Potomac Local News

Stafford County Processes 11 Data Center Applications as State Budget Fight Looms Over Industry Incentives

Published July 2, 2026 at 1:00PM

During the June 23, 2026, Board of Supervisors work session, Planning Director Michael Zuraf updated the board on the status of data center development in the county. There are currently 16 projects in the pipeline: five approved (three under construction) and 11 still under review. No new applications have been received since September 2025, following the county’s adoption of stricter ordinance and comprehensive plan amendments.

Board members and staff acknowledged community concerns about rapid growth, noise, power demands, and other impacts. However, Zuraf and county leaders emphasized that halting the 11 pending applications mid-review would not be legally viable. Virginia law limits localities’ ability to impose arbitrary pauses on lawfully submitted land-use applications, and doing so could invite legal challenges related to vested rights and due process.

Manassas

Manassas Students Graduate from Police Camp, Learn Law Enforcement Basics

By Potomac Local News

Published July 2, 2026 at 11:00AM

More than a dozen local students wrapped up an engaging week of hands-on learning at the Manassas Police Camp, earning recognition from city leaders during the June 22, 2026, Manassas City Council meeting.

Sergeant Shauna Moller of the Manassas Police Department’s Community Services Section, who led the program, highlighted the cadets’ achievements and thanked the many partners who make the free camp possible.

News

Extreme Heat Shortens Ferry Farm 250th Event; Stafford & Fredericksburg 4th Plans Move Forward with Caution

By Potomac Local News

Published July 2, 2026 at 9:00AM

Heat Update: Due to the National Weather Service extreme heat advisory, George Washington’s Ferry Farm has shortened its Fabulous Fourth event hours. The celebration will now end at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, in the interest of public safety.

Saturday, July 4th offers a once-in-a-lifetime family-friendly event at George Washington’s Ferry Farm commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Expect games, hands-on activities, crafts, living history demonstrations, reenactors, and programs from regional organizations.

Event

Cyd Rowley Open Studio Weekend

July 18, 2026 11:00 am -5:00 pm

Cyd Rowley Studio

10449 Metropolitan Ave

Kensington, Maryland 20895

Website Contact Social

Join me during this National Craft Open Studios weekend, a celebration of Amrican craft organized by the American Craft Council (ACC). Come visit my studio July 18-19th, 11am-5pm at 10449 Metropolitan Ave, Kensington, MD. Please drop in, see how my work is created, tour my studio and try your hand at hammering some metal.

Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Armed Robbery at Dealership, Shooting Reported

By Potomac Local News

Published July 2, 2026 at 7:16AM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Other notable incidents included a self-inflicted gunshot wound tied to child neglect charges, a road rage brandishing, an assault arrest in Stafford County, and several fraud complaints.

This daily police blotter summarizes the most significant calls for service and arrests reported by local agencies.

Prince William

Fire Displaces 23 at Lake Ridge Apartments

By Potomac Local News

Published July 2, 2026 at 6:58AM

Prince William County firefighters responded to an apartment fire early Wednesday in Woodbridge.

Crews arrived around 2:13 a.m. July 1 at Rolling Brook Village Apartments in the 12700 block of Ripple Creek Court and found heavy fire showing. A second alarm was called as firefighters worked to control the blaze. A resident in a nearby building first spotted the fire and, along with others including Prince William County police officers, helped alert tenants and evacuate the building.

Prince William

DWR Operation Dry Water Ride-Along on Occoquan River

By Mike Salmon

Published July 1, 2026 at 3:00PM

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Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time, with effects intensified by sun, wind, noise, and motion on the water. The risk of death in boating incidents is similar for drinking operators and passengers.

In 2025, DWR officers arrested 10 individuals for boating under the influence, issued 255 citations, gave 160 warnings, and contacted over 3,500 boaters.

Prince William

Prince William Chair Advances Data Center Decommissioning Framework

By Potomac Local News

Published July 1, 2026 at 1:00PM

Chair DeShundra Jefferson at the April 22 Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting.

Chair Deshundra Jefferson, At-large, Prince William Board of County Supervisors, advanced a directive during the June 23 Board of Supervisors meeting calling for development of a comprehensive data center decommissioning policy framework amid ongoing concerns about long-term infrastructure impacts.

The directive instructs the county executive and staff to create guidelines addressing planning, environmental protection, infrastructure removal and recycling or disposal, security, workforce impacts, and site redevelopment. It builds on prior board actions, including Resolutions 21-327 and 23-111, which initiated amendments to the zoning ordinance and the Design and Construction Standards Manual related to data centers. Staff work should draw from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan’s environmental chapter, the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, and the Community Energy and Sustainability Master Plan, with recommendations on timelines, fiscal impacts, and other considerations for board review. The county attorney’s office will examine legal issues.

Schools

$30.4 Million in New State Aid: Stafford School Board Votes to Restore Deferred Items and Reduce Local Request

By Potomac Local News

Published July 1, 2026 at 11:00AM | Updated July 2, 2026 at 6:48AM

The resolution incorporates an $8.8 million state increase—including directed and one-time funds. As part of the plan, the board proposed reducing its local funding request by $1.325 million as an “olive branch,” achieved by moderating some additions such as partial high school counselor positions and deferring certain bus replacements.

The special called meeting, held on June 30, 2026, addressed the tight timeline following state budget finalization. Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Ed.D., and Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer Chris R. Fulmer presented the recommendations. Board Chair Dr. Elizabeth Warner (Griffis-Widewater District) facilitated the session. Other members participating included Vice Chair Dr. Sarah Chase (Falmouth District), Mr. Josh Regan (Aquia District), Ms. Patricia Healy (Rock Hill District), and others, with Ms. Randall absent.

Prince William

Prince William Board Proclaims Responsible Fatherhood Month, Honors Local Leaders

By Potomac Local News

Published July 1, 2026 at 9:00AM

The Prince William County Board of Supervisors opened its June 23, 2026 meeting with proclamations and commendations recognizing community leadership, historic preservation, and family strengthening initiatives.

Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson and Potomac District Supervisor Andrea O. Bailey led the presentation of a proclamation designating June 2026 as Responsible Fatherhood Month. Jacqueline Andrews (also referred to as Jackee Andrews), Regional Director for Citizens Defending Freedom, addressed the board on the importance of engaged fatherhood.