Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

VDOT Prepares for Winter Storm Season as Significant Snowstorm Looms

Published January 3, 2025 at 10:00AM

With a major snowstorm expected to impact the region starting Sunday, January 5, 2024, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) updated the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on its winter storm preparations late last month.

Andrew Thorpe, Assistant Resident Engineer, presented an overview of VDOT’s snow removal strategies during a recent meeting, emphasizing readiness across Stafford and neighboring counties.

News

Protect Your Home Before Winter Hits!

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 1, 2025 at 1:02AM | Updated January 16, 2025 at 10:59AM

With snow in the forecast this weekend and the coldest air of the season on the way, your home’s foundation and basement could be at risk. Freezing temperatures and melting snow can lead to leaks, cracks, and costly damage. Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your home now with NV Waterproofing and Foundation Repair.

Our expert team specializes in keeping your basement dry and your foundation secure, no matter what winter brings. Whether you need waterproofing, crack repairs, or foundation stabilization, we’ve got you covered.

News

5 Tips to Keep Your Business Running During a Disaster

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 1, 2025 at 1:01AM | Updated January 16, 2025 at 10:48AM

In today’s fast-changing world, security threats can arise from unexpected events and trends, making it essential for business owners to stay vigilant. Proactively addressing security concerns ensures the safety of your assets, employees, and customers while safeguarding your business’s future.

For more details, visit here.

Publisher's Post

Year-End Publisher’s Note: Looking Ahead to 2025

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 31, 2024 at 11:00AM

I also want to take a moment to thank our dedicated contributing editors and reporters. Their tireless work ensures we cover the stories that shape our neighborhoods and impact our daily lives. Some of their incredible efforts are highlighted in our list of 2024’s most-read stories.

To my surprise, every single one of this year’s most-read stories comes from Stafford County. This signals something exciting: Stafford County is a fast-growing area and a community eager for reliable news and information. In response, we will continue to focus on Stafford County while maintaining strong coverage across Prince William County and the cities of Manassas, Fredericksburg, and Manassas Park.

News

Stafford County Public Schools Career Pathways Program: Exploring Future Careers for Students

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 30, 2024 at 1:00PM

The Stafford County Public Schools Career Pathways Program creates new opportunities for students to explore career possibilities, acquire real-world skills, and prepare for workforce or higher education success. Open to rising ninth graders and high school students; this initiative provides a wide array of specialty centers and pathways that cater to diverse interests and aspirations.

The Career Pathways Program is designed to align with the Stafford County School Board’s strategic plan by offering thematic specialty centers at local high schools. Each center focuses on specific career fields, ensuring students receive tailored education and experiences. For example:

News

Police Report: Multiple Deaths in Woodbridge, Suspected Cocaine Trafficker Caught in Stafford

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 30, 2024 at 10:30AM

[Photo: Alan Gloss]

Investigators have yet to determine whether the man was struck by a vehicle or suffered injuries from another incident. An autopsy by the Medical Examiner’s Office is pending to ascertain the cause of death. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. The investigation is ongoing.

The deceased was known to reside at the temple. Preliminary investigations suggest no signs of foul play. The cause and manner of death are under review by the Medical Examiner’s Office. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

News

More Than 500 Homes Approved for Former Golf Course Without Supervisors’ Oversight

By Kelly Sienkowski and Uriah Kiser

Published December 23, 2024 at 3:00PM

A decision made in 2019 by Stafford County’s planning staff has enabled the construction of more than 500 homes on the former Cannon Ridge Golf Course without requiring approval from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors.

The development at the end of Celebrate Virginia Parkway has drawn attention following public outcry for the site to be preserved as a regional park and a statement by George Washington District Supervisor Deuntay Diggs expressing concerns over transparency and standard procedures.

Manassas Park

2024 Winter Light Extravaganza Brightens Manassas Park

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 23, 2024 at 10:00AM

Manassas Park celebrated the holiday season with its fourth annual Winter Light Extravaganza. Organized by the City’s Community Maintenance Working Group, the event brought festive cheer as residents adorned their homes with dazzling light displays.

Over 20 homes participated in this year’s contest, with awards in categories such as Best Citywide, Best House, and Committee Favorite. Scout Troop 1372 judges scored the homes, commending creativity and holiday spirit.

Manassas

Two Injured in Shooting Outside Bar in Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 23, 2024 at 9:30AM

Two men were injured in a shooting outside a bar in the 9000 block of Liberia Avenue on the evening of December 22, 2024. Manassas police responded to the scene shortly before 9 p.m. following reports of an altercation.

According to police, the incident began with a dispute inside the bar, which escalated and spilled into the parking lot. During the altercation, a suspect fired shots, striking two adult males. Both victims were transported to a local hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.

News

Police Seek Driver Wanted in Fatal Nokesville Crash

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 20, 2024 at 2:00PM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

Prince William County police are searching for a suspect involved in a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 63-year-old Nokesville man in August. Arrest warrants have been issued for James Francis Byrd, 62, of Woodbridge, in connection with the collision on Bristow Road near Windy Hill Drive on August 28, 2023.

Investigators determined that Byrd, the driver of a 2021 Toyota Tundra, had a blood alcohol content above the legal limit at the time of the crash. His vehicle crossed the center line, colliding head-on with a 2003 Lexus GX driven by Thomas Spencer Stark, who later died from his injuries. Byrd sustained minor injuries in the crash.