Prince William

DUMFRIES, Va. – Dumfries has finalized its purchase of the Campbell Junkyard property, securing 161 acres along Quantico Creek that town leaders say will anchor a new waterfront district.

Mayor Derrick R. Wood announced the closing Monday, calling the acquisition “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reconnect Virginia’s oldest chartered town with its waterfront roots. “This is more than an acquisition. This is a legacy,” Wood said in a statement. “Together, we’re building a new Waterfront Era for Dumfries.”


Prince William

As Dumfries seats its first-ever Economic Development Authority (EDA), Potomac Local is examining a potential conflict-of-interest involving appointee Lawrence C. Nickerson, who is married to Vice Mayor Monáe Nickerson — a relationship that raises disclosure and recusal questions as the new body begins work.

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Prince William

DUMFRIES, Va. – The folks at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington just told Potomac Local News they’ve teamed up with Amazon and KABOOM! to open a brand-new playspace and sport court at the General Heiser Boys & Girls Club—and it’s already making a big splash in the community.

More than 100 volunteers pitched in last Friday, September 12, to build the playground, which will serve about 500 local kids each year. What’s extra special? Ideas from local children shaped the design.


Police Blotter

A man from Woodbridge faces more than a dozen charges, including aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties, following an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case involves incidents dating back to 2020 with a victim under the age of 13.

Police also arrested a 17-year-old male after a shooting at Bar Louie in Gainesville, where he and another man were both injured. The juvenile faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated malicious wounding and use of a firearm in a felony.


Features

DUMFRIES, Va. – A Dumfries Army Veteran is getting a major home makeover today, and it’s all thanks to a powerful show of support from local businesses honoring the National Day of Service.

The folks at Mr. Handyman of Northern Virginia – Arlington to Haymarket just told Potomac Local News they’ve teamed up with more than 35 other local companies—including Mosquito Joe, Five Star Painting, and Junk King—to donate over 850 volunteer hours and $15,000 in materials. Their mission: give Brenda Lauer, a proud Army Veteran who started serving in 1993, the home repairs she deserves.


Prince William

DUMFRIES, Va. — Wawa is set to open its newest Northern Virginia store in Dumfries on September 4, offering free coffee, t-shirts, and a hoagie-building contest featuring first responders.

The new store, located at 3600 Pointe Center Court, opens at 8 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m. The first 100 customers in line will receive free t-shirts, and all customers will receive free hot coffee through September 7.


Police Blotter

A 47-year-old man was shot in the hand early Sunday morning, August 17, in Gainesville during an unclear altercation with a 60-year-old woman. Police responded around 12:13 a.m. to Bluff Point Court and Pine Knott Court, where they located the injured man and recovered a firearm. The woman was identified at the scene. No charges have been announced as the investigation continues.

In Bristow, police have charged a 17-year-old from Aldie with Assault by Mob in connection with a July 25 attack at Jiffy Lube Live. A group attacked the 16-year-old victim after a concert. The teen suspect is the first to be charged in the case.


Neighborhood Notes

The crew at Tidewater Grill just let us know their Summer Brunch Buffet is wrapping up soon—and if you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the time.

There are only two weekends left to enjoy this all-you-can-eat brunch spread at Potomac Shores. It’s happening Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—except for Sunday, August 17, when it wraps up early at 2 p.m.


Prince William

DUMFRIES, Va. – Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Dumfries is shutting down this month—just four years after it opened as Northern Virginia’s first licensed gaming parlor. The Virginia Racing Commission just confirmed the closure, which is set to happen by August 20.

The move comes less than a year after the flashy November 2024 grand opening of The Rose Gaming Resort, a massive, resort-style facility just up the road. That opening was hailed as a “landmark of transformation and opportunity” in Dumfries—complete with a hotel, restaurants, and a much larger gaming floor. Now, Colonial Downs Group says The Rose will become its flagship, and all Rosie’s staff will transition to the new resort.


Prince William

Updated 2:20 p.m. – A 61-year-old man died after being trapped under heavy machinery at a construction site near Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road in Woodbridge on August 13. Emergency responders pronounced the man dead at the scene. Authorities say no foul play is suspected, and the case remains under investigation.

Police said the accident was not related to the Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI), a significant road upgrade that is currently underway at that intersection.


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