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!

Features

Behind the Scenes of Heartbreak Hotel at Riverside Theater | Meet the Stars of Elvis’s Story

By Uriah Kiser

Step into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with Riverside Theater’s electrifying production of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Featuring Elliott Litherland as “Old Elvis” and Luke Purcell as “Teen Elvis,” this high-energy show will have you singing, dancing, and cheering all night long.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg City Council Advances Plan to Create Data Center Technology District Amid Accelerated Timeline and Public Debate

By Uriah Kiser
Fredericksburg City Hall

The Fredericksburg City Council took a significant step toward attracting data center development on Monday, January 14, by voting unanimously to initiate amendments to the city’s 2015 comprehensive plan, unified development ordinance (UDO), and zoning map. The proposed changes aim to establish a Technology Overlay District (TOD) that would designate roughly 250 acres in the city as a site for data centers and related uses near the Fredericksburg Nationals stadium. 

Currently, the city does not have server farms like those sprouting up in surrounding jurisdictions, such as Stafford, Spotsylvania, Prince William, and King George counties. Unlike their neighbors, the city has far fewer acres of land to devote to the sprawling tech campuses. 

“This is a critical opportunity for Fredericksburg to position itself as a competitive player in the tech industry,” said Mayor Kerry P. Devine. “By concentrating development in a single campus-like district, we can ensure infrastructure is used efficiently while minimizing environmental and community impacts.”

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News

Trump Inauguration Watch Party Draws Crowd to Haymarket

By Uriah Kiser

The sold-out event, held at Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano, drew attendees from across Prince William County and as far away as Peru. Organized under the leadership of Carol Fox, the watch party was described as a joyous occasion that brought local Republicans together to celebrate and enjoy the historic moment.

“The event was a chance to bring Republicans together and have fun watching the inauguration,” said Fox. Adding to the festivities, a dance contest to the tune of “YMCA” delighted guests, with prizes awarded for the most Trump-inspired dance moves. Proceeds from the event will support the Bull Run Republican Women’s Club’s college scholarship program.

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News

Boosting Breakfast Access: Spotsylvania Schools Benefit from No Kid Hungry Grant

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: No Kid Hungry

Spotsylvania County Public Schools has been awarded an $8,578 grant from No Kid Hungry Virginia to support and expand its non-congregate breakfast programs. This funding is part of a $201,000 initiative benefiting 10 school districts across the state, aimed at ensuring students have access to healthy morning meals to start their day prepared for success.

The grant will enable Spotsylvania County schools to implement innovative Breakfast After the Bell initiatives, including grab-and-go meals, breakfast in the classroom, and second-chance breakfast models. These flexible options are designed to meet students where they are, addressing barriers like early bus schedules and busy mornings that often prevent participation in traditional breakfast programs.

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Features

Goolrick Pool Reopens After Extensive Renovation at UMW

By Uriah Kiser

The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has reopened Goolrick Pool for the spring 2025 semester following a six-month, $1.5 million renovation. The upgraded facility, which first opened in 1969, now boasts modern features designed to enhance functionality and extend the life of the historic pool.

The reopening came just in time for the Eagles’ first home varsity swim meet of the season on Saturday, Jan. 18, which was also Senior Day.

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News

Local Va. senator pitches bill to relieve Digital Gateway landowners of their higher tax bills

By Uriah Kiser
McPike

Prince William Times – “Landowners who want to sell their properties for the Prince William Digital Gateway data center development and are suing Prince William County over their higher real estate tax bills were recently dealt a blow in court when a judge ruled against their case.

But they might have a Plan B, thanks to a bill sponsored by state Sen. Jeremy McPike.”

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Features

Students speak on fulfilling ‘the promise of democracy’ at MLK Day event

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William Times – “Ahead of what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 96th birthday, local middle and high school students delivered speeches Saturday that urged Americans to “fulfill the promise of democracy.”

Inspired by King’s writings, six students spoke about what the promise of democracy means to them during the 40th anniversary of the annual MLK Day event, which was held this year at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Triangle.

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Les Miserables School Edition presented by ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre

By Uriah Kiser

Les Misérables is the world’s longest running musical — a true modern classic based on Victor Hugo’s novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. The multi-award-winning Les Misérables is as groundbreaking today as it was when it first premiered in London in 1985. Featuring updated orchestrations based on the Tony-nominated 2014 Broadway revival, Les Misérables School Edition.

Presented by ARTfactory Pied Piper Theatre January 24 at 7:00 PM, January 25 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and January 26 at 2:00 PM at Hylton Performing Arts Center.

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Pets

Meet Hatchi: A Loyal Akita Looking for a Loving Home

By Uriah Kiser

If you’re experienced with Akitas and looking to add a loyal companion to your family, Hatchi might be the perfect match. Hatchi, a 3-year-old Akita, is available for adoption at the Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter in Fredericksburg.

This handsome dog has a few specific needs: Hatchi is best suited as the only pet in a home without cats or young children. Having lived outside for some time before arriving at the shelter, Hatchi may need some help with house training. However, with patience and understanding, he’s ready to become a beloved part of the right family.

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Features

Riverside Brings the King to Life with ‘Heartbreak Hotel’

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Suzanne Carr-Rossi

This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.

Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.

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