Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Drew Middle School Rebuild Sparks Debate Over $16 Million Cost Increase

Published December 6, 2024 at 9:58AM | Updated December 6, 2024 at 11:25AM

The planned rebuild of Drew Middle School in Stafford County is moving forward amid discussions about a $16 million increase in costs. The updated total is now $113 million, up from the originally approved $96.5 million in the county’s Capital Improvement Plan.

The additional costs are attributed to land acquisition, off-site infrastructure improvements, and increased contingency funding.

News

Prince William County School Board Approves New Cell Phone Policy Amidst Debate

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 5, 2024 at 6:35PM

Prince William County Schools Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade reads to students at Haymarket Elementary School. [Photo: Prince William County Public Schools]

Under the new policy, students must store their cell phones in lockers or designated areas during school hours, a measure aimed at fostering greater focus and reducing distractions. Exceptions are made for medical needs and approved educational uses.

The policy represents a shift toward stricter regulations, replacing the previous system that allowed limited use during non-instructional periods such as lunch and class changes.

Breaking News

Updated: 1 Injured at Woodbridge Gym Complex Fire

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 5, 2024 at 5:06PM | Updated December 6, 2024 at 9:36AM

Update 9 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024 — Fire crews monitored the scene overnight and will continue overhaul operations with daylight to fully extinguish the fire, as Fire Marshals investigate the cause. Both structures sustained major damage, and one employee of Kid’s Choice Sports Center was treated for a non-life-threatening injury; no firefighters were injured.

From fire and rescue:

News

Stafford Supervisors to Hold Special Meeting Amid Library Board Controversy

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 5, 2024 at 10:19AM | Updated December 5, 2024 at 10:49AM

Gary

The Stafford Board of County Supervisors will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. (not 3 p.m.) on Friday, December 6, 2024. The meeting will occur at the government center at 1300 Courthouse Road, just hours before the board participates in the county’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

The meeting follows a statement issued by Aquia District Supervisor Monica Gary on Facebook. Gary apologized for her role in Mary Becelia’s removal from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees earlier this year.

Features

Marching Bands, Floats, and Holiday Magic: Don’t Miss the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 5, 2024 at 9:08AM | Updated December 5, 2024 at 10:41AM

The magic of the holiday season returns to Northern Virginia as the 78th Annual Greater Manassas Christmas Parade takes to the streets on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. Themed “Christmas in Candyland,” this year’s parade promises a of marching bands, floats, balloons, and holiday cheer.

The parade, a staple of the community for over seven decades, is among the largest holiday celebrations in Northern Virginia. With over 100 units participating, attendees can look forward to performances by local marching bands, including those from Osbourn High School in Manassas, Freedom High School in Woodbridge, and others, alongside decorated floats, dancers, and balloons.

Publisher's Post

Thank You, New Members

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 5, 2024 at 6:00AM | Updated December 5, 2024 at 10:50AM

Thank you to our newest members, Dr. Jack, Gina, and Bethany, who became members over Thanksgiving weekend and took advantage of our discounted annual membership special offered as a Black Friday special.

We could use your support to bring you crucial local news about our communities.

Manassas

Manassas Balances Civil War Legacy with Modern Growth, Survey Reveals

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 4, 2024 at 2:30PM | Updated December 8, 2024 at 6:24PM

A band played on the steps of the Manassas Museum during Civil War Weekend in 2014. [Photo: Manassas City]

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Features

Prince William County Advances Revolutionary War Memorial at Williams Ordinary

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 3, 2024 at 9:45PM | Updated December 5, 2024 at 10:42AM

Williams Ordinary in Dumfries

Uriah’s note: Welcome to another installment of our History and Heritage Feature Series, which was made possible through the support of Sentara. This series celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is advancing plans for a Revolutionary War Memorial at the historic Williams Ordinary in Dumfries, supported by an $81,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Historical Resources (VDHR) Virginia 250 Preservation Fund.

News

Additional Suspects Indicted in Woodbridge Murder-For-Hire Case

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 3, 2024 at 10:35AM | Updated December 3, 2024 at 1:31PM

Carter

Four individuals have been indicted in the murder of 23-year-old Egypt Zapporah Carter, and all suspects are now in custody, the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney and county police announced on December 2.

The case stems from a February 2 shooting in the area of Bronson Ct. and Brickwood Dr. in Dale City, where Carter was ambushed and fatally shot while sitting in her vehicle.

Stafford

Stafford County Secures $1.25M in Grants for Lake Dam Safety Improvements

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 30, 2024 at 9:41PM

At the November 19, 2024, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, significant advancements were announced regarding dam safety improvements for the Lake Arrowhead and Lake Carroll communities.

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