Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Dumfries Charter Amendments Advance

Published January 27, 2025 at 6:15AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

Dumfries is Virginia's oldest continually chartered town.

On January 24, 2025, the Virginia House of Delegates Cities, Counties, and Towns Committee reviewed several critical bills advanced. A charter amendment for the Town of Dumfries was unanimous, while a proposal to protect unhoused individuals seeking shelter in vehicles was rejected.

Delegate Candi Mundon King (D-Stafford, Woodbridge) introduced House Bill 2352, which proposes significant updates to the charter of Dumfries in Prince William County. The bill seeks to modernize the town’s governance structure and clarify its administrative framework. After receiving an 8–0 recommendation from the subcommittee, the committee voted 19–0 to report the bill to the full House of Delegates.

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Breaking News

Two Found Dead in Spotsylvania County Home, Homicide Investigation Underway

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 26, 2025 at 3:45PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

Investigators are mum about how they died.

On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.

News

Patricia Healy Celebrates 25 Years of Service on the Stafford County School Board

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 26, 2025 at 3:38PM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

Rock Hill District School Board member Patricia Healy is honored for 25 years of public service. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

Patricia A. Healy, the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.

In a special recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators. Over the course of her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.

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Originals

A Conversation with Prince William County School Leaders

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 12:12PM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.

News

Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School Senior Named Finalist in Regeneron Science Talent Search

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:02AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.

Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.

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News

Upcoming Virtual Town Hall for Woodbridge Residents

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:02AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

The Woodbridge District invites residents to join a Community Update Town Hall Meeting hosted by Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin. This virtual event offers an opportunity for residents to stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives in the community.

Details of the Town Hall:

Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

Residents can participate in the meeting by joining the Zoom session.

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News

Local Crime Reports: Stafford’s ‘McDUI,’ Prince William Assaults

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:02AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.

Gomez Alvarez displayed red, glassy eyes and had a strong odor of alcohol. The investigation revealed that he had been convicted of DUI in New York just the previous day, making this his second offense in five years. He was charged with DUI second offense, refusal, and destruction of property and was taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

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News

Seals on Wheels Returns: Circuit Court Clerk’s Mobile Services for 2025

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:02AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk announced the continuation of the “Seals on Wheels” initiative for 2025. This mobile services program, led by Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline C. Smith, brings essential court services directly to community members in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park. Services include marriage licenses, name changes, notary oaths, and concealed handgun permits.

The program’s 2025 schedule begins in March and will visit various community locations, including libraries and local events such as the Occoquan Riverfest and Haymarket Day. Residents can save time and money by accessing services at convenient locations. For updated schedules and information, follow the Circuit Court Clerk’s social media or visit their website.

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Fredericksburg

Upcoming Road Work in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Surrounding Areas

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:01AM

Upcoming road work in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and surrounding areas includes several projects to improve infrastructure and ensure safe travel for drivers. On Interstate 95 southbound, the Exit 126 off-ramp in Spotsylvania will have alternating single-lane closures from Sunday through Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., as crews work to widen the ramp and add a right turn lane to Route 1 southbound.

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Pets

Strays Taken to Prince William County Animal Shelter: Are These Your Friends?

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 10:56AM

If you’re missing a furry friend, check out the photos below! These animals were turned into the Prince William County Animal Services Center as strays between January 21, 2025, and January 23, 2025. The shelter posts pictures of strays brought to their facility multiple times weekly to help reunite owners with their pets.

What to Do If You Recognize Your Pet: If you think one of the animals is yours, contact the Center directly: