Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Trump Inauguration Watch Party Draws Crowd to Haymarket

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:53AM

The sold-out event, held at Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano, drew attendees from across Prince William County and as far away as Peru. Organized under the leadership of Carol Fox, the watch party was described as a joyous occasion that brought local Republicans together to celebrate and enjoy the historic moment.

“The event was a chance to bring Republicans together and have fun watching the inauguration,” said Fox. Adding to the festivities, a dance contest to the tune of “YMCA” delighted guests, with prizes awarded for the most Trump-inspired dance moves. Proceeds from the event will support the Bull Run Republican Women’s Club’s college scholarship program.

News

Boosting Breakfast Access: Spotsylvania Schools Benefit from No Kid Hungry Grant

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:53AM

Photo: No Kid Hungry

Spotsylvania County Public Schools has been awarded an $8,578 grant from No Kid Hungry Virginia to support and expand its non-congregate breakfast programs. This funding is part of a $201,000 initiative benefiting 10 school districts across the state, aimed at ensuring students have access to healthy morning meals to start their day prepared for success.

The grant will enable Spotsylvania County schools to implement innovative Breakfast After the Bell initiatives, including grab-and-go meals, breakfast in the classroom, and second-chance breakfast models. These flexible options are designed to meet students where they are, addressing barriers like early bus schedules and busy mornings that often prevent participation in traditional breakfast programs.

Features

Goolrick Pool Reopens After Extensive Renovation at UMW

By Uriah Kiser

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

The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has reopened Goolrick Pool for the spring 2025 semester following a six-month, $1.5 million renovation. The upgraded facility, which first opened in 1969, now boasts modern features designed to enhance functionality and extend the life of the historic pool.

The reopening came just in time for the Eagles’ first home varsity swim meet of the season on Saturday, Jan. 18, which was also Senior Day.

News

Local Va. senator pitches bill to relieve Digital Gateway landowners of their higher tax bills

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:03AM

McPike

Prince William Times – “Landowners who want to sell their properties for the Prince William Digital Gateway data center development and are suing Prince William County over their higher real estate tax bills were recently dealt a blow in court when a judge ruled against their case.

But they might have a Plan B, thanks to a bill sponsored by state Sen. Jeremy McPike.”

Features

Students speak on fulfilling ‘the promise of democracy’ at MLK Day event

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 9:59AM

Prince William Times – “Ahead of what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 96th birthday, local middle and high school students delivered speeches Saturday that urged Americans to “fulfill the promise of democracy.”

Inspired by King’s writings, six students spoke about what the promise of democracy means to them during the 40th anniversary of the annual MLK Day event, which was held this year at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle.

Les Miserables School Edition presented by ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 9:49AM

Les Misérables is the world’s longest running musical — a true modern classic based on Victor Hugo’s novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. The multi-award-winning Les Misérables is as groundbreaking today as it was when it first premiered in London in 1985. Featuring updated orchestrations based on the Tony-nominated 2014 Broadway revival, Les Misérables School Edition.

Presented by ARTfactory Pied Piper Theatre January 24 at 7:00 PM, January 25 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and January 26 at 2:00 PM at Hylton Performing Arts Center.

Pets

Meet Hatchi: A Loyal Akita Looking for a Loving Home

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 9:43AM

If you’re experienced with Akitas and looking to add a loyal companion to your family, Hatchi might be the perfect match. Hatchi, a 3-year-old Akita, is available for adoption at the Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter in Fredericksburg.

This handsome dog has a few specific needs: Hatchi is best suited as the only pet in a home without cats or young children. Having lived outside for some time before arriving at the shelter, Hatchi may need some help with house training. However, with patience and understanding, he’s ready to become a beloved part of the right family.

Features

Riverside Brings the King to Life with ‘Heartbreak Hotel’

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 20, 2025 at 9:14PM | Updated January 25, 2025 at 11:21AM

Photo: Suzanne Carr-Rossi

This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.

Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.

News

Supervisors Consider Plans for Woodbridge Hub, General Assembly Bills

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 20, 2025 at 9:08PM

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge for a packed agenda that includes significant decisions on land development and state legislation. The meeting is open to the public.

Woodbridge Land Development

News

Stafford Supervisors to Consider New Behavioral Therapy Clinic

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 20, 2025 at 9:08PM

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the County Government Center at 1300 Courthouse Road. One of the key items on the agenda is a proposal to bring a new outpatient behavioral therapy clinic to the Griffis-Widewater District.

Renaissance Healthcare Group Virginia, LLC has applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP24155647) to operate a hospital use within the B-2 Urban Commercial Zoning District at 125 Woodstream Blvd, Suite 401. If approved, the clinic will provide adult behavioral therapy and counseling services, with operations limited to 5,050 square feet and open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.