Potomac Local News

Published December 23, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated December 23, 2025 at 11:23AM

Prince William County is making major investments to strengthen public safety and expand support services for residents.[Submitted Photo]

Prince William County is making major investments to strengthen public safety and expand support services for residents.[Submitted Photo]“Prince William County is making major investments to strengthen public safety and expand support services for residents,” Prince William County Government announced. “On Tuesday, the Board of County Supervisors approved funding and construction contracts for two significant Capital Improvement Program projects: a new Fire and Rescue Station 27 and the Homeless Navigation Center – East.”

“The new fire and rescue station will provide 24-hour career staffing for a pumper and advanced life support ambulance, improving emergency response for the community,” the county said. “Additionally, the Homeless Navigation Center – East will offer emergency sheltering and a drop-in center to help individuals experiencing homelessness connect to permanent housing solutions.”

Features

Fredericksburg invites public to First Day Hike at Motts Run Reservoir on Jan. 1

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published December 23, 2025 at 9:30AM | Updated December 23, 2025 at 11:21AM

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – Kick off the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike![Submitted Photo]

“Kick off the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “Motts Run Reservoir will be open special for the occasion on Thursday, January 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

“Create your own hike or join one of the three guided hikes throughout the day,” the city added, highlighting the Sensory Stroll at 10 a.m., Storybook Trail at 11:30 a.m., and Hidden Creek Hike at 12:30 p.m.

Features

Occoquan deputy police chief Jason Forman named Prince William Times Reader’s Choice winner

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published December 23, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated December 23, 2025 at 11:11AM

The Town proudly recognizes Deputy Chief of Police, Jason Forman for being voted Prince William Times Reader’s Choice for Best Law Enforcement Officer [Submitted Photo]

“Today we celebrate his dedication, service, and continued commitment to our community,” the town added. “Congratulations, Jason — thank you for all that you do!”

Forman was recognized during the town’s Holiday Dinner, where Mayor Earnie Porta presented the honor following the results of the Prince William Times’ Reader’s Choice awards.

Police Blotter

Breaking and Entering Suspect Arrested in Stafford

By Press Release

Published December 23, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated December 23, 2025 at 11:09AM

A Stafford man was arrested after an incident involving a firearm. On December 15, 2025, deputies responded to a home on Cliff Circle following a report of a break-in. A child returning from school discovered the door unlocked and encountered a man inside with a gun.

The suspect, identified as a 28-year-old male, pointed the firearm at the child and instructed them to enter the home. The child fled to a nearby family member’s house, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

Politics

Spanberger outlines energy priorities with focus on efficiency, battery storage

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published December 23, 2025 at 7:00AM

Photo: Spanberger Facebook page

“I recognize the complexity of our current challenges and threats posed by the future demands, but the answer is not to sit so our problems only get worse,” Virginia Mercury reported, quoting Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger during remarks at the state Capitol on Thursday morning. “The answer is to work together, be smart, and make targeted investments that lower costs for Virginians.”

Spanberger said she plans to work with lawmakers to make utility bills more affordable as electricity costs continue to rise across Virginia. Her proposals include expanding battery storage capacity, improving energy efficiency, and reducing overall power use to limit the need for costly new transmission infrastructure.

Prince William

School Board Chair: 14th High School Project Could Be Canceled

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 22, 2025 at 3:00PM | Updated December 23, 2025 at 10:24AM

Prince William County School Board Chair Dr. Babur Lateef told Potomac Local News that a formal review of the division’s planned 14th high school is likely to come before the School Board in early 2026, and the project could be canceled as officials reassess declining enrollment projections.

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Features

Meet Prince William: Q+A with Levi Bass, Youth Services Director

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published December 22, 2025 at 2:00PM

Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”

We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Prince William

Supervisors split on public funding for private repairs as soil ordinance passes

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 22, 2025 at 1:00PM

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted 4–3 on Tuesday to adopt an ordinance establishing a local Foundation and Soil Management Fund, following public comment and debate over whether public funds should be used to address foundation and soil problems affecting private property.

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Schools

Germanna’s Chief of Police Craig Branch Appointed to Governor Spanberger’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Policy Committe.

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published December 22, 2025 at 11:30AM

Germanna’s Chief of Police, Craig Branch [Submitted Photo]

“Congratulations to Germanna’s Chief of Police, Craig Branch, on his appointment to Governor Spanberger’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Policy Committee,” Germanna Community College announced. “Your leadership, integrity, and dedication to keeping our community safe make this honor well deserved.”

“Thank you for continuing to lead with purpose and heart,” the college added in its congratulatory message.