Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Freeze Warning Issued for Sunday Night

Published October 26, 2024 at 3:52PM

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for Sunday night, October 27, as temperatures are expected to plummet into the upper 20s and lower 30s across the region. The cold front that moved through the area earlier this morning brought cooler and drier air, which will persist into the night. Winds will begin to weaken after 3 a.m. Monday morning, with high pressure building over the region, leading to mostly clear skies and light winds.

The freeze warning is a concern for areas where the growing season is still in effect. Residents are urged to take precautions to protect sensitive plants and vegetation.

Poll

Poll: Do You Think the New Osbourn High Policies Will Help?

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 26, 2024 at 3:42PM | Updated October 27, 2024 at 3:48PM

The new principal of Osbourn High School has rolled out a variety of new policies and practices in an effort to increase student performance at Manassas’ only high school.

Share your thoughts with us below!

Fredericksburg

Emergency Repairs Completed on I-95 Southbound After Multi-Vehicle Crash and Road Damage

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2024 at 11:34AM

All lanes on Interstate 95 southbound have reopened as of 10:35 p.m., Thursday, October 24, following a multi-vehicle crash involving at least one tractor-trailer and extensive road repairs near mile marker 108 in Caroline County. One person was injured, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The incident began at 7 a.m. when a crash blocked northbound and southbound lanes near mile marker 108. Emergency responders closed all I-95 northbound and two southbound lanes between exits 110 (Ladysmith) and 104 (Carmel Church) as they worked the scene.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Pushes for Urban Tree Canopy Expansion to Preserve Green Spaces

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2024 at 11:21AM

A view of Downtown Fredericksburg from above Hurkamp Park [Photo: Fredericksburg City]

Brent Hunsinger, a representative for the organization, spoke on the importance of expanding tree cover in urban areas, stating, “Thank you very much for working with the city on this issue…we feel that this is a very important step so that our lawmakers in Richmond can see that localities care about this as well, not just organizations such as Friends of the Rappahannock, as we work towards expanding that authority potentially down the road to try preserve and expand that urban tree canopy.”

Urban tree canopy initiatives provide numerous benefits, including improved air quality, reduced heat, and enhanced community well-being. These projects are increasingly recognized as essential for building climate resilience in cities, where trees help mitigate the effects of urban heat and contribute to carbon sequestration. With the legislative session approaching in January, Fredericksburg’s request for increased authority to preserve and grow its tree canopy reflects a broader commitment to environmental sustainability.

News

Stafford County School Board Advocates for Legislative Support on Key Education Issues

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2024 at 11:14AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

Elected leaders meet at Brooke Point High School on October 17, 2024 to discuss the Stafford County Public Schools legislative agenda. [Photo: Stafford schools]

The School Board’s legislative agenda underscores several issues:

1. Cost-of-Competing Adjustment (COCA): Stafford County receives only 25% of the COCA funding that neighboring Northern Virginia districts enjoy, despite facing similar cost-of-living and market conditions. The Board urged lawmakers to support full COCA funding to help Stafford attract and retain educators, noting a $10,000 average salary gap between teachers in Stafford and nearby districts.

Features

8th Annual Flags for Heroes to Honor Veterans and Local Heroes at Manassas Museum Lawn

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2024 at 10:08AM

The Bull Run Rotary Club will host its 8th Annual Flags for Heroes event from November 8 to November 16, 2024, at the Manassas Museum lawn at 9101 Prince William Street, Manassas. This event will feature hundreds of American flags displayed in honor of Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, frontline workers, and Local First Responders who have sacrificed significantly to protect and serve their communities and country.

The opening ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, marking the beginning of this week-long tribute. All proceeds raised through hero sponsorships will benefit the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, a facility dedicated to supporting wounded veterans by providing them a peaceful place to heal and reconnect with their families.

Features

Photos: Occoquan at Halloween

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2024 at 9:40AM | Updated October 25, 2024 at 1:27PM

Update from Mayor Earnie Porta:

Join us Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. for our annual family-friendly Halloween Costume Parade and Contest. Meet at the Riverwalk Shops at 125 Mill Street, from which we will begin our parade down Mill Street to River Mill Park. At the park judging will take place for the categories of cutest, scariest, funniest, most original, and family/group. First place winners in each category will receive $25 gift certificates that can be used at select businesses in town. No advance registration is necessary, there is no fee to participate, and this event is open to everyone. (To accommodate the parade Mill Street will be closed briefly on a rolling basis between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m.). For more information go to the Visit Occoquan web site at https://www.visitoccoquanva.com/costumeparade. Hope that you can join us for this popular annual Occoquan event.

Manassas

Manassas to Limit Downtown Events Amid Rising Public Safety Concerns

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2024 at 8:38AM

Manassas City Hall

Following concerns over underage drinking and unregulated alcohol consumption, the Manassas City Council has implemented a new policy to limit the number of events held downtown. The decision, discussed at the October 21 council meeting, aims to reduce the strain on city resources and improve public safety, particularly for the popular First Friday gatherings in Downtown Manassas.

The policy will reserve one weekend each month as a “respite weekend,” when no significant events will be held in downtown, allowing city infrastructure and staff a much-needed break. Furthermore, city officials are considering reducing the frequency of First Fridays and other recurring events to manage safety risks and improve the experience for residents and local businesses.

Fredericksburg

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

By Uriah Kiser

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.