Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Sumerduck Man Charged with Felony DUI After Head-On Collision on Warrenton Road

Published August 13, 2024 at 12:29PM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 10:45PM

We first told you about this crash, which happened on Sunday night.

A 31-year-old Summerduck man, John Bruton III, faces multiple charges, including a felony, after a DUI-related head-on collision on Warrenton Road, resulting in severe injuries to himself and an adult passenger in the other vehicle. Bruton is being held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail pending his release from a hospital.

News

Costs Balloon for Drew Middle School Replacement

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 13, 2024 at 12:23PM

The Stafford County School Board met on Tuesday, August 6, to discuss several significant capital improvement projects, focusing on school replacements, renovations, and new facilities. Acting Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Chris Fulmer led the discussion, emphasizing the early stages of these projects and the need for careful planning.

One of the main topics was the replacement of Drew Middle School. The projected costs for this project have increased from the previously approved $96 million to an estimated $115 to $120 million. Fulmer noted that the increase is due to the higher square footage required, land costs, and off-site improvements requested by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). “We’re anticipating having an architect on board in November,” Fulmer said, adding that the planning and design schedules are compressed due to the immediate needs of the school division.

Prince William

Illegal Dumping of Hazardous Drums in Nokesville

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 13, 2024 at 11:43AM

The Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating two incidents of illegally dumping 55-gallon drums containing waste on Reid Lane in Nokesville, posing significant environmental risks.

The Hazardous Materials Team secured the site, and the removal of the drums is being handled by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Schools

Stafford County Parents Push for Responsive, Long-Term Superintendent

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2024 at 11:45AM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:37PM

Stafford County School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund

The Stafford County School Board has provided a detailed timeline for its search for a new school division superintendent. During a recent board meeting, the consulting firm JG Consulting, hired to assist with the search, presented the timeline and key milestones.

The search is currently in the community engagement phase. JG Consulting has conducted meetings with various groups within Stafford County, both internally and externally, to gather input on the leadership qualities desired in the next superintendent.

Prince William

Fire and Rescue Crews Respond to Incident at Mountcastle-Turch Funeral Home

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2024 at 10:44AM

On Monday, August 12, 2024, fire and rescue crews from Prince William and Fairfax counties were dispatched to Mountcastle-Turch Funeral Home in Woodbridge’s 13400 block of Woodbridge Street. The call was received at 10:23 a.m. after reports of extra smoke coming from the funeral home’s chimney and garage.

Upon arrival, crews investigated the source of the smoke and found a malfunctioning crematorium. Initial information from the scene indicated that a body was being cremated at the facility. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Business

Town Hall Meeting Set to Discuss 432-Home Hoadly Square Project

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 12, 2024 at 8:00AM

Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye will hold a town hall meeting to discuss the proposed Hoadly Square development.

The meeting will address the request to rezone approximately 56 acres of land between Hoadly Road and Prince William Parkway near Woodbridge. The developer, JR Real Estate Group, submitted the rezoning request to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in January 2024.

News

Two Adults Seriously Injured in Head-On Crash on Route 17 in Stafford County

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2024 at 10:01PM

A serious head-on collision on Route 17 (Warrenton Road) in south Stafford County left two adults with significant injuries late Saturday night. The crash occurred at approximately 9:32 p.m. near the intersection of Warrenton Road and Cardinal Forest Drive and involved two vehicles.

According to initial reports, five people, including two children, were inside one of the vehicles. The two adults in the car suffered severe injuries and were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The two children were also taken to a hospital suffering “significant trauma.” The condition of the third person is unknown.

Breaking News

Last-Minute Bus Route Delays Leave Stafford Parents Scrambling as School Year Begins

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2024 at 9:45PM | Updated September 6, 2024 at 11:37AM

With some students returning to class tomorrow, parents in Stafford County are expressing frustration and concern as some students have yet to be assigned bus routes for the upcoming school year. In a letter sent to families, Karim Johnson, the Executive Director of Transportation Services, acknowledged the delay and apologized for the oversight, assuring parents that his team was working diligently to resolve the issue.

The first day of school for kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grade students is tomorrow, Monday, August 12, 2024. All other students will return to school on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Johnson emphasized that the transportation team works around the clock to ensure all students receive their bus assignments by Monday evening.

News

Manassas City Public Schools Set Welcome 7,700 Students Back for the New Academic Year

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2024 at 2:58PM

On Monday, August 12, Manassas City Public Schools will open its doors for the first day of the 2024-2025 school year, welcoming back 7,700 students. The students will return to five elementary schools, four middle and intermediate schools, and one high school.

Free School Meals for All Students

News

Rep. Abigail Spanberger to Visit Fredericksburg Site of Recent Train Derailment

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2024 at 12:32PM | Updated August 11, 2024 at 12:49PM

Spanberger

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) will visit the site of a recent train derailment in Fredericksburg on August 14, 2024. The visit will occur from 8 to 9 a.m. at the VRE parking lot, specifically at the gravel lot behind VRE parking lots G & H. The entrance to the lot is located at the corner of Prince Edward and Frederick Street. Spanberger will then travel to the Railway Yard Gate at 1400 Railroad Avenue. Members of the Fredericksburg City Council are expected to attend.

A CSX train derailed on July 19, 2024, near Cobblestone Drive. Several rail cars derailed, damaging a garage adjacent to the Cobblestone Square apartment complex. No hazardous materials were involved, and no injuries were reported.