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!

Prince William

Teachers Return to Prince William County Schools on August 12, 2024

By Uriah Kiser

Teachers will return to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) on Monday, August 12, 2024. The second-largest school division in Virginia is gearing up for the return of its 92,000 students on August 19, 2024.

Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade shared her excitement for the upcoming school year in a recent message to the community.

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News

Tornado Confirmed in Stafford County

By Uriah Kiser

The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down in Stafford County on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The tornado was part of the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby as it moved through the area.

The tornado, classified as an EF-1, struck the Glendie area of Poplar Road near Route 17. It traveled seven miles with winds reaching up to 90 mph. The tornado was on the ground from 7:49 to 8:01 p.m. No injuries were reported.

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News

Two Kayakers Rescued from Rappahannock River

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County Fire and Rescue and Fredericksburg Fire Department successfully rescued two kayakers from the Rappahannock River on Friday night, August 9, 2024. Despite strong currents and challenging conditions, both kayakers were safely brought to shore without injury. A Stafford County fire and rescue spokeswoman said the two were both adult women.

Press release:

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Prince William

Frustration Grows as Opitz Boulevard Ramp Opening Pushed to Fall 2024

By Uriah Kiser
Concrete poured onto the new bridge deck [Photo: Transurban]

“The fall 2024 opening date for the 95 Express Lanes Opitz Boulevard ramp was communicated to stakeholders in an update sent earlier this summer and reflects the contractor’s current schedule,” said Jacqueline Woodbridge, a spokeswoman for Transurban. She noted that the delay resulted from a shift in the contractor’s schedule, which can be affected by various factors, including weather conditions.

Potomac Local News has received emails from frustrated drivers who live near the work zone.

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News

Manassas Park Marks 50th Anniversary with Year-Long Celebration

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas Park, the youngest city in Northern Virginia, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with events and activities beginning on July 1, 2024. The town, which declared independence from Prince William County in 1957 and itself a city in 1975, has planned various events throughout the year to mark this milestone.

City Council member Laura Hampton highlighted the city’s historical significance: “Manassas Park was primarily built for returning World War II veterans. The city has always been revolutionary, even when we were a town.”

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Prince William

Debby Closures: Lake Ridge Marina, Splashdown Water Park Closed Due to Severe Weather

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William County

Lake Ridge Marina and Splashdown Water Park, near Manassas, are closed today due to severe weather conditions. Active tornado warnings and watches, combined with the forecast of high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, have prompted the closures.

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News

Updated: Tornado Watch Canceled: Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby Bring Heavy Rains, High Winds, and Tornado Warnings

By Uriah Kiser

Update — The tornado watch is canceled.

Original post — The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby are currently moving through the region, bringing significant impacts in the form of heavy rain, high winds, and multiple tornado warnings issued overnight. As of the morning of August 9, 2024, the tornado watch has been extended until 2 p.m. for several counties and independent cities across Virginia.

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Features

Power Rangers Star Tracy Lynn Cruz to Appear at Nova Gateway Comics and Toys in Fredericksburg, Advocates for Autism Awareness

By Uriah Kiser
Tracy Lynn Cruz

Tracy Lynn Cruz, known for her role as Ashley Hammond, the Yellow Ranger, in the 1990s Power Rangers series, will appear at Nova Gateway Comics and Toys, 2340 Plank Road, in Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Cruz, who is also a mother of four, including two children impacted by Autism, uses her platform to support families facing similar challenges.

“I love meeting people. At the cons, I do a lot of meet and greets, and there’s also a lot of networking opportunities,” said Cruz. “That’s how I got connected with Nova Gateway Comics—through networking at conventions.”

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