Press Release

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.

The fire broke out in a bedroom on the second floor shortly before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15. According to Manassas Fire Chief Edward Mills, the unit was unoccupied at the time. Crews arriving at the scene reported smoke showing but no visible flames from outside.

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The Five Things You Need to Know About This Year’s Manassas Farmers Market

By Potomac Local News

The Historic Manassas Farmers Market is back for the 2025 season — and it’s bringing fresh produce, handmade goods, and community vibes to Downtown Manassas all spring, summer, and fall.

Whether you’re a market regular or planning your first visit, here are five things to know about this year’s market:

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Bill Reeder, Founding Dean of George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Dies After Battle with Cancer

By Potomac Local News

MANASSAS, Va. — Bill Reeder, the founding dean of George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), died over the weekend after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by family in hospice care, according to a message shared by current Dean Rick Davis.

Reeder joined George Mason University in 2001 and led the newly established CVPA for 14 years. Under his leadership, the college expanded its offerings to include now-thriving programs in Film and Video Studies, Computer Game Design, and Arts Management. These additions played a pivotal role in shaping the college into a comprehensive institution for arts education.

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SuperCon Returns to Manassas with Star Power, Cosplay, Gaming, and After-Hours Fun

By Potomac Local News

SuperCon is back in downtown Manassas and promises a weekend packed with geek culture, gaming, cosplay, and a brush with Hollywood.

The convention, hosted by ARTfactory, will take place Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at 9419 Battle Street. This year’s headliner is Jamie Flanagan, a Bram Stoker Award-winning writer and actor known for their work on Netflix series including “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” “Midnight Mass,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” as well as AMC Shudder’s “Creepshow” and “Peacock’s Hysteria!”.

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Police Blotter: ABC Store Robbery, Domestic Strangulations, and Fraud Investigations

By Jazbia Chaudhry
[Photo: Alan Gloss]

Woodbridge (22192) – April 8, 2025
A man entered the ABC store on Smoketown Rd., threatened the employee, and pushed her aside before stealing multiple bottles of alcohol. He fled the scene before officers and K-9 units arrived. The suspect has not been located.

Manassas (20109) – April 7, 2025
Jordan Alan LOCKETT, 28, is wanted after allegedly beating and strangling a 36-year-old woman, temporarily taking her phone to prevent her from calling 911.
Charges: Strangulation, assault & battery, preventing the summoning of law enforcement

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Fredericksburg Celebrates Arbor Day, Honors Local Tree Advocates

By Potomac Local News

The Fredericksburg Area Council of Garden Clubs and the City of Fredericksburg celebrated the 37th Annual Arbor Day on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with a special tribute to local environmental champions Anne and Carl Little, along with the organization Tree Fredericksburg.

The event took place at 10 a.m. in Maury Park, located at the corner of William Street and Kenmore Avenue, adjacent to the James Monroe High School football field and just behind the Littles’ home. The park served as a fitting venue for honoring the couple whose tireless efforts have transformed green spaces throughout the city.

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The Next Chapter for Fredericksburg Readers: Novel Opens Downtown

By Kelly Sienkowski

Fredericksburg welcomed a new novelty to its downtown business scene last week: Novel, an independent bookstore and plant shop has opened its doors at 212 William Street. 

Novel, owned and operated by Andie Ayers, offers a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction titles, unique gifts, and a quiet space designed for connection and conversation.

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EXCLUSIVE: Remix Market to Replace Former Tin Cannon Brewery in Gainesville

By Potomac Local News
Harrington

A new chapter is unfolding at the former Tin Cannon Brewery site in Gainesville, and it’s bringing a colorful mix of sustainability, community, and secondhand treasures.

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