Features

Duo Debuts Whimsical New Show

By Potomac Local News
Photo Credit: Mindy Ratcliff - The Little Photo Shop

Fauquier Community Theatre will present the world premiere of Tales of the Artisan, an original musical written by Prince William and Fauquier County father-daughter team Matt Moore and Cate Murray. The heartwarming story follows a Scots-Irish Gaelic family fleeing political persecution in 1814 America, blending coming-of-age elements, action, folklore, magic and early American traditions.

The production features book and lyrics by Moore and music and lyrics by Murray. Moore directs, and Murray serves as music director. An ensemble cast of local performers, many from Fauquier County, brings 18 characters to life — including the mysterious Jack á Spadean, his hopeful daughter Queenie, and various family members, soldiers, and fairytale creatures. Special touches include live folk music with Warrenton resident David Morgan on bodhrán and spoons.

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Police Blotter

Missing Mom and Son Top Police Blotter

By Potomac Local News
[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

A Dumfries mother and her 8-year-old son, who were reported missing and endangered, have been located safe in Florida, Prince William County police confirmed.

Heather Rebecca Poisik, 50, and her son Lev Poisik were found safe in South Florida on Thursday evening, according to authorities. The pair had been the subject of a public alert after last contact with Heather on April 23.

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News

Eagle Festival Returns to Mason Neck on May 9

By Potomac Local News

The 28th Annual Eagle Festival returns to Mason Neck State Park on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a day of family-friendly activities focused on nature and conservation.

The event features live animal demonstrations with reptiles, hawks, and owls, hands-on learning experiences, outdoor recreation clinics, nature programs, a puppet show, live music, food, and exhibits by conservation partners. Visitors may also spot the park’s resident bald eagles flying overhead.

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Event

Afternoon Matinee Movie – Under the Tuscan Sun (at BlackRock Center For The Arts)

BlackRock Center For The Arts

12901 Town Commons Dr

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Website Contact Social

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

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Stafford

Resident: “I Just Want to Stay in My Home” — Board: “Best I Can Do Is a 57% Tax Increase Since 2021”

By Potomac Local News

 

Lisa Vose stood before the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on April 28 and described a lifetime spent in the county she loves. She moved here as a tenth-grader, rode the school bus past the neighborhood she dreamed of living in, and eventually made Clearview Heights her home.

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Fredericksburg

Council Advances Tax Increase and Utility Rate Hike for Fredericksburg’s FY2027 Budget

By Potomac Local News
Fredericksburg City Hall

City Council gave first-read approval Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to the FY2027 budget (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), which includes a 4-cent increase in the real estate tax rate and an 8% hike in water and sewer rates, along with a new tiered pricing structure.

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Prince William

Compass Drops Appeal on Digital Gateway

By Potomac Local News

“Compass Datacenters will not appeal the most recent court ruling that killed the rezonings underpinning the development,” the company’s attorney said late Tuesday night, Prince William Times reported. “It’s not known whether QTS, the other data center company involved in the project, will attempt an appeal before the Supreme Court of Virginia.”

The decision by Compass likely ends sales contracts that have kept more than 90 property owners in limbo since 2022, including entire neighborhoods along Pageland Lane in rural Gainesville. The Prince William Digital Gateway proposed up to 37 data centers on about 1,760 acres near Manassas National Battlefield Park. Rezonings approved in 2023 were voided by court rulings over public notice failures, and the county has now dropped its own appeal after spending at least $1.7 million in legal fees.

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Prince William

Dumfries Council Directs Staff Review of Aras on Main Parking After Concerns Over 274-Unit Development

By Potomac Local News
Dumfries Vice Mayor Monáe Nickerson

Vice Mayor Monaé Nickerson spotlighted parking shortfalls for the Aras on Main development during approval of the April 7 meeting minutes at the Dumfries Town Council meeting on April 26, prompting a 6-1 vote directing staff to evaluate code flexibilities and parking options for the long-planned project.

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Manassas

CAN’T RETIRE IN MANASSAS ANYMORE: $750 Electric Bills, Soaring Taxes Force Locals Out While Council Pads Its Pay

By Potomac Local News

Lori Balta has lived on Sandy Court in Manassas since 2005. For 21 years, she and her husband planned to retire right here in the city they call home. Now that dream is slipping away.

Her January electric bill hit $750 — the highest in all her years here — followed by $650 in February and March. With her husband nearing retirement and her own close behind, Balta told Manassas City Council on April 27 that the combined impact of rising property assessments, local utility rate increases, and a surprise Dominion Energy shock may force them to sell and leave.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Wins Best Main Street in the South

By Potomac Local News
Shoppers line Caroline Street in Downtown Fredericksburg on Small Business Saturday.

Fredericksburg’s Caroline Street has been named the Best Main Street in the South by Garden & Guns magazine. The historic downtown centerpiece beat out 15 other Southern contenders in a March Madness-style public voting bracket that wrapped up this week.

The win highlights the city’s mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, historic sites and walkable charm that draws residents and visitors year-round. Mayor Devine credited the victory to strong community support from businesses and residents who rallied during each round of voting.

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