Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Fredericksburg 250 Open House Planned

Published January 26, 2026 at 8:48AM | Updated January 26, 2026 at 9:05AM

This meeting was at the new visitors center on Caroline Street. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

“The Fredericksburg Visitor Center will host a Fredericksburg 250 Open House on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 5–7 p.m. at 601 Caroline Street,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “Join us as we kick off the City’s year-long commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.”

“The public is invited to this open house, which will bring together Fredericksburg museums, historical organizations, and community partners to share information about upcoming programs, exhibits, and volunteer opportunities connected to Fredericksburg’s role in the nation’s history,” the city stated.

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Fairfax County Crash Claims Life Amid 378 Wrecks in Virginia Winter Storm

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 9:39PM

Virginia State Police called to a crash.

A fatal crash in Fairfax County led to Virginia State Police activity during a winter storm that continued to blanket much of the state Sunday. Officials said the crash, which occurred Saturday night, is not believed to be weather-related. No other details were immediately provided.

Despite the weather not playing a role in that fatal crash, the storm has created hazardous driving conditions statewide. From Saturday into Sunday night, troopers responded to 378 crashes, including 28 with injuries, as snow and ice made travel dangerous. Officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads through Monday morning.

Fredericksburg

City Offices Close for Winter Weather

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 9:33PM

A Fredericksburg Regional Transit bus serves a bus stop at the Stafford County Courthouse. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/Potomac Local News]

“All courts are CLOSED on Monday, January 26,” the City of Fredericksburg Government stated, adding that General District Court, Circuit Court and Clerk’s Office, and Juvenile and Domestic Courts are affected.

City officials said multiple services and facilities will be closed due to winter weather, including Fredericksburg City Public Schools, the Fredericksburg Public Library, the Dorothy Hart Community Center, FXBGO!, and the Eagle Express Service. The Visitor Center and regional landfill will also close on Monday.

Weather

How Much Snow Fell Across Region

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 3:10PM

Snowfall totals across Prince William County and Fredericksburg reached between five and seven inches by Sunday afternoon as a winter storm brought a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the region.

Key Takeaways

Police Blotter

Child Pornography Arrest

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 2:06PM | Updated January 25, 2026 at 2:23PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

A man was arrested in Spotsylvania County following a tip about child sexual abuse material.

Deputies with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit executed a search warrant on January 22 at a home on Wilderness Park Drive after a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators say they seized multiple electronic devices containing images of child sexual abuse. A 40-year-old man was arrested and charged with six counts related to possession and distribution of child pornography. He is being held without bond.

Weather

Libraries Closed but Digital Access Remains

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 1:47PM

Central Rappahannock Regional Library Porter Branch sits at 2001 Parkway Boulevard in North Stafford.

“All library locations are closed Monday, January 26, due to inclement weather,” Central Rappahannock Regional Library posted. “You can still check out eBooks, eAudio, streaming video, and more from our digital collection.”

While physical branches are closed, library users can continue to access digital materials online, including books, audiobooks, and streaming content, through the library’s website.

Weather

Sentara Adjusts Care During Weather

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 1:43PM

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical center sits at 2300 Opitz Boulevard in Woodbridge.

“Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and the Sentara Lake Ridge Emergency Department remain open during weather events,” Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center posted. “Sentara Medical Group (SMG) Primary Care and Community Care offices will be closed for in-person appointments on January 26 but are available for telehealth appointments during normal business hours.”

Several other Sentara services will be closed Monday, January 26, due to inclement weather, including SMG specialty offices such as General Surgery, Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Gynecology, as well as Cardiac Rehab, Wound Care, and Sentara Urgent Care – Port Potomac in Woodbridge. Hospital emergency departments will continue operating as normal.

Weather

Stafford Government Closes Monday

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 1:41PM

“Stafford County Government will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026, due to inclement weather,” Stafford County Government announced. “The Governor and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) ask that residents continue to stay off the roads to allow VDOT to clear them as quickly as possible and for first responders to reach emergency calls.”

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Fatal Crash in Fairfax Leads State Police Storm Response Summary

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 1:33PM

Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Saturday evening in Fairfax County. The crash, which happened during a major winter storm affecting much of the state, is not believed to be weather-related.

As of 11 a.m. Sunday, police had responded to 240 crashes across the Commonwealth since the storm began, 16 of which involved injuries. Drivers are urged to stay off the roads through Monday morning and give space to emergency crews and VDOT plows. Officials also warn that the storm could delay emergency response times:

Weather

Prince William Courts Closed Monday

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 1:17PM

“All county courts and the Prince William Health District are closed tomorrow [Monday, Jan. 26, 2026],” Prince William County Government announced.

The weather-related closure affects county courts and the Prince William Health District. Other county government operations may vary depending on conditions and department guidance.