Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Chat About Cozy Mysteries Over Coffee in Nokesville

Published January 27, 2025 at 6:44AM

[Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash]

Enjoy tasty treats while chatting about this delightful, cozy mystery at 13051 Fitzwater Drive. Need the book? Stop by Nokesville Library to grab a copy, or check out the e-book or e-audiobook on Hoopla. Questions? Email [email protected].

Have a great local event coming up? Share it with the community for free! Submit your event quickly and easily using this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058.

Originals

Subcommittee Rejects Bill to Regulate Data Centers Near Schools, Parks

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 27, 2025 at 6:16AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

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

The Virginia House of Delegates Subcommittee of the Cities, Counties, and Towns Committee rejected a bill that sought to regulate the siting of data centers near schools, parks, and residential areas. Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R-22, Prince William County) presented HB1984, which would have required local government approval for data center developments only if they were located at least a quarter mile away from such properties. The subcommittee voted 8-0 to “lay the bill on the table,” effectively killing it.

The vote dealt a setback to those advocating for tighter regulation of Virginia’s rapidly growing data center industry. Data centers, which house servers and infrastructure critical for cloud computing and internet services, have been a source of contention due to their noise, construction impacts, and potential encroachment on residential and community spaces.

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Originals

Virginia House Subcommittee Votes Down Bill Addressing Homelessness in Vehicles

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 27, 2025 at 6:16AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

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Originals

Dumfries Charter Amendments Advance

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 27, 2025 at 6:15AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

Dumfries is Virginia's oldest continually chartered town.

On January 24, 2025, the Virginia House of Delegates Cities, Counties, and Towns Committee reviewed several critical bills advanced. A charter amendment for the Town of Dumfries was unanimous, while a proposal to protect unhoused individuals seeking shelter in vehicles was rejected.

Delegate Candi Mundon King (D-Stafford, Woodbridge) introduced House Bill 2352, which proposes significant updates to the charter of Dumfries in Prince William County. The bill seeks to modernize the town’s governance structure and clarify its administrative framework. After receiving an 8–0 recommendation from the subcommittee, the committee voted 19–0 to report the bill to the full House of Delegates.

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Breaking News

Two Found Dead in Spotsylvania County Home, Homicide Investigation Underway

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 26, 2025 at 3:45PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

Investigators are mum about how they died.

On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.

News

Patricia Healy Celebrates 25 Years of Service on the Stafford County School Board

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 26, 2025 at 3:38PM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

Rock Hill District School Board member Patricia Healy is honored for 25 years of public service. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

In a recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her commitment to students, families, and educators. Throughout her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.

“Mrs. Healy’s wisdom and dedication have ensured that our decisions remain student-centered and focused on our future,” said school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Healy’s legacy includes the opening of one-third of the county’s schools during her tenure, as well as overseeing renovations and rebuilds across the district. She will continue to serve through the current term, which concludes in 2028, marking an unprecedented 28 years of service.

Originals

A Conversation with Prince William County School Leaders

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 12:12PM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.

News

Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School Senior Named Finalist in Regeneron Science Talent Search

By Uriah Kiser

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

Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS).

Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.

News

Upcoming Virtual Town Hall for Woodbridge Residents

By Uriah Kiser

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

The Woodbridge District invites residents to join a Community Update Town Hall Meeting hosted by Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin. This virtual event offers an opportunity for residents to stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives in the community.

Details of the Town Hall:

News

Local Crime Reports: Stafford’s ‘McDUI,’ Prince William Assaults

By Uriah Kiser

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

McDUI in Fast Food Drive-Thru

On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.