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!

Opinion

Opinion: As Republicans Gain Ground, Manassas Democrats Must Learn to Govern for All

By Uriah Kiser

The 2024 election results for Manassas signal a shift in the city’s political landscape.

While Democratic Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger retained her seat with a notable 56.91% of the vote, Republicans have made meaningful inroads, building on a newfound organizational strength seen across the state as conservatives embraced Virginia’s early voting system in record numbers. In what has become one of the city’s most contentious elections in recent memory, conservatives leveraged social media and new voices, such as the “Until They Kick Us Out” podcast, to rally supporters and draw attention to their causes. The Republican Party’s increased cohesion and visibility hint at a changing dynamic in a city once considered solidly Democratic.

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News

Community Connects at Police Meet-and-Greet in Potomac Mills Mall

By Uriah Kiser

Jennifer Snitselaar, General Manager of Potomac Mills, emphasized the mall’s commitment to being a “center of community” in Woodbridge. “We are a very large tourist destination, and we aim to be a reflection of our community within our doors,” said Snitselaar. “Collaborating with Prince William Police to create a safe and welcoming environment is part of that mission.” The mall’s police substation, a permanent fixture, is another example of the ongoing partnership designed to enhance safety and build community connections.

Parent Lauren Lumley, who lives in Woodbridge with her 13-month-old son, Sawyer, said the event provided an invaluable experience for her child. “I thought it was really important for Sawyer to get to see police officers, so the first time he either needs one or sees one out in the world, it’s not so scary,” Lumley explained.

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News

Dumfries Town Council Election Today: 4 Candidates, 3 Open Seats

By Uriah Kiser

Voters in Dumfries are heading to the polls today to choose three candidates for the Town Council from a slate of four contenders. The candidates include incumbents Brian Fields and Shaun Peet and new challengers Ebony Lofton and Russell Young. The election comes amid ongoing discussions about growth, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life in the town of about 5,000 residents.

Brian Fields, 54, a Dumfries Town Council member seeking his third term, is running on a platform to continue the town’s progress under his tenure. Fields, who has lived in the Dumfries area for over eight years, emphasized his commitment to projects such as the Route 1 widening initiative and the Chronicle Creek restoration. He highlighted how these developments and the construction of new businesses like a Wawa gas station, The Rose Hotel and slots, the largest company to open in Dumfries, will modernize the town.

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Prince William

Everything You Need to Know About the Occoquan Riverwalk Ahead of Key Town Council Discussion

By Uriah Kiser

The Occoquan Town Council will meet on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, to discuss a significant milestone in the development of the Occoquan Riverwalk. The public meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the town hall, 314 Mill Street

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News

Manassas City Council Announces Finalists for City Manager Position, Moves Forward After 12-Month Search

By Uriah Kiser
Manassas City Council

The Manassas City Council has narrowed its search for a new city manager, announcing that it will interview five candidates on November 14 and 15.

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News

Opening of Puller Veterans Care Center Delayed to 2025, Virginia Officials Confirm

By Uriah Kiser
The new Puller Veterans Care Center (Puller VCC) is being built on the former Vint Hill Farms Station in Fauquier County, which previously served as a United States Army and National Security Agency facility. The site played a critical role in eavesdropping on enemy communications during World War II, when it intercepted a message that helped lead to the D-Day invasion of Normandy. The new care center will deliver top-quality care to Virginia veterans in a home-like setting. The 128-bed facility will feature all private rooms that will be organized into households and neighborhoods that surround a central community center. [Virginia Department of Veterans Services]

“No, it’s not going to be ready by the end of the year,” confirmed Commissioner Charles Ziegler, who assumed his role in January. Ziegler cited pandemic-related labor shortages, ADA compliance issues, and ongoing quality control efforts as factors contributing to the revised timeline.

A History of Delays

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Manassas Park

Manassas Park Honors Veterans with Flag Raising Ceremony

By Uriah Kiser

On Friday, November 1, at 1 p.m., Manassas Park City held its annual Veterans Flag Ceremony outside City Hall, paying tribute to the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Led by the Manassas Park Honor Guard, the event commenced with reverence and respect as the American Legion Post 10’s Color Guard presented the colors, marking the beginning of a solemn yet celebratory occasion.

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News

Stafford County to Host Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with a Special Visit from Santa

By Uriah Kiser
The Stafford County Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on December 2, 2022.

The holiday season is kicking off with a festive celebration as Stafford County prepares for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event, which will take place on December 6 at the George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center, located at 1300 Courthouse Road.

This year’s event promises an extra sprinkle of holiday cheer, as Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance, offering families the chance to capture memorable photos and share their Christmas wish lists. The festivities will include plenty of opportunities for photos, holiday decorations, and the chance to enjoy the beautiful illumination of the county’s Christmas tree, set against the scenic backdrop of Stafford Parks.

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News

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair Deshundra Jefferson Recovers from Crohn’s Disease Surgery, Ready to Address Housing, Data Center Issues

By Uriah Kiser
Jefferson

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair, at-large Deshundra Jefferson, is on the mend after having had surgery for Crohn’s disease. This chronic inflammatory bowel condition has affected her health over the past two years.

Now two weeks post-surgery, Jefferson reports feeling “pretty good” and looks forward to resuming her duties full-time, including attending Zoom meetings and tackling a backlog of emails next week. Despite her temporary absence, Jefferson is grateful for her colleagues, especially Supervisor Boddye, who stepped up in her absence, as well as her staff, friends, and supportive 16-year-old son. “These things are kind of frightening until you actually go through them,” she shared, noting the relief of finally addressing symptoms that had worsened over the past few months.

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Publisher's Post

Don’t Let the Local News Haunt You – See What You Might Be Missing!

By Uriah Kiser

Happy Halloween! It’s scary to think of all the local news you might miss if you’re not visiting PotomacLocalNews.com regularly. Our daily email brings you the six most recent posts, but there’s so much more happening in our community that you won’t want to miss.

Here’s a glimpse of what might have passed you by if you haven’t checked in on our site:

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