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We’re back with another episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, where we connect our communities one story at a time. In this episode, Uriah Kiser, founder of Potomac Local News, sits down with Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, to discuss critical issues facing Prince William County.

Chair Jefferson made history on January 1, 2024, as the first Black person elected to this role. Her journey—from a single mother saving for homeownership to a community leader—informs her commitment to tackling the affordable housing crisis, workforce housing solutions, and planning for future infrastructure needs.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The proposed Affordable Housing Dwelling Unit Ordinance and its impact on residents and local workers like teachers, police, and firefighters.
• Balancing affordable housing with school capacity concerns and infrastructure development in growing areas like Brentsville.
• The ongoing debate over the Bi-County Parkway extension to ease congestion on Route 28.
• Chair Jefferson’s favorite local restaurants—from the western side of the county to the east.

Jefferson also shares her vision for ensuring Prince William County residents can live where they work. This focus prioritizes local families and community safety: “We have cost-burdened households spending more than 30% of their income on housing. We need solutions now, said Chair Deshundra Jefferson

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If you drive near schools in Spotsylvania, you might want to slow down.

Shoplifting Arrests at Target

On December 9, at the Target on South Gateway Drive, First Sergeant D.F. Purcell intervened in an active shoplifting incident during an anti-shoplifting patrol. A man, Quinten Howard, 40, is charged with stealing nearly $190 worth of items and was discovered to have outstanding warrants for robbery, breaking and entering, possession of controlled substances, and trespassing. He was arrested and held without bond. Two female accomplices were issued summonses for shoplifting.

Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop

On December 10, First Sergeant A.I. Assur conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with expired registration on Richmond Highway. Signs of drug use led to a K-9 search, which uncovered cocaine. The driver was charged with drug possession and a registration infraction and held without bond. The passenger also faced drug possession charges and was held on a $5,000 bond.

Shoplifting Incidents at Kohl’s and Petco

First Sergeant Purcell intercepted a repeat offender at Kohl’s on Stafford Market Place on December 10, recovering $300 worth of stolen items. The suspect was issued a summons. Later that day, Deputy J.A. Martin responded to a theft at Petco on Worth Avenue, where a man stole pet supplies and fled in a black sedan.

Trespassing Incident at Brooke Point High School

On December 10, Deputy D.J. Taylor apprehended a 20-year-old trespasser at Brooke Point High School. The man provided false identification but later admitted he was visiting a friend. He was charged with trespassing and providing false identification to law enforcement and held on a $2,500 bond.

Armed Robbery on Centreport Parkway

On December 1, 2024, around 3:57 p.m., a victim was robbed at gunpoint near the intersection of Centreport Parkway and Mountain View Road in Stafford County. According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, the victim stopped at the intersection when two suspects approached. One suspect walked in front of the vehicle to block its path, while the other approached the passenger side and brandished a firearm. The suspects demanded and stole multiple items, including the victim’s jewelry and wallet, before fleeing on bicycles into nearby woods.

Despite deploying a K-9 unit and a drone for an extensive search, the suspects were not located. Both were described as wearing all-black clothing, ski masks, and riding black bicycles. The Major Crimes Unit is investigating the case.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective J.T. Lynch at 540-658-4450.

This week’s adoptable animal from the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter:

This week’s adoptable animal from Manassas:

At Potomac Local News, we’re working around the clock to bring you the stories that matter most to your community. From Dale City and Fredericksburg to Stafford and Manassas, our dedicated team keeps you informed, engaged, and connected to your hometown.

We invite you to become a member and support our local journalism. Your membership helps us dig deeper, ask tough questions, and shine a light on the issues that impact your life.

Here’s a glimpse at some of our recent coverage:

Stafford

• Holiday Gift Guide Spotlight: As part of our holiday gift-giving series, we’re highlighting local businesses and their unique offerings.
• Olde Virginia Gourmet: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this Stafford staple specializes in Virginia-made products, from wines and beers to gourmet treats. Owners Sean and Annabelle Tarallo offer customizable gift baskets perfect for the holiday season.

Fredericksburg

• Celebrating History: The Fredericksburg City Council is planning a three-year commemoration leading to the city’s 300th anniversary in 2028. These celebrations will honor the area’s rich Revolutionary War heritage and community spirit.

Dale City

• A Lifesaving Addition: Governor Glenn Youngkin inaugurated Dale City’s second Red Cross Blood Donation Center. This facility is a vital resource for local cancer patients and others in need of blood and platelet donations.

Manassas

• Podcast Spotlight: In our latest podcast episode, Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis discusses the North Star Branding Study, balancing historic preservation with economic growth and her vision for a thriving community.

Manassas Park

• Downtown Revitalization Gains Momentum: Manassas Park’s downtown redevelopment is progressing with the addition of a luxury eight-screen B&B Theatres cinema, complete with a restaurant and entertainment amenities.
• This project anchors the city’s revitalization efforts, replacing the previously planned Cinema Café, which withdrew in 2022 due to inflation concerns.

These are just a few examples of how your support empowers us to deliver the news you rely on.

Become a member today and join a community that values quality journalism. Together, we can continue to tell the stories shaping our region and future.

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Thank you for making Potomac Local News part of your day.

Sincerely,

Uriah Kiser
Publisher
Potomac Local News

Stafford County is gearing up for a magical evening to kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Event, scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Stafford County Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road. Beginning at 6 p.m., the event promises various performances, activities, and surprises for the whole family.

Attendees will be treated to holiday music from local choirs and bands, showcasing the talents of Stafford’s youth and community groups. For art enthusiasts, artisans and crafters will offer unique holiday-themed creations.

Kids and adults can enjoy festive activities, including ornament-making stations and a photo booth to capture holiday memories. Food vendors will serve seasonal treats.

The highlight of the evening is a visit from Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer and posing for photos. However, families should also watch for a naughty guest—none other than the Grinch, who may add a humorous twist to the festivities.

Residents are encouraged to bring their families and friends to this free, community-centered celebration of joy, unity, and holiday spirit. For more details about the event, visit staffordcountytreelighting.com.

A fire at the Eagle Village Shopping Center yesterday damaged two businesses and disrupted several others. Play It Again Sports and A Stitch in Time sustained significant fire damage, while adjacent businesses, including the U.S. Post Office, a laundromat, and Perfect 10 Nail Salon, experienced smoke and heat exposure but no flames. The fire, reported at 12:43 p.m., was controlled in approximately 35 minutes by a team of 50 firefighters.

Crews from the Fredericksburg Fire Department, Spotsylvania County Fire, Stafford County Fire-Rescue, King George Emergency Services, and an ambulance from the Naval District of Washington worked together to extinguish the blaze. The cold, brisk wind spread the flames across the roof, which had a styrofoam insulation and rubber membrane structure that complicated firefighting efforts. Firefighters had to cut through the roof membrane over five stores to ensure the flames were fully extinguished.

The shopping center, located at 1281 Emancipation Highway, was formerly known as the Park & Shop Center. A prominent fixture in the Fredericksburg community, Eagle Village hosts a mix of retail and service-oriented businesses.

No injuries were reported among firefighters, though a few civilians were treated for minor smoke inhalation. The Fredericksburg Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire’s origin and cause, with a report expected in the coming days. Utilities to affected businesses were disconnected to prevent further hazards.

A fire broke out at the Eagle Village Shopping Center, located at 1245 Emancipation Highway in Fredericksburg, at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

The Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue Department responded to the scene, with additional assistance from Stafford County Fire and Rescue, Spotsylvania Fire and Rescue, King George Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management, and Naval District Washington (NDW) Dahlgren.

According to a statement from Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue, personnel remain on-site and are expected to operate for an extended period. The Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Company and the Salvation Army have provided support to the crews during the response.

The Eagle Village Shopping Center, a 127,788-square-foot complex, houses businesses including Giant Food, Planet Fitness, and the Salvation Army. It is located near Mary Washington University and Mary Washington Hospital.

There are no reports of injuries at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials have asked the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to continue their work.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Photos from the Fredericksburg Fire and Rescue Department.