It’s the middle of the week. Thanks for starting your day smarter with us here at Potomac Local News. Here’s what’s happening in our communities today.
Homeless nights: Streetlight Ministries in Woodbridge is negotiating with local hotels to arrange for alternative overnight accommodations for up to 30 homeless men, women, and families seeking shelter between Nov 1-Mar 31. These rooms will also be used to provide temporary housing to those who test positive for the coronavirus, medically fragile seniors, and those waiting for admission into family shelters.
Get printed: Prince William County residents can now schedule times for fingerprinting services through the Police Department’s website. Appointments are available now for November.
Fighting hunger: Stafford County schools are once again banding together to fight hunger for a 1oth year. The school division is accepting donations of canned food for its annual event scheduled for November 1.
Good riddance: Prince William residents are reminded they can dispose of used motor oil and oil filters as well as anti-freeze and lead-acid car batteries at the Prince William County Landfill or the Balls Ford Road Compost Facility convenience centers. They should never be placed in the regular trash or poured down a drain because doing so poses harm to the environment, humans, and animals.
Labor lags behind: Virginia’s gross domestic product, per-capita income and labor force growth have trailed the national average, based on numbers from about the past 10 years, according to a report from the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission.
Cigna deal: Cigna and Mary Washington Health Alliance have reached a multi-year agreement that ensures Cigna customers will have access to Mary Washington’s hospitals, facilities, and physician network for quality care. The new agreement is effective December 1, 2021.
Early voting up: Early voting in Prince William County for Virginia governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and House of Delegates candidates is picking up steam in the final weeks before the Nov. 2 election.
Recent Stories
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Manassas City Council will discuss a proposed tax incentive on Monday, February 10, 2025, to support Micron Technology Inc.’s planned $2 billion expansion. The deal would extend the company’s favorable semiconductor equipment tax rate through 2035, saving Micron millions annually. The expansion, backed by $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce, is expected to create over 400 manufacturing jobs. City officials tout the investment as a boost for local economic growth, while residents and businesses will weigh the long-term benefits.
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The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of four to six inches of snow, with higher totals possible. Snow will begin Tuesday afternoon, intensify Tuesday evening into overnight, and could transition to a wintry mix Wednesday morning. The storm will create hazardous travel conditions, impacting Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Another system this weekend could bring heavy rain or a wintry mix, increasing flooding risks. Think you can predict the snowfall? Comment your guess for a chance to win a prize.
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A townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced a family of five late Saturday afternoon after flames spread from the rear of the home into the attic.
Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.
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A suspect in a bank robbery on Route 3 was arrested thanks to a tip leading authorities to a Fredericksburg hotel.
Dawson
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and no injuries were reported. Witnesses at the scene provided law enforcement with a description of the suspect’s getaway vehicle, which was identified as a copper/orange pickup truck.
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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:
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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.