Author: Uriah Kiser

I'm the Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News. Raised in Woodbridge, I'm now raising my family in Northern Virginia and care deeply about our community. If you're not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

Fredericksburg

Dr. Janet Gullickson, Germanna’s First Female President, to Step Down in July

By Uriah Kiser
Gullickson

Dr. Janet Gullickson, the first female president of Germanna Community College, will retire in July 2025 after eight years of leadership.

During her tenure, Gullickson oversaw significant enrollment growth, national recognition by the Aspen Institute, and the distinction of being the first college to host Amazon Web Services’ mobile classroom. She also spearheaded work-based learning initiatives, including paid internships, to enhance student career readiness.

Dr. David Doré, Virginia Community College System chancellor, praised Gullickson for fostering innovation, fiscal strength, and community partnerships at Germanna, positioning it for continued success.

Gullickson, a graduate of the University of Minnesota and South Dakota State University, expressed pride in Germanna’s role in creating opportunities for students and driving regional economic growth. A nationwide search for her successor begins this fall.

One of Virginia’s largest community colleges, Germanna serves a diverse population across a region larger than Delaware, supported by over 800 employees and an annual budget exceeding $55 million.

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Sponsored

Get Dixie Bones BBQ Tonight

By Uriah Kiser

Craving something smoky, savory, and downright delicious? Dixie Bones has been serving up authentic Southern BBQ since 1996, offering slow-cooked meats and homemade sides that capture the essence of comfort food.

From tender pulled pork to fall-off-the-bone ribs, every bite is packed with flavor, tradition, and a little bit of Southern love.

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Open Mic Night at Eavesdrop Brewery

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash]

Don’t miss the fun – bring your friends and enjoy great performances while sipping on your favorite brews!

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News

As data center boom continues, Va. legislators broach new regulations

By Uriah Kiser

Insidenova.com: A bipartisan coalition of Virginia lawmakers on Tuesday presented a series of bills aimed at addressing the rapid expansion of data centers, which have become a cornerstone of the state’s economy but have raised concerns about energy use, environmental impact, and equitable cost distribution.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin highlighted the industry’s importance during his State of the Commonwealth address Monday, noting that “data centers alone support 74,000 jobs, bring in $9.1 billion in Virginia GDP, and generate billions in local revenue.” He called for Virginia to remain “the data center capital of the world” while ensuring state support for the industry.

However, lawmakers from both parties have emphasized the need for oversight to ensure the industry’s growth is managed responsibly.

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News

Youngkin delivers final State of the Commonwealth address

By Uriah Kiser
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin

The Center Square: Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered the final State of the Commonwealth address of his term Monday after a delayed start to the 2025 General Assembly session, urging the state legislature to “keep Virginia winning” with bills it passes this year.

The governor began his speech by recounting how his administration and the General Assembly have delivered on priorities and policies that have made Virginia stronger.

“In our three years together, we have built strong pillars that support a winning Virginia,” Youngkin said, listing record funding in education and learning loss recovery efforts, $5 billion in tax relief, streamlining “50,000 regulations” as some of their chief accomplishments.

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Pets

Meet Yang: A Loving Lop-Eared Bunny Looking for Her Forever Home

By Uriah Kiser

Yang, a charming adult female lop-eared rabbit, is seeking a new home through the Prince William County Animal Shelter. With her soft white fur and sweet demeanor, Yang is ready to hop into the hearts of her new family.

At 1-3 years old and weighing around 15 pounds, Yang was surrendered by her previous owner and now needs a loving family to provide her with the care and companionship she deserves. Her short coat is easy to maintain, making her an ideal companion for anyone looking to add a furry friend to their life.

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Prince William

Prince William County Chair Highlights Accomplishments, Sets Agenda in State of the County Address

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson delivered her annual State of the County address during the board’s organizational meeting on January 14, 2025. Jefferson reflected on the board’s achievements in 2024 and outlined priorities for the coming year, emphasizing collaboration, financial stewardship, and community investment.

Achievements in 2024

Jefferson highlighted the board’s bipartisan collaboration, leading to several major accomplishments:

Tax Reforms: A reduction in the real estate tax rate, offset by an increase in the business computer and peripheral (data center) tax rate to $3.70, the highest allowable rate. The board also extended the car tax deadline by 60 days to provide temporary relief to taxpayers.

Education Investments: A historic $105.1 million increase in contributions to Prince William County Schools, marking the largest year-over-year increase in the county’s history.

Public Safety Enhancements: Funding for additional police officers and medics, and the ratification of collective bargaining agreements with public safety personnel to improve recruitment and retention.

Preserving Fiscal Health: Maintaining the county’s AAA bond rating, a distinction held by only 53 counties nationwide and 12 in Virginia.

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Manassas

Two House Fires Displace Multiple Families in Prince William County

By Uriah Kiser
16300 block of Boatswain Circle in Woodbridge

Two recent house fires in Prince William County displaced multiple families and highlighted the importance of fire safety measures. On January 14, a fire in Woodbridge damaged a home on Boatswain Circle, displacing five adults and three children. One adult was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Working smoke detectors and a closed bedroom door limited the fire’s spread and ensured the occupants’ safe evacuation.

On January 10, a fire on Harvey Road in Manassas destroyed a home while the occupants were away, displacing four adults. Firefighters battled challenging weather conditions to extinguish the flames. Both fires are under investigation, and the Red Cross is assisting the affected families. Fire officials emphasized the importance of maintaining working smoke detectors and practicing fire safety.

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News

Gainesville wildlife rehabber gives donated animal transport van a new life

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William Times: Licensed wildlife rehabber Olivia LoBalbo can’t wait until the wild animals she treats are well enough to scurry off or fly away into the forest on their own. But while they’re in her care, they can now be safely transported in a fully equipped wildlife rescue van, dubbed “The PAW Express,” courtesy of the Prince William SPCA.

LoBalbo, 37, is a former veterinarian tech and the founder of AERO, which stands for Animal Education and Rescue Organization. For the last 10 years, she and her nonprofit have taken in thousands of injured, sick or orphaned wild animals that wouldn’t survive without human intervention. She runs the licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility out of her Gainesville home.

Olivia LoBalbo’s Gainesville home is a refuge for more than 1,000 hurt, orphaned wild animals a year

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