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0225 Newsletter


Manassas City Council will discuss a proposed tax incentive on Monday, February 10, 2025, to support Micron Technology Inc.’s planned $2 billion expansion. The deal would extend the company’s favorable semiconductor equipment tax rate through 2035, saving Micron millions annually. The expansion, backed by $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce, is expected to create over 400 manufacturing jobs. City officials tout the investment as a boost for local economic growth, while residents and businesses will weigh the long-term benefits.


Sponsored

Virginia National Bank is proud to serve the communities of Haymarket and Manassas with exceptional banking services tailored to your needs. The Haymarket branch is located at 15240 Washington Street, Haymarket, and can be reached at 703-335-7890. The branch operates Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Manassas branch, conveniently located at 8091 Sudley Road, Manassas, can be contacted at 703-366-1607. This branch shares the same operating hours, with both branches closed on Saturdays. Whether you’re looking for personalized banking services or financial solutions, Virginia National Bank is here…


The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of four to six inches of snow, with higher totals possible. Snow will begin Tuesday afternoon, intensify Tuesday evening into overnight, and could transition to a wintry mix Wednesday morning. The storm will create hazardous travel conditions, impacting Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Another system this weekend could bring heavy rain or a wintry mix, increasing flooding risks. Think you can predict the snowfall? Comment your guess for a chance to win a prize.

A townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced a family of five late Saturday afternoon after flames spread from the rear of the home into the attic. Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The…

A suspect in a bank robbery on Route 3 was arrested thanks to a tip leading authorities to a Fredericksburg hotel. Dawson According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and…

The Haymarket Town Council approved a budget amendment on February 3, 2025, increasing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget by $111,749 to fund the demolition of the former Haymarket Food Pantry building at Haymarket Community Park. The funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the council says was designated for infrastructure improvements. The decision has sparked debate among council members and residents, with some questioning the public benefit of demolishing the building instead of repurposing it. During the public hearing, resident Marshawn Schneider raised concerns over long-term financial impacts, particularly regarding the cost of future public restrooms…

The Occoquan Town Council is advancing key initiatives, including the integration of the town’s police department with Prince William County’s computer-assisted dispatch system, improving emergency response. A public hearing is set to discuss a new cigarette sales tax ordinance, aligning with neighboring jurisdictions. Meanwhile, the 2025 events calendar has been approved, featuring Riverfest, the Arts and Crafts Show, trivia nights, and the return of the Holiday Artisan Market with Santa’s arrival by boat. Read about them here.

As more federal employees return to in-person work, commuting interest in the Fredericksburg region is surging. GWRideConnect, the commuter assistance program of the George Washington Regional Commission, reports a sharp increase in inquiries about ridesharing options. “We’ve been steadily seeing an increase of people going back to the office, and then it just jumped,” said Kerry McKenney of GWRC. Expanded transit options, including new vanpools and OmniRide services, are helping meet demand.


Public safety officials recently gathered at Dunkin’ Donuts locations from Stafford County to Manassas to meet with community members in two separate events fostering engagement and conversation. In Stafford County,…

Nothing Bundt Cakes has officially opened its doors just outside Manassas, bringing its signature, handcrafted bundt cakes to the community. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce celebrated the occasion with…

Prince William County has scrapped its $300 million Route 28 Bypass project, leaving residents and officials debating the next steps for traffic relief. The project, which would have taken 70…

A pedestrian crash in Nokesville claimed the life of a Manassas man, while Stafford deputies used drones and SWAT tactics to track down an armed suspect who fled into the…

Happy Friday, Manassas! Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Feb. 10 regular meeting. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at…

At the Jan. 27 Manassas City Council Meeting, the Department of Economic Development detailed the economic health of the city in the past year as new businesses entered the city…

In this exclusive interview, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger discusses key city issues, including immigration enforcement, budget concerns, tax rates, and economic development. She addresses the potential loss of state…

February will be a busy and love-filled month around Prince William County and Manassas with several events and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings. Wednesday…


Publisher’s Post

Big decisions and new initiatives are always unfolding around us—decisions that can leave us questioning the future and wondering how they will impact our community. But at Potomac Local News, we’re dedicated to showing you the way forward, helping you understand these changes and what they mean for the road ahead. This week, we brought you exclusive stories that showcase how our community is evolving, from the cancellation of a major road project to the launch of new fundraising initiatives. Here’s how we’re showing you the way forward:


Podcast

In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, host Uriah Kiser sits down with Craig Wade, President of the Prince William Association of Realtors, and Matthew Rathbun, President-Elect of the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors. They discuss the latest trends in the local real estate market, the impact of rising interest rates, and the challenges first-time homebuyers face in Northern Virginia. The conversation also dives into the region’s housing inventory, with insights on the growing demand for homes and the lack of affordable options, especially in areas like Prince William, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. Craig and Matthew share their predictions for 2025,…


Pets

Are you looking to add a furry friend to your family? The Prince William County Animal Shelter is making it easier than ever. In honor of World Spay Day, the shelter is hosting a special adoption event to cover the cost of a standard spay or neuter fee for all adoptions from February 21 to 25, 2025.


Event

Catch a night of laughter and Shakespearean fun with The Comedy of Errors on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. Presented by The Acting Company, this modern verse translation by 2022 Tony Award nominee Christina Anderson brings a fresh twist to one of Shakespeare’s earliest and most beloved comedies. Expect mistaken identities, hilarious chaos, and a race against the clock as Antipholus and his servant, Dromio, navigate a world of confusion.


Obituaries

In loving memory of John Fasulo, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 94.

Obituaries

Elva Lorraine Hansson, affectionately known as Lori to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, in Plant City, Florida, at the age of 77.

You may submit obituaries for publication via this link.

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Recent Stories

In a unique and chilly demonstration, residents of Fredericksburg gathered Wednesday to protest a proposed data center development near the Rappahannock River by building snowmen.

Organized by the Rappahannock Community Coalition, the “Snowmen Against Data Centers” rally took place just one day after nearly 10 inches of snow blanketed the region. The snowmen were erected on the Mary Washington University Campus, City Hall, and a house off Harrell Road in Stafford County.

Fredericksburg’s Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has a new star in its kitchen: Chef Stefan Boutchyard. With experience spanning local restaurants and high-profile catering events—including President Donald Trump’s inauguration—Boutchyard is revamping the dinner theater’s menu. His first creation? A Southern-inspired menu for Heartbreak Hotel, featuring Elvis-themed dishes like cornbread waffles and Viva Las Vegas shrimp cocktail. Looking ahead, he’s planning Mediterranean flavors for Jesus Christ Superstar and launching an interactive sushi-making class. Click the link and read the whole story.

Prince William County’s State of the Parks event, initially scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Forest Park High School, has been postponed due to weather conditions and other considerations.

The State of the Parks event, set to feature insights from Prince William County Parks and Recreation Director Seth Hendler-Voss, will be rescheduled, with a new date and time to be announced soon.

“We want to ensure that all participants have the best possible experience and that the event can take place safely and under optimal conditions,” officials stated in their announcement.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering a zero-tax-increase budget for 2025, which has drawn community members’ support and concern. During the February 4, 2025, meeting, parents and education advocates urged the board to fund Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) fully, emphasizing the need for higher teacher salaries, facility repairs, and student resources.

Speaking during the public comment period, Shannon Fingerholtz, a parent from the Hartwood District, called on the board to take responsibility for properly funding Stafford schools.

“Our students, our teachers, our staff, our community require a quality school system,” Fingerholtz said. “Quality means decently paid staff, buildings in good repair, and adequate materials. These all require funding.”

A Night on the Riviera

Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!

Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.

For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.

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Submit your own Community Post here.

Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?

On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??

But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.

What’s in store:

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Submit your own Community Post here.

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