Potomac Local News

Published October 16, 2025 at 8:30AM

Governor Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Governor Winsome Sears, Senator Tara Durante, and candidates Hung Cao and Derrick Anderson hosted a rally in Stafford.

Senator Tara Durant (R-27, Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania) has teamed up with Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) to invest in mental health resources across Virginia. As part of the state’s “Right Help, Right Now” initiative, the partnership will fund new crisis receiving centers and stabilization units to give Virginians faster access to behavioral health services.

Locally, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will receive $5.5 million to enhance care in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, and Caroline counties. The funding will support the purchase of a new commercial property, relocation and modernization of the Sunshine Lady House adult stabilization unit in Fredericksburg, and the creation of new youth crisis care facilities. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new center is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, just off Route 1 near the Lee’s Hill Goodwill Donation Center, near Four Mile Fork.

Pets

Old Dominion Humane Society encourages dog adoptions during October

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 16, 2025 at 8:00AM

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: A view of Corporal Chesty XVI, the English Bulldog during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Group Judging (Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding) at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)

Old Dominion Humane Society in Fredericksburg is celebrating Adopt a Shelter Dog Month by urging families to rescue a dog instead of buying one. The nonprofit, volunteer-led rescue says adopting from shelters like theirs not only saves lives but also helps combat cruelty found in puppy mills.

Located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard, the no-kill shelter currently has dozens of dogs—including puppies, seniors, and dogs with disabilities—waiting for homes. “ODHS has saved many dogs from hoarding and severe neglect situations this year alone, and they deserve a second chance,” said founder Chrissy Hamilton. “Some of the dogs just want to be held; others would love to go on hikes; and all of the dogs want the chance to be part of a family.”

Features

Golf classic raises over $42K for local cancer care and nursing scholarships

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 16, 2025 at 7:30AM

Photo from left to right; Matt Higgins, co-chair, Friends of the Foundation Golf Tournament, Erik Shannon, chief executive officer, UVA Health Community Medical Centers and Clinic in Northern Virginia and Culpeper, Kevin Kelley, co-chair, Friends of the Foundation Golf Tournament.

The UVA Community Health Foundation raised more than $42,000 during its 34th Friends of the Foundation Golf Classic, held September 26 at Stonewall Golf Club in Gainesville. The event brought together over 115 golfers, volunteers, and staff in support of cancer care and nursing scholarships in Prince William and Haymarket.

Proceeds will benefit cancer services at UVA Health Cancer Care Gainesville and Manassas, as well as scholarship opportunities for nurses at UVA Health Haymarket and Prince William Medical Centers. Organizers noted a 25% increase in funds raised compared to last year’s tournament.

Event

American Drengr Krav Maga Trunk or Treat Bash

October 24, 2025 6:00 pm -8:00 pm

American Drengr Krav Maga

10079 Market Circle

Manassas, Virginia 20112

Website Contact Social

Join us for an awesome Trunk or Treat at the most popular self-defense school in Manassas, at American Drengr Krav Maga, on October 24, 2025 from 6-8 PM. We are located at 10079 Market Circle, Hastings Marketplace in Manassas

Indoor games, creative trunks, great costumes, contests, raffles, and candy!

Prince William

The Harbour Grille offers free meals to veterans on Veterans Day

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 16, 2025 at 7:00AM

The Harbour Grille in Woodbridge will offer free meals to veterans and active-duty military on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, as part of a regional Veterans Day celebration hosted by the Lewis Restaurant Group. The event runs from noon to 8 p.m.

Located at 13188 Marina Way, The Harbour Grille offers waterfront dining along the Occoquan River. The restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, dockside ambiance, and weekend live music. It’s one of several participating locations across Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., including Barley Mac, Crafthouse, and Stan’s DC.

Schools

UMW fall open houses to spotlight Honors Program and STEM opportunities

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 15, 2025 at 6:30PM

The University of Mary Washington is opening its doors to prospective students this fall with two special open house events highlighting its acclaimed Honors Program and growing opportunities in STEM and STEAM fields.

The first open house, scheduled for Saturday, October 18, will focus on UMW’s Honors Program, which emphasizes creativity, leadership, and academic rigor across disciplines. Attendees will meet honors faculty and students, tour residence halls, and learn how the program supports high-achieving students through research, mentorship, and community engagement.

Fredericksburg

UMW, Mary Washington Healthcare propose Fredericksburg-based medical school to address doctor shortage

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 15, 2025 at 6:00PM

Mary Washington Hospital

The University of Mary Washington and Mary Washington Healthcare are joining forces to create what could become the Fredericksburg region’s first medical school — a plan leaders say would directly confront the area’s growing shortage of physicians and healthcare workers.

University President Dr. Troy Paino and Dr. Christopher Newman, Chief Executive Officer of Mary Washington Healthcare, presented their proposal to the Fredericksburg City Council on Tuesday, describing an ambitious vision for a community-based medical school that would train doctors to stay and practice in Virginia.

Prince William

Haymarket man killed in early morning crash with semi-truck on James Madison Highway

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 15, 2025 at 5:30PM

A 55-year-old Haymarket man died early Tuesday after his SUV collided with a semi-truck on James Madison Highway near Logmill Road.

The crash occurred around 5:45 a.m. on October 15, when the driver of a 2012 Freightliner semi-truck was making a left turn from a private driveway onto the highway. According to Prince William County police, the truck driver attempted to warn oncoming traffic by sounding the horn and flashing headlights, but the northbound Mazda CX5 did not slow or stop and struck the trailer portion of the truck.

Traffic

TPB defers decision, leaves I‑495 Southside Express Lanes out of Visualize 2050 for now

By Press Release

Published October 15, 2025 at 5:12PM

Today, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) voted to postpone a final decision and not include the I‑495 Southside Express Lanes project in the current draft of the Visualize 2050 plan. Visualize 2050 is the region’s long‑range transportation blueprint, and projects must be incorporated in it to become eligible for federal funding and approval.

The I‑495 Southside Express Lanes (SEL) was first proposed in 2023 by the Virginia Department of Transportation and would extend express lanes roughly 11 miles from the Springfield Interchange in Fairfax County, across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, to the MD 210 interchange in Prince George’s County. ([Virginia Department of Transportation][1])

Police Blotter

Attempted Break-In at City Mart Leads to Arrest

By Press Release

Published October 15, 2025 at 4:15PM

In other incidents, vandalism occurred at Shoppers Food Warehouse where a bathroom door was damaged. Additionally, a fraud case was reported on Debra Drive involving unauthorized attempts to open a bank account using a resident’s information.

There were also reports of theft at My Eye Dr. and Walmart Neighborhood Market, where eyeglass frames and steaks were stolen, respectively.