Kelly Sienkowski, Author at Potomac Local News

High Winds and Heavy Rains Batter Region: Stafford Sees Over 6 Inches

Published August 30, 2024 at 1:10PM

Hartwood Area (Photo | Stafford County Sheriff's Department Facebook)

Yesterday’s storm brought high winds and heavy rains to a wide area ranging from Spotsylvania to Maryland. Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reports the Hartwood Area experienced heavy damage, with trees on power lines and Spotted Tavern Road closed due to hazards.

The National Weather Service reports Fredericksburg received between 2.2 and 2.9 inches. Prince William County ranged from 1.89 inches to 3.57; Woodbridge, Gainsville, and Nokesville all received over 3 inches of rain. Measurements at the Stafford Regional Airport showed 6.87 inches, and Falmouth received just over 4 inches. Fredericksburg received 2 inches.

News

Missing Person Alert: Fredericksburg Police Search for Antonia Rogers

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 30, 2024 at 12:49PM | Updated September 3, 2024 at 11:28AM

Antonia Rogers

Fredericksburg Police have announced a Missing Person Alert for Antonia Rogers. Rogers last contacted family members in February 2024.

News

Uriah Kiser, Live on Scene in the Storm

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 29, 2024 at 9:16PM | Updated August 30, 2024 at 6:47AM

Uriah Kiser, Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News, has updated a video from the scene of tonight’s storm, which has brought significant rain, lightning, and thunder to Prince William, Manassas, Stafford, and Fredericksburg.

Kiser has pulled over at a gas station and notes that traffic is moving slowly. Trucks, cars, and SUVs are all pulling over on the side of the road or driving slowly with flashers on. He said, “If you’re at home, stay there.”

Business

Dreams Come True: Time and Space Comic Shop Launches in Stafford

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 29, 2024 at 2:18PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Time and Space Comics, a new comic book store, is hosting a soft opening in Stafford this weekend.

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Fairfax

Fairfax Schools Finish Investigation of Hayfield High School Football Recruiting Scandal

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 29, 2024 at 1:30PM | Updated August 29, 2024 at 9:42PM

Fairfax County Public Schools has completed its investigation into allegations of recruitment violations and retaliatory practices by Daryl Overton, Head Football Coach at Hayfield High School in Fairfax.

“A two-month investigation found Hayfield High School’s football program did nothing wrong regarding transfers and eligibility. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid announced the findings of the investigation Tuesday night,” reports InsideNova.

We Asked the Candidates about Data Center Policies. Kaine Responded

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 28, 2024 at 3:37PM | Updated October 1, 2024 at 10:23PM

As election season approaches, Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. Early voting in Virginia begins Sept. 20.

To help voters in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District make an informed decision, we continue a feature series offering insights into each candidate’s stand on critical issues affecting our area. Candidates are emailed a question and asked to reply by a deadline.

News

Drugs, K-9s, and Knives: Stafford Sheriff’s Crime Recap

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 28, 2024 at 1:30PM

A Stafford County Sheriff's' patrol car.

A round-up of criminal activity shared by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department:

On August 23, a traffic stop on White Oak Road led to two arrests for possession of suspected controlled substances. Sergeant B.U. Demirci initiated the stop, and was assisted by Sergeant J.D. Hurt, Deputy E.C. Taylor, and Deputy I.E. Baldi rather the driver, Joshua Barr declared sovereignity. A white powdery substance was in plain view, and a K-9 alerted. Passenger Summer Turner was also charged.

Business

Refill, Reuse, Repeat: Fillagreen Brings Eco-Friendly Refill Station to Fredericksburg

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 28, 2024 at 1:00PM

Fillagreen, a new shop downtown, is set to open its doors, offering refillable household and bathroom supplies with a mission to reduce plastic waste.

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Features

STEP VA Announces Disney’s “Finding Nemo, Jr.” as 2025 Spring Musical

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 27, 2024 at 10:00AM

(Photo | STEP VA)

Fredericksburg’s STEP VA Inc. has announced Disney’s “Finding Nemo, Jr.” will be its 2025 spring musical. The organization, which empowers people with disabilities through artistic expression, has chosen the show as its fourth licensed musical, following previous productions like “The Lion King, Kids!” and “Seussical Jr.”

The STEP VA musical selection committee of 14 STEP VA participants ranging from middle school-age to adults worked together over four sessions to narrow down show options. The committee then presented the options to the production team, who made the final choice and submitted it to the licensing organization for approval.

News

Former Marine, Stafford Man Convicted in Federal Court for Child Pornography Offenses

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 27, 2024 at 8:30AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse, Eastern District of Virginia

A Stafford man has been convicted by a federal judge in Alexandria on charges of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Eman Goodwin, 33, a former U.S. Marine, was found guilty following a trial where evidence revealed his involvement in obtaining and storing thousands of explicit images and videos involving children.

Court records show that in February 2021, Goodwin attempted to acquire CSAM from a trafficker on the messaging platform Kik, specifically requesting material involving children under the age of 12. A subsequent search of his apartment, car, and person by the FBI on March 24, 2022, led to the seizure of 21 electronic devices. Forensic analysis uncovered nearly 5,000 images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit activities, which Goodwin had meticulously organized into folders with explicit labels.