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!

Breaking News

Breaking News: Schools in Manassas and Stafford County on Alert Following Separate Incidents

By Uriah Kiser

Schools across the region are on heightened alert today as police investigate multiple incidents at schools in Manassas and Stafford County. While no immediate danger has been reported, authorities are taking extra precautions to ensure student and staff safety.

Incident at Osbourn High School, Manassas

Go to Breaking News: Schools in Manassas and Stafford County on Alert Following Separate Incidents Read more
News

Stafford School Board Chair Addresses Transportation Failures Amid Calls for Independent Investigation

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund, elected in 2021 to represent the Garrisonville District, spoke with Potomac Local News for the first time since the school division failed to provide transportation to more than 3,000 students at the start of the school year. The transportation issues, which affected about 10% of the student population, left parents struggling to find alternate ways to get their children to school for nearly two weeks.

Siegmund addressed the growing calls for an independent investigation into the transportation breakdown, stating, “We don’t know yet what that [investigation] will look like. The RFQs [Requests for Qualifications] are out, and once we get through that process, we’ll determine what that looks like.” When asked if any personnel changes had been made within the transportation department, Siegmund was unable to provide specifics but emphasized that discussions have been ongoing.

Go to Stafford School Board Chair Addresses Transportation Failures Amid Calls for Independent Investigation Read more
Features

Leadership Prince William Class of 2025 Kicks Off with Passing of the Torch

By Uriah Kiser
Haney

Heather Haney, a participant in the Leadership Prince William Signature Program Class of 2025, shared her journey with the organization, reflecting on how it began with the Emerging Leaders Program. Haney’s involvement in Leadership Prince William started in 2018 after a friend encouraged her to apply.

“I was in a tough headspace at the time, working on launching my own business,” Haney said. “My friend, who was already involved with Leadership Prince William, suggested I give it a try.”

Go to Leadership Prince William Class of 2025 Kicks Off with Passing of the Torch Read more
News

Stafford School Transportation Woes Spark Parent Outcry, Calls for Independent Review

By Uriah Kiser

Multiple parents raised concerns about ongoing transportation issues in the school district at the Stafford County School Board meeting on September 10, 2024. During the citizen comment period, delays, missed buses, and lack of communication were highlighted.

Michael Schultz, a parent, addressed the board about the transportation challenges his daughter has faced. “We’re about in week five of the school year, and I can say that transportation has been consistently horrible and inconsistent in pretty much all aspects,” Schultz said. He described situations where students were left at school for extended periods, saying, “There were kids that were still at the school two hours and 45 minutes after dismissal.” Schultz expressed frustration at the lack of improvement and transportation discussions on the meeting agenda.

Go to Stafford School Transportation Woes Spark Parent Outcry, Calls for Independent Review Read more
Schools

Stafford County School Board Awards $44 Million Contract for New Elementary School

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

The Stafford County School Board unanimously approved the construction of Elementary School 19 during its monthly business meeting on September 10, 2024.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Stafford County School Board Awards $44 Million Contract for New Elementary School Read more
News

Save the Date: Volunteer Prince William’s Fall Reverse Raffle & Dinner on October 19 to Support Untrim-A-Tree – Grand Prize $10,000!

By Uriah Kiser

Greetings, Prince William: Mark Your Calendars for Volunteer Prince William’s Fall Reverse Raffle & Dinner in support of Untrim-A-Tree on October 19, 6:30 p.m., at Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the raffle begins at 7 p.m.

Your $100 donation includes dinner for two, two drink tickets per ticket, and the opportunity to win prizes leading up to the Grand Prize of $10,000! It should be a fun evening of good food, networking, and a chance to win the Grand Prize, all to support a cause that will guarantee vulnerable children in our community a Merry Christmas on December 25! Please email [email protected] for more information.

Go to Save the Date: Volunteer Prince William’s Fall Reverse Raffle & Dinner on October 19 to Support Untrim-A-Tree – Grand Prize $10,000! Read more
Business

KO Distilling Celebrates 9th Anniversary with Special Bourbon Release and Community Event

By Uriah Kiser

KO Distilling in Manassas is celebrating its ninth anniversary with a series of events and a special release of its first-ever 9-year Single Barrel High Rye Bourbon.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Go to KO Distilling Celebrates 9th Anniversary with Special Bourbon Release and Community Event Read more
Fredericksburg

Vindman Presses Anderson on Abortion Stance, Declines High-Profile TV Debate

By Uriah Kiser
Vindman / Anderson

A press release from Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman’s (D) congressional campaign challenges his opponent, Derrick Anderson (R), to be transparent about his stance on abortion rights during upcoming debates and public events. Vindman’s campaign accuses Anderson of trying to hide his anti-abortion views due to their unpopularity.

Vindman, the Democratic nominee for Virginia’s 7th District in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties, and Fredericksburg, has openly shared his pro-choice position and plans to continue doing so at events throughout September and October. He pledges to vote for codifying Roe v. Wade and against a national abortion ban.

Go to Vindman Presses Anderson on Abortion Stance, Declines High-Profile TV Debate Read more
Manassas Park

Man Found Dead in Blooms Park; Unrelated to Missing Mother Mamta Bhatt Case, Police Say

By Uriah Kiser

A 31-year-old man from Manassas City was found dead in Blooms Park on the night of September 6, 2024, after police and multiple agencies responded to a report of a lost hiker. The search included assistance from the Manassas Park Fire Department, Prince William County Police Department, Fairfax County Police Department, and Warren County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities have confirmed there is no suspected foul play and no threat to the public. The victim’s name has not been released, and the case has been handed over to the medical examiner for review.

This incident is unrelated to the case of the missing mother, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who is presumed dead. Police have conducted searches in Blooms Park and nearby areas for her body. Her husband, Naresh Bhatt, was arrested and charged with felony concealing a body on Thursday.

Go to Man Found Dead in Blooms Park; Unrelated to Missing Mother Mamta Bhatt Case, Police Say Read more
Publisher's Post

Stafford’s School Bus Failure: We Won’t Stop Until You Get Answers

By Uriah Kiser

The school division waited until the last minute to inform parents, causing many to rush to adjust schedules and make alternate arrangements to get their children to school.

Questions about what happened have only grown in the weeks since this debacle. Despite our multiple requests, no elected county school board member has agreed to be interviewed by Potomac Local News.

Go to Stafford’s School Bus Failure: We Won’t Stop Until You Get Answers Read more
View More Stories