Here are the top five most-read articles on Potomac Local News in the past month.
- Three Stafford Schools Face Accreditation Challenges Amid Performance Issues: District Prepares for State’s New Accountability System
- Prince William County Unveils First-Ever Parking Garage in Woodbridge
- Hayfield High School Football Banned from 2024 and 2025 Playoffs Amid Recruitment Probe
- Stafford County Schools Transportation Leader Resigns Following Bus Crisis
- Election Night Update: The Latest from Local, State Races
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– Uriah Kiser
Noon update — From Virignia State Police:
At 4:05 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 16), Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 95 at the 146 mile-marker in Stafford County. A Volvo SUV was traveling in the wrong direction on I95 when it collided head-on with a southbound Chevrolet sedan. There was one fatality and two serious injuries as a result of the crash. All southbound travel lanes were closed for approximately 5 hours for the investigation and cleanup. VDOT assisted with the roadway closure and detour.
More as we have it.
Update 11 a.m — From VDOT:
All lanes of Interstate 95 southbound have reopened at mile marker 146 in Stafford County. An earlier vehicle crash has been cleared. The detour at exit 148 (Quantico) has been lifted.
Motorists should expect residual delays on I-95 southbound approaching the exit 148 (Quantico) area and along Route 1 southbound between Russell Road in the Quantico area and Route 610 (Garrisonville Road) in Stafford.
Original post 7:13 a.m. — A vehicle crash early this morning has closed all southbound lanes on Interstate 95 near mile marker 146, just south of exit 148 (Quantico). The crash occurred shortly before dawn, and emergency response crews swiftly closed the highway to address the incident.
Southbound traffic is being diverted at exit 148 onto Route 1 southbound, where motorists can re-enter I-95 at exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville) in Stafford County. To ease congestion on the detour route, traffic signals along Route 1 have been retimed to accommodate the increased volume of vehicles. As of 5:47 a.m., delays on I-95 southbound before exit 148 were one mile.
At 6:52 a.m., officials announced that a single southbound lane would be temporarily opened to allow motorists caught between the crash site and Exit 148 to clear the area. All other traffic remains detoured.
Drivers traveling through the area should expect delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes. We will provide updates on the situation as they become available.
Crash investigators obtained an arrest warrant on November 13 for Neil Jostin Stagnaro Riega, 30, of Meadowbrook Road in Woodbridge, charging him with involuntary manslaughter. Stagnaro Riega surrendered to authorities on November 15 and was held on a $4,000 secured bond.
The crash occurred on October 17 at 6:37 a.m. on Mapledale Avenue near Miles Court. Police say Stagnaro Riega was driving a 2020 Nissan Versa at more than 20 miles per hour over the posted 25 mph speed limit in a residential zone. His vehicle left the roadway, mounted the sidewalk, and struck Maria Isabel Cardozo, who was walking her dog at the time, police said. Cardozo was pronounced dead at the scene.
The dog was later found unharmed near Cardozo’s residence. Stagnaro Riega remained at the scene following the crash and was not injured. Investigators determined that alcohol and drugs were not factors in the incident.
Court proceedings for Stagnaro Riega are pending.
The Stafford County School Board has announced a special meeting scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the potential appointment of a new division superintendent. The meeting will be held at the Alvin York Bandy Administrative Complex at 31 Stafford Avenue in Stafford.
If confirmed, the new superintendent will become the fifth to lead Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) in the past 15 years.
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Update 5:13 p.m. — From Prince William police:
The shooting reported in Cara Dr has been determined to be self-inflicted. There is no ongoing threat in the community.
Original post 3:43 p.m — From Prince William police:
*INCIDENT: #Shooting | #Woodbridge;#PWCPD is investigating a shooting in the 12700 block of Cara Dr. One victim located, unknown extent of injuries. Area is contained, officers are on scene. Report suspicious persons and activity to police. pic.twitter.com/xI4jL6A5Fw
— Prince William County Police Department (@PWCPolice) November 15, 2024
More as we have it.
Edge Carwash is set to open a new facility at the intersection of Garrisonville Road and Staffordboro Boulevard in North Stafford. It will replace the former TJ's Carwash, which opened in 2006 and has already been demolished.
According to public documents from the Stafford County Government, the new facility will feature a 2,054-square-foot car wash tunnel and supporting areas totaling 3,915 square feet, including office spaces and an equipment room. EDXP Stafford LLC purchased the property for $3.1 million in September 2024.
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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has closed the left lane of westbound Balls Ford Road at the bridge over Prince William Parkway, near Gainesville, following damage caused by a truck strike. The closure was announced today, two days after a northbound vehicle on Prince William Parkway struck the bridge’s underside on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
VDOT has confirmed that the lane closure will be in place for an extended period to allow for further inspections and assessments of the bridge’s structural integrity. Officials have stated that an additional inspection will occur in the coming days, after which repair plans will be developed based on the findings.
Travelers using the bridge are advised to expect delays and to exercise caution in the area as crews continue to work on the affected span.
The Balls Ford Road bridge opened to traffic in April 2023 as part of a significant $64 million improvement project to widen a 1.2-mile section of Balls Ford Road between Doane Drive and Ashton Avenue in the Gainesville Magisterial District. This comprehensive upgrade transformed the corridor into a four-lane divided roadway featuring a 16-foot-wide grass median, a 10-foot-wide shared-use path, and a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the north side of the road.
#Manassas: The left lane of westbound Balls Ford Road over Prince William Parkway will have an extended closure due to a bridge strike. Expect delays and pls watch for crews working in the area. @pwcgov @PWCPolice pic.twitter.com/O0toYjzLVI
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) November 14, 2024
At the November 7, 2024, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, residents shared divided opinions on a proposed Buc-ee's Travel Center development at the corner of Courthouse Road and Austin Ridge Drive, near a Publix store. While some attendees supported the development for its economic potential, others raised concerns about environmental impact and long-term viability.
Among the notable points discussed was Buc-ee's promise of competitive wages. The company offers hourly rates of $18 to $21 for associates and $20 to $23 for team leads. More senior roles, such as department managers, earn between $25 and $33 per hour. In contrast, according to Buc-ee's website, assistant general managers and general managers make salaries starting at $125,000 and reaching up to $225,000.
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Are you looking for ways to enjoy the weekend around town? A range of activities is coming up, from author talks to community events perfect for friends, families, and neighbors. Check out what’s happening from Thursday through Sunday, and make the most of your time!
Thursday, November 14
Kid’s Author Talk with Keisha Strand
Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, VA
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Start the weekend early by joining children’s author Keisha Strand for a lively reading session. It’s a perfect outing for families with young readers who love getting immersed in new stories.
Sell Your Home the Modern Way – Online Event (Potomac Local News Sponsor)
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Curious about the latest in home-selling? Snapdoor founder Bob Mathew hosts an online event to guide you through selling your home confidently and cost-effectively. Ideal for anyone interested in the real estate market.
City Vino & Burg Charcuterie Cheese and Wine Workshop
Want to look good in front of the in-laws because you are hosting Thanksgiving this year?
November 14th @ 7:00 to 8:30 at City Vino
Click HERE for tickets
Passionate Politics 1824 vs 2024
Thursday, November 14, 2024
6 – 8 pm
UMW- Cedric Rucker University Center- Chandler Ballroom C
1601 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Friday, November 15
Adult Author Talk with Caroline Sumlin
Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, VA
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Wrap up the week with author Caroline Sumlin as she shares insights into her writing journey. This event is designed for adult readers looking to hear from a local talent.
Standup Comedy Showcase At Hog Shack Bar-B-Q
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM (EST)
Black & White Comedy Productions
10470 Dumfries Road, Manassas, VA 20110
Possum Punchlines Comedy Show
Come out to the second floor of your favorite possum-themed gift shop for a night of alternative comedy.
7:30 pm – 9 pm
Possum-bilities
211 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
$12
Saturday, November 16
Farmers Market
Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center Street, Manassas, VA
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Kick off your Saturday by picking up fresh produce, local treats, and artisanal goods at the Manassas Farmers Market. It’s a great way to support local vendors and enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere.
2024 Pumpkin Smash — Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (EST)
Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary
10445 Manley Rd, Nokesville, VA
ARTfactory Rooftop Productions presents Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play
ARTfactory (9419 Battle St., Manassas, VA 20110) 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, United States
When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court, and a little girl’s belief makes the difference.
$20 – $25
Gingerbread Workshop
Learn the secrets of building a real gingerbread house! Build and decorate a small gingerbread house step-by-step.
11 am – 12:30 pm
Ferry Farm
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
$20
Nunsense
When the culinarily challenged Sister Julia, Child of God, unintentionally poisons her fellow sisters with tainted soup, only five Little Sisters of Hoboken remain to carry on their cloister’s mission.
Saturday, November 16, 7:30 p.m.
Klein Theatre, College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA
Sunday, November 17
NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival
NVA Thai Center LLC
9101 Prince William Street, Manassas, VA 20110
If you’re planning an event or know of something the community should check out, don’t forget to submit it to our event calendar! It’s easy and FREE to add your event, and we’ll feature it here to help spread the word.
Let’s keep our community connected and make every weekend a memorable one!
