The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted 5-2 on April 1, 2025, to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) for the construction of a solar energy facility on a 36-acre parcel located at the southeast corner of Enon Road and Truslow Road in the Hartwood District.
The applicant, Enon Road Solar Farm and its representatives from Energy Systems and Applications (ESA), sought approval for two items: the CUP to operate a solar facility in the A-1 Agricultural zoning district, and authorization for the county to enter a decommissioning agreement.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, a resident of the Olde Greenwich Circle neighborhood witnessed part of the incident and intervened in self-defense. The man told investigators he heard what he described as “rapid gunfire” outside his home around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8. When he looked out, he saw two individuals with long guns firing in the parking lot.
The resident instructed a family member to call 911, then retrieved a weapon from his home. When he stepped outside, the suspects were still shooting. The resident fired his gun, striking one of the suspects.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
Feds Drop Charge Against Man Once Dubbed MS-13’s East Coast Leader
Story via InsideNoVa.com
Federal prosecutors have dropped a criminal charge against Henrry Villatoro Santos, a 24-year-old Dale City man once named by Trump administration officials as MS-13’s East Coast leader. Despite headlines and official statements, court records reveal no confirmation of a leadership role, and the charge was dropped without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled. Villatoro remains in custody.
Dead Vultures at Stafford Landfill Test Positive for Avian Influenza
Story via Fredericksburg Free Press
According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, several dead vultures discovered at the R-Board Landfill in Stafford County have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. The department encourages residents to avoid touching dead birds and to report unusual bird deaths. While the risk to humans remains low, officials are urging caution and the monitoring of domestic poultry. Local officials coordinate with state agencies to monitor the situation and advise residents to take standard precautions with pets and backyard birds.
Stafford County Public Schools to Host 49th Annual Arts Festival
Celebrate creativity at Colonial Forge High School this Saturday and Sunday, April 12–13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. View art from every school in the division, enjoy musical and theatrical performances, and don’t miss the All-County Third Grade Musical at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, narrated by Superintendent Dr. Daniel Smith.
PUBLIC NOTICE: Energy & Data Centers Panel – April 17
Members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors may attend a panel discussion hosted by the Prince William Committee of 100:
“Meeting the Energy Needs of Data Centers”
Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025 | Time: 6–9 p.m.
Location: Manassas Park Community Center
Register at pwc100.org
A Wet, Cool Weekend Ahead
A slow-moving upper low will bring several rounds of rain through Saturday, with total rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, and locally up to 3 inches east of the Blue Ridge. The heaviest rain is expected Friday, but showers may linger into Saturday.
- Today, expect increasing rain chances, especially west of the Blue Ridge and later toward I-95. Highs will be in the 50s to near 60, with cooler temps in the mountains.
- Friday, plan for widespread rain and a chilly day in the 40s and low 50s. Some wet snow is possible in the mountains Friday night. Rain continues into Saturday, gradually becoming more scattered.
- Sunday looks better, with high pressure returning and a warming trend kicking off into early next week.
Top 5 Most-Read Stories on Potomac Local in the Past 24 Hours
- Three dead, four charged in Spotsylvania shooting tied to illegal gun sale (April 9)
- Three dead, three injured in Spotsylvania shooting (April 8)
- Small plane crashes in Spotsylvania County, two injured (April 9)
- Prince William Supervisors rail against public schools funding requests (April 8)
- “No Opt-In, No Ride”: Stafford County reimagines school transportation (April 8)
Also Trending — Don’t Miss These Stories:
- Fredericksburg schools on delay after Spotsylvania mass shooting
- Buc-ee’s submits plans for massive 120-pump travel center in Stafford
- Stafford leaders push for veterans tax exemption clarity
- Gas leak outside Manassas at QTS data center
- Woodbridge man indicted for obstructing IRS, failing to file taxes
FredNats Have Home Opener Hangover, Fall 6-2 to Salem
The Fredericksburg Nationals (1-4) fell flat a night after their walk-off win, losing 6-2 to the Salem Red Sox (4-1) on Wednesday.
Davian Garcia struggled in the third inning, giving up four runs, while Salem starter Steven Brooks, making his pro debut, held the FredNats to just one hit over five scoreless innings.
The FredNats didn’t score until the eighth inning with an Elijah Nunez triple and an RBI single from Nate Rombach. But it wasn’t enough, as Nathanael Cruz closed it out for Salem.
Next up: Game 3 Thursday
- FredNats: Bryan Polanco (0-1, 5.40 ERA)
- Salem: Brandon Clarke (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Thanks for reading today’s Publisher’s Post. For breaking news, local sports, weather alerts, and community features, check back often at potomaclocal.com.
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, we sit down with Rob Orrison, Manager of the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division, to talk about the Buckland Historic Center, also known as Buckland Mill—one of the county’s most historically rich and least-known treasures.
Located just off Route 29 near the Fauquier County line, Buckland was once a bustling mill town dating back to the 18th century. Today, it’s the focus of ongoing preservation efforts aimed at restoring its historic charm and opening it up to the public.
Orrison walks us through the area’s history, from its industrial beginnings to its strategic importance during the Civil War, and shares the county’s vision for transforming the site into an accessible destination for locals, students, and visitors alike.
We also learn about:
- How the county acquired the property
- What’s being done to preserve and interpret the site
- Plans for public tours, signage, and community engagement
Watch the full interview below:
For more information about the Buckland Historic Center, visit the county’s official site here:
pwcva.gov/department/historic-preservation/buckland-mill
Potomac Local News brings you closer to the people and places shaping life in Northern Virginia. Subscribe to our podcast on YouTube or your favorite streaming platform for more local stories.
A small plane crashed Wednesday afternoon in a residential area of Spotsylvania County, marking the third major emergency response in the region this week.
Virginia State Police say the crash occurred around 3:08 p.m. in the 11000 block of Scarlett Oak Road, in the Chancellor area of the county, about six miles west of the Spotsylvania Towne Centre mall.
The aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft, had departed from Leesburg and was en route to Hampton Roads when the pilot reported an oil pressure issue and attempted to make an emergency landing in a nearby field. The plane crashed near Chancellor Road, with the roof of the aircraft becoming lodged in a tree.
Two people were on board at the time. According to state police, both were taken to Mary Washington Hospital with minor injuries.
Images provided by Virginia State Police show the plane severely damaged in a wooded area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will conduct a full investigation.
Friday’s crash follows a week of intense activity for first responders in Spotsylvania County. On Wednesday, a mass shooting tied to an illegal gun sale left three people dead and resulted in charges against four suspects. One day earlier, a child brought a loaded handgun into a third-grade classroom at Lee Hill Elementary School, prompting criminal charges against the child’s parents.
This is a developing story. Stay with Potomac Local News for updates.
The Town of Dumfries is considering forming its own Economic Development Authority (EDA), a move that town leaders say would give them more flexibility and control over how to attract, retain, and grow businesses within the town’s borders.
At its April 1, 2025 meeting, the Town Council received a detailed presentation outlining the authority and potential benefits of creating an EDA under the Virginia Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act, passed by the state legislature in 1966. The act allows localities to establish Economic or Industrial Development Authorities (EDAs or IDAs) as separate legal entities to facilitate economic development.
The proposed EDA would have powers to acquire, lease, and sell property, issue tax-exempt revenue bonds for private or public development projects, and make business loans or grants. However, EDAs cannot tax or operate businesses themselves.
Dumfries already falls within the jurisdiction of the Prince William County Industrial Development Authority, which provides similar services across the county. The county’s IDA supports local business development by facilitating financing and development incentives for qualified projects. More information is available at pwcida.org.
Despite the existing county authority, Dumfries officials said a town-level EDA could act more nimbly and focus solely on the town’s priorities. The local EDA would serve as a strategic partner to the council, working closely with the business community to identify opportunities, administer local incentive programs, and assist in development planning.
Local Oversight, Independent Action
The proposed authority would be governed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the Town Council. Directors must be Dumfries residents and would serve staggered terms ranging from one to four years initially, then four-year terms for subsequent appointments. Board members would not be paid a salary but could receive up to $200 per meeting and be reimbursed for travel and other necessary expenses.
The board would operate independently from the Town Council, similar to the town’s Board of Zoning Appeals. Council members would have no authority to direct or regulate board decisions once members are appointed.
Council members discussed transparency requirements, particularly around the board’s ability to sell property without a public hearing. Staff confirmed that while meetings would be public and minutes available, public hearings would not be required for decisions made by the EDA.
The Town Attorney and staff noted that this level of autonomy is granted under state law and is one of the primary benefits of forming a separate authority. They said the flexibility would allow the EDA to act quickly and creatively in support of economic development, particularly in areas where the Town Council itself may face legal constraints.
Funding Still Unclear
Council members also discussed how the EDA would be funded. By law, EDAs cannot impose taxes but can receive funds from property leases, asset sales, or dedicated portions of town revenue—such as a slice of the real estate or meals tax. They can also access grants from state or federal programs.
Vice Mayor Nickerson raised concerns about how the authority would be funded, particularly since the current fiscal year budget does not account for EDA startup costs. The town manager noted that establishing the authority would not require upfront capital unless the council chose to fund stipends or provide operational support. Over time, the EDA could generate revenue through economic activity or be funded through agreements approved by the council.
Council Member Russell Young asked about residency requirements and qualifications for board members. Staff confirmed that directors must live in Dumfries. While the state doesn’t require any particular experience, the draft ordinance gives preference to individuals with business, planning, or financial expertise.
Others emphasized the importance of moving forward strategically and with intention, pointing out that while the EDA would be independent, its success would depend on clear expectations and qualified leadership.
A public hearing on the creation of the EDA is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the town staff will prepare a proposal outlining potential funding options and the structure of the authority for further council review.
A federal grand jury has indicted a Woodbridge man on charges of obstructing the Internal Revenue Service and willfully failing to file tax returns over multiple years, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.
According to the indictment returned in Alexandria on April 8, Omini Tete Riman, an information technology specialist, is accused of filing false tax returns and later taking steps to hinder the IRS from collecting nearly $400,000 in refunds he allegedly obtained under false pretenses.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
Stafford County’s George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center is set to undergo major renovations following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
The $1 million project will expand and modernize the building’s main lobby and make critical upgrades to the Board of Supervisors’ meeting chambers. The Board approved a work order with Centennial Contractors Enterprises, Inc. to carry out the renovations, which are expected to take about eight months and conclude by the end of the year.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
