Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Prince William Board of County Supervisors to Revisit Meals Tax in Budget Discussions

Published February 10, 2025 at 12:30PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:17PM

A waitress at Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge.

Updated 10:30 p.m. – Local restaurant owners are voicing strong opposition to Prince William County’s meals tax, which is set to generate $42 million in Fiscal Year 2025—an increase of $10 million, or 31.25%, from the previous year.

Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson has signaled the meals tax will be discussed during the annual budget process this spring. “It would like to see a partial repeal of the meals tax, but it truly depends on our proposed budget for the next fiscal year,” Jefferson told Potomac Local News.

Business

Workout Anytime Gym to Open in Dumfries, Led by Former College Athlete

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 10, 2025 at 10:28AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:17PM

A new gym is set to open in Dumfries, bringing 24/7 fitness access to the community. Workout Anytime will celebrate its grand opening on February 13 at 18069 Triangle Shopping Plaza (Suite C&D), offering state-of-the-art equipment, personalized training, and a commitment to fostering a healthier lifestyle.

At the helm of the new gym is Gary Wortham Jr., a former James Madison University football player and recruiter, taking on the general manager role. Wortham, a longtime Dumfries resident, is excited to bring his passion for fitness and community building to this new venture.

“We’re thrilled to be opening a full 24-hour fitness facility right in the heart of Dumfries,” Wortham said. “This town hasn’t had anything like this before, and I’m excited to provide a space where people of all ages can work toward their health and wellness goals.”

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Manassas

Manassas Proposes Tax Break for Micron as Part of Expansion Plan

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 11:28PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:17PM

Mircon in Manassas

Manassas is considering a significant tax incentive to support Micron Technology Inc.’s planned expansion, which includes a $2 billion capital investment in its semiconductor manufacturing facility. The proposal, set to be discussed at the Manassas City Council meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, would extend Micron’s favorable tax classification for semiconductor equipment through 2035.

The expansion comes as Micron is slated to receive $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce under the CHIPS and Science Act, a federal initiative to boost domestic semiconductor production. The funding will help Micron modernize and expand its Manassas facility, particularly by onshoring its 1-alpha DRAM technology, which improves memory chip performance and power efficiency. The project is expected to create over 400 direct manufacturing jobs and up to 2,700 indirect jobs at its peak.

Weather

Winter Storm Watch Issued: Heavy Snow, Hazardous Travel Expected Tuesday Into Wednesday

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 11:25PM

Updated – The National Weather Service (NWS) Baltimore-Washington office has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

Snowfall Forecast & Timing

News

Townhouse Fire Displaces Family in Lake Ridge

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:57PM

[Photo: Prince William Professional Firefighters]

Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.

No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.

News

Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Suspect in Route 3 Bank Robbery

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:51PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and no injuries were reported. Witnesses at the scene provided law enforcement with a description of the suspect’s getaway vehicle, which was identified as a copper/orange pickup truck.

Experience Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors with a Modern Twist

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:43AM

Catch a night of laughter and Shakespearean fun with The Comedy of Errors on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. Presented by The Acting Company, this modern verse translation by 2022 Tony Award nominee Christina Anderson brings a fresh twist to one of Shakespeare’s earliest and most beloved comedies.

Expect mistaken identities, hilarious chaos, and a race against the clock as Antipholus and his servant, Dromio, navigate a world of confusion.

News

Budget Amendment for Park Demolition Sparks Debate in Haymarket

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:17AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:18AM

The Haymarket Town Council approved a budget amendment on February 3, 2025, increasing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget by $111,749 to fund the demolition of the former Haymarket Food Pantry building at Haymarket Community Park. The funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the council says was designated for infrastructure improvements.

The decision has sparked debate among council members and residents, with some questioning the public benefit of demolishing the building instead of repurposing it. During the public hearing, resident Marchant Schneider raised concerns over long-term financial impacts, particularly regarding the cost of future public restrooms at the park.

Features

Occoquan’s Mill Project Delayed, Spot on Mill Closes, and Firelight Night Returns

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:16AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:18AM

In the latest episode of the Occoquan Radio Podcast, host and mayor Ernie Porta shared updates on local business developments, an upcoming town event, and an economic recognition for Occoquan’s tourism sector, and more.

Mill in Occoquan Project Delayed

Fredericksburg

Commuting Resurgence in the Region: Increased Demand for Ridesharing Services

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:15AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:18AM

Looking south along the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes near Springfield. [Photo courtesy of Transurban]

Surge in Commuting Demand

According to GWRC’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program, GWRideConnect, inquiries about ridesharing options have increased substantially. Commuters from Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford are turning to ride-sharing to ease their daily travel.