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!

News

Winter Storm Blankets Northern Virginia with Heavy Snow, More Wintry Weather on the Horizon

By Uriah Kiser
Drivers stalled on Old Bridge Road in Lake Ridge as heavy snow began to fall about 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025. [Photo: Gary Earles]

Median Snow Totals by Region:

The heaviest snowfall totals were recorded in Manassas and parts of Stafford County, where accumulations neared 9.5 inches. Many roads across the region remain snow-covered and hazardous, prompting school closures and delays for Tuesday.

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra’s Romantic Concert ‘What I Did for Love’

By Uriah Kiser

Looking for a romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day? Join the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra for their special concert, “What I Did for Love,” on February 14 at James Monroe Auditorium. Enjoy sweeping string melodies featuring famous pieces like Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Massenet’s “Thais,” and a special rendition of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue performed by pianist Thomas Pandolfi. The evening will end with Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

Event Details: Friday, February 14, 2025, 7:30-9:30 p.m. James Monroe Auditorium, Fredericksburg. Tickets: $20-$70

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Pets

Meet Nala: Your Perfect Snow Day Companion

By Uriah Kiser

Nala, a sweet eight-year-old, 20-pound pup, is ready to meet her forever family. After enjoying a playful romp in the snow, Nala loves lounging and soaking up all the attention. She’s excellent with the cats in her foster home, loves human affection, and is good with low-key dogs. However, Nala would be just as happy as an only pet, where she can be the center of attention!

Nala is entirely house and crate-trained and still has plenty of energy. She would do best in a home with an active family who can keep up with her love for playtime or take her on exciting adventures.

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Press Release

Take the Polar Plunge this Saturday

By Uriah Kiser
Polar plungers rush into the Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge on Saturday, February 19, 2022, to raise money for Special Olympics. [Photo: Prince William police]

The Prince William and Manassas police departments are rallying the community to join the effort. Brave individuals and teams of family, friends, co-workers, and organizations are encouraged to participate by taking the plunge, making a donation, or simply attending to cheer on participants.

Ways to Participate:

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Newslinks

A Night on the Riviera: A Mardi Gras Celebration in DC!

By Uriah Kiser

Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!

Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.

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Pets

Prince William County Animal Services Center Seeks Owners of Recent Strays

By Uriah Kiser
Phase I of the new $16.7 million Prince William County Animal Shelter, at 14807 Bristow Road, opened in late November 2021. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/Potomac Local News]

Prince William County Animal Services Center is working to reunite lost pets with their owners. Between February 7 and February 10, 2025, several stray animals were turned into the shelter. In an effort to assist pet owners, the center posts photos of strays on its social media pages a few times each week.

However, the center does not respond to questions about specific animals via Facebook. If you believe your pet may be at the shelter, you should contact them directly by calling (703) 792-6465, emailing [email protected], or visiting the center in person.

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Fredericksburg

‘That money is gone:’ VDOT Snow Budget Depleted After January Storm

By Uriah Kiser

Updated 8 a.m. Wednesday, February 5 – As another major snowstorm blankets Stafford County with over six inches of snow on February 11, 2025, local officials are grappling with Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) depleted snow removal budget, which was exhausted by a previous winter storm on January 5–6.

During a Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 6, 2025, VDOT Residency Administrator Kyle Bates delivered a stark warning about the agency’s financial limitations.

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News

Haymarket Police Introduce New Traffic Data Collection System

By Uriah Kiser

The Haymarket Police Department has launched a new initiative to collect and analyze traffic volume data to enhance road safety and improve traffic management in town.

During the Haymarket Town Council meeting on February 3, 2025, Police Chief Allen Sibert shared findings from a speed sign installed on the eastbound lane of Washington Street, the town’s main thoroughfare. The data collected over the past six months revealed that the highest volume of traffic occurs during lunchtime hours, surpassing even the traditional rush hour periods.

“This data is invaluable as it allows us to better understand traffic patterns and adjust enforcement efforts accordingly,” said Chief Sibert. “We want to ensure our roads remain safe and that we are using our resources where they are most needed.”

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News

Marine Corps Mascot Chesty XVI Featured at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in Celebration of Marines’ 250th Anniversary

By Uriah Kiser

On Monday, February 10, 2025, the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden featured a special appearance by Chesty XVI, the United States Marine Corps’ bulldog mascot. This presentation was part of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s (MCHF) celebration of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. Chesty XVI was accompanied by his handlers and MCHF President and CEO, retired Maj. Gen. James Lukeman, from the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, now in its 149th year, remains one of the most prestigious dog shows in the United States. This year, more than 2,500 dogs from across all 50 U.S. states traveled to New York City to compete for Best in Show, a title that comes with recognition, prestige, and a trophy.

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