Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Double Shooting Investigated in Spotsylvania

Published September 13, 2024 at 10:04AM

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

Spotsylvania County sheriff’s deputies are investigating a shooting that occurred at 9:50 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at a home on W Glen Dower Drive, about three miles from Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.

They found an adult male with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and a second victim inside the home with a gunshot wound to an extremity. Detectives believe the estranged adult son arrived at the home and shot his father through the front door. Both were transported to a trauma center, with the son in critical condition and the father in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.

Manassas

First Fridays Under Scrutiny: Manassas Considers Event Management Changes

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 12, 2024 at 3:15PM | Updated September 16, 2024 at 2:46PM

Manassas City Council

The Manassas City Council is re-evaluating the popular First Fridays event, a staple in the city’s historic downtown, following feedback from residents, businesses, and local authorities regarding public safety and overall event management.

At the heart of the review is the need to balance the community appeal of First Fridays with growing concerns about safety, traffic congestion, and parking. The council is considering changes to ensure the event remains a vibrant part of city life while addressing logistical challenges.

Breaking News

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

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 12, 2024 at 1:09PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

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

News

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

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 12, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

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.

Features

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

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 12, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated September 12, 2024 at 8:42PM

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.”

News

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

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 11, 2024 at 3:16PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

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.

Schools

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

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 11, 2024 at 2:49PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

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

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

Published September 9, 2024 at 3:49PM | Updated September 13, 2024 at 11:25AM

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.

Business

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

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 9, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated October 16, 2024 at 4:17PM

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. The celebration started with a Business After Hours event hosted by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the distillery’s location, 10381 Central Park Drive, Suite 105.

CEO Bill Karlson addressed attendees, announcing plans for the upcoming anniversary. The distillery will hold a public event on Saturday, September 14, featuring the release of a limited-edition 9-year Single Barrel High Rye Bourbon. This marks the first time KO Distilling will release this aged bourbon from barrels ordered from MGP in Indiana before the distillery’s public opening in 2015.

Fredericksburg

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

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 9, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

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.

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

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