“I was at the Jail Board meeting as a member of the public but was turned away, along with several others,” said resident Ben Walters in an email to Potomac Local News. “Jail Board staff claimed there wasn’t enough room, yet I understand there were empty seats… I submitted written comments well in advance, but they were not made available at the meeting. And since I wasn’t allowed in, I also had no opportunity to present them verbally.”
Walters and others told Potomac Local News that he had hoped to raise concerns about the Board’s current position on Section 287(g) — a federal program that allows local jail officers to identify and refer suspected undocumented immigrants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for potential removal.
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The cost of Stafford County’s long-planned courthouse replacement project has increased significantly, with county officials acknowledging major changes in scope. During the March 11, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, staff presented the latest budget updates, revealing the financial impact of the courthouse expansion.
“There definitely is a project cost increase with this courthouse,” said County Administrator Bill Ashton. “This is a new full court that will be across the street. So there is a cost increase on this, but the timing looks like it should be relatively the same.”
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Initially proposed by Superintendent LaTanya McDade, Ed.D., in early February, the now-approved budget dedicates more than $1.7 billion to the district's operations, which includes staff salaries and regular costs associated with running each building.
This budget includes more funding for staff salaries in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement reached between PWCS and its employees. This year, PWCS is investing $80 million and reflects a 7% pay raise for employees.
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More than a year after the city demolished the Olde Towne Inn, efforts are underway to improve the now vacant lot in the heart of downtown Manassas. The city recently announced a $160,000 project to convert the space into a temporary parking lot, a move that comes as plans for a new hotel on the site have stalled.
The Olde Towne Inn, which stood at 9405 Main Street, was purchased by the Manassas Economic Development Authority for $5.75 million in February 2023. The motel, a downtown staple for decades, was razed in November 2023 to make way for a new hotel or mixed-use development. However, financing issues and parking constraints have complicated efforts to attract developers.
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The Dumfries Town Council has voted to approve a significant salary increase for its elected officials, citing the town’s growth, increased responsibilities, and alignment with updated Virginia state law.
At the March 18, 2025, council meeting, members approved an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article III, Section 2.56 of the Town Code, adjusting salaries for the mayor, vice mayor, and council members.
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The proposed budget outlines a 6.8% to 7.4% pay increase for teachers and administrators, marking the latest in a series of salary raises over the past five years. Additionally, the budget benefits from a $24 million increase in state funding, primarily directed toward special education programs and the elimination of a prior support cap.
Key Investments in the FY 2026 Budget
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Updated 9:25 p.m. – The Prince William County Planning Commission has voted to approve the development of two new restaurants at Sudley Manor Square near Manassas -- a Panera Bread with a drive-through and a Dave's Hot Chicken. The proposal, listed as a Special Use Permit, will now move to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for a final decision.
The eateries will share a 4,975-square-foot building, with one featuring a drive-through and the other operating without one. The east-side restaurant, measuring 2,600 square feet, will include a drive-through service, while the west-side restaurant, at 2,375 square feet, will be walk-in only.
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Veteran Tax Relief Sparks Heated Debate
During the March 17 meeting, comments from Commissioner of the Revenue Tim Demeria ignited strong reactions from residents and veterans. Demeria raised concerns about the increasing cost of tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans, pointing out that some beneficiaries own high-value homes and luxury vehicles. His remarks led to backlash from veterans, including Zach Murphy, who viewed them as dismissive of their service and sacrifices.
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Parents, mark your calendars: Stafford’s Duff McDuff Green Park's new playground will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. The event is open to the public.
The existing playground was wholly removed, having reached the end of its lifespan after being installed in August 2001. Shannon Eubanks, Stafford’s Community Engagement Program Manager, said the new playground was designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, incorporating features that cater to children of all abilities.Â
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Fatal Crash Investigation Update
On March 15 at 8:42 PM, Manassas Park Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Manassas Drive. The vehicle rolled over and struck a residence, killing one occupant. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt, but speed was not a factor. Two passengers suffered minor injuries. No one was inside the home at the time. The investigation is ongoing.
Prince William County:
Armed Robbery – Easy St.
On March 16 at 11:13 PM, a 21-year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint by an acquaintance in her residence. The suspect, Alex Daniel Garcia-Garcia, stole her phone before fleeing. No injuries were reported, and police are searching for the suspect.
Strong-Arm Robbery – Cloverdale Park
On March 16 at 5:52 PM, two juvenile victims were confronted by acquaintances near the basketball courts. An altercation ensued, and a phone was stolen. The phone was later recovered. No injuries were reported.
Armed Robbery – Walgreens, Richmond Hwy.
On March 16 at 10:24 PM, a shoplifter at Walgreens threatened an employee by implying he was armed. The suspect, Dwayne Andre Bolden, was later arrested along with his accomplice, Damien Derek Soto, who fled in a vehicle before crashing into a fence.
Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer – Dale Blvd.
On March 15 at 8:57 PM, a DUI suspect involved in a crash fled before officers arrived. He was later found intoxicated and resisted arrest, pushing an officer. He was arrested and charged.
Residential Burglary – Cressida Pl.
On March 16 at 9:16 AM, an unknown man broke into a residence through an unsecured window while two women waited outside. A rear fence was also damaged, but no property was reported stolen.
Stafford County:
DUI Arrests
Cool Springs Road (3/14, 7:58 PM): A driver with ten empty beer containers was charged with DUI.
Candlestick Drive (3/15, 1:45 AM): A driver admitted to drinking Modelo before driving and was arrested for DUI.
Choptank Road (3/15, 3:35 AM): A crash blamed on an animal was likely caused by tequila. The driver was charged with DUI.
Starbucks, Stafford Market Place (3/15, 11:35 AM): A man was found asleep at the wheel with a nearly empty bottle of alcohol. He was charged with DUI (BAC above .2).
Indecent Exposure – Home Depot
On March 15 at 12:18 AM, a man was caught exposing himself in a disturbing incident witnessed by responding officers. He was issued a summons.
Larceny Incidents
Anytime Fitness (3/14, 10:28 AM): A man stole a gym-goer’s car keys.
Walmart (3/14, 12:04 PM): A shopper’s phone was stolen from the chip aisle.
Weis (3/15, 7:05 PM): A repeat offender shoplifted over $150 worth of merchandise.
Public Intoxication & Disorderly Conduct
Walmart, Washington Square Plaza (3/15, 5:38 PM): Two intoxicated individuals caused a disturbance by knocking items off shelves and ramming shopping carts. One also damaged store shelves.
Hampton Inn (3/15, 10:07 PM): An intoxicated man appeared at a caller’s hotel room and was arrested.
Vandalism – James Madison Circle
On March 15 at 9:30 AM, security cameras captured a juvenile donkey-kicking a door frame before fleeing. He was identified and released to his mother.
Felony Warrant Arrest – Wawa
On March 14 at 10:56 PM, a wanted man was spotted and arrested. A controlled substance was found in his possession.
