Zepeda, HMI’s Communications & Promotions Coordinator, at [email protected].”

Prince William

OWL VFD plans open house Saturday, October 14

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:38AM

Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department: “OWL VFD Open House event is scheduled for Saturday, October 14th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Fire Station 14 (12400 Hedges Run Drive, Woodbridge). OWL VFD welcomes the community to visit the station.

OWL VFD President Dave Williams shared, “This event is a traditional favorite for OWL VFD to host. The community is invited to visit “our house” to see fire and rescue apparatus up close, talk with firefighters and EMTs, and enjoy refreshments provided by the OWL VFD Auxiliary.”

News

Travel hot spots in the Fredericksburg District

By Amelia Breeden

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:35AM

I-95 in Fredericksburg. Traffic closest to the camera is southbound. [VDOT]

City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County: Route 1 at Falmouth Bridge: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Single lane closure on Route 1 over the Rappahannock River at Falmouth Bridge for a scheduled bridge inspection. Crews may be working along the northbound or southbound lanes at the bridge.

Spotsylvania County: Route 1: Sunday – Wednesday, 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. Alternating lane closures on Route 1 northbound and southbound for road construction between Market Street and Bakers Lane. Construction for an intersection improvement project.

Prince William

House burglar parked in driveway before entering, police said

By Amelia Breeden

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:35AM

“Residential Burglary – On September 26 at 6:15 a.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 11600 block of Crystal Creek Lane in Manassas to investigate a burglary-in-progress. The investigation revealed an unknown man, later identified as the accused, parked his vehicle in the driveway of the residence before entering the home through the front door. While inside the home, residents confronted the accused, who then left the residence and drove out of the area. While investigating the incident, officers identified the accused as Richard Steven STARK, and obtained warrants for his arrest. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful. Wanted: [Photo from July 2022] Richard Steven STARK, 40, of the 12000 block of Parkriver Drive in Manassas. Described as a white male, approximately 5’10, 160lbs., with short brown hair, blue eyes, and a full beard and mustache. Wanted for burglary.”

Prince William

Lost Canyon Court murder suspect arrested

By Amelia Breeden

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:33AM

Prince William Police Department: “Murder Investigation *ARREST – On September 27, the suspect sought in connection to shooting death of a 25-year-old man following an altercation that occurred at the Misty Ridge Apartments located in the 15000 block of Lost Canyon Court in Woodbridge on May 21, was arrested. The suspect and victim were involved in an argument in front of the complex when the victim was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire. In June, the suspect was identified, and warrants were obtained for his arrest with a reward offered for information leading to his whereabouts and conviction. On September 27, the suspect, identified as Jeffrey Donelle HAMPTON, turned himself in to police without incident. Arrested on September 27: Jeffrey Donelle HAMPTON, 34, of the 13902 Roanoke Street in Woodbridge. Charged with 1 count of murder, 1 count of use of a firearm in commission of a felony, 1 count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and 2 counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond. Identified: The deceased was identified as Michael Eugene HAWKINS, III, 25, of Woodbridge.”

“Murder Investigation *REWARD INCREASED [Previously Released] – The Prince Wiliam County Police Department has increased the reward offered regarding the whereabouts of the suspect sought in connection to shooting death of a 25-year-old man following an altercation that occurred at the Misty Ridge Apartments located in the 15000 block of Lost Canyon Court in Woodbridge on May 21. The involved parties were in an argument when the victim fatally shot as gunfire was exchanged. In June, the suspect was identified as Jeffrey Donelle HAMPTON. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for the suspect and an initial reward amount was offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction. Further attempts and leads in locating the suspect have been unsuccessful. The Police Department are now offering an increased reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of this suspect. The investigation continues.”

Prince William

21-year-old charged in sex assault of child

By Amelia Breeden

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:32AM

Prince William Police Department: “Strong-Arm Robbery *ARREST – On September 25, the suspect sought in connection to the robbery that was reported to have occurred near the 10500 block of Stonehouse Drive in Manassas on September 20, was arrested. The accused, identified as Leroy Diaz MOTEN, was located and taken into custody by Manassas City police. Arrested on September 25: [No Photo Available] Leroy Diaz MOTEN, 48, of No Fixed Address. Charged with robbery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.”

“Strong-Arm Robbery [Previously Released] – On September 20 at 5:09 a.m., officers responded to the area near the 10500 block of Stonehouse Drive in Manassas to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 38-year-old female, engaged in a verbal altercation with an acquaintance, identified as the accused. At some point, the altercation escalated when the accused grabbed the victim’s purse from her hand before fleeing the area. The victim reported minor injuries. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Leroy Diaz MOTEN. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.”