By Uriah Kiser
Dumfries, Va. — An invasive weed from India, in part, is choking efforts to develop Dumfries’ waterfront area, officials said.
Hydrilla, a submerged freshwater weed that often gets tangled in boat motors, is a thorn in the side of development here, said Dumfries Town Councilman Gerald Foreman. He’s called for the bay to be dredged.
“We’ve been advertising for quite a while we want a Port of Dumfries… But there is no port if there is no dredging,” said Foreman, who is seeking to be elected Town Mayor on May 1.
The Quantico Creek flows from west of the town through Prince William Forest Park and then empties into the larger Quantico Bay. A 2003 study prepared for the U.S. Navy found that Hydrilla is the most common underwater plant in the water body.
A Port of Dumfries would sit at Quantico Bay where Quantico Creek meets the Potomac River. The waterfront is part of a larger overall economic development plan for the town that aims to revitalize older neighborhoods, attract new business, and become even better neighbors with nearby Quantico Marine Corps Base.
Dumfries once was a large port town in its colonial heyday, but sediment from tobacco farms filled the water and now it’s now mostly used for fishing by surrounding recreational boaters.
The job of dredging the water body would mostly likely fall on the Army Corps of Engineers, officials say, and finding the funds may not be easy.
“Any federal funds for this are usually prioritized in terms of for channels that are being used for commercial purposes, industrial shipping purposes and things like that. If you’re hitting on how [Quantico Bay] would be used, and if it’s more for recreation then it falls to a lower priority,” said Assistant Prince William County Executive Susan Roltsch.
Hydrilla, a plant native to India, is thought to have entered the U.S. in Florida after aquarium owners in this country dumped the weeds into freshwater streams and lakes.
More than weeds, Foreman also points to trash and sediment that gathers in the creek – trash that, in part, has flowed here from developments outside the town along Van Buren Road. Sediment pours into the Bay from nearby Dewey Creek.
“When the tides out and the sediment is high, we’ve got a trash problem. You can see the tires, you can see debris, and it floats in – so it’s not all coming from Dumfries – it floats in and then we get low tide and it stays,” said Foreman.
An advocacy group, Friends of Quantico Bay, is working to bring attention to the plight of the waterway. In the last three years, the group has given tours of the area to elected officials and, in the process, have learned Hydrilla is also a problem at other water sites Featherstone Shores and Neabsco Creek in Woodbridge, and Potomac Creek in Stafford County.
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Looking for a fun and educational experience for kids? Check out Semillitas: Puerto Rican Bomba Kids. This event brings Puerto Rican bomba songs, dance, and music to Stafford every Sunday starting February 2, 2025, and running through June 1, 2025. Kids will enjoy learning rhythm, dance moves, and songs in an interactive environment.
The classes are designed for children up to 10, with a unique May 4 program featuring visiting artists from Puerto Rico!
Dates: Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th, Jun 1st
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center, 31 Utah Place #101, Stafford.
Cost: $10 for the first child, $7 for additional children per class, $32 for all four classes for the first child, and $24 for each additional child.
It’s free to submit your events to Potomac Local! Simply visit this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Just fill out the details, and we’ll feature your event!
Authorities have released additional details regarding the homicide of 61-year-old Charles Childress and 59-year-old Kimberly Newcomb, whose bodies were discovered on January 25, 2025, at a residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to the home after a concerned friend discovered a deceased female and called 911. Upon arrival, deputies found both victims dead at the scene. Investigators have now confirmed that both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following the autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) continue their investigation and work around the clock to process evidence and interview potential witnesses. While the relationship between the victims remains under investigation, it has been confirmed that they were living together at the residence.
Crews from Stafford Utilities are repairing a water main break on Route 1 southbound near Centreport Parkway. The far-right and center lanes of the highway will be closed to traffic as repairs are made, though the far left lane remains open. Drivers are advised to proceed with caution through the area.
Stafford County spokeswoman Shannon Eubanks said one customer remains without water due to the break. The cause of the water main rupture is still under investigation.
There is no estimated completion time for the repairs, as crews must first identify the problem before calculating how long it will take to fix it. Howell emphasized that safety remains a priority and urged drivers to avoid the closed lanes where possible.
More as we have it.
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board meeting on January 17, 2025, saw several significant discussions aimed at enhancing service and infrastructure across the transit system. Among the most talked-about topics were the introduction of Saturday service, a crucial funding agreement for the Manassas Line, solutions for parking challenges at stations, and major infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Seminary Yard and the Long Bridge upgrades. Each of these initiatives is designed to improve the commuter experience and accommodate a growing ridership base.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the ongoing development of Saturday service, a long-awaited addition that has been approved and included in VRE’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Set to feature three round-trip trains on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines, this service is expected to cater to weekend commuters, offering a much-needed alternative to the crowded roads in the region.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
