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!

Manassas Park

Manassas Park Community Marks Two Years Since Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s Disappearance

By Uriah Kiser
Mamta Kafle Bhatt with her one-year-old daughter. (Facebook Photo)

About 30 community members gathered at the Manassas Park police station on July 31 for a vigil marking two years since the disappearance of local nurse and mother Mamta Kafle Bhatt, InsideNoVa reported. Bhatt was last heard from on July 29, 2024, and is presumed dead; her husband, Naresh Bhatt, was arrested in August 2024 and faces charges of first-degree murder, concealment of a dead body and physical defilement of a dead body, though no body has been found.

Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo described the investigation as a lengthy process with a strong case, while family members including mother Gita Kafle and community supporters expressed continued hope for justice. A pre-trial conference is set for Sept. 25, with the trial scheduled to begin in early October.

Go to Manassas Park Community Marks Two Years Since Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s Disappearance Read more
Stafford

Stafford Continues Accokeek Creek Advisory After July Sewer Spill

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford Utilities is continuing to monitor Accokeek Creek (near Crows Nest Natural Preserve) after a July 22 sewer line break released untreated wastewater near the waterway, Stafford Utilities reported. As of a July 30 update, localized impacts have improved but water quality across the watershed has not yet returned to normal due to recent weather and other factors, and the agency still recommends limiting recreational contact with the water, including swimming, and advises against consuming fish from the creek until conditions improve.

The original advisory, issued after the break near Accokeek Creek, called for limited recreational use of the creek down to Crow’s Nest for people and pets. Residents with questions can contact Stafford Utilities at 540-658-8616.

Go to Stafford Continues Accokeek Creek Advisory After July Sewer Spill Read more
Virginia

Senators Urge Special Session After Groundwater Report

By Uriah Kiser
Village Place Technology Park in Gainesville, approved by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in 2022

Two state senators are asking Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session of the General Assembly after a newly released state report found groundwater supplies in eastern Virginia may not support major new withdrawals under current regulations, The Center Square reported. Sens. Richard Stuart, R-King George, and Russet Perry, D-Loudoun, said the Department of Environmental Quality study shows “virtually no capacity” in the Coastal Plain aquifer for large new uses such as data centers and was released only after the 2026 session had adjourned.

The bipartisan letter notes ongoing strain already appearing in western Loudoun and northern Fauquier counties and urges lawmakers to act on the report’s recommendations for stronger permitting rules, improved monitoring, and tying local development more closely to groundwater availability rather than waiting until the 2027 session.

Go to Senators Urge Special Session After Groundwater Report Read more
Weather

Heavy Thunderstorms Pose Flash Flood Risk This Afternoon

By Uriah Kiser

A frontal boundary will bring another round of showers and thunderstorms to the region this afternoon, with locally heavy rain that could produce flash flooding in urban or poor-drainage areas. Conditions stay warm and muggy, with highs in the mid to upper 80s. The front crosses the area this evening, bringing drier air overnight before a more active pattern returns later in the week.

Today

Go to Heavy Thunderstorms Pose Flash Flood Risk This Afternoon Read more
Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Brandishing Arrest, Officer Assaulted

By Uriah Kiser
Side of a Prince William County Police car door
Photo: Prince William County Police / Potomac Local

Prince William County police reported two notable arrests stemming from incidents on July 30. The most serious involved a Woodbridge man charged in connection with brandishing a firearm and impersonating a law enforcement officer during encounters reported the previous week.

In a separate case, a juvenile was arrested after allegedly assaulting an officer who responded to a shoplifting at a local grocery store. Both incidents occurred in Woodbridge.

Go to Police Blotter: Brandishing Arrest, Officer Assaulted Read more
Stafford

FBI Charges Ex-Stafford Sergeant with Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

By Uriah Kiser

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday that Justin Forman is no longer employed by the agency and directed all further questions to the FBI after he was arrested on a federal child pornography charge.

Jackson Arnold, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office, said Forman’s employment was terminated due to personal conduct that violated agency policies. He specified the termination was not related to professional or on-duty conduct.

Go to FBI Charges Ex-Stafford Sergeant with Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material Read more
Publisher's Post

Stop Pretending Summer Ends When the School Buses Roll

By Uriah Kiser
Yellow Stafford County Public Schools bus parked at a school curb with the door open as a student walks on the sidewalk
A Stafford County Public Schools bus. The School Board on Sept. 8 deferred any high school schedule change for 2027–28 after nearly 90 minutes of public comment focused on electives.

Stafford County Public Schools is about to open three new schools — Hartwood High, Falls Run Elementary, and Crow’s Nest Elementary. That is real progress for a rapidly growing division. Families have waited years for the seats. The excitement from the school board and administration is understandable.

What is not understandable is the language that comes with it.

Go to Stop Pretending Summer Ends When the School Buses Roll Read more
Manassas

Manassas City Schools See Sharp Growth in AP Participation and Success Rates

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas City Public Schools students are taking far more Advanced Placement exams and earning higher scores, according to an update presented to the School Board this week.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Manassas City Schools See Sharp Growth in AP Participation and Success Rates Read more
Fredericksburg

UMW Opens Fall 2027 Applications Aug. 1 with Direct Pathway for Virginia Students

By Uriah Kiser

The University of Mary Washington will open its Fall 2027 application on Aug. 1 through its website or the Common App and has joined the Common App Direct Admissions program for eligible Virginia students, the University of Mary Washington reported. Direct admission offers are non-binding, waive the application fee and give students an early indication of acceptance along with details on more than 100 majors, scholarships, the new Piscopo Rodgers Science Fellows program, the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and other pathways.

The Fredericksburg-based public liberal arts university said the initiative reduces barriers in the college search process and aligns with its longstanding focus on access and student success for Virginia applicants, who can activate it simply by adding UMW to their Common App list.

Go to UMW Opens Fall 2027 Applications Aug. 1 with Direct Pathway for Virginia Students Read more
Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Murder Arrest in Woodbridge Shooting

By Uriah Kiser
Side of a Prince William County Police car door
Photo: Prince William County Police / Potomac Local

Prince William County police have arrested a Woodbridge man in the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy last month.

Damon Jamon Atwater, 25, of Woodbridge, faces charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The arrest comes weeks after the July 5 shooting in the 16700 block of Blackjack Oak Lane.

Go to Police Blotter: Murder Arrest in Woodbridge Shooting Read more
View More Stories