Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Confetti & Cocktails Opens Near Dumfries, Blending Creativity and Celebration

Published August 25, 2025 at 1:00PM

A new event center in Prince William County is inviting residents to raise a glass — and maybe make a candle while they’re at it.

Confetti & Cocktails, located near Dumfries, celebrated its official ribbon-cutting on August 21, 2025, in a ceremony hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.

Features

Step Back in Time: Freedom Museum’s 4th Annual Sock Hop Keeps History Alive

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 25, 2025 at 12:27PM

The Freedom Museum in Historic Manassas is once again inviting the community to lace up their dancing shoes and step back into the 1950s. The Step Back in Time: 4th Annual Sock Hop will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Bishop Russell Hall, 9290 Stonewall Road in Manassas.

The fundraiser is more than just a night of rock ’n’ roll, poodle skirts, and hula hoops. It’s the Freedom Museum’s biggest opportunity to keep its doors open and continue preserving the stories of local veterans.

Schools

Prince William Education Association to Remain Under VEA Trusteeship

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 25, 2025 at 10:42AM

The Virginia Education Association (VEA) has voted to keep the Prince William Education Association (PWEA) under state trusteeship, extending a takeover that began in July after an audit raised questions about the local union’s finances and governance.

The decision came Sunday, August 24, 2025, after a nearly 16-hour hearing the day before in Manassas. In an email to members, trustee Linda J. Cook, a former Fairfax local president, said the VEA Board of Directors had “carefully considered” testimony and affirmed the trusteeship imposed initially on July 21.

Neighborhood Notes

GMU Sanctioned, New Manassas Eateries, Free School Meals & More

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 25, 2025 at 6:00AM

Today’s roundup includes major updates from local governments, schools, and community organizations—from housing policy and school attendance to business openings, library renovations, and live-fire military training. Catch up on what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s coming up across the region.

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Stafford

Stafford Supervisors Delay Vote on Data Center Rules After Heated Hearing

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 22, 2025 at 3:56PM

An overflow crowd packed the Board of Supervisors chambers Tuesday night, urging elected officials to adopt stricter rules for data centers. After hours of emotional testimony and sharp debate among supervisors, the board voted to delay a decision and will hold a work session next week before advertising new regulations.

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Police Blotter

Infant Homicide, Mass Murder Sentence, Shooting, Dog Attack, and Mechanic Scam

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 22, 2025 at 1:21PM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

In Prince William County, David Nathaniel Maine, 27, was sentenced to six life terms plus 53 years for the 2022 murders of four people in a Dale City home where he was living as a tenant. Maine pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting and killing 19-year-old Karrie Sotelo, the daughter of homeowner Kelly Sotelo. He then fatally shot another tenant, Richard Revollar Corrales, as well as Kelly and her husband, Miguel Flores. A 13-year-old girl, Kelly’s younger daughter, escaped the scene. The case was described by Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth as “one of the most horrific crimes in Prince William County history.”

Also in Prince William, a 45-year-old man was shot early Thursday morning at the Shorehaven apartments in Dumfries. He was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the lower body but refused to cooperate with police. Officers say the incident does not appear to be random.

Podcast

Should Discovery Stay or Go? Push to Keep Space Shuttle at Udvar-Hazy Takes Off

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 22, 2025 at 10:00AM

Space shuttle Discovery [Photo: Smithsonian]

A grassroots campaign is working to keep space shuttle Discovery at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport as federal lawmakers push to move it to Texas.

Joe Stief, founder of KeepTheShuttle.org, joined the Potomac Local News podcast to explain why he and other advocates believe Discovery should remain in Northern Virginia. He said removing it would risk damage, waste taxpayer dollars, and diminish the Smithsonian’s collection.

Schools

Emails Undercut Claims of Security Threats Behind PWEA Trusteeship

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 22, 2025 at 9:00AM

MANASSAS, Va. — Newly obtained emails cast doubt on claims that security threats forced George Mason University to decline hosting a hearing on the future of the Prince William Education Association.

The VEA had previously suggested that threats and disruptive behavior forced the cancellation of an in-person hearing at George Mason University’s Manassas campus. But emails from GMU officials indicate no such threats were ever reported.

Schools

Sheehy Toyota Donates $30K to Help Stafford Students and Teachers Thrive

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 22, 2025 at 8:00AM

STAFFORD, Va. – The folks at Sheehy Toyota of Stafford just handed over a $30,000 check to Stafford County Public Schools—and it’s going straight to the classrooms and kids who need it most.

The donation, presented to the school district Director of Engagement Hunter Berry, will fund everything from early childhood programs and classroom supplies to winter coats for students and appreciation events for hardworking staff. It’s all part of a partnership that’s been going strong since 2017.

Newslinks

Newslinks: Data Centers, School Wins, Concerts, and Banana Pudding

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 22, 2025 at 7:00AM

Catch up on major local developments and fun events across Northern Virginia, from data center debates and national school honors to live concerts, Oktoberfest celebrations, and sweet treats from Cupcake Heaven.

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