Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Supervisor Diggs Calls for Unity and Integrity in First Remarks as Chairman

Published January 8, 2025 at 9:00AM

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors began its first meeting of 2025 with a significant leadership transition. Supervisor Deuntay Diggs was elected chairman in a 4-3 vote, succeeding outgoing Chairwoman Meg Bohmke. Diggs addressed his new role during the meeting and outlined his expectations for the year ahead, emphasizing transparency and teamwork.

Supervisor Diggs took a moment to reflect on the responsibilities of his new position and the values he brings to the role. “The citizens in the George Washington District knew that I was a law enforcement officer in this community. I love my job. And part of being a law enforcement officer is conducting ourselves with integrity. And so I will continue to do so, and I can serve in this role and do that as well,” Diggs said.

He further expressed a strong desire to foster collaboration among the board members. “The goal is that we’re gonna work together as a team. I’m not asking, I’m demanding that. That’s the expectation,” he stated. Diggs’ remarks came as a call to unity, encouraging board members to prioritize cooperation and accountability.

The board also elected Supervisor Tinesha Allen as vice chair in a 5-2 vote.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Breaking News

Prince William County Government Offices Open with Unscheduled Leave and Telework Options

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 7, 2025 at 6:31PM

Prince William County government offices and facilities will be open on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Still, employees can take unscheduled leave or engage in unscheduled telework due to current weather conditions.

While the county remains open for business, residents are encouraged to check for the latest updates on facility-specific operations by visiting pwcva.gov/emergency.

Breaking News

School Closings for Wednesday, January 8, 2025

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 7, 2025 at 5:58PM

Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions. Here is the full list of updates:

Colleges and Universities:

Fredericksburg

FXBGO! Service Resumes Wednesday; Trash Collection Adjusted Due to Winter Weather

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 7, 2025 at 4:41PM

A Fredericksburg Regional Transit bus serves a bus stop at the Stafford County Courthouse. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/Potomac Local News]

Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) announced that transit service, which was suspended on Tuesday due to winter weather, is expected to resume at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8. Residents relying on public transportation are encouraged to plan accordingly and check for updates before traveling.

In addition to transit disruptions, the city’s trash collection schedule has been adjusted. Monday’s missed routes resumed today, and services will shift forward by one day for the remainder of the week. Tuesday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, Wednesday’s on Thursday, and so on.

The City of Fredericksburg’s Public Works Department continues its efforts to clear snow and ice from roadways. Primary collector roads are reported to be in good condition, but some residential and collector roads remain compacted with snow and ice. Crews are applying plowing and chemical treatments as necessary to address these areas. As temperatures drop overnight, roads may refreeze, and drivers are urged to exercise caution when traveling.

The City also reminds property owners and occupants of their obligation to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Snow and ice must be removed within 12 hours after snowfall ends, or by noon the following day if precipitation occurs overnight or on a Sunday. Sand or abrasives may be used if removal isn’t feasible. Residents and businesses are also responsible for clearing ADA access ramps to ensure safe pedestrian passage.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Pets

Strays Dropped Off at Prince William Animal Shelter

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 7, 2025 at 2:20PM

Phase I of the new $16.7 million Prince William County Animal Shelter, at 14807 Bristow Road, opened in late November 2021. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/Potomac Local News]

The animals below are STRAYS turned into the PWC Animal Services Center between 01/03/2025 – 01/06/2025. We post photos of stray animals brought to the Center a couple of times each week to help owners find their missing pets.

News

New VA Clinic to Hold Job and Resource Fair Saturday at Germanna

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 7, 2025 at 2:14PM

(Fredericksburg Free Press) – The Fredericksburg Veterans Affairs Health Care Center will hold a hiring event and resource fair Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Germanna Community College.

The event will take place at Germanna’s Spotsylvania County campus, located at 10000 Germanna Point Drive.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Fredericksburg

Will Data Centers Change Fredericksburg Forever? City Invites Public Feedback

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 7, 2025 at 2:07PM

Fredericksburg City Hall

The Fredericksburg City Council has announced a series of public meetings and work sessions as it considers approving the city’s first data centers within a newly proposed Technology Overlay Zoning District (TOD). The meetings aim to gather public input and provide transparency as the city plans to encourage high-technology industrial development in Celebrate Virginia South, next to the Fredericksburg Nationals baseball stadium.

While the council is promoting data centers as an opportunity for economic growth, concerns from local activists and experts highlight potential challenges, including environmental and community impacts.

A recent report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) warns that if data center development in Virginia continues without constraints, the state’s energy demands could triple. The report emphasizes that meeting these increased demands would necessitate the construction of additional energy facilities, including renewable sources like solar and offshore wind, as well as natural gas plants. Specifically, JLARC estimates that a new natural gas plant would need to be built approximately every one and a half years to keep pace with the energy consumption of unconstrained data center growth.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Breaking News

Central Rappahannock Regional Library to Remain Closed Tuesday

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 7, 2025 at 1:33PM

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) announced that all its locations will remain closed today, Tuesday, January 7, 2025, citing “continued dangerous road conditions.”

This decision comes after the library had initially planned to open at 1 p.m. on Tuesday following a delayed start due to inclement weather. The announcement was first made on Monday, January 6, in response to winter storms that have left roads icy and treacherous throughout the region.

Prince William

Prince William Supervisors Approve Additional Funding for Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 6, 2025 at 10:29PM

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.

The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.

“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.

Breaking News

Central Rappahannock Regional Library Delays Opening Due to Winter Weather

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 6, 2025 at 10:16PM | Updated January 7, 2025 at 1:39PM

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library Fredericksburg Branch at 1201 Caroline Street.

All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.

The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.