Dumfries Archives - Page 7 of 233

No Dancing Ban Here: Dumfries Delays Festival Rule Change

Published May 16, 2025 at 9:06AM

DUMFRIES, Va. – In the 1984 movie Footloose, a small town famously banned dancing, sparking pushback from teens who just wanted to have fun. This week in Dumfries, a similar debate surfaced over whether the small town is going too far with proposed new rules for music festivals.

During its May 6, 2025, meeting, the Dumfries Town Council held a public hearing on a proposal to revise the town’s Musical and Entertainment Festivals Ordinance. Among the proposed changes is a requirement that anyone under 18 be accompanied by an adult at outdoor concerts and festivals.

Health

Dumfries Mayor Hosts Workout in Honor of Late Brother

By Potomac Local News

Published May 6, 2025 at 2:00PM

DUMFRIES, Va. – Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood invited the community to join him for a workout event just days after the unexpected death of his younger brother, 37-year-old Darron Smith.

Smith passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 2, 2025. In a heartfelt message, Mayor Wood described his brother as someone born for greatness—sharing a birthday with Super Bowl legend Doug Williams—and a constant presence in his life. “We shared so many moments side by side—from family to food trucks to faith,” Wood wrote. “And now my heart is broken.”

Breaking News

Parents Charged with Murder After 2-Year-Old Found Dead in Hotel Room

By Potomac Local News

Published May 3, 2025 at 9:50AM

DUMFRIES, Va. – A two-year-old girl was found dead at the Red Roof Inn in Dumfries earlier this month, prompting a homicide investigation that led to the arrest of both of her parents on multiple felony charges, including murder and child neglect.

According to Prince William County Police, officers were called to the hotel at 17113 Dumfries Road on April 16 at 4:29 p.m. after fire and rescue crews reported the child was deceased. Preliminary findings showed no visible signs of trauma or immediate medical issues. A second child, under the age of six, was also in the room and was unharmed. That child has since been placed in the care of trusted parties.

News

Town Unveils Vision for Dumfries Waterfront District During On-Site Tour

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 30, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated April 30, 2025 at 3:53PM

DUMFRIES, Va. – The Town of Dumfries is one step closer to transforming more than 160 acres of land into a vibrant new district along the Quantico Creek, near the Potomac River.

In a video update shared on Tuesday evening, town leaders toured the newly named Dumfries Waterfront District, formerly known as the Campbell Salvage Yard. The town council purchased the $3.9 million property, located at 17999 Possum Point Road, in January and is currently awaiting final approvals from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

News

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.

News

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.

News

With County EDA in Place, Dumfries Seeks More Control Over Business Development

By Potomac Local News

Published April 9, 2025 at 1:00PM

Dumfries is Virginia's oldest continually chartered town.

The Town of Dumfries is considering forming its own Economic Development Authority (EDA), a move that town leaders say would give them more flexibility and control over how to attract, retain, and grow businesses within the town’s borders.

At its April 1, 2025 meeting, the Town Council received a detailed presentation outlining the authority and potential benefits of creating an EDA under the Virginia Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act, passed by the state legislature in 1966. The act allows localities to establish Economic or Industrial Development Authorities (EDAs or IDAs) as separate legal entities to facilitate economic development.

Press Release

Dumfries Shifts Holiday Parade, Tweaks Concert Series for 2025

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 7, 2025 at 1:00PM

Dumfries is Virginia's oldest continually chartered town.

The Dumfries Town Council approved its 2025 events calendar during its April 1 meeting, finalizing several changes to the town’s lineup of annual events.

The most significant update is the rescheduling of the Holiday Parade. Traditionally held in December, the event will now take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The new date will help Dumfries avoid scheduling conflicts with neighboring localities and attract more marching bands and participants, notably Manassas, which hosts the region’s largest Christmas parade.

Prince William

Delays to New Elementary Schools Mean More Trailers, Overcrowding for Students at Covington-Harper

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 4, 2025 at 2:00PM

Two new elementary schools that could help ease overcrowding in Prince William County won’t open until at least 2026 and 2027, respectively, school officials say.

The Woodbridge Area Elementary School, located across from Marumsco Plaza along Route 1, is now slated to open for the 2026-27 school year, following a series of delays. The civil plan approval process with Prince William County took six extra months due to floodplain considerations.

Press Release

Winners Church to Host Free Community Easter Meal in Dumfries

By Uriah Kiser

Published April 3, 2025 at 7:00AM

[Photo by Karen Z on Unsplash]

The event will feature free hot meals from the food truck vendor District Bites. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and no registration is required.

The initiative began as an extension of the church’s 21-day period of fasting and prayer—a time when members focus on spiritual renewal and service. Motivated by faith and a commitment to meet tangible needs in the community, the program launched with support from church members who helped bring in a professional chef and food truck to serve hot meals directly to neighbors in need.