📝 Editor’s welcome
Hey there, it’s Uriah —
It’s a packed Friday in Fredericksburg. Here’s your full rundown, from students wrapping up the school year to downtown challenges and big plans for summer.
Peace Corps Ranks UMW Among Top 10 Volunteer-Producing Schools
With five University of Mary Washington alumni currently serving, UMW earned a spot among the nation’s best.
Read more here.
Students wrapped up a semester-long pen pal project
Spanish IV students from Stafford High School exchanged letters and built friendships with seniors at The Crossings at Falls Run.
See the post.
Fredericksburg Area Builders and the Rappahannock Area YMCA do great things for Main Street
Did you know that Fredericksburg Main Street doesn’t receive any direct city funding? These partnerships help keep downtown vibrant.
View the update.
City announces plans for new trail
The City of Fredericksburg announces plans for a new connector trail linking neighborhoods and green spaces.
Get the details.
Lunch deal this week
Grilled BBQ Chicken & Bacon Sandwich
FOR JUST $9.95 at Always Flavored!
See the menu.
Photographer needed
Calling all photographers! We’re looking for a talented eye to capture life in Stafford.
Apply here.
📅 Upcoming Events
TODAY: Stafford to Kick Off Virginia’s 250th Weekend
Stafford County will honor America’s founding with a weekend of celebration including historical reenactments, live music, food, and community pride.
Check out the schedule.
TODAY: Household Pool Registration Party CANCELED DUE TO COOL TEMPERATURES
🌊 Household Pool Registration Party
📍 Doris E. Buffett Pool at Dixon Park
🕘 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Come out to register and learn about seasonal swim options in the city.
Event details here.
📰 News Articles
‘Be Ready to Commit—But Do It’: Colonial Forge High’s EMT Students Graduate
Colonial Forge High School’s Emergency Medical Technician students celebrated their program completion, ready to serve the community.
Full story here.
Stafford Residents Demand Action on Data Center Growth
A surge of public opposition to new data center developments led to a full house at this week’s board meeting.
Read more here.
Rent Increases, Lower Foot Traffic Causing Uncertainty for Downtown Retailers
The bath and body shop Sugar + Spruce has been struggling with declining business in downtown Fredericksburg — and they’re not alone.
See the story.
Get Ready to Pay: Fees Resume at Old Mill Park
Starting Memorial Day weekend, you’ll need to pay to park at Old Mill Park once again.
Parking info here.
🐾 Adoptable Pet of the Week
They say “fighting like cats and dogs,” but Winston the kitten and Dory the dog are rewriting the story.
Winston was adopted just yesterday by a family who already had a dog, Dory. The adopter, a bit hesitant about adding a feline to the mix, asked if he could return Winston if things didn’t work out. The shelter’s answer? Yes—but they always recommend giving pets time to adjust.
Turns out, time wasn’t needed. From the moment they met, Dory and Winston clicked. The gentle dog found a little brother to watch over, and the curious kitten found a best friend. It’s a heartwarming match that shows just how magical adoption can be.
Visit the Stafford County Animal Shelter
26 Frosty Lane, Stafford, VA 22554
📞 (540) 658-7387
🌐 staffordcountyanimalcontrol.com
🕚 Monday–Friday: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
🕘 Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Think your home might be the perfect place for a new furry friend? Stop by the shelter today or share this story to help more pets find their forever homes!
💌 Call to Action
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That’s all for now. We’ll see you back here at 4 o’clock with a recap of the day’s headlines. Thanks for reading.
– Uriah Kiser, founder and publisher, Potomac Local News
Recent Stories
Mayor Derrick R. Wood outlined a bold and hopeful vision for the future of Dumfries during his annual State of the Town Address on June 5, 2025.
STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County has quietly ended its contract with PulsePoint, a mobile app that alerts nearby users when someone in a public space is experiencing cardiac arrest and may need CPR. The decision marks the conclusion of an eight-year relationship with the public safety technology.
Stafford County Public Schools is moving ahead with plans to eliminate artificial food dyes from school meals, following the signing of a new state law that will ban certain synthetic color additives by 2027.
On the last weekend in May, most Stafford families were abuzz with the excitement of summer’s arrival. The Allwine family was abuzz with excitement over the annual AA Farm Honey harvest.
Looking for art opportunities in the DMV? ArtsFairfax.org is your online destination to find and promote artist calls in and around Fairfax. Our Artist Calls directory is always free to use and highlights opportunities to audition, exhibit artwork, or secure commissions. Be sure to check out ArtsFairfax Artist Calls on an ongoing basis – new opportunities are added every week.
In addition to a dozen or so Artist Calls from throughout the region, ArtsFairfax is proud to host the following:
Fairfax250 RV Wrap
For illustrators, visual artists, and graphic designers, we are working with the Fairfax250 Commission to wrap a 37’-long RV that will travel to hundreds of events across Fairfax County. A signage company will handle the installation – all we need is the design. See your art on this rolling billboard all year long!
On June 20th, 2025, Woodbridge Rotary Club will be holding our 21st annual charity golf tournament. This tournament is in memory of two of our past Presidents and valued members of the community. Joe Devaney passed away March 22, 2005 and a few years ago, Bill O’Hop passed away barely a week after playing in this tournament in 2015. Both Joe and Bill were each other’s best friends and they both loved golf! Please help us pay tribute to our dear friends by participating in this tournament and helping us to support our local and international charities. If you are interested in golfing, sponsoring, donating a door prize and/or know someone who is, please contact us (Mark Worrilow [email protected] or 703-244-8702). Signing up is also possible using the QR code.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
