Press Release

Five Displaced on Easter After Fire on Smith Street in Stafford

By Potomac Local News
Firefighters gather outside a single-story home in the 400 block of Smith Street after quickly bringing a structure fire under control. Five people were displaced in the April 20, 2025 blaze. Photo courtesy: Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department

A fire on Easter evening displaced five residents from a single-family home in the 400 block of Smith Street, near Brooke Road in Stafford County. Fire and rescue crews from Stafford and Fredericksburg responded to the scene just before 6 p.m. and quickly brought the blaze under control within 20 minutes.

One person was home at the time and safely evacuated after being alerted by neighbors. Two individuals were treated on scene for minor smoke inhalation. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.

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Civil War-Era Artillery Shell Unearthed at Historic Liberia House in Manassas

By Potomac Local News
A Civil War-era Schenkl artillery shell, still unexploded, was uncovered during stream restoration work behind the Liberia House in Manassas. The shell was safely removed and documented by authorities. [Photo: Manassas Museum]

MANASSAS, Va. — A piece of American history has been unearthed at the Liberia House, one of the most historically significant sites in Northern Virginia.

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Lights, Camera, Fredericksburg! Film Festival Brings Indie Cinema to Town

By Mike Salmon
Dalton Okolo, filmmaker and co-organizer of the Fredericksburg Film Festival, reviews shots on his camera during the opening night reception. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The second annual Fredericksburg Film Festival kicked off last night with a reception at the Courtyard Marriott, where filmmakers, judges, and festival organizers gathered in an informal atmosphere to meet one another. The event was followed by a preview of a few of the entries in a conference room off to the side.

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Tour the Liberia House from Basement to Attic in Manassas

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. — There’s more than meets the eye at Liberia House, one of the most historic homes in Northern Virginia. On April 19 at 2 p.m., you’ll get the rare chance to explore every level of the house—from its mysterious basement to the sunlight-filled attic—during a guided tour offered in both English and Spanish.

This special “Basement to Attic Tour” invites visitors to experience the stunning architecture of the home and learn stories of the people who once lived there, including soldiers, servants, and presidents. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. To reserve a spot, visit cityofmanassas.recdesk.com.

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Police Blotter: Strong-Arm Robbery Arrest in Woodbridge; DUI, Trespass, and Recovered Property in Stafford

By Potomac Local News
[Photo: Alan Gloss]

On April 17 at 12:33 a.m., officers responded to the area of Dale Boulevard and Minnieville Road (22193) after a 21-year-old woman reported being assaulted and robbed by three acquaintances. The suspects allegedly stole clothing and food items from the victim, who sustained minor injuries.

A coordinated search using a police K-9 and a Fairfax County police helicopter led officers to Gum Lane, where all three suspects were detained without incident.

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Springtime Sweets and Whimsy: Peeps Week Pops to Life in Occoquan

By Potomac Local News
Buona Peep-etito! D’Rocco’s gets sweet and saucy with this pasta-perfect nod to Lady and the Tramp. Mangia, marshmallows [Photo: Visit Occoquan via Facebook]

Now in its 8th year, the town’s beloved Peeps Show is officially underway, running from April 15 through April 19, and it’s got local businesses, families, and kids competing — and laughing — with displays built entirely out of those colorful, sugary springtime staples: Peeps.

“It’s a lot of fun and it’s a family-friendly event for kids of all ages and adults,” said Sarah Burzio, executive director of Visit Occoquan.

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Prince William County Opens First Official Kayak Launch at Neabsco Regional Park

By Potomac Local News

The ceremony, held at 15125 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge, brought together elected officials, county staff, and community advocates to highlight new investments in outdoor recreation along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

“These projects have been a long time in the making,” said Seth Hendler-Voss, Director of Prince William County Parks and Recreation. “This kayak launch is just a nice addition to that overall outdoor recreation experience. Over time, we hope to expand our blueway system to complement our greenway system.”

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Mass Bee Poisoning at Stafford County Farm Prompts Criminal Investigation, $5K Reward Offered

By Potomac Local News
Jerry Mattiaccio, owner of Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, surveys the damage after discovering more than 50 bee colonies dead on his Stafford County property. Authorities are investigating the incident as a suspected case of pesticide poisoning.

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Authorities are investigating a suspected case of mass pesticide poisoning at a local beekeeping operation, where more than 50 honeybee colonies were found dead in what the farm’s owner believes was an intentional act of vandalism.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, located at 45 Pinto Lane, on Monday, April 14, at 4:05 p.m. after the property owner discovered thousands of dead bees outside their hives. Deputy B.E. Vaughn took the report, and sheriff’s spokesman Ryan Wilbur confirmed a total of 50 hives were affected. The case remains under active investigation.

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Fire Damages Apartment on Oliver Court in Manassas; Four Displaced

By Potomac Local News
Emergency crews work to extricate a driver from a pickup truck after it was struck by an Amtrak train at a railroad crossing on Bristow Road near Manassas on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The driver was transported to a regional hospital with injuries. No one on board the train was hurt. Photo courtesy of Prince William County Fire and Rescue.

MANASSAS, Va. — Firefighters from the City of Manassas, Manassas Park, and Prince William County responded to an apartment fire this afternoon at 8872 Oliver Court, just off Liberia Avenue, where smoke was seen billowing from a second-story unit in a three-story building.

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