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!

Fredericksburg

Dr. Janet Gullickson, Germanna’s First Female President, to Step Down in July

By Uriah Kiser
Gullickson

Dr. Janet Gullickson, the first female president of Germanna Community College, will retire in July 2025 after eight years of leadership.

During her tenure, Gullickson oversaw significant enrollment growth, national recognition by the Aspen Institute, and the distinction of being the first college to host Amazon Web Services’ mobile classroom. She also spearheaded work-based learning initiatives, including paid internships, to enhance student career readiness.

Go to Dr. Janet Gullickson, Germanna’s First Female President, to Step Down in July Read more
Sponsored

Get Dixie Bones BBQ Tonight

By Uriah Kiser

Craving something smoky, savory, and downright delicious? Dixie Bones has been serving up authentic Southern BBQ since 1996, offering slow-cooked meats and homemade sides that capture the essence of comfort food.

From tender pulled pork to fall-off-the-bone ribs, every bite is packed with flavor, tradition, and a little bit of Southern love.

Go to Get Dixie Bones BBQ Tonight Read more

Open Mic Night at Eavesdrop Brewery

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash]

Don’t miss the fun – bring your friends and enjoy great performances while sipping on your favorite brews!

Have an event to share? Submitting your event to Potomac Local News is FREE and easy! Click here to fill out our event submission form. Simply provide the event details, and we’ll help spread the word to our community!

Go to Open Mic Night at Eavesdrop Brewery Read more
News

As data center boom continues, Va. legislators broach new regulations

By Uriah Kiser

Gov. Glenn Youngkin highlighted the industry’s importance during his State of the Commonwealth address Monday, noting that “data centers alone support 74,000 jobs, bring in $9.1 billion in Virginia GDP, and generate billions in local revenue.” He called for Virginia to remain “the data center capital of the world” while ensuring state support for the industry.

However, lawmakers from both parties have emphasized the need for oversight to ensure the industry’s growth is managed responsibly.

Go to As data center boom continues, Va. legislators broach new regulations Read more
News

Youngkin delivers final State of the Commonwealth address

By Uriah Kiser
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin

The Center Square: Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered the final State of the Commonwealth address of his term Monday after a delayed start to the 2025 General Assembly session, urging the state legislature to “keep Virginia winning” with bills it passes this year.

The governor began his speech by recounting how his administration and the General Assembly have delivered on priorities and policies that have made Virginia stronger.

Go to Youngkin delivers final State of the Commonwealth address Read more
Pets

Meet Yang: A Loving Lop-Eared Bunny Looking for Her Forever Home

By Uriah Kiser

Yang, a charming adult female lop-eared rabbit, is seeking a new home through the Prince William County Animal Shelter. With her soft white fur and sweet demeanor, Yang is ready to hop into the hearts of her new family.

At 1-3 years old and weighing around 15 pounds, Yang was surrendered by her previous owner and now needs a loving family to provide her with the care and companionship she deserves. Her short coat is easy to maintain, making her an ideal companion for anyone looking to add a furry friend to their life.

Go to Meet Yang: A Loving Lop-Eared Bunny Looking for Her Forever Home Read more
Prince William

Prince William County Chair Highlights Accomplishments, Sets Agenda in State of the County Address

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson delivered her annual State of the County address during the board’s organizational meeting on January 14, 2025. Jefferson reflected on the board’s achievements in 2024 and outlined priorities for the coming year, emphasizing collaboration, financial stewardship, and community investment.

Achievements in 2024

Jefferson highlighted the board’s bipartisan collaboration, leading to several major accomplishments:

Tax Reforms: A reduction in the real estate tax rate, offset by an increase in the business computer and peripheral (data center) tax rate to $3.70, the highest allowable rate. The board also extended the car tax deadline by 60 days to provide temporary relief to taxpayers.

Education Investments: A historic $105.1 million increase in contributions to Prince William County Schools, marking the largest year-over-year increase in the county’s history.

Public Safety Enhancements: Funding for additional police officers and medics, and the ratification of collective bargaining agreements with public safety personnel to improve recruitment and retention.

Preserving Fiscal Health: Maintaining the county’s AAA bond rating, a distinction held by only 53 counties nationwide and 12 in Virginia.

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

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

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Prince William County Chair Highlights Accomplishments, Sets Agenda in State of the County Address Read more
Manassas

Two House Fires Displace Multiple Families in Prince William County

By Uriah Kiser
16300 block of Boatswain Circle in Woodbridge

At 9:48 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025, firefighters were dispatched to the 16300 block of Boatswain Circle in Woodbridge after reports of a fire in a home. All occupants evacuated safely before crews arrived, reporting the fire was in a basement bedroom. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which caused moderate damage to the home.

One adult occupant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local medical facility. The fire displaced five adults and three children. The Red Cross is assisting the affected families. Due to the extent of the damage, the building official declared the home unsafe for occupancy.

Go to Two House Fires Displace Multiple Families in Prince William County Read more
News

Gainesville wildlife rehabber gives donated animal transport van a new life

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William Times: Licensed wildlife rehabber Olivia LoBalbo can’t wait until the wild animals she treats are well enough to scurry off or fly away into the forest on their own. But while they’re in her care, they can now be safely transported in a fully equipped wildlife rescue van, dubbed “The PAW Express,” courtesy of the Prince William SPCA.

LoBalbo, 37, is a former veterinarian tech and the founder of AERO, which stands for Animal Education and Rescue Organization. For the last 10 years, she and her nonprofit have taken in thousands of injured, sick or orphaned wild animals that wouldn’t survive without human intervention. She runs the licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility out of her Gainesville home.

Go to Gainesville wildlife rehabber gives donated animal transport van a new life Read more
News

Prince William residents weigh in as plans for Doves Landing park, Sinclair mill site develop

By Uriah Kiser

About 35 in-person residents, plus a handful of others online, turned out Jan. 8 at the Pat White Center at Ben Lomond near Manassas for a thorough, two-hour project update meeting. Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega also tuned in virtually.

During the event, Patti Pakkala, planning manager with the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation, Ed Umbrell, senior project manager at Dewberry Engineers, and several of their colleagues led a presentation and Q&A, laying the foundation for the ongoing development of Doves Landing.

Go to Prince William residents weigh in as plans for Doves Landing park, Sinclair mill site develop Read more
View More Stories