Chief Allen Sibert of the Town of Haymarket Police Department is gearing up for the second annual Senior Summit, a free, one-of-a-kind event focused on empowering older adults with vital resources and protection from scams.

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Protesters rally in Manassas and Fredericksburg against Trump policies

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Manassas and Fredericksburg on Saturday as part of the nationwide “Hands Off!” movement opposing the Trump administration’s policies. In Manassas, about 1,000 protesters gathered near the Social Security office. In Fredericksburg, demonstrators filled downtown with signs expressing concerns over cuts to public programs. The coordinated events were among more than 1,100 protests held nationwide.

FredNats swept to start season — but 2024 champs still shine

The Fredericksburg Nationals (0-3) dropped all three games to the Carolina Mudcats, struggling with 27 walks across the series. Despite the rocky start, fans can celebrate the 2024 Carolina League Championship at a noon ring ceremony today at Riverfront Park in Fredericksburg.

Read more: potomaclocal.com/2025/03/28/frednats-to-celebrate-2024-carolina-league-championship-with-ring-ceremony-at-riverfront-park/

Saying goodbye to a Dumfries institution

After 34 years, Padrinos Restaurant & Bar is closing its doors. Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood presented owner Sal Basile with a proclamation recognizing his decades of service and hospitality. We’ve covered campaign events and hip-hop performances there over the years—this one’s personal.

Sal, thank you. Enjoy your well-earned retirement.

Dumfries townhouse fire displaces one

On Thursday, April 3, a fire broke out in an upstairs bathroom at a townhouse on McDowell Court. Damage from broken water lines and a closed bathroom door helped contain the flames. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced resident.

Joint Town Hall in Stafford later this month

Leaders from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors and School Board will host a Joint Town Hall on Monday, April 29, from 6–8 p.m. at Colonial Forge High School. They’ll take questions and talk about infrastructure, transportation, budget, and economic development. The meeting will not be streamed.

Elizabeth Guzman to challenge Ian Lovejoy in House District 22

A familiar face is back on the ballot in western Prince William County. Former Delegate Elizabeth Guzman, a Democrat who previously represented parts of Dale City and Fauquier County, has announced her candidacy for House District 22, challenging incumbent Republican Delegate Ian Lovejoy in this fall’s election.

In 2022, she garnered national attention for proposing legislation that would have expanded the definition of child abuse to include parents who do not affirm their child’s gender identity or sexual orientation—a move that sparked considerable debate.

Ghost hunt at Annaburg Manor

Love a good scare? Join Old Spirits Investigations for a paranormal exploration of Annaburg Manor in Manassas on April 25, 7–10 p.m. Tickets are $25. Space is limited.

Register here: cityofmanassas.recdesk.com/Community/Program

Free concert in Fredericksburg

St. George’s Episcopal Church invites you to hear The Peacemakers on Sunday, April 27 at 3 p.m. Enjoy world music and modern folk in the beautiful, acoustically rich nave. Admission is free. Donations welcome.

Learn more: stgeorgesepiscopal.net/music/concerts

Heads up: Nighttime road closures near Haymarket

Waterfall/Hopewell Road (Route 601) will be closed 10 p.m.–4 a.m. April 7–9 for drainage work near 17002 Waterfall Road. Local traffic allowed. Detour via Antioch Road and Route 55.

Manassas Park Community Center’s Easter Egg Hunts

Flashlight hunts. Photos with the Easter Bunny. Crafts, games, and golden eggs. The fun starts this Friday. Don’t miss our noon post today on potomaclocal.com for all the details and how to register.

Weather update: Cold, rainy start to the week

Expect rain through midday Monday, with one to two inches possible. Highs will only reach the upper 40s to low 50s. Skies will clear on Tuesday, but it will stay chilly with gusty winds up to 35 mph. Overnight lows tonight and Tuesday night will dip into the 20s and 30s.

Coming up on PotomacLocal.com today:

• 7 a.m. – Haymarket Police Chief hosts Senior Summit
• 11 a.m. – Goats on the Job! at Old Mill Park
• 1 p.m. – Dumfries updates 2025 event calendar
• 3 p.m. – Manassas School Board votes on collective bargaining ban

Check back all day long for fresh, local stories you won’t want to miss at potomaclocal.com.

Potomac Local Weekly Recap (March 31–April 6)

Top 5 Most-Read Stories:

• Buc-ee’s submits plans for 120-pump travel center in Stafford
• Girlfriend’s Taphouse opens in North Stafford
• Police blotter: Father, son drown; assaults reported
• Stafford schools warn of devastating cuts after Youngkin veto
• Prince William Supervisors unite on cracking down on noise

Top 5 Cities by Page Views:

• Stafford – 6,429 views
• Fredericksburg – 4,886 views
• Woodbridge – 4,264 views
• Washington, D.C. – 3,169 views
• Manassas – 1,524 views

Thanks for reading, and keep checking potomaclocal.com for the stories your neighbors are talking about.

Two new elementary schools that could help ease overcrowding in Prince William County won’t open until at least 2026 and 2027, respectively, school officials say.

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The cold temperatures in February took their toll on area roads, and now the drivers are playing dodgeball with the potholes. When dodging isn’t successful, there can be a flat tire, a bent rim, or even worse for area drivers.

Daniel Martinez writes up the repair tickets all day at Power Tire on LaFayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg.

“They said they hit a pothole,” he said. “Basically the suspension of the car, they get messed up quick from the potholes,” he said. Some of the racy cars have a “low profile.” Tires that are easily damaged. “Cracked rims we see, especially when they have low profile tires,” Martinez said.

It’s much of the same over at Firestone Tires said service manager Debbie Smeragulioulo. “We have people coming in here telling me they just hit a pothole,” she said. “A lot of them damage the rims,” she added.

The rims, tires, shock absorbers, ball joints, and tie rods take the hit, and the price tag can get pretty high. Most of the time, the bill is paid out of pocket or through insurance. It’s tough to say who’s fault it is. Depending on the location, both VDOT and the City of Fredericksburg deal with the potholes.

During the colder months, the city relies on a cold patch material until a permanent repair can be made. Once the pothole is reported, the city shop team typically addresses the situation within the same day of the report or within a few days at most. “Repairs are prioritized based on urgency and overall need,” said Sonja Cantu, the City of Fredericksburg communications manager.

The Virginia Department of Transportation also fills potholes as a priority. Crews focus first on patching potholes on roads that carry the most traffic, including interstates, primary roads, and high-volume secondary roads, followed by lower-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets.

Since January 1, 2025, VDOT crews have patched 2,751 potholes on state-maintained primary and secondary roads in the Fredericksburg area, which includes roads in the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, said VDOT spokeswoman Kelly Hannon.

On Interstate 95, VDOT’s interstate maintenance contractor patched 997 potholes in the Fredericksburg area between mile markers 101-148 in January- February 2025.

The drivers can help, though. In downtown Fredericksburg, report potholes at 540-372-1023 or under Public Works on the city website. If reporting them through VDOT, go to

Click or call the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Customer Service Center at 800-367-7623 24/7.

Just Listed: 402 Cabin Ct, Stafford, VA 22554
Open House: Saturday, April 5, 12 to 3 p.m.
Price: $435,000
MLS#: VAST2036384
Listing Agent: Lindsey Schmidt – Fathom Realty | Licensed in VA | Call now! 205-223-1732

This beautifully updated townhome in the Cabin Creekwood subdivision offers comfort, convenience, and style—all in one. Now available at a new price, this home is centrally located just minutes from Quantico, I-95, Route 1, and the VRE, providing easy access for commuters.

Inside, you’ll find a bright, inviting space with neutral paint throughout. The updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances, modern countertops, and a functional center island with storage. The open-concept main level includes a spacious living and dining area, perfect for entertaining, along with a refreshed powder room.

Step outside to a fully fenced backyard with a deck—ideal for relaxing or hosting guests.

Upstairs, the home offers two large bedrooms with ample closet space and a renovated full bathroom that includes a wide vanity and a stylish, floor-to-ceiling tiled tub surround.

The finished lower level includes a third bedroom (not to code) with a fireplace, luxury vinyl flooring, a full bathroom with a walk-in shower, a dedicated laundry area, and additional storage. Whether you need extra space for guests, a home office, or a workout area, this level delivers versatility.

Additional highlights:

One-car garage with storage
HVAC replaced in 2024
Lot size: 0.04 acres
Located within Stafford County Public Schools
The property is just a short drive to shopping, dining, entertainment, schools, parks, and medical facilities. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate proximity to the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, while those who enjoy historic charm can explore nearby Downtown Fredericksburg.

Sellers request rent-back through May 24.

Don’t miss your chance to tour this updated and move-in-ready home. Visit the open house on Saturday, April 5, from 12 to 3 p.m.

For more information or to schedule a private showing, contact:

Lindsey Schmidt
Licensed in VA
205-223-1732

If you’ve caught a whiff of cinnamon sugar in the air and followed your nose to a gleaming churro truck, chances are you’ve stumbled upon Noris Churros — a new local business serving up the sweet, golden treats of Mexico City right here in Northern Virginia.

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Jose Rafael Lizama, a 48-year-old Manassas Park resident, was sentenced on April 3, 2025, to 10 years in prison, with five years suspended, for the 2023 death of Justin Burns. He will serve five years in the Virginia Department of Corrections, followed by five years of supervised probation. Lizama must also wear an ankle monitor for continuous drug and alcohol testing after release.

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Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”

We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

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