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!

Fredericksburg

University of Mary Washington Enrollment Falls

By Uriah Kiser

From The Center Square:

Large, “flagship,” and more selective schools have generally gained enrollment over the same time. Virginia Tech, George Mason University, James Madison University, the University of Virginia and Norfolk State University all grew in the past 10 years, with the first five averaging growth of more than 18% (NSU grew by just 1%).

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News

Deputy Cleared in June 2024 Spotsylvania Officer-Involved Shooting

By Uriah Kiser
Spotsylvania Sheriff's office responded to a domestic violence report that resulted in an officer shooting.

On September 17, 2024, Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott C. Hook concluded that the lethal force used by Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Deputy Lieutenant Daniel Harris during a domestic disturbance on June 30, 2024, was justified. The deputy, an 18-year veteran, fired his weapon after observing a man pointing a firearm at a woman. The male suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. An internal investigation confirmed that the deputy followed all department policies. The Virginia State Police assisted in the review of the incident.

Press release:

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News

Double Homicide Investigation Underway near Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Early on Sunday, October 13, Prince William County police responded to a welfare check at a residence on the 8900 block of Hanson Grove Gt in Manassas, where they found a man and woman shot dead in the basement.

A person of interest has been detained in New Jersey, and investigators believe the individuals were known to each other. Detectives are actively investigating the case and have not yet filed charges. Authorities seek information from the public and will release more details as the investigation continues.

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Features

IKEA Reopens Smaland Playground at Potomac Mills After 3-Year Closure

By Uriah Kiser

IKEA at Potomac Mills Mall is reopening its Smaland kids’ playground after being closed for over three years. The reopening marks IKEA Woodbridge as the first store to pilot a new format for children’s play.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m. Following the ceremony, the play area will be open to the public.

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News

Police Called to Domestic Incident at Rolling Brook Apartments in Lake Ridge

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William police responded to a domestic incident at Rolling Brook Apartments in Lake Ridge early Friday morning, October 11, 2024.

Few details have been released by police, but a tipster informed Potomac Local that officers were seen using a tactical vehicle at the apartment complex around 1 a.m. The nature of the incident remains unclear.

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News

Stafford Supervisor Diggs Endorses Derrick Anderson for Congress

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Alan Gloss]

Diggs, elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2024 representing the George Washington District, praised Anderson’s leadership and vision for the future in a statement announcing his endorsement.

“Derrick Anderson is the leader we need to unite our community and tackle the challenges that matter most, both locally and globally,” Diggs said. “With a deep commitment to putting country over party and strong roots in our community, Derrick is focused on building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. His vision and dedication inspire real change. Let’s come together and support Derrick in making that vision a reality.”

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Business

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Set to Reopen After Fire

By Uriah Kiser

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is preparing to reopen after a fire temporarily forced the restaurant to close in August 2024. The fire, which originated at a neighboring tanning salon on August 23, caused an estimated $85,000 in damages to the Fredericksburg-area eatery.

Despite the setback, owner and operator James Wright, a former accountant who became a franchisee of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in 2015, has continued to pay his employees throughout the closure. Wright’s dedication to his team, whom he refers to as his family, highlights his deep commitment to his employees and the local community.

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Features

Special Olympics Virginia Announces Return of Annual Polar Plunge Events

By Uriah Kiser
Polar plungers take a dip in the Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. [Photo: Mike Beaty]

Ready to chill out for a great cause? Special Olympics Virginia’s annual Polar Plunge events are back, and it’s time to make a splash! Registration is now OPEN for the coolest, most exhilarating event series in the state. Get your swimsuit ready (and maybe some warm towels) because this year’s plunges are bigger, bolder and even more fun!

From the icy shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the frigid waters of lakes and pools statewide, thousands of brave participants will jump into freezing waters – all for the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Virginia. Whether you’re a first-time plunger or a seasoned veteran, this is your chance to be FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON!

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News

Prince William County Supervisors Approve New Positions for Commonwealth Attorney’s Office Amid Funding Challenges

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth (Photo: Mike Beaty)

In a meeting on October 8, 2024, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding for new positions in the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, addressing the office’s need for additional resources to handle an increasing caseload. The positions include four new attorney roles: paralegal, victim-witness staff, and administrative staff. Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth emphasized the importance of these positions for the efficiency and effectiveness of the county’s criminal justice system.

The new hires come after Ashworth said she would withhold prosecution of certain misdemeanor charges, effective May 1, 2024, if county leaders don’t give her more employees.

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Features

RACSB Partners with Altruix Pharmacy to Expand Access to Medication for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

By Uriah Kiser

The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) has announced a new partnership with Altruix Pharmacy to improve access to medication for individuals with behavioral health concerns and developmental disabilities. The collaboration aims to overcome barriers that prevent individuals from taking their prescribed medications, such as transportation, time, and cost.

Joe Wickens, executive director of RACSB, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “The individuals we serve have unique needs. Altruix focuses on behavioral healthcare and developmental disability services, giving them valuable expertise. The pharmacy team will provide tailored care to the people we serve and offer a valuable resource to our employees.”

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