Potomac Local News, Author at Potomac Local News

Published February 20, 2024 at 7:00AM | Updated February 25, 2024 at 8:24AM

Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta announced the passing of 19-year-old Occoquan resident Jason Brunsman, who lost his life in a car accident on Route 1. Brunsman, a lifelong resident of Occoquan, was involved in the accident early on the morning of February 14.

According to reports, Brunsman was driving a Ford Transit Van southbound on Route 1, nearing Giles Run Road in Lorton, when the vehicle collided with the rear end of a roll back dumpster truck that was stopped in the left lane, waiting to turn left. Brunsman sustained fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the roll back dumpster truck emerged from the accident unharmed.

Prince William

Police report: Suspect apprehended in carjacking near Gar-Field Senior High School

By Potomac Local News

Published February 20, 2024 at 5:40AM | Updated February 25, 2024 at 8:25AM

Ibrahim Barrie Jr. [Photo: Prince William police]

On February 18 at 5:40 p.m., officers responding to an unrelated call for service spotted the suspect, and apprehended him after a foot pursuit.

Police said the carjacking occourred at 5:55 p.m. February 11. Officers responded to reports of a robbery in the 14200 block of Smoketown Road in Woodbridge. According to the initial report, the victim, an 18-year-old man, had been accosted by a group of individuals, one of whom was later as the suspect.

News

Unsettled weather expected later in the week | Water’s End Brewery sponsors our weather posts

By Potomac Local News

Published February 20, 2024 at 5:10AM

As high pressure holds firm over the northeastern U.S., residents can expect generally fair weather conditions through Wednesday. However, the tranquility will be short-lived as a frontal system is poised to usher in unsettled weather by Thursday.

Today, temperatures will hover in the upper 40s to low 50s, with southerly winds picking up to around 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, expect clear skies and calm winds, with temperatures dipping into the mid-20s to low 30s.

News

Manassas City Council applauds Public Works 2023 achievements, seeks clarification on electric vehicle infrastructure and recycling initiatives

By Potomac Local News

Published February 19, 2024 at 8:50PM

Manassas City Public Works Director Steve Burke presented the annual report for the Public Works department to the Manassas City Council on February 13, 2024. The report highlighted the department’s achievements in 2023 and outlined plans for the future.

Burke, who started in his new role in January 2024, began by acknowledging the contributions of the department’s staff, including Scott Horan, assistant director Steve Schrank, fleet manager Mike Morgan, streets supervisor Doug McCauley, traffic control supervisor Glenn Martin, building and grounds manager Tim Fitzwater, and refuse and recycling coordinator Colleen Burroughs. He provided an overview of the department’s responsibilities, which include maintaining streets, fleets, buildings and grounds, solid waste, and traffic signals, with a total of 58 employees and a budget of approximately $24 million.

News

Get ready to pay more for your home: Stafford County property assessments see notable increase in 2024

By Potomac Local News

Published February 19, 2024 at 11:30AM | Updated February 25, 2024 at 8:25AM

Scott Mayausky, Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue, has released the 2024 bi-annual property reassessment results, revealing significant changes in property values across various sectors. The comprehensive reassessment, aimed at ensuring equitable tax distribution, has led to noticeable increases in property assessments, reflective of the current market values.

Residential properties in the county have seen an average increase of 13% in assessments, indicating a substantial rise in home values. Commercial properties have experienced an even more significant jump, with assessments increasing by 23%, highlighting robust growth in the commercial sector. Agricultural properties are not far behind, with a 14% increase, while multi-family properties have seen a more modest rise of 9%.

Originals

Woodbridge High School coach honored as top high school cross country coach in Va.

By Potomac Local News

Published February 19, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:23PM

Woodbridge HS Coach Kelly McGreal [Photo: Prince William County Public Schools]

The recognition came as a result of the Woodbridge High cross-country team’s performance, including scores and placements at state championships, victory margins, and their rankings comparison. The association particularly valued leaders who achieved significant milestones like first-time or consecutive championships, the Prince William County Public Schools division notes in a press release.

Since becoming coach in 2011, McGreal has led the team to district, regional, and state titles through her commitment and coaching methods.

Business

New AFC Urgent Care Center opens in Dale City, expanding access to medical services

By Potomac Local News

Published February 19, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated February 19, 2024 at 10:10AM

American Family Care at 4101 Cheshire Station Plaza, Dale City held a ribbon cutting ceremony on February 8, 2024. [Photo: Submitted]

American Family Care (AFC), a leading provider of urgent care and occupational medicine services, has opened a new center in Dale City, expanding its national care network.

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Originals

Prince William County Advances Route 1 Corridor Improvement Projects

By Potomac Local News

Published February 19, 2024 at 8:00AM | Updated February 20, 2024 at 4:34PM

Route 1 widening project in Woodbridge [Photo provided by Prince William County Government]

Rick Canizales, the county’s Director of Transportation, outlined the scope of the improvements during a recent briefing. “We are focused on transforming Route 1 into a more efficient and safer corridor for all users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. This includes widening portions of the road, upgrading traffic signals, and adding pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks,” Canizales explained.

Among the notable projects is the widening of Route 1 from Featherstone Road to Mary’s Way, which has been underway for several years and aims to alleviate congestion along this busy section. New pedestrian crosswalks and upgraded traffic signals are also being introduced to enhance safety and accessibility for non-motorized road users.

Schools

Manassas City Council and School Board set to address education infrastructure, Jennie Dean Elementary School development

By Potomac Local News

Published February 19, 2024 at 7:00AM

Manassas Mayor Michele Davis Younger speaks at a ribbon cutting outside the John Conner III Public Safety Facility.

On February 20, 2024, the Manassas City Council will meet to discuss matters regarding education infrastructure and the development of the Jennie Dean Elementary School.

The agenda for the meeting encompassed various topics, including updates on the construction progress of the new Jennie Dean Elementary School. Furthermore, council members deliberated on the current condition of the existing school building and explored potential uses for the former Jennie Dean Elementary School building.

Prince William

Prince William unveils $1.77 billion budget for FY2025: Property tax bills to increase by $243

By Potomac Local News

Published February 18, 2024 at 4:15PM | Updated February 25, 2024 at 8:24AM

The average residential property tax bill in Prince William County for FY2025 is projected to be $5,098, a $243 increase, up five percent from the previous year. The budget keeps the real estate tax rate steady at $0.966 per $100 assessed property value.

This figure represents the financial obligation of homeowners within the county, encompassing the costs associated with various county services and infrastructure projects, as outlined in the proposed budget.