Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

New Girls Hockey League Launches in Haymarket

Published August 13, 2026 at 2:16PM

A new pickup ice hockey league for girls ages 10 to 14 is giving middle school players across Northern Virginia a chance to compete in an all-girls setting at Haymarket Iceplex.

The NOVA Girls Ice Hockey Pickup League, founded by Warrenton physician Dr. Christopher Chang and coach Kara Given of A and K On Ice Coaching, runs sessions of five to 10 full-regulation games with referees. Games take place at the rink at 15155 Washington St. in Haymarket. Organizers balance teams by skill level each week so beginners, intermediate and advanced players all get equal ice time. Full gear is required, and at least one year of recreational team hockey experience is needed.

Manassas

Manassas Exhibit Explores Black Identity and Memory

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 13, 2026 at 2:16PM

The ARTfactory at 9419 Battle Street in Manassas.

The ARTfactory in Historic Downtown Manassas, partnering with The Black Art Today Foundation, will present “Beyond the Frame,” an exhibition of work by Levi Robinson and Dion J. Pollard, from Aug. 15 through Sept. 19, 2026. An opening reception runs Saturday, Aug. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., with RSVP available online. The free show examines Black identity, cultural memory, resilience and the narratives that extend past a canvas’s edges, according to a press release from the ARTfactory. Exhibition programming is sponsored by Micron, which operates a major manufacturing facility in Manassas.

Robinson layers history, mythology and contemporary culture through painting, collage and mixed media inspired by jazz and hip-hop traditions, while Pollard (who creates as DionJa’Y) uses vibrant color, texture and mixed media to highlight joy, family, spirituality and perseverance. The gallery is at 9419 Battle Street and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.; admission is free. The press release does not list regular contact details beyond the reception RSVP, confirm whether the artists will appear after opening night, or note any related talks or programs.

Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Homicide Arrest, Construction Death Reported

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 13, 2026 at 2:15PM

**Yes — write a cutline for it.** Suggested cutline: A 17-year-old from Dumfries is escorted by Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office personnel on Wednesday after his arrest in connection with the Aug. 8 fatal shooting of 16-year-old Samuel Ojeda near Catlett. (Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office)

Fauquier County deputies have arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old at a Quinceañera near Catlett over the weekend. The arrest came Wednesday following an investigation that began when deputies responded to a noise complaint and found the victim with a gunshot wound.

In Prince William County, a 26-year-old construction worker died after a mobile trailer collapsed on him at a Woodbridge job site. Separate calls brought reports of two men brandishing firearms at a pedestrian in Woodbridge and the theft of an e-bike from a Bristow garage.

Manassas

SCHOOL BOARD CHAOS: Member Sues Over ‘Illegal’ Secret Vote as Kids Head Back to Class

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2026 at 3:46PM | Updated August 13, 2026 at 1:59PM

School Board Member Sara Brescia filed a petition for a writ of mandamus on Aug. 11 in Prince William County General District Court, alleging that a majority of the Manassas City School Board conducted an unlawful electronic and telephonic vote in violation of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

The petition asks the court to order the School Board of the City of Manassas to follow the law and void the results of the vote. According to court documents and Brescia’s statements, the disputed action directed Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman to open a full investigation, using outside counsel, into allegations first raised by Board Member Diana Brown.

Stafford

Stafford launches school zone speed cameras on first day of school

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2026 at 9:29AM

Automated speed enforcement cameras are now active in select Stafford County school zones as students return for the first full day of the 2026-27 school year on Wednesday, August 12.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, working with BlueLine Solutions, has installed cameras at six schools: Edward E. Drew Middle School, Colonial Forge High School, Stafford Middle School, Stafford Elementary School, North Stafford High School, and Brooke Point High School.

Virginia

Virginia Hemp Businesses Seek to Block New THC Rules

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2026 at 9:06AM

Spanberger

Seven Virginia hemp businesses are asking a federal judge to block new restrictions set to take effect Saturday that would limit hemp products to 2 milligrams of total THC per package, eliminating the existing 25-to-1 CBD-to-THC exception, The Center Square reported. The change was included in the state budget passed in June without public hearings or industry input, and the companies argue it leaves them with previously legal products they can no longer sell.

A hearing is scheduled Wednesday in Roanoke on their request for a temporary restraining order. Plaintiffs, including Northern Virginia Hemp & Agriculture, say they stand to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in inventory under the new rules.

Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Additional Arrests in Teen Homicide

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2026 at 7:44AM | Updated August 12, 2026 at 1:15PM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

The shooting happened July 5 in the 16700 block of Blackjack Oak Lane in Woodbridge. Officers responded about 10:12 p.m. and found the victim with a gunshot wound to the upper body. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Police said the victim and two acquaintances arranged to confront and rob another man, Damion Jamon Atwater. During the encounter, shots were fired that fatally struck the 16-year-old. After the shooting, Darrian King Rutherford, who had been with the victim, left in a vehicle. Officers tried to stop the vehicle and began a pursuit. Rutherford later stopped and fled on foot.

Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Unlawful Filming, Brandishing Arrest Reported

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2026 at 3:59PM | Updated August 11, 2026 at 4:24PM

[Photo: Alan Gloss]

In Stafford County, deputies reported arrests for assault and battery, multiple driving under the influence cases, shoplifting, narcotics possession, and public intoxication. Several fraud reports, including Sheriff’s Office impersonation scams, were also logged.

Here is a summary of recent incidents from local law enforcement.

Stafford

Water Problems at Brooke Station Delayed Response to Devastating House Fire

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2026 at 1:41PM

Contaminated water forced career staff out of Brooke’s Company 5 for nearly a month, delaying the first response to Saturday’s devastating house fire on Indian Point Road that resulted in a total loss of the property.

Two career personnel normally work 24-hour shifts at Company 5 and cross-staff Engine/Tanker 1505 and Medic 1505. Those firefighters had been staged at Company 2 since July 15 due to water quality problems, according to County Fire Chief Joseph Cardello. They returned to Company 5 on Tuesday after the latest water tests showed no hazards.

Traffic

VRE Runs Special Sunday Trains August 23

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2026 at 11:05AM

A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

Virginia Railway Express will operate modified service on Sunday, August 23, with northbound morning trains and southbound afternoon trains, giving Northern and Central Virginia residents a way to reach the Washington region without driving into expected gridlock from the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. The one-day service, detailed in a VRE press release, coincides with the IndyCar street race around the National Mall that is projected to draw about 140,000 visitors daily and trigger extensive road closures and parking restrictions in the District.

Tickets will cost the usual VRE rates and can be bought through the VRE Mobile app or station ticket machines. The press release does not list specific train times, stations served on each line, or the exact number of trips; a schedule PDF is available on vre.org and is subject to change. The special Sunday run also serves as a test of demand and operations for a possible regular weekend service once major projects, such as the Long Bridge expansion, are completed under VRE’s System Plan 2050. District officials are urging travelers to use transit that weekend.