Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Fredericksburg Community Health Assessment Prioritizes Mental Health, Housing, and Healthcare Access

Published October 24, 2024 at 1:59PM

Obasanyo

The Fredericksburg City Council recently heard an update on the ongoing Community Health Assessment from Rappahannock Area Health District Director Dr. Oleg Benga Obasanyo.

Obasanyo’s presentation focused on the progress made since the last health assessment and the priorities identified for improving the well-being of the Fredericksburg community and surrounding areas. The three main priorities—mental health, affordable housing, and access to healthcare—remain focal points for improvement.

News

Out of the Blue: Restaurant Announces Sudden Closure

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 24, 2024 at 1:46PM | Updated October 24, 2024 at 4:07PM

Out of the Blue Seafood restaurant in Gainesville has closed its doors after seven years of serving the community. The restaurant announced its closure on its Facebook page on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Shortly after the announcement, the restaurant’s phone line was disconnected, and its Facebook page was removed.

Since opening in 2017, Out of the Blue has been a popular gathering place in Prince William County, hosting numerous community events, including several organized by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant quickly became known for its fresh seafood and welcoming atmosphere, drawing in regulars and new patrons alike.

News

Note Containing Threat Passed Among Students at North Stafford High School, Investigation Ongoing

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 24, 2024 at 1:28PM

On Wednesday, October 23, a note containing a threat of bodily harm was found at North Stafford High School, located at 839 Garrisonville Road. The note was initially discovered by a student and circulated among other students before eventually being passed to an adult, who alerted authorities.

Deputy A.N. Taormina, the school resource officer, was informed of the situation at approximately 1:15 p.m. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, school administration, and school security quickly began investigating the potential threat.

News

Prince William County’s Mobile Libraries Empower Residents with Educational and Health Resources

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 24, 2024 at 8:00AM

At the October 15, 2024, meeting of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, the county’s mobile libraries were celebrated for their vital role in delivering educational and health resources to underserved communities. These mobile units, known as the “13th branch” of the Prince William Public Library (PWPL), are helping bridge gaps in access to services and fostering community engagement.

Launched in March 2024, the state-of-the-art Mobile Library was officially introduced at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 21, 2024. County leadership, library staff, and community members gathered to mark the occasion, inviting attendees to tour the new addition to the library system. As part of PWPL’s broader initiative, the mobile library is a critical component of the newly formed Community Outreach Services division. It aims to bring library materials, programs, and technology to areas that need them most.

Business

Dumfries Mayor Announces Soft Opening of The Rose Resort

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 23, 2024 at 2:19PM

Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood announced the soft opening of The Rose, a highly anticipated resort and gaming venue, on Facebook today, ahead of any official statement from the operator, Churchill Downs.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Residents Urge Greater Oversight of CSX Operations in Mayfield Neighborhood

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 23, 2024 at 11:34AM

At the Fredericksburg City Council meeting on October 22, 2024, residents of the Mayfield community voiced growing concerns over safety and environmental risks linked to CSX railroad operations in their area.

Representing the NAACP’s Environmental and Climate Justice Committee, Sabrina Johnson highlighted the relocation of a critical safety device, known as a derail device, near the Mayfield neighborhood. The device had been involved in a recent derailment in Cobblestone Square on July 19, 2024.

News

Jail Guard Charged with Sexual Battery of Inmate

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 23, 2024 at 11:18AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

From the Stafford Sheriff’s Office:

A 60-year-old Correctional Officer was arrested yesterday on five charges.

News

Manassas Faces Potential Water Supply Challenges Due to DEQ Review

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 23, 2024 at 9:39AM

Lake Manassas

The City of Manassas is facing a potential threat to its future water supply, as the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has initiated a review of the city’s water withdrawal permits from Lake Manassas. The DEQ is evaluating whether to rescind the city’s grandfathered rights, which have long allowed Manassas to withdraw water under older, less restrictive conditions.

A change in the city’s withdrawal permit could significantly impact its ability to meet future water needs. City officials, during a recent council meeting, expressed concerns about the DEQ’s review and stressed the urgent need for action.

News

Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment Gains in Stafford Schools

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 23, 2024 at 8:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

Stafford County Public Schools saw significant growth in both Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment participation during the 2023–2024 academic year, continuing their efforts to offer more rigorous academic options and improve student outcomes. As discussed during the Stafford County School Board meeting on October 8, 2024, the district has focused on expanding access to AP and Dual Enrollment courses, resulting in increased participation and success rates.

The number of AP exams administered in Stafford schools has risen steadily over the past few years. During the 2023–2024 academic year, 3,452 AP exams were administered to 1,974 students, with 67% earning a score of three or higher. This score is critical as it is typically the threshold for earning college credit, reflecting the district’s progress in offering challenging coursework and preparing students for post-secondary education.

News

First-of-Its-Kind Crisis Center in Prince William to Open in 2025

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 22, 2024 at 3:27PM

Prince William County is poised to address the community’s mental health needs with the projected 2025 opening of its first Crisis Receiving Center (CRC), which will be located in the old Gander Mountain Store on Worth Avenue in Woodbridge.

Announced during the October 15 Board of County Supervisors meeting, the CRC will offer immediate, short-term care for individuals in mental health crises, following the Crisis Now model designed to reduce unnecessary psychiatric hospitalizations and keep law enforcement focused on public safety.