Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

MS-13 Gang Leader Arrested in Prince William County; Officials Say Suspect Tied to East Coast Criminal Activity

Published March 27, 2025 at 1:24PM | Updated March 27, 2025 at 2:17PM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

While officials provided few details about the suspect — whose name has not been released — U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erick Siebert said the individual was involved in gang-related criminal activity along the East Coast. The arrest is the latest in an ongoing effort to target violent gang members with suspected immigration violations.

“This arrest stems from a task force we launched on March 3, 2025, to identify and apprehend individuals in the country illegally who are involved in criminal enterprises,” said Siebert. “We are using an intelligence-based model to locate and arrest suspects.”

Manassas

Manassas Council Voices Support for Competitive Teacher Pay Amid Budget Constraints

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 27, 2025 at 10:00AM

Members of the Manassas City Council voiced support for efforts to keep teacher pay competitive with neighboring Prince William County Schools during a joint meeting with the city’s School Board on March 26, 2025—even as the city faces tighter fiscal limitations and a far smaller student population.

The meeting came one day after the School Board adopted its overall budget for the next fiscal year on March 25, which includes $60.9 million in funding for Manassas City Public Schools. While the budget already includes a 5.5% average pay raise for all school employees, School Board members said an additional $1.7 million would allow them to offer a 7% increase—matching the raise announced by Prince William County Schools.

Press Release

Vacancy Report Reveals Staffing Challenges in Prince William County Government

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 27, 2025 at 9:00AM

Prince William County is grappling with dozens of long-term staff vacancies, prompting concern among officials about recruitment, retention, and the impact on services.

During the county’s first Finance and Budget Committee meeting on Tuesday, David Sinclair, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, delivered a detailed vacancy analysis at the request of the Board of County Supervisors. The analysis focused on county government positions that have remained unfilled for 270 days or more.

Breaking News

Updated: Deputy Injured in Hit-and-Run on I-95 Released from Hospital

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 27, 2025 at 8:24AM | Updated March 27, 2025 at 10:02AM

Updated 10 a.m. – A Stafford County Sheriff’s deputy was injured early Tuesday morning after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 6:15 a.m. on northbound Interstate 95 near the Warrenton Road (Route 17) exit ramp. The deputy, who was operating a department-issued motorcycle, was stationary and stuck in traffic as he exited the interstate when an unidentified vehicle struck him from behind and continued driving.

Fredericksburg

City, Schools Partner to Expand Recreation Programs for Fredericksburg Residents

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 27, 2025 at 8:00AM

Fredericksburg City Hall

A new agreement between the City of Fredericksburg and its public school system will open school gymnasiums and facilities to the public, expanding access to recreation programs for children, teens, and families.

On Tuesday night, City Council unanimously approved a shared-use agreement with Fredericksburg City Public Schools that gives the Parks, Recreation, and Events Department expanded access to school buildings, including the former Walker-Grant School, now Gladys West Elementary.

Breaking News

Vice President JD Vance Visits Marines at Quantico, Brings Message from President

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 26, 2025 at 3:00PM | Updated March 26, 2025 at 9:10PM

Vice President JD Vance speaks to Marines at Quantico Marine Corps Base. [Photo: Quantico Mayor Kevin Brown]

Vance addressed the delay head-on during his remarks, joking with the crowd and recalling lessons from his time in the Corps.

“That is not Marine Corps time, my friends,” he said. “I remember Gunny Arledge always told me, if you’re five minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late… What does it mean when the Vice President is two hours late? I guess I’m on time, because who the hell is going to get me in trouble, right?”

News

Stafford Residents Split Over Proposed Tax Hike to Fund $1 Billion County Budget

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 26, 2025 at 2:00PM | Updated March 26, 2025 at 3:12PM

Dozens of Stafford County residents packed the chambers Tuesday night during a special-called meeting of the Board of Supervisors to weigh in on the proposed $1.015 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget — and the tax increase that may come with it.

The meeting featured a detailed budget presentation by Chief Financial Officer Andrea Light, followed by a public hearing where residents delivered emotional appeals both for and against the proposed increase in the county’s real estate tax rate.

Breaking News

Fatal Crash Claims Life of Woodbridge Man

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 26, 2025 at 12:43PM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

The incident occurred at 11:32 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Citgo gas station at 1320 Old Bridge Road. According to Prince William County Police, a 2014 Toyota Camry exited the fuel pump area toward Gordon Boulevard when it struck a pedestrian near the fuel pump island.

Police say the pedestrian, Jeffrey Wayne Holman, 56, of Woodbridge, fell to the ground and was subsequently run over by the vehicle. Emergency crews from fire and rescue extracted Holman and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Monday, March 25.

Features

Fredericksburg Film Festival Returns for Its Second Year, Showcasing Global and Local Filmmaking Talent

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 26, 2025 at 11:00AM

The Fredericksburg Film Festival (FFF) is back for its second year, promising an impressive lineup of films from around the world, including selections from prestigious festivals like Cannes, Sundance, and Tribeca.

Set to take place from April 16-20, 2025, this year’s event will highlight top-tier independent films, Virginia-based filmmakers, and a growing arts culture in Fredericksburg.

Schools

GMU Unveils Plans for Innovation District in Manassas, Seeks City’s Support

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 26, 2025 at 9:30AM | Updated March 26, 2025 at 4:46PM

Katherine Johnson Hall on the Science and Technology Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/George Mason University

George Mason University is leading a major effort to create Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, a sprawling 3,800-acre economic development zone centered around GMU’s SciTech Campus in Manassas and neighboring areas of Prince William County.

During a presentation at the Manassas City Council meeting on Monday, March 24, Amy Adams, executive director of the Institute for BioHealth Innovation at GMU, detailed the university’s vision for the Innovation District. The project would be anchored by George Mason’s research presence and designed to spur growth in four key sectors: aerospace and defense, life sciences, cybersecurity, and semiconductors.