My wife and I would visit Richmond often when she was in college.

It was a short drive from her school, and the city provided us with a chance to get to know one another better. Its backdrop was culture, fun things to do, restaurants, and what seemed to be a never-ending number of places where we could peer back into our nation’s both celebrated and troubled past.

I can remember walking along Monument Avenue at night, looking at the illuminated statues, and the gorgeous homes that lined the boulevard. I viewed these monuments, in what had been the capital city of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, not as something glorious or objects to celebrate but as a reminder of how the Civil War tore the country apart and as a reminder of the stain of slavery left on our nation.

The statues were constant reminders of our past, and reminders not to repeat the same mistakes again.

The statues, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and placed there in the late 18th century during reconciliation, are now a memory. Black Lives Matter protesters defaced them in 2020, and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney removed them the next year, placing them in a statue graveyard (location undisclosed) and transferring their ownership from the people to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

He couldn’t move them to a national park or battlefield, like the ones we have here in Fredericksburg or Manassas. He sent them away from public view to send a message: This history won’t be tolerated in this city or anywhere else.

Now, the same people who celebrated their removal say they’re disappointed the city has not replaced the statues with something as pleasing. In fact, all that’s there now is some mulch, plants, and trees—a far cry from the historical significance of what once stood.

“I’m not sure I can even put into words what I see other than disappointment. There’s nothing there that has any meaning or purpose,” Caroline Bowers, who participated in the 2020 rallies and marches told WTVR-TV. “I was hoping for maybe a park-like setting where you could come and you could sit and you could kind of feel and reminisce what happened here.”

Stoney told the TV station he has no plan to replace the statutes and will instead divert city funds to other parts of the city. The Democrat hopes to be Virginia’s next governor. He is challenging  Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D) for their party’s nomination in 2025.

People from across the U.S. went to what was the Confederacy’s capital to see the statues and learn the history of the Civil War. Now, the city is said to have the appearance of a communist Democratic Republic.

“Only Richmond could take one of its premier tourist attractions and the only street in America that was on the National Register of Historic Places… and turn it into a scene from East Germany,” one user posted to WTVR’s Facebook page.

“Those who voted for those statues to be taken down, couldn’t see past their hatred to even consider what they might put as a replacement. They were just so anxious to get them down, and for all of those folks who voted to take them down, I sure hope you feel good and you sleep better at night. Ignorance at its finest,” wrote another.

Residents like Bowers, who cheered when the historic monuments were defaced and removed, allowed themselves to be hoodwinked, played, and taken advantage of. Three years later, her neighborhood is no better off, and tourists no longer have a reason to visit the place history buffs flocked to and authors wrote about.

I’ve often heard, “The left likes to tear down because it’s easy. It doesn’t like to build anything, because that’s hard.”

This must be what they mean.

Uriah Kiser is the founder and publisher of Potomac Local News.

The Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy’s Basic Recruit Session #56 Graduation was marked by personal connections and unwavering dedication to public service.

County Supervisor Victor Angry of the Neabsco District recounted the journey of Officer Carla Coleman, his goddaughter, who had been a part of his wife’s daycare since she was five years old.

“Carla is homegrown. She’s now going to be protecting the community, staying in the area, and protecting the community that she loves. I think that is a success story that she loves her community so much.” Despite his initial surprise at her decision to join the Army National Guard and subsequently become a police officer, he celebrated her success and commitment to serving her local community.

For Angry, public safety and law enforcement were deeply intertwined with personal connections and a sense of homegrown responsibility. He emphasized the importance of officers like Coleman, who understand the community they serve on a personal level, fostering trust and cooperation among residents.

Reflecting on previous debates about defunding the police, Angry expressed his opposition to any defunding.

“That’s a dead idea, I never really liked that term ‘defund’ anyway,” Angry said.

He highlighted the diverse and demanding nature of police work, emphasizing the importance of supporting officers in their mission to maintain public safety. “Our officers, are doing a lot. And I think 9-1-1 has turned more into a 4-1-1 line where people call the police for things officers should not be dealing with,” said Angry. “We need to be smarter about how we route calls to our over-stretched officers.”

Officer Carla Coleman, inspired by her positive experiences with law enforcement, spoke passionately about her decision to join the Prince William County Police Department. She emphasized the strong sense of community and family within the department, particularly praising the impact of School Resource Officers like First Sergeant Jensen, who had played a significant role in her life. “First Sergeant Jensen had a huge impact on me, and that’s the impact every Prince William County officer in the SRO (School Resource Officer) role has in schools. They just made me feel like I was in a family environment. And that’s the best part for me.”

“I Couldn’t be more proud,” County Police Chief Peter Newsham said of his son, newly minted Sheriffs Deputy Nicholas Newsham. The county has both a police department that patrols the streets, and a sheriff’s office that serves court papers and protects the judicial center in Manassas.

Deputy Newsham shared his pride in following in his father’s footsteps and joining the Sheriff’s Office. Despite the weight of his family legacy, he expressed gratitude for the support of his fellow recruits and instructors, who had made his journey a fulfilling and rewarding experience despite his famous name.

Sheriff Glen Hill, welcoming Deputy Newsham into his department, emphasized the importance of comprehensive training programs that prepare officers for the challenges they may encounter on the job. He underscored the need for continuous learning and adaptation in law enforcement, ensuring officers are equipped to handle diverse situations with professionalism and confidence.

“The scenario based training presented in the academy are things these officers may encounter. They improve their skills, but also improve their confidence in handling each unique case,” said Hill. “I’ve been a law enforcement officer for a long time, and the basic things I learned were the same. The training we prepared for, sometimes we prepare for the worst, but also, at the same time, you learn how to control yourself when you’re in those situations, and it makes you both a better person and a better officer.”

County Supervisor Yesli Vega of the Coles District, a county reserve sheriff’s deputy, was the keynote speaker. She emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in policing.

She decried efforts to defund the police, highlighting the sacrifices made by officers and their families in service of public safety.

“When you vilify folks who are willing to put their life on the line in service of others, you create an environment that’s both hostile and dangerous. When I hear ‘defund the police’ I hear two things: these brave and honorable men and women are not supported, and public safety is not a priority. It greatly disheartens me, and I’m sure many others, who sacrifice not only time from their families but risk their lives to serve and protect their community,” said Vega.

In her address to the graduating class, Vega urged the new officers to uphold the values of integrity and service as they embark on their careers.

“Our young people are challenged, I think more than many of us have ever experienced. Technology, social media, and cameras being everywhere – our kids are consistently faced with an immense amount of pressure. Integrity is just one character trait of many that embody police officers. We live in a world where people, especially the media, like to paint a picture that is not necessarily the whole picture of police,” said Vega. “One thing I wanted these graduates to understand is that if you have integrity in everything you do, at the end of the day you know you’re making good decisions and can live with yourself, no matter what others say.”

She underscored the significance of their role in building trust and cooperation within the community, emphasizing the importance of supporting law enforcement officers in their mission to protect and serve.

The graduation ceremony took place Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Grace Life Church, 3560 Linton Hall Road, in Bristow. A total of 17 Prince William County Police Officers and 2 Prince William County Sheriff’s Deputies were in the class.

The starting annual salary for a county police officer is $62,000, while a starting sheriff’s deputy will make $57,500.

Alan Gloss is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.

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City of Fredericksburg: With the completion of the major construction sites at Riverfront Park and William Square, final parking signage is planned to be installed by the City of Fredericksburg in these two areas by the end of May 2024.

The Riverfront Park parking lot, located on Sophia Street near Wolfe Street, will be converted to 2-hour parking 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Additionally, the final on-street parking signage around the William Square project (focused on the 600 and 700 blocks of Amelia Street, as well as Douglas, William and Winchester Streets and Washington Avenue) will be implemented by the City in an effort to support the nearby businesses while protecting area neighborhoods.

The William Square project, which was approved in 2021, is nearing completion with the grand opening of the new Publisher Hotel planned for early June 2024.

As long planned, areas of on-street parking on Amelia, William, and Winchester Streets and Washington Avenue will be converted to 2-hour parking 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The north side of Amelia Street, which is lined by residential homes, is designated “Resident Permit” parking.

Both of these changes are consistent with the other parking regulations downtown, encouraging turnover to support businesses while encouraging long stays to utilize parking decks. Please watch for these updated parking signs coming soon.

More information can be found online.

OmniRide: In support of national Take Your Child to Work Day, children aged 17 and younger can ride any OmniRide bus for free on Thursday, April 25.

OmniRide Local and Metro Express are already currently free and will be until at least June. Children can ride any OmniRide Express commuter bus for free on this day, which currently costs $9.00 one way, when accompanied by a paying adult.

This is an opportunity to introduce students, not only to the working world, but also to the many travel alternatives our region has versus driving alone. Riders are encouraged to bring their children along for the ride on an OmniRide Local, Metro Express, or Express commuter bus on April 25 and show them the basics about using public transportation so they can gain confidence as they mature and become independent travelers.

Take Your Child to Work Day, also termed Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, is a national public education program that aims to connect what children learn at school with the actual working world.

For more information on OmniRide services visit OmniRide.com.

Virginia Department of Transportation: Weekend parking can resume at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Park and Ride commuter lot on Staffordboro Boulevard, near the Route 610 (Garrisonville Road) and Mine Road intersection in Stafford County.

The lot will be open for all users on the weekends of April 20-21 and April 27-28.

Crews were able to substantially complete work to repaint most parking space lines and pavement markings during the weekend of April 13-14. Crews will return to finish several spot locations, but the lot can remain open at all times.

Prince William Parks and Recreation sponsors today’s weather forecast.

Summer Job Alert: Parks and Recreation Hiring Seasonal Workers Now! Want to earn some extra cash this summer and enjoy your job at the same time? PWC Parks and Recreation is now hiring for seasonal jobs.. Camp Counselors, Lifeguards, Cooks and more…

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, a cold front is approaching, causing weather changes.

Today, cloudy skies will dominate the region, with temperatures reaching a high near 64 degrees Fahrenheit. A southeast wind of around 7 mph is expected. While there’s a chance of scattered showers, particularly before 2 a.m., residents can anticipate mostly cloudy conditions tonight with a low of around 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Patchy fog may develop between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.

Conditions will continue to fluctuate as the weekend progresses. Saturday will start mostly cloudy but gradually become sunny, with a high near 72 degrees. A northwest wind of around 10 mph will usher in cooler air. Saturday night will bring partly cloudy skies, with a low of about 43 degrees and a north wind of 6 to 9 mph.

On Sunday, expect mostly cloudy conditions once again, with a high near 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The north wind will shift to the west in the afternoon, blowing at 5 to 7 mph.

The forecast suggests that low pressure tracking northward will usher in a cold front, causing showers to move through the area late tonight. While shower chances will increase west of the Blue Ridge throughout the morning, the likelihood of widespread precipitation remains uncertain. However, keep an umbrella handy as scattered showers may persist.

With cooler air gradually entering the region, temperatures are expected to fluctuate, ranging from the lower 40s in higher elevations to the mid-50s in southern and eastern areas.

Rappahannock Education Farm (REF) Manager Rich Larochelle said he and a squad of volunteers prepped a 360-square-foot plot of Fredericksburg farmland to plant hundreds of seeds of produce last week.

Nearly 3,000 people in the Fredericksburg area suffer from food insecurity, according to Stacker, a government data-collection website. Food-insecure households can’t afford regular access to healthy meals. The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank supplies food to 31,000 people every year.

Larochelle said they’re using land outside of Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank in exchange for supplying fresh vegetables to the bank. Larochelle said the Fredericksburg food bank farm is the first official project on his mission of engaging the community with growing local before work starts on a future expansion.

“We’re taking an area that had been a garden many years ago and we’re preparing it for some new plants,” Larochelle said to Fredericksburg Free Press, “It’ll all go to reducing our food insecurity.”

Larochelle explained that the mini-farm is just the first step. He said the farm currently owns no land but is working to change this with the purchase of nine acres in Stafford. This size plot can hold up to 18,000 crops at one time. Larochelle said price negotiations are pending. According to Zillow, the average price for nine of undeveloped land in Stafford is $50,000.

Larochelle plans to model the new farm after the Fauquier Education Farm, which also grows produce for food banks. “We propose to learn from these successes as we create a similar entity for our community,” said the farm’s website. “[Where people can] come together around the positive activities of growing and harvesting foods.”

The REF Facebook page said the current Fredericksburg mini-farm and future acreage are made possible by grants from the Mary Washington Healthcare Foundation and the Stafford Health Foundation.

Larochelle said the mini-farm in Fredericksburg will grow tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, beans, and other veggies requested by the food bank.

Larochelle said they needed to make the soil farmable again after years of disuse. He said he and over 30 volunteers removed old plastic netting from previous farmers and tilled the soil. Larochelle said soil samples were tested by Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture to determine the soil’s fertility. After a week, Virginia Tech deemed the soil “adequate on most measures and even better on others.”

REF Master Gardener Jonathan Stevens said the next step is getting topsoil donations from the community.

“We want to teach people how to garden, reduce food insecurity, and have fun in the process,” Larochelle said. “It’s a beautiful day to garden.”

Chas Chappell is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.

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The following reports are from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

Stafford County Sheriff is asking for public assistance in investigating an April 12 shooting. Deputies reported to Shasta Place at 10:38 p.m. and learned a red vehicle may have been involved. Several vehicles were shot, but no injuries were reported. The police are asking citizens to review any video cameras that may have captured footage of the incident or a suspicious vehicle.

The Sheriff’s office also reported a 19 year-old arrested for DUI after traveling 60 mph in a 45mph zone approaching Interstate 95. A consumed Corona bottle was in the vehicle, and the driver reported he had two beers prior to driving.

Kelly Sienkowski is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.