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!

Prince William

Delays to New Elementary Schools Mean More Trailers, Overcrowding for Students at Covington-Harper

By Uriah Kiser

Two new elementary schools that could help ease overcrowding in Prince William County won’t open until at least 2026 and 2027, respectively, school officials say.

The Woodbridge Area Elementary School, located across from Marumsco Plaza along Route 1, is now slated to open for the 2026-27 school year, following a series of delays. The civil plan approval process with Prince William County took six extra months due to floodplain considerations.

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Press Release

From Mexico City to Northern Virginia: Noris Churros Brings Sweet Dreams to Life

By Uriah Kiser

If you’ve caught a whiff of cinnamon sugar in the air and followed your nose to a gleaming churro truck, chances are you’ve stumbled upon Noris Churros — a new local business serving up the sweet, golden treats of Mexico City right here in Northern Virginia.

The name “Noris” is a loving tribute to co-founder Nora Sanchez, who, alongside her partner Marcos Vazquez, turned a dream into a dessert-slinging reality. Their secret recipe? A mix of authenticity, patience, and just a pinch of daring.

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News

Haymarket Town Council Reviews Islamic Center Proposal, Focuses on Parking and Safety

By Uriah Kiser
The old Pace West school building in Haymarket.

The Haymarket Town Council revisited the proposed Islamic Center at 14600 Washington Street during a work session on March 31, continuing its review of a special use permit (SUP) application submitted by Mohammed Kasim Gul. The application seeks approval to establish a permanent place of worship in the old Pace West school building for the local Muslim community.

It would share the space with federal contractor QBE.

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Fredericksburg

Will a Data Center Help Close Fredericksburg’s Budget Gap? Officials Say It’s a ‘Long Shot’—For Now

By Uriah Kiser

As Fredericksburg city officials weigh budget cuts, tax increases, and federal funding uncertainties, one possible source of future financial relief came up during a joint City Council and School Board budget work session: a data center under development in Celebrate Virginia South.

Councilman Jon Gerlach (At-Large) asked whether the city could receive advance personal property tax payments from Stack Infrastructure, the company behind the project. The goal: explore whether Fredericksburg could tap into future revenue sooner to help offset current budget pressures.

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News

Stafford Supervisor Meg Bohmke Announces Retirement, Maya Guy Launches Bid for Aquia Seat

By Uriah Kiser
Michele Trampe of Central Virginia Justice Initiative and Lisa Silver accept a proclamation from Chairman Meg Bohmke on behalf of human trafficking victims.

A shakeup is underway in Stafford County politics. Longtime Falmouth District Supervisor Meg Bohmke announced she will not seek reelection, while School Board Member Maya Guy declared her candidacy for the Aquia District seat on the Board of Supervisors.

During the April 1, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, Bohmke, who has served 12 years on the board and four years previously on the school board, said she is stepping away from public office.

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Manassas

Manassas Eyes $700K Cleanup Grant as It Prepares Downtown Site for Parking Garage, Hotel Project

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas is preparing to tap into $700,000 in state funding to clean up petroleum-contaminated soil beneath the former Manassas Ice and Fuel Company, Inc. (MIFCO) site. This will pave the way for a second public parking garage and a long-sought hotel development in the heart of downtown.

City leaders recently purchased the former MIFCO property next to City Hall for $3.1 million. Once home to an oil company, the site will eventually house a new multi-level parking garage—a critical component in revitalizing the city’s hotel plans following the 2023 demolition of the Old Towne Inn, which the city acquired for $5.75 million.

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Press Release

Winners Church to Host Free Community Easter Meal in Dumfries

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo by Karen Z on Unsplash]

The event will feature free hot meals from the food truck vendor District Bites. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and no registration is required.

The initiative began as an extension of the church’s 21-day period of fasting and prayer—a time when members focus on spiritual renewal and service. Motivated by faith and a commitment to meet tangible needs in the community, the program launched with support from church members who helped bring in a professional chef and food truck to serve hot meals directly to neighbors in need.

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Press Release

Police blotter: Father, Son Drown in River; Indecent Exposures and Assaults Reported Across Region

By Uriah Kiser
[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

A spring break outing turned tragic when a father and his 6-year-old son drowned in the Rappahannock River in Spotsylvania County.

Danny Sumner and his young son went to a boat landing off Legacy Lane on Saturday, March 22, sometime before 5 p.m. They were reported missing when they didn’t return home by 9:45 p.m. Deputies responding to the scene found Sumner’s vehicle and cell phone near the dock. Shortly after the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Dive Team entered the water, they recovered both victims.

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Publisher's Post

Burger Hoax, Puppy Yoga, and Community Conversations: This Week’s Local Buzz

By Uriah Kiser

Welcome back, and welcome aboard!

We’re excited to welcome back Whitlock Wealth as one of our featured advertisers. You’ll see their Instant Ad on our site and in our newsletters—offering timely financial advice and practical tips to help you build a more secure future.

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