Prince William County Executive Christopher Shorter recently unveiled a $2 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, sparking a heated debate among supervisors and residents over the county’s consistent budget surpluses, rising tax rates, and spending priorities.
Under his proposal, the budget maintains the real estate tax rate at 92 cents per $100 assessed value. Yet, due to increased property assessments, the average residential tax bill will rise by $276 to $5,165.
This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!
Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.
Firefighters found a single-wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames, with fire spreading to nearby wooded areas. Crews worked to contain the fire and brought the structure fire under control in less than 15 minutes, according to Stafford fire and rescue spokeswoman Katie Brady. The brush fire, which spread across one acre, was contained within 30 minutes, she added.
The mobile home was unoccupied at the time of the fire. Multiple passersby reported the fire. No residents were displaced, and no injuries were reported.
The Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Quantico Fire and Emergency Services assisted on the scene.
According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a reckless driver and disturbance in the area at approximately 6:35 p.m. The incident began when an off-duty federal law enforcement officer confronted a motorcyclist reportedly driving recklessly on an off-road motorcycle. The motorcyclist initially left the scene but later returned with family members. Deputies stopped them in a white Lincoln near the intersection of North Jenny Lynn Road and Cross Cut Lane, where a confrontation ensued, about a mile from a Giant Food store at Town and Country Marketplace on White Oak Road.
Police said that three individuals—identified as Nicolas Vazquez, 20, Angel Vazquez, 21, and Xavier Vazquez, 46—began causing a disturbance with both the deputies and the off-duty agent, who lives in the neighborhood and was out walking his dog. As deputies attempted to control the situation, the encounter turned physical, Stafford County authorities said.
During the altercation, authorities said an unidentified 61-year-old man who lived nearby approached the scene to defuse the conflict. At some point, the federal agent’s firearm discharged, striking the 61-year-old man in the chest. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Officials have not identified the federal agent involved, and it remains unclear whether the agent drew his weapon or if it was discharged unintentionally. The agent has not been charged.
Additionally, a deputy suffered minor injuries and was grazed by the bullet, but no deputies fired their weapons during the incident.
Following an initial investigation, Nicolas, Angel, and Xavier Vazquez were charged with assault and battery on law enforcement, assault by mob, conspiracy to commit a felony, and obstruction. All three were taken into custody at the Rappahannock Regional Jail and are being held without bond.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or video evidence of the incident or the motorcyclist’s reckless driving to contact Detective Boyle at 540-658-4400.
The sheriff’s office expressed condolences to the victim’s family, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased resident.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
Don’t miss the Friends of the Library Monthly Book Sale in Fredericksburg! On Saturday, March 1, stop by the Fredericksburg Branch (1201 Caroline St.) for $3/bag day, where you can fill a bag with books for just $3.
? Saturday: The best deal – $3 per bag!
Want to share your own local event? It’s FREE to submit! Just fill out this form: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Just provide the event name, date, location, and details, and we’ll help spread the word!
9805 Spillway Ct, Burke, VA 22015
Price: $584,400
3 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths | 2 Half Baths
1,900 sq. ft. | Colonial Style
Open House: Saturday, March 1, 1 to 4 p.m, Sunday, March 2, 2 to 4 p.m.
Located in the sought-after Lakepointe neighborhood, this beautifully updated three-level townhome offers modern living in a prime location. Step inside to find a spacious open floor plan with gleaming hardwood floors, recessed lighting, and a wood-burning fireplace in the living room.
The gourmet kitchen features solid surface countertops, stylish cabinetry, and high-end appliances, perfect for home chefs and entertaining guests. The adjacent dining room makes hosting effortless.
Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms, including a luxurious owner’s suite with an en-suite remodeled bath. The finished lower level provides a large recreation space, half bath, and laundry area, making it ideal for a home office, gym, or media room.
Enjoy outdoor living in your private fenced backyard with a beautiful paver patio, perfect for relaxing or hosting gatherings. The community offers a pool, playgrounds, and walking trails.
This home is a must-see, conveniently located near shopping, dining, and commuter routes with easy access to Washington, D.C.
Call Today to Schedule Your Showing
Listing Agent: Mark Worrilow
Fathom Realty (Licensed in Virginia)
Phone: (703) 244-8702
Email: [email protected]
I appreciate you taking some time out of your Sunday to read this. Our newsletter is the most personal and direct way to deliver the day’s news—no social media algorithms, no distractions, and no paywall (at least not for members).
This past week, I was a guest speaker at a small business roundtable in Haymarket. I was impressed by the turnout, made some great new connections, and spoke about the importance of keeping trusted local news alive in our communities. It also allowed me to reflect on my time growing up and delivering the old Potomac News into driveways in my Dale City neighborhood.
I also attended 1 Million Cups Prince William at CenterFuse in Manassas—a group I helped organize 12 years ago. This free, one-of-a-kind support group for entrepreneurs remains a great place to connect and learn. If you own a small business, I highly recommend checking it out.
A big shoutout to our courthouse reporter, Alan Gloss, for his diligent coverage of the Latoya Crabbe case. Last week, charges against Crabbe in the shooting death of her estranged husband were dropped, though new charges are expected soon. Gloss was there when Crabbe had an emotional reunion with her children—the first time she had seen them since last fall. It was our top-read story of the week.
Another of Gloss’s reports—the court ruling that ordered Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth’s office to pay a $22,000 fine for failing to respond to a public records request—was the second-most-read story.
Rounding out the top five most-read stories this week:
- Stafford County Public Schools welcome new leadership
- A 161-foot-tall sign installed at Fredericksburg’s Central Park
- A controversy involving the Belmont Bay HOA in Woodbridge
If you’re not a member, please consider joining for 100% access. It also ensures we can continue bringing you trusted local journalism—while saying goodbye to the paywall.
A warm welcome to our newest Potomac Local News members: Sophie from New York, Carlos from Manassas, Rebecca from Charlottesville, and Tara from Woodbridge! Thank you for joining our growing community of readers who support trusted, local journalism.
Your membership helps us deliver important news without distractions, paywalls, or social media interference. We’re grateful for your support and look forward to informing you about the stories that matter most to our region. Welcome aboard!
Do you want to tell us how we’re doing? Reply to this email or jump into our comments section on our website (which, for some reason, doesn’t get much use—so be bold and post your thoughts!).
Thank you for reading and for being part of our community.
Best,
Uriah Kiser
Founder & Publisher
Potomac Local News
Malicious Wounding – Arrest
On February 27, police arrested Dorrell Montea Farmer, 25, of Triangle, in connection with an assault on February 26 in the 16600 block of River Ridge Blvd. in Woodbridge. The incident involved a tow operator attempting to repossess a vehicle when Farmer attacked, striking and biting the operator, police said. Later that day, Farmer confronted the operator again in the 13600 block of Richmond Hwy. and struck him in the face, breaking his glasses. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Farmer has been charged with malicious wounding, two counts of assault & battery, and destruction of property.
Aggravated Malicious Wounding – Suspect Wanted
On February 27 at approximately 2:02 AM, police responded to Linden Park Apartments in Triangle for an assault. A 23-year-old woman was reportedly attacked inside a vehicle by Cecilia Anne Keefer, 34, of Triangle, following a verbal altercation. Keefer struck the victim multiple times before hitting her with the vehicle and driving off, police said. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Keefer is wanted for aggravated malicious wounding, felony hit & run, and assault & battery.
Assault & Battery on Law Enforcement Officer – Arrest
On February 27 at 3:25 PM, officers responded to a report of an intoxicated individual in the 2600 block of Prince William Pkwy in Woodbridge. When officers attempted to detain Angela Kathleen Klosek, 49, of Glendale, Md., she resisted and scratched an officer, police said. She was taken to a hospital for treatment before being transported to the Adult Detention Center. Klosek is charged with assault & battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction of justice, and disorderly conduct.
Stafford County
Olde Forge Mobbing – Three charged with assault
Three individuals were arrested after escalating a verbal dispute into a physical altercation on Olde Forge Drive.
On February 26 at 7:12 PM, Deputies C.R. Newman and C.M. Sterne responded to a disturbance in the area. Callers reported that an argument had turned “kind of physical,” police said.
Upon arrival, deputies received conflicting accounts of the incident. The female involved alleged that her now ex-boyfriend attempted to pull her into his vehicle forcibly. However, she had no visible signs of assault, and inconsistencies arose in her statement, police said.
The male, however, stated that the argument turned physical when his ex-girlfriend assaulted him. She allegedly refused to exit his vehicle as he tried to separate himself. At that moment, her two brothers reportedly approached aggressively and attacked him, police said. The male victim sustained minor injuries and later found that multiple personal items—including the keys to his Dodge Charger—had been taken from his vehicle, police said.
A neutral witness corroborated the male victim’s account. As a result, deputies determined that the female and her two brothers were the primary aggressors.
Keily Mazariegos Calderon, 18, of Stafford is charged with assault and battery and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,500 secured bond.
Roy Mazariegos Calderon, 19, of Stafford, and Ander Mazariegos Calderon, 30, of Stafford were charged with assault and battery, assault by mob, grand larceny, and tampering with a vehicle. They were held without bond.
Disturbance – False 911 Call Leads to Warrant
On February 27 at 5:15 AM, Sergeant R.S. Dominguez responded to White Pine Circle for a disturbance. The caller provided vague statements about an alleged assault but later admitted no emergency had occurred. Since this was a repeated false report, a warrant for misuse of 911 was obtained.
Larceny – Package Theft
On February 27 at 2:26 PM, Deputy R.L. Beasley responded to a residence on Hunter Trail for a reported theft. The victim stated that pet medication was stolen from an opened package. This was the third time the victim had experienced such a theft.
Larceny – Shed Break-In
On February 27 at 4:04 PM, Deputy C.M. Sterne responded to the Gulf gas station at 372 Warrenton Road regarding a larceny. A contractor reported that a shed on the property had been unlawfully entered and damaged, with various items stolen.
Vandalism – Attempted Vehicle Theft
On February 27 at 9:58 PM, Deputy B.E. Vaughn responded to Pinnacle Drive for a vandalism report. The caller reported that a vehicle appeared to have been tampered with. Upon arrival, Deputy Vaughn found a running vehicle with a smashed window and damage to the ignition, indicating an attempted theft. Investigators believe the suspect was likely spooked during the attempt. The case remains under investigation.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
Lateef addressed attendees at a town hall meeting on Thursday, February 27, 2024, at Battlefield High School near Haymarket, vowing to resist federal pressure to close the school division’s DEI office. His remarks were met with a standing ovation.
“Tomorrow, [President Trump] has said that any school division that doesn’t close their DEI office, we’ll cut federal funding. Well folks, tomorrow we will proceed as usual and I’ll see him in court. He’s coming after our immigrant kids. You’re sitting in the 10th most diverse county in all of America. So when you come after our children on ICE raids, we will see you in court.”
Today, Lateef told Potomac Local News that he has not received information about federal law enforcement conducting immigration raids in Prince William County schools.
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Loudoun, Prince William) organized the town hall meeting. Lateef is running in a crowded field of Democrats seeking the party’s nomination for Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor race.
Lateef is the only representative from PWCS to publicly respond to a February 14 letter from the U.S. Department of Education, which demands the end of DEI practices in educational institutions receiving federal funding. The letter, issued as official guidance, criticizes race-based policies, stating:
“Discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin is illegal and morally reprehensible… In recent years, American educational institutions have discriminated against students on the basis of race, including white and Asian students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and low-income families. These institutions’ embrace of pervasive and repugnant race-based preferences and other forms of racial discrimination have emanated throughout every facet of academia,” the letter states.
The letter also condemns race-conscious admissions, financial aid policies, hiring practices, and DEI-focused training programs, arguing that such initiatives have led to segregation at graduation ceremonies and other school facilities.
Potomac Local News contacted PWCS for comment on the letter when it was released but received no response. Today, we asked again, and received this response from a division spokeswoman:
“PWCS will continue to advocate for our students and educators, ensuring that their needs are met, and that educational excellence remains our top priority. PWCS staffing and programs will continue without interruption. Our leadership team is actively reviewing the directive and will be monitoring the situation closely as details evolve. We will remain transparent in sharing additional information as it becomes available.  PWCS values the dedication and hard work of each staff member, and the school division is committed to maintaining our workforce. We will continue to maintain our mission-critical programming.”
She added that the school division does not track immigration arrests. If PWCS does not comply with the federal directive, the school division risks losing federal funding.
Rep. Subramanyam did not inform Potomac Local News about the town hall meeting in advance.
Prince William County Public Schools established an Office of the Chief Equity Officer in 2021. The office was created to support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the school division and ensure equitable access to high-quality education for all students.
Key responsibilities of the office include:
- Closing Achievement Gaps: Addressing disparities in academic performance across racial, economic, and linguistic backgrounds.
- Professional Development: Providing DEI-focused training for educators and staff to create inclusive learning environments.
- Community Engagement: Partnering with families and stakeholders to shape equitable school policies.
- Curriculum Equity: Ensuring instructional materials reflect diverse perspectives and promote culturally responsive teaching.
- Accountability and Data Tracking: Measuring the effectiveness of equity initiatives and tracking student success rates.
PWCS leadership has consistently emphasized that the DEI office was established to create a school environment where all students, regardless of background, have equal opportunities for success. However, in light of the federal directive, the fate of this office and its role in the school division’s policies remain uncertain.
