Potomac Local News

Published August 10, 2026 at 9:00AM

A two-story single-family home in the 100 block of Indian Point Road sustained significant fire damage early Saturday after flames involved the attached garage and rapidly extended into the residence, attic and roof, Stafford County Fire Rescue reported. Units were dispatched around 1:45 a.m., ensured occupants were safely out, and brought the fire under control in approximately 45 minutes with assistance from City of Fredericksburg personnel. No injuries were reported, and working smoke alarms were present in the home.

Two occupants were displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. The fire remains under routine investigation by the Stafford Fire Marshal’s Office.

Prince William

Three Alarm Fire Hits Woodbridge Apartments

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 10, 2026 at 8:00AM

A three-alarm fire tore through an apartment building in the Landings at Markham’s Grant community in Woodbridge on Saturday afternoon, displacing 19 residents and injuring two firefighters.

According to the department’s press release, early reports show at least 12 adults and seven children were displaced and are receiving help from the Red Cross. Two firefighters were taken to a local medical facility with non-life-threatening injuries. The cause remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Fredericksburg

Goolrick’s Ribbon Cutting Draws Crowd Friday

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 7, 2026 at 2:26PM

Screenshot

Mike Salmon was on hand Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, for the ribbon-cutting at historic Goolrick’s in downtown Fredericksburg.

The long-awaited reopening of the landmark soda fountain and lunch counter brought neighbors together at 901 Caroline Street. Watch the video below for the sights and sounds of the celebration.

Stafford

Stafford County Deputy Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in Prince William Crash

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 7, 2026 at 10:54AM

Sgt. Jeremy Hurt and Stafford County Sheriff David Decatur. [Photo: Stafford County Sheriff's Office]

Sgt. Jeremy Hurt of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office was indicted Monday in Prince William County on a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter from a deadly August 2025 crash on Interstate 95 near the Quantico exit, 7News reported. A source told the outlet the crash followed a chase that began in the Fredericksburg area in which Hurt allegedly rammed the suspect’s vehicle, killing Josue Enoc Martinez of Spotsylvania; Hurt also faces a misdemeanor reckless driving charge.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office said it stands strongly behind Hurt, who has been placed on administrative assignment, while Virginia State Police investigated and the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is handling the case. Hurt was arrested Tuesday, released on bail, and has a hearing set for Aug. 14.

Features

Manassas and Fredericksburg Host First Friday Events Tonight

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 7, 2026 at 10:48AM

A busy crowd outside Fredericksburg's Agave on First Friday.

Residents and visitors across Northern Virginia have two downtown First Friday celebrations to choose from this evening, Aug. 7, 2026.

“It’s shaping up to be an awesome First Friday (8/7/26) here in Historic Downtown Manassas” with a “Dog Days of Summer” theme, live music, vendors, and dog-friendly amenities including misting tents and water bowls, the City of Manassas reported on Facebook.

Stafford

Stafford County Hires Tom Ellsworth as Planning and Zoning Director

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 7, 2026 at 10:40AM

Ellsworth

“Stafford County is pleased to announce the hiring of Thomas “Tom” Ellsworth as the County’s new Planning and Zoning Director,” Stafford County reported. Ellsworth joins from Maricopa County, Arizona, where he served as Director of Planning and Development in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions and a major data center hub, bringing more than 25 years of experience in development review, zoning policy and organizational leadership.

In Stafford, Ellsworth will oversee development review, the Planning Commission, long-range planning, zoning, land conservation and data centers. County Administrator Bill Ashton said his background will allow him to contribute immediately to strengthening processes and guiding growth in the Northern Virginia locality.

Virginia

Virginia’s 3-Day Sales Tax Holiday Underway Through Sunday

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 7, 2026 at 10:34AM

“Virginia’s 3-Day Sales Tax Holiday runs August 7-9, 2026, starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ending at 11:59 p.m. Sunday,” Virginia Tax reported. Shoppers can buy qualifying school supplies ($20 or less), clothing and footwear ($100 or less), certain hurricane and emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star or WaterSense products ($2,500 or less) without paying state sales tax.

The holiday offers Northern Virginia families a timely chance to save on back-to-school essentials and preparedness gear as the new school year approaches. Full lists of eligible items are available in the official Sales Tax Holiday Guidelines on the Virginia Tax website.

Podcast

Low Turnout, High Stakes: Virginia’s Delayed Primaries Explained

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 7, 2026 at 10:27AM

Virginia’s delayed primaries finally delivered nominees, and the story is less about who won than how few people bothered to vote. Bert Mizusawa, the retired Army major general, secured the Republican Senate nomination with just over half the vote and will now face Mark Warner.

In the closely watched 7th District, Doug Ollivant posted a commanding win and sets up a November rematch of sorts against incumbent Eugene Vindman in one of the Commonwealth’s true purple seats. Dave Beckwith ran away with the 10th District Republican primary and will challenge first-term Democrat Suhas Subramanyam.

Fredericksburg

Four Fredericksburg Council Members Oppose 1500 Gateway Data Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 7, 2026 at 10:24AM

A city background memo map shows the proposed 1500 Gateway Data Center site outlined in blue between Plank Road and Cowan Boulevard, stretching along Interstate 95 and adjacent to neighborhoods including Great Oaks, Snowden, and the Preserve at Smith Run.

“The majority of Fredericksburg’s City Council members have announced opposition to Penzance Development’s proposed million-square-foot data center at 1500 Gateway Boulevard in the Hylton Tract,” FXBG Advance reported. Ward 1 Council Member Matt Rowe cited the site’s proximity to residential areas and required power lines near Hugh Mercer Elementary and Cowan Boulevard, while Ward 3 Member Susanna Finn, At-Large Member Will Mackintosh, and At-Large Member Jannan Holmes pointed to the project’s location outside the city’s Technology Overlay District and prior council decisions limiting data centers in the city.

Penzance has proposed financial proffers totaling tens of millions for city capital projects, schools, and public safety plus tax revenue estimates, yet the four members maintain the site remains unsuitable. The Advance is awaiting responses from Mayor Kerry Devine, Vice Mayor Chuck Frye, and Ward 2 Member Joy Crump.