Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Two Tractor Trailers Overturned in Stafford County within 24 Hours

Published August 15, 2024 at 3:07PM | Updated August 15, 2024 at 3:59PM

Two incidents involving overturned tractor-trailers occurred in Stafford County within 24 hours.

The first incident took place on the ramp to southbound Interstate 95 at milepost 133, near the Rappahannock River. There is no information yet on any injuries. Virginia State Police have charged the tractor-trailer driver with reckless driving, according to Virginia State Police Sergeant Brent W. Coffey.

News

Manassas Park Woman Missing Since July: Police Ask for Help

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 15, 2024 at 2:50PM

Manassas Park Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance locating Mamta Kafle Bhatta, a 28-year-old woman who was reported missing. Following a welfare check, officers initially visited Kafle’s residence on August 2, 2024. During this visit, her husband, who police identified as Mr. Bhatt, provided information but did not file a missing person report.

On August 5, Bhatt contacted the police again and reported Kafle Bhatta missing. The police began an investigation, but it was initially determined that her disappearance did not meet the Virginia State Police criteria for a missing person case. After further investigation and the absence of contact with family, friends, or on social media, police elevated the case to an Involuntary/Critical Missing Person status. Virginia State Police distributed her missing person flyer to law enforcement agencies across Virginia and the U.S.

Features

Widewater State Park Reopens Boat Ramp After Dredging Project

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 15, 2024 at 2:16PM

Press release

The boat ramp is open at Widewater State Park. The?ramp?area has been improved and is ready for use again after being closed for several months due to a maintenance dredging project.

News

Stafford County Board of Supervisors Announces New Meeting Schedule to Boost Public Participation

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 15, 2024 at 10:54AM

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has amended its By-laws to implement a new meeting schedule starting August 20, 2024, which includes three meeting days per month: A Day for business items, B-Day for work sessions and public hearings, and C Day for additional work sessions as needed. All meetings will begin at 5 p.m. to encourage greater public participation, and public comment opportunities will remain available on both A and B Days.

Press release:

Features

2024 Arts Alive! Festival Announced

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 15, 2024 at 8:00AM

Arts Alive Festival

The 2024 Arts Alive! Festival, a free and family-friendly event, will be held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Saturday, September 14, featuring art, dance, music, and more. Organized by the Prince William County Arts Council, Parks and Recreation Department, and the Hylton Performing Arts Center, the event includes performances, activities, food, and craft vendors, and will take place rain or shine.

Press release:

News

Dumfries Vice Mayor Pushes for Small Business Growth Amid Gaming Resort Development

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 14, 2024 at 12:00PM | Updated November 9, 2024 at 3:35PM

Workout Anytime is a new gym to open in the Triangle Shopping Center in Dumfries.

Dumfries Vice Mayor Monae Nickerson is leading a renewed effort to attract more small businesses to the town as it prepares for the opening of The Rose, a 300-room gaming resort and hotel set to become the largest gaming destination in Northern Virginia. Town leaders are focused on creating a diverse mix of retail and service businesses to complement the expected influx of visitors with the resort’s opening.

Nickerson outlined the town’s strategy, which includes a year-long contract extension with Retail Strategies, a firm hired to identify and attract potential businesses to Dumfries. “We are hopeful that the Rose will serve as a beacon, an anchor, that will attract more businesses to Dumfries as a destination,” Nickerson said. The Rose, which will offer video slot machines but not table games, is expected to draw visitors from across the region.

Health

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Earns Top National Honor for Nursing Care

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 14, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated August 29, 2024 at 10:28AM

Photo: SNVMC staff celebrate the announcement of Magnet recognition.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) has earned its first-ever Magnet with Distinction recognition, the highest national honor for nursing excellence, as of August 12, 2024. This prestigious designation places SNVMC among a select group of hospitals worldwide, celebrating their superior quality in nursing care and commitment to patient excellence.

Press release:

News

Manassas Awaits Permanent City Manager as Doug Keen’s Interim Tenure Nears One Year

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 14, 2024 at 9:00AM

Manassas City Police Chief turned Interim City Manager Douglas Keen is nearing the one-year mark as the city’s government’s chief employee. He stepped into the role following the resignation of former City Manager W. Patrick Pate. Despite the extended tenure, Keen has clarified that he does not wish to assume the position permanently.

Keen began serving as Interim City Manager in November 2023, after Pate left to become the City Manager of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After conducting interviews for the role, the Manassas City Council selected Keen for the interim position during a September 18, 2023, meeting.

News

Manassas Event to Honor 9/11 Victims and Heroes on September 11

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 13, 2024 at 3:54PM

[Courtesy of the City of Manassas]

The Northern Virginia Veterans Association, in collaboration with the Freedom Museum, the Manassas Museum, and the Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William, is organizing an event to honor those impacted by September 11, 2001. The event will be held on the lawn of the Manassas Museum on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 3 p.m.

This gathering, titled “9/11 In Honoring Those Who Gave All,” is a free event open to the public. It aims to bring the community together to hear stories from individuals directly involved in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect and honor the memory of those who lost their lives on that day.

Health

Winners Church and Sentara to Host Annual Community Health Fair in Dumfries

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 13, 2024 at 3:45PM | Updated August 29, 2024 at 10:28AM

Winners Church is partnering with Sentara to host the annual Community Health Fair on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 17877 Old Triangle Road in Dumfries. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with various health services and screenings available to the community.

A significant feature of this year’s fair is the presence of Sentara’s Mobile Mammography Unit, offering 3D breast cancer screenings from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The screenings are aimed at the African diaspora, African American community, and those who may face financial barriers to accessing this service. The event will also focus on raising awareness about breast cancer and other prevalent health issues.