Press Release - Page 5 of 119 - Potomac Local News

Reckless Racing Leaves 2,000 Without Power

Published April 23, 2025 at 3:45PM

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Reckless street racing between a juvenile and his father resulted in a crash on Courthouse Road Tuesday evening, knocking out power to 2,000 Stafford County residents.

Deputies responded to the 1500 block of Courthouse Road at about 6:25 p.m. on April 22, 2025, after a Ford Mustang struck and toppled a utility pole. Witnesses told Deputy X.D. Bates, the Mustang, was speeding when the juvenile driver lost control, narrowly missing a child playing nearby. Moments later, a green Porsche arrived on the scene, driven by the juvenile’s father, who transported the teen from the area.

Rare Day Game: RiverDogs Rally Late to Defeat FredNats 6-2

By Potomac Local News

Published April 23, 2025 at 2:54PM | Updated April 23, 2025 at 3:19PM

Photo: Fredericksburg Nationals

The Charleston RiverDogs scored four late runs to top the Fredericksburg Nationals 6-2 on Education Day at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Over 3,000 students attended the early game, where FredNats starter Bryan Polanco allowed just one run in four innings. Cristhian Vaquero went 3-for-5 with an RBI, but Charleston broke a 2-2 tie with a strong finish against Fredericksburg’s bullpen. Robert Cranz (1-2) took the loss.

Next Game: Thursday, 6:35 p.m. — Alexander Meckley (1-1, 5.56) vs. Trevor Harrison (1-1, 4.50)

Police Blotter: High-speed “horseplay,” hit-and-run DUI crash injuring motorcyclist, RV stowaway, and more

By Potomac Local News

Published April 23, 2025 at 1:11PM

A Stafford man claiming he was “monkeying around” led deputies on a high-speed pursuit, while a repeat DUI offender struck and injured a motorcyclist before fleeing the scene. In Prince William County, a firearm was brandished in a road rage incident, a teen was charged in a brutal assault, and a man was arrested in a child sex assault investigation.

Dumfries Mayor Discusses Economic Impact of New Wawa Gas Station at Route 1 and Possum Point Road

By Potomac Local News

Published April 23, 2025 at 1:06PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

DUMFRIES, Va. –Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood recently spoke about the new development underway at the corner of Route 1 and Possum Point Road: the first-ever Wawa gas station in the town. This new business, set to open in late summer or early fall of 2025, promises to bring economic benefits to the area, marking a pivotal moment in the town’s growth and revitalization efforts.

According to Mayor Wood, this development is a key indicator that “Dumfries is open for business.” The Wawa will create over 50 jobs for the local community, with wages expected to generate an additional $1-2 million annually. The construction of the station is anticipated to bring in an economic impact of $5 to $7 million, making it a major driver of growth for the region.

Prince William County Names 2025 Outstanding Educators

By Potomac Local News

Published April 23, 2025 at 11:13AM | Updated August 15, 2025 at 2:02PM

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is proud to announce the winners of the 2024-25 Outstanding Educator Awards. These exceptional employees have demonstrated a profound commitment to the success and well-being of our educational community. This year, PWCS recognized finalists in the categories of Support Employee, Novice Teacher, Teacher, and Principal of the Year.

Each winner received a $1,500 award, sponsored by PWCS business partner, Apple Federal Credit Union.

CTAC Endorses New Route for Rappahannock River Crossing; Regional Vote Set for June 16

By Potomac Local News

Published April 22, 2025 at 3:46PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River. [VDOT]

The Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), a panel advising the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO), voted 9-4 in favor of a new option, informally dubbed “CTAC Option C.” The route would use Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County and cross the river where one of the previously studied alternatives—Option D—was proposed.

During a presentation at the April 21 FAMPO Policy Committee meeting, CTAC member Al Watkins said the new route was the result of “many, many, many hours” of analysis by committee members. The preferred alternative aims to reduce environmental impacts, minimize new road construction, and improve regional traffic flow between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.

Dumfries Town Council Votes to Create Economic Development Authority

By Potomac Local News

Published April 22, 2025 at 3:40PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

DUMFRIES, Va. — The Town of Dumfries took a significant step toward shaping its economic future on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, by voting to establish a new Economic Development Authority (EDA).

The council passed an ordinance to formally establish the authority after holding a public hearing, during which no residents spoke. The EDA is intended to act as a dedicated body focused on attracting businesses, revitalizing community spaces, and investing in local development—tools the town hopes will spur growth in key areas such as Main Street and the waterfront.

Health Officials Warn of Measles Risk in Woodbridge, Fredericksburg

By Potomac Local News

Published April 22, 2025 at 3:08PM

Kaiser Permanente on Caton Hill Road in Woodbridge.

Virginia health officials have confirmed the first measles case of 2025, reported in a child from the Northwest Region who had recently traveled internationally. Health officials are now working to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the disease, including individuals who visited two medical centers in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges residents, particularly those in these areas, to check their vaccination status and seek the MMR vaccine if needed. Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination remains the best defense against the disease.

Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe Coming to Stafford’s Garrisonville Road

By Potomac Local News

Published April 22, 2025 at 2:37PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

STAFFORD, Va. — A new addition is coming to Stafford County’s food scene.

Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe, a growing chain known for its smoothies, açai bowls, croffles (a hybrid of croissant and waffle), and other sweet treats, is set to open its doors at 296 Garrisonville Road in North Stafford. A banner reading “Coming Soon” now hangs on the former vape shop in the Concepts building, formerly a shoe store, located near a Home Depot.

Himalayan Grill Opens in Haymarket with Grand Ribbon Cutting Celebration

By Potomac Local News

Published April 21, 2025 at 2:42PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

HAYMARKET, Va. — The Town of Haymarket welcomed a flavorful new addition to its dining scene on Friday, April 19, with the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Himalayan Grill, located at 6624 Watts Rd, Haymarket.

Mayor TracyLynn Pater, joined by Police Chief Allen Sibert, members of the Town Council, police officers, local business owners, family, and friends, helped celebrate the occasion. The ribbon was ceremoniously cut by Mayor Pater and Aanvi Thapa, the 8-year-old daughter of owners Nepal and Anita Thapa, who are longtime Gainesville residents.