Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Manassas Faces Potential Water Supply Challenges Due to DEQ Review

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.

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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.

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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.

Manassas

Public Health Officer Charged with Second-Degree Murder

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 22, 2024 at 1:58PM

On October 21, 2024, at 2:29 p.m., the Manassas City Police Department received a 911 call stating that a person had been shot in a residence located in the 9200 block of Brinkley Lane in Manassas. Police responded and found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel also responded to the residence and pronounced him dead on the scene.

A suspect at the scene was identified as the shooter and subsequently detained by police. Investigators determined that the incident was between domestic partners who both lived at the residence. The suspect was placed in custody and transported to the Prince William County Adult Detention Center. She was charged with the following criminal offenses and held without bond.

Manassas

Woodbridge Man Dies After Suffering Medical Emergency in Car

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 22, 2024 at 1:48PM | Updated October 23, 2024 at 10:54AM

From Prince William police:

Fatal Crash Investigation – On October 8 at 7:58AM, crash investigators responded to the area of the Prince William Pkwy and Clover Hill Rd [near] Manassas (20110) to investigate a single vehicle crash. The investigation revealed the driver of a 1999 Ford Mustang was traveling westbound on the Prince William Pkwy when the vehicle left the roadway and proceeded up an embankment before coming to rest on top of a guardrail. The driver is believed to have suffered a medical emergency and was transported to an area hospital where he later died on October 16. No other occupants were in the vehicle.

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Emergency Housing Program Receives Over 500 Applications in One Week

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 22, 2024 at 1:38PM

At the October 15, 2024, Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting, pressing housing issues took center stage as the county faces an unprecedented demand for emergency housing assistance and a growing crisis of affordability for senior citizens.

The county’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program received an overwhelming number of applications in just one week, with over 500 households seeking support. Joan Duckett, Director of the Office of Housing, reported that this surge in applications reflects the mounting challenges faced by low-income and at-risk populations, including those threatened with homelessness. This rapid influx underscores the urgency of the housing crisis in Prince William, where increasing rent prices have made stable housing out of reach for many residents.

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Prince William County Supervisors Address Panhandling Concerns with New Communication Strategy

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 22, 2024 at 12:30PM

In its October 15, 2024, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors announced a new initiative to improve community engagement and communication regarding panhandling. The board issued a directive to the county’s communications office, asking for a comprehensive plan to address the growing concerns about panhandling across the region.

Panhandling has been an ongoing topic in Prince William County, with residents expressing concerns over safety and the visibility of people asking for money at busy intersections. Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry raised the issue during the meeting, emphasizing the need for a clear communication strategy to educate the public about the county’s response to the problem.

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Data Show Republicans Surpassing Democrats in Early In-Person Voting

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 22, 2024 at 10:50AM | Updated January 18, 2025 at 1:13PM

[Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash]

Republicans may be eclipsing Democrats in early in-person voting this year in Virginia, though Democrats appear to be outperforming Republicans in submitting mail-in ballots, according to data compiled by the nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project.

Just two weeks out from the presidential election, Republicans are likely to have cast 46.5% of early in-person ballots, while Democrats likely account for 45.5%.

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Prince William Schools Celebrate Excellence: T. Clay Wood Receives Blue Ribbon, National Merit Scholars Recognized

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 22, 2024 at 10:34AM

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) had much to celebrate at the October 16, 2024, school board meeting. The recognition of both T. Clay Wood Elementary School and six outstanding National Merit Scholarship semifinalists underscores the district’s dedication to academic achievement and closing performance gaps.

T. Clay Wood Elementary: National Blue Ribbon School

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Prince William County Schools Grapple with Overcrowding: Covington-Harper Elementary Faces Redistricting Proposal

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 22, 2024 at 10:00AM

Prince William County School Board is addressing a growing concern about student overcrowding, particularly at Covington-Harper Elementary School near Dumfries, where eight trailers are being used to accommodate the rising number of students. During the October 16, 2024, school board meeting, board member Justin Wilk proposed beginning the redistricting process to manage the school’s overflow of students, but the motion failed to gain unanimous support.

Covington-Harper Elementary, located in the rapidly expanding Potomac Shores development, is already facing significant capacity challenges. The growth continues to grow, with an estimated 300 additional housing units expected to be completed within the next year, adding further pressure on the school’s resources.