Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Extreme Cold Prompts School Delays in Stafford and King George Counties

Published January 22, 2025 at 6:43AM

Due to extreme cold weather conditions, several school systems in the region have announced delayed openings for today, Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Families are encouraged to monitor updates from their respective school systems for any further changes. Please ensure children are dressed appropriately for the cold weather. Stay warm and safe!

News

End of Federal Remote Work Welcomed by Virginia, D.C. leaders

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:53PM

A crash on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, just north of Route 17 snarled traffic for about five miles on Friday, January 13, 2023. [Photo: VDOT traffic camera]

Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees.

The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings.

Fredericksburg

Updated: Investigators Unable to Determine Cause of Eagle Village Shopping Center Blaze

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:53PM | Updated January 22, 2025 at 1:11PM

Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge.

In Fredericksburg, the December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause.

Originals

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Moves Forward with New Fire Station in Brentsville District

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:52PM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:20AM

In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer funds—developer-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructure—or tap into the county’s fire levy fund.

Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated an amendment to the funding resolution, proposing the use of Brentsville District fire proffers “to the greatest extent possible” before considering the fire levy fund. With $3 million available in Brentsville fire proffers, Gordy emphasized aligning these restricted funds with their intended purpose: supporting fire and rescue services.

“This approach ensures that we prioritize restricted funds before relying on broader resources like the fire levy,” Gordy explained.

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Weather

Frigid Temperatures Persist Across the Region: Warming Shelters Open and Safety Precautions

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:51PM

Arctic high pressure continues to grip the region, keeping dangerously cold temperatures and bitter wind chills in place through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service warns that these frigid conditions will persist, with temperatures struggling to climb above freezing during the day and plummeting overnight.

Wednesday and Beyond

News

Funeral Service for Former Supervisor Bob Gibbons Set for Friday

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:51PM

Funeral services for Robert “Bob” C. Gibbons, a former member of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, will be held on Friday, January 25, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. William of York Catholic Church, located at 3130 Richmond Hwy, Stafford.

Gibbons, who recently passed away, dedicated more than 34 years to serving the citizens of Stafford County, leaving an indelible legacy of leadership and commitment. He represented the Rock Hill District on the Board of Supervisors from 1991 to 2007, serving multiple terms as Chairman and Vice Chairman.

Fredericksburg

Experience the Flavors of Fredericksburg: Winter Restaurant Week is Happening Now

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 4:25PM

Here’s how the passport works: Pick one up at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, participating restaurants, or print it online. Collect stamps by dining at at least five participating restaurants to qualify for prize drawings. Drop off your completed passport at the Visitor Center by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, or mail it in.

Do you have an event you’d like to share? Submit it for free using this link: form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Simply fill out the form with your event details and share it with the community today!

Pets

Double the Fun: Luna and Roisin Are Looking for Their Forever Home

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 4:19PM

Looking to add a little extra love and excitement to your life? Meet Luna and Roisin, a delightful duo of bonded Chihuahuas who are sure to win your heart!

Luna, the fabulous 7-year-old, and her younger sister, Roisin, a sprightly 5-year-old, are inseparable and ready to find their forever family. These two pint-sized pups come as a package deal, bringing twice the cuteness, cuddles, and companionship to your home.

Features

Behind the Scenes of Heartbreak Hotel at Riverside Theater | Meet the Stars of Elvis’s Story

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 4:00PM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:20AM

Step into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with Riverside Theater’s electrifying production of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Featuring Elliott Litherland as “Old Elvis” and Luke Purcell as “Teen Elvis,” this high-energy show will have you singing, dancing, and cheering all night long.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg City Council Advances Plan to Create Data Center Technology District Amid Accelerated Timeline and Public Debate

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:56AM

Fredericksburg City Hall

The Fredericksburg City Council took a significant step toward attracting data center development on Monday, January 14, by voting unanimously to initiate amendments to the city’s 2015 comprehensive plan, unified development ordinance (UDO), and zoning map. The proposed changes aim to establish a Technology Overlay District (TOD) that would designate roughly 250 acres in the city as a site for data centers and related uses near the Fredericksburg Nationals stadium.

Currently, the city does not have server farms like those sprouting up in surrounding jurisdictions, such as Stafford, Spotsylvania, Prince William, and King George counties. Unlike their neighbors, the city has far fewer acres of land to devote to the sprawling tech campuses.

“This is a critical opportunity for Fredericksburg to position itself as a competitive player in the tech industry,” said Mayor Kerry P. Devine. “By concentrating development in a single campus-like district, we can ensure infrastructure is used efficiently while minimizing environmental and community impacts.”

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

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

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

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