Potomac Local News, Author at Potomac Local News

Stafford Plans New Permit Center

Published November 16, 2011 at 10:30AM

A new $400,000 facility will be built on the first floor of the county’s administration center in Stafford, next to the courthouse, and its staff will be charged with speeding up the process of getting planning, zoning permits for residents and business owners.

“We are streamlining government and modernizing this area. Our staff will work with each individual applicant on their project and help them navigate the permit process. This new atmosphere, combined with our customer service philosophy to provide quick and friendly service, will improve the overall experience that people have with our local government,” said Stafford Falmouth Supervisor Susan Stimpson.

Prince William

Low-Interest Loans Available for Flood Victims

By Potomac Local News

Published November 16, 2011 at 9:00AM

[File] Dozens of Flood victims in Woodbridge’s Holly Acres Mobile Home Park are not only dealing with homes that have been condemned, but a foul stench of sewage and rotting food that has permeated the area after flood waters receded. (Mary Davidson/PotomacLocal.com)

WASHINGTON – Offices in Fairfax and Prince William Counties are scheduled to open Wednesday for homeowners, renters, and business in Northern Virginia impacted by Tropical Storm Lee to apply for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Congressman Connolly said Tuesday.

Connolly said the two offices will be open from 10 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays from November 16 through November 22.

Traffic

VRE Riders Award Low Marks for Courtesy

By Potomac Local News

Published November 15, 2011 at 3:38PM

The results of a new rider survey show since Keolis Rail Services America took over the operation of VRE trains from Amtrak last year, riders are happy that on-time performance has improved, reports the Washington Examiner. But they add the new operators are less knowledgeable and less courteous than their Amtrak counterparts.

The survey results come after the commuter railroad announced their highest-ever on time performance record.

Prince William

Volunteers Check Smoke Detectors

By Potomac Local News

Published November 15, 2011 at 2:34PM

Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department reminds residents that one easy step can help save their lives and the lives of those around them. Twice a year change the batteries in their own smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, test the alarms and remind friends, family, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same.

Communities nationwide witness tragic home fire deaths each year, but, everyone can work together to help reduce the number of home fire fatalities. Approximately every three hours a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation and 66 percent of those occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits home fire safety devices were designed to provide. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries.

Prince William

Marines to Kick off Toys for Tots

By Potomac Local News

Published November 15, 2011 at 11:47AM

The three-mile run begins at 6:45 a.m. am on Quantico and will start at Barnett Field House, and will serve as the kick-off event for this year’s charity collection.

Toys for Tots and the U.S. Marine Corps each year during November and December collect new, unwrapped toys for children. The charity began in 1947 after a group of Marine Reservists collected 5,000 toys for children in Los Angeles.

News

Residents Can Report Crime Online

By Potomac Local News

Published November 15, 2011 at 10:41AM

the public to file reports for certain types of non-emergency incidents that occurred within the Prince William County Police Department’s jurisdiction.

“The implementation of online crime reporting by victims is a significant step in efficiency for the Police Department and for the public,” said Police Chief Charlie T. Deane. “The new system enables individuals to save time reporting certain types of crimes and reduces administrative duties for the police officers, allowing them more time for investigations and other duties.”

News

The Desk: Thanks Before Thanksgiving

By Potomac Local News

Published November 14, 2011 at 3:00PM

Uriah Kiser

All year long, I’ve had the privilege of working with a small group of talented professionals who are committed to covering neighborhoods right here in Virginia’s Potomac Communities.

They don’t do it for much money, or fame, or simply because they have nothing better to do. They do it because this is their hometown. These unique people have helped PotomacLocal.com grow into the community news source it has become today.

News

Child Safety Seat Checks, Food Drive Planned

By Potomac Local News

Published November 14, 2011 at 1:30PM

On Wednesday, the Stafford sheriff’s department will check child safety seats from 9 a.m. to noon at Walmart at 217 Garrisonville Road in North Stafford. The checks are free, and several technicians will be on hand to make sure your child’s car seat is secured, said sheriff’s spokesman Bill Kennedy.

Safety seat checks will also take place in Woodbridge on Saturday at PNC Bank at 12650 Apollo Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is sponsored by Prince William Fire and Rescue Department.

Prince William

Santa Appears in Lake Ridge

By Potomac Local News

Published November 14, 2011 at 12:00PM

(Photo; Mary Davidson/PotomacLocal.com)

Lake Ridge, Va. – Santa made his first appearance in the Potomac Communities this year in Lake Ridge.

Prince William

ATV Flips, Injures 1

By Potomac Local News

Published November 14, 2011 at 10:30AM

The crash happened just before 5 p.m. in the Occoquan Oaks neighborhood in Prince William County, off Bacon Race Road.

The 53-year-old victim was taken with injuries that did not appear to be life threatening to the Prince William County Government Center where a helicopter was waiting to take him an area trauma center, said Dale City Volunteer Fire Department spokesman Steve Chappell.