Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Seals on Wheels Returns: Circuit Court Clerk’s Mobile Services for 2025

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:02AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk announced the continuation of the “Seals on Wheels” initiative for 2025. This mobile services program, led by Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline C. Smith, brings essential court services directly to community members in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park. Services include marriage licenses, name changes, notary oaths, and concealed handgun permits.

The program’s 2025 schedule begins in March and will visit various community locations, including libraries and local events such as the Occoquan Riverfest and Haymarket Day. Residents can save time and money by accessing services at convenient locations. For updated schedules and information, follow the Circuit Court Clerk’s social media or visit their website.

Fredericksburg

Upcoming Road Work in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Surrounding Areas

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:01AM

Upcoming road work in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and surrounding areas includes several projects to improve infrastructure and ensure safe travel for drivers. On Interstate 95 southbound, the Exit 126 off-ramp in Spotsylvania will have alternating single-lane closures from Sunday through Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., as crews work to widen the ramp and add a right turn lane to Route 1 southbound.

In Fredericksburg, Wellford Street will see waterline work from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with flaggers alternating one-way traffic between Route 1 and Wallace Street.

Pets

Strays Taken to Prince William County Animal Shelter: Are These Your Friends?

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 10:56AM

If you’re missing a furry friend, check out the photos below! These animals were turned into the Prince William County Animal Services Center as strays between January 21, 2025, and January 23, 2025. The shelter posts pictures of strays brought to their facility multiple times weekly to help reunite owners with their pets.

What to Do If You Recognize Your Pet: If you think one of the animals is yours, contact the Center directly:

News

Prince William’s Yesli Vega, Others Blocked by Virginia Democrats

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 10:20AM

Supervisor Yesli Vega greets Police Officer Carla Coleman as County Executive Chris Shorter and Sheriff Glen Hill look on. Vega provided the keynote speech. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

Jeff Goettman, Yesli Vega, Meg Bryce and Ken Marcus were among the appointees blocked.

When these appointments made it to the full Senate floor Friday afternoon, the debate lasted hours.

Fredericksburg

School officials, community leaders urge Fredericksburg-area immigrants to ‘know your rights’

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 9:57AM

Fredericksburg Free Press – Community leaders and local officials in the Fredericksburg area are grappling with how to protect undocumented immigrants in the context of mass deportation efforts directed by President Trump and enforced by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

One aspect of the president’s new border policy is particularly troubling to some in the Fredericksburg area — the removal of the protection of migrants at schools, churches and hospitals.

News

Dems propose bill to allow all public workers in Virginia to collectively bargain

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 9:55AM

“We need collective bargaining and we need it now,” Harry Szabo, an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University said at a press conference on Friday.

Currently, public workers are allowed to join a union, but they can’t collectively bargain for higher wages or better working conditions unless collective bargaining has been approved by their locality.

News

Big Beam Weekend: Drivers Urged to Avoid Northbound I-495 Near Tysons Starting Tonight

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 24, 2025 at 3:36PM

Traffic disruptions and lane reductions are set to begin on northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Inner Loop) near Tysons, Virginia, as part of the 495 NEXT project’s Big Beam Weekend. The impacts will start tonight, Friday, January 24, at 9 p.m., and continue through 5 a.m. Monday, January 27. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and plan alternate routes, as significant delays and backups are anticipated.

What to Expect

Manassas Scavenger Hunt: Mischief & Mystery Walking Tour

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 24, 2025 at 3:31PM

Discover the hidden gems and rich history of Downtown Manassas on the thrilling Manassas Scavenger Hunt! This exciting walking tour will take you on a journey through the charming streets of Manassas, unlocking the secrets of its iconic landmarks and beloved attractions. From the historic Veterans Memorial to the majestic Water Tower and the Opera House, each location offers a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.

Join the adventure and solve clues, unravel mysteries, and dive into the captivating stories that make Manassas unique. It’s a perfect outing for friends, families, or anyone looking for a fun and engaging way to explore this vibrant city.

News

Contraception protections advance in Virginia amid renewed debate

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 24, 2025 at 3:25PM

House Bill 1716, introduced by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, passed the House of Delegates on Thursday, while a companion bill from Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee.

Last year, similar bills passed both chambers with bipartisan support but were ultimately vetoed by Youngkin.

Originals

OmniRide Hits 1 Million Riders, Eyes 2 Million by June

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 24, 2025 at 2:51PM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:15AM

OmniRide has reached a significant milestone, serving 1 million passengers in FY2024. This achievement signals a post-pandemic recovery for the regional transit provider and sets the stage for even greater success, with projections to double ridership to 2 million passengers by June 2025, according to agency officials.

During soon-to-be released Potomac Local News Podcast episode, OmniRide Executive Director Bob Schneider shared insights about the agency’s new routes and its vision for the future. He highlighted the introduction of new services to Warrenton and Front Royal as a pivotal step in expanding OmniRide’s reach and addressing regional transportation needs.

“These new routes are about connecting communities and providing meaningful transit options,” Schneider said. “We’re seeing positive feedback from passengers in Warrenton and Front Royal, and while it’s still early days, these routes are running on time, and riders are happy with the service. We’re excited to watch these areas grow into key parts of our system.”

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