Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
For event inquiries, contact: 540-372-1216 | [email protected]
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
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Here’s a summary of recent incidents reported by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
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Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Prince William County Public Schools
On Thursday, January 9, all Prince William County Public Schools will be closed for students and teachers.
– All 250-day employees and all pay grade 13 and above report at 10 a.m.
Stafford County Public Schools
Schools will be closed for students on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
– Emergency personnel will report on time.
– All 12-month employees will report to work at 10 a.m. If you are unable to report to work safely, liberal leave is authorized.
– Thursday, January 9 will serve as a workday for all licensed employees beginning at 10 a.m. While buildings will be open to enable maintenance crews to clear any remaining snow and ice, telework is permitted and encouraged where duties allow.
Manassas City Public Schools
Manassas City Public Schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to hazardous road conditions.
– Code BLUE for employees.
Manassas Park City Schools
Schools will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy conditions.
– Code RED for employees.
Fairfax County Public Schools
All Fairfax County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
– School offices and central offices will open to the public at 10 a.m.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools
Fredericksburg City Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
- Essential workers should report at 8 a.m.
- 12-month employees should report at 10 a.m.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
- Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
- Essential personnel will report at specified times.
- All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled
King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
- Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
- Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Date: February 1, 2025
Time: 6–8 PM
Location: 9419 Battle St, Manassas
Admission: Free and open to the public
Join the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for an evening featuring contemporary figurative painter William Kennedy. Explore his exhibit, “Beyond the Surface,” which delves into the emotional depth of Black male figures. The reception includes light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artist.
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In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, Delegate Ian Lovejoy joins us from Richmond to discuss key issues impacting Virginia residents:
Richmond’s Water Crisis: Hear about the ongoing water outage in Richmond, its effects on families, businesses, and schools, and what it means for state leadership as former Mayor Levar Stoney campaigns for Lieutenant Governor.
Data Center Development: Delegate Lovejoy explains his legislative efforts to address the rapid expansion of data centers in Northern Virginia, including:
- Prohibiting officials from voting on projects tied to campaign donors.
- Establishing zoning reforms to protect schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods.
- Proposing a moratorium on new data centers and revisiting tax incentives.
Energy Infrastructure Concerns: Learn how unchecked data center growth could threaten Virginia’s power grid by 2030 and what steps are needed to prevent a crisis.
This in-depth conversation explores the challenges facing Virginia communities and the solutions Delegate Lovejoy is working to implement.
Subscribe for more updates on local news and issues affecting Virginia.
You’ll learn about:
- 1:15 – Richmond’s Water Crisis
- 4:30 – Data Centers and Campaign Donations
- 7:45 – Zoning Reforms and Community Impacts
- 10:30 – Power Grid Concerns and Tax Incentives
Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments.
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) will close all its locations early at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, citing icy road conditions that make travel hazardous. This decision follows a two-day closure of all CRRL locations earlier this week due to heavy snowfall that blanketed the region.
The library system made the announcement at midday on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of staff and patrons.
CRRL serves a broad region, including the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland. With 10 branches and a robust online resource platform, the library offers services ranging from book lending and computer access to educational programs for all ages. The early closure will impact planned events and services scheduled for Wednesday evening. Patrons are encouraged to use the library’s extensive online catalog and digital resources during the closure.
The winter storm that prompted these closures brought significant disruptions across the area, impacting schools, businesses, and local government operations. Library staff have worked to ensure buildings are safe and accessible during this challenging weather. However, today’s icy conditions pose continued challenges for travel in the region.
A man wanted in connection with a fatal crash in Nokesville has been arrested. On January 8, 2025, Prince William County Police apprehended James Francis Byrd, 62, of Woodbridge. Byrd faces charges of involuntary manslaughter - DUI related and DUI for his role in the crash that occurred on August 28, 2024, along Bristow Road near Windy Hill Drive.
Police reported that Byrd, the driver of a 2021 Toyota Tundra, had a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit at the time of the crash. The collision claimed the life of Thomas Spencer Stark, 63, of Nokesville, who was driving a 2003 Lexus GX. Byrd's court date is pending, and bond information is unavailable.
