Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Traffic Alert: Lane Closure on Opitz Boulevard Overpass for Ramp Construction

Published October 1, 2024 at 1:00PM

A pedestrian fence. Photo: Transurban

Commuters and residents in Woodbridge should prepare for a planned lane closure that will impact traffic on the Opitz Boulevard westbound overpass at Interstate 95. The closure, scheduled from 6 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, until 5 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, is necessary to construct a new ramp linking the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes to Opitz Boulevard.

This infrastructure project aims to enhance traffic flow and accessibility to key destinations in the area, including Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and nearby commercial centers. However, as the construction enters a critical phase, disruptions are anticipated. The specific lane closure will allow workers to safely implement parts of the new ramp directly above the Opitz Boulevard overpass.

News

Stafford County’s National Night Out is Tonight, October 1, 2024

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 11:30AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Originally moved to the fall during the pandemic, Stafford continues to hold this event in October, unlike other jurisdictions that celebrate in August.

The event will be held at Stafford Marketplace in North Stafford and provides an opportunity for neighbors to meet and connect outside. Registration opened on June 21. The opening ceremony will begin at 5 p.m., and the event is free to the public. Attendees are reminded to leave pets at home unless they are service animals and to refrain from smoking. Weather conditions are monitored, and updates will be provided on the sheriff’s Facebook and X accounts if necessary.

Publisher's Post

We Need Your Stories: Stafford County School Bus Issues

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 10:33AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Dear Members,

We seek your insights on the ongoing challenges with the Stafford County Public Schools transportation system. As many of you know, the start of the school year was marked by significant bus scheduling issues, leaving 3,000 children without transportation, as reported in late August. This has continued with late buses and some that never showed, profoundly affecting students and families.

Features

Dumfries Woman, Prince William Foster Parent, Appears on Today Show

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 10:15AM

ARLnow.com: “An Arlington business owner and veteran was featured on NBC’s Today Show this week for a life of service to others…Cheeks, of Dumfries, has fostered over 20 children since the late 2000s. In July, she earned the title of Foster Parent of the Year in Prince William County.”

News

Man Charged after Attempted Carjacking at Potomac Mills

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 9:45AM

On the night of September 29, police were called to the 13500 block of Langtree Lane in Woodbridge to address an attempted carjacking. The incident occurred between a 30-year-old woman and an acquaintance, during which a verbal altercation escalated. The suspect tried to forcibly take the woman’s keys, leading to a brief physical struggle before they separated. The suspect was arrested the following day without any injuries being reported from the incident. He is now facing charges of attempted carjacking and is being held without bond.

News

Police Fire at Aggressive Dog After Multiple Attacks in Gainesville

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 9:30AM

The dogs had bitten two people and attacked another man despite police commands. An officer discharged their firearm, grazing one of the dogs, which then fled with the other dog. Both were later contained at Hillwood Camping Park, where they and their owner were found. Animal Control took custody of the dogs pending further investigation. Minor injuries were reported in the incidents.

From Prince William police:

News

Body Found at Belmont Bay

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 9:15AM

Officers responded to a report of a death in the 500 block of Harbor Side Street in Woodbridge on Saturday, September 28 at 10:20 p.m. The deceased, a 46-year-old man, was discovered by a fishing vessel crew floating in the water. Fire and rescue teams retrieved the body, confirming the death. Initial investigations indicate no signs of foul play, with the exact cause and manner of death awaiting determination by the Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as needed.

From Prince William police:

Manassas

OmniRide Reports Steady Growth in Ridership, Despite Challenges

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated October 5, 2024 at 2:57PM

The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has announced a sustained increase in ridership through August 2024, reflecting a growing reliance on public transit amid various operational challenges, including service reductions and fare adjustments.

In August 2024, PRTC experienced an average daily ridership of 2,753 passengers, a 22% increase compared to last year. This rise comes despite significant service cuts implemented at the end of July and a $2 fare increase at the start of the month. Even a tropical storm at the beginning of August failed to significantly deter passengers, underscoring the essential role of PRTC in the daily lives of many in the region, said OmniRide CEO Dr. Robert A. “Bob” Schneider.

Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 4:00AM | Updated October 16, 2024 at 5:11PM

The Office of Historic Preservation serves as stewards of County-owned historic structures, cultural and natural resources, historic landscapes, and artifacts.

OmniRide: Get There Smarter

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 1, 2024 at 3:59AM | Updated October 16, 2024 at 3:50PM

OmniRide is the operating name for the mobility services offered by the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC). OmniRide’s goal is to provide safe, reliable and flexible transportation options while helping to reduce congestion and pollution in one of the region’s fastest growing areas. OmniRide’s headquarters are in Woodbridge, Virginia, about 25 miles southwest of […]