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

Woodbridge’s new parking garage: A hub of connectivity, convenience set to open in October

By Uriah Kiser
A seven-story parking garage at Opitz Boulevard and Potomac Center Boulevard should be open by October. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/Potomac Local News]

Initially estimated at $53 million, the project now stands at around $55 million, with construction progress reaching nearly 70%. Todd Barton, overseeing the project, explains the challenges faced during construction, notably installing five soil retaining walls to accommodate the structure.

“The site is very challenging,” Barton remarks. “In order to get the structure itself in, we had to install five soil retaining walls.”

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Publisher's Post

Into the Fire: Potomac Local News, Your Trusted Source for Breaking News and Community Information

By Uriah Kiser
Wildfires led the closure of Route 1 in Prince William County, snarling traffic for at least five miles, and drivers in a three-hour standstill on Quantico Marine Corps Base [Photo: Occoquan Town Government]

When smoke filled the air, the community turned to Potomac Local News for the latest breaking news.

“I’ve been scouring online to see if anyone else has news/updates on the fire that’s been burning in town since at least 2 p.m…I live off of Danville Road the the whole area now smells like smoke…I’m hoping someone on your end can get in contact with Dale City Fire Department…Thanks for all you guys do in reporting locally–it’s hard to find news about the Woodbridge area anywhere else,” Ashley from Dale City emailed.

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Prince William

Prince William County lawmaker takes action against fentanyl crisis amid rising youth deaths

By Uriah Kiser

Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R-22, Prince William County) was one of the few Virginia lawmakers who passed any new legislation on fentanyl. This deadly drug kills four to five Virginians a day.

The bill, awaiting Governor Glenn Youngkin’s signature, standardizes how children. “We’re seeing fentanyl dig deeper and earlier and younger into the school system.

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Prince William

Prince William Supervisors vote to reallocate federal funding from CASA amid audit findings

By Uriah Kiser

The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors voted to reallocate nearly $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) coronavirus relief funds from CASA — a local organization that helps immigrants new to the U.S. following an audit of the county revealing improper expenditure (not affiliated with the local non-profit Court Appointed Special Advocates).

Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin sought a 90-day deferral, but the motion failed. Franklin pushed to give $2 million to CASA in 2022 to build an immigrant welcome center in Woodbridge.

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News

Fredericksburg Free Press launches with ribbon-cutting ceremony, promises unbiased local news coverage

By Uriah Kiser
Mitzi Brown, legal services director for Gerlach Law Firm, PLC, played a pivotal role in shepherding the establishment of the online news operation. [Photo: Uriah Kiser / Potomac Local]

As a Virginia 501(c)(3), the Fredericksburg Free Press has set out with a noble mission: to deliver impartial and nonpartisan digital news coverage to educate and inform the residents of the Fredericksburg region.

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Seth Silber, one of the founding members of the board of directors, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community. Silber, whose familial ties include the ownership of the Fredericksburg Nationals Baseball team, highlighted the communal spirit that drives endeavors like the Free Press, stating, “It’s incredible… when it comes together, and it sees a need, and it wants to do something, it does it.”

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Publisher's Post

Stafford deputy saves the day: Doggone good rescue after pooch locked me out of running car

By Uriah Kiser
Deputy Jeff Smihal arrived to try to undo what my dogs did to my car.

Good Sunday evening, and welcome to the Publisher’s Post. This week, a I break down the funny thing that happened at the gas station, what’s on tap for the shortened week ahead (thanks, President’s Day holiday tomorrow) and Local Spotlight member news.

On Super Bowl Sunday, my car went to the dogs, literally. But it’s good to know Stafford County’s finest was there to help me.

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News

Questions loom as court’s handling of DWI case raises concerns following fatal pedestrian crash in Downtown Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

The arrest of Jose Rafael Lizama, a 47-year-old resident of Manassas Park, has stirred concerns following the death of Justin Burns on December 2, 2023.

Burns, a beloved figure known for his altruism and community service, was fatally struck by a drunk driver while walking the streets near Old Town Sports Pub in Downtown Manassas.

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Prince William

Exploring African American identity through art: Panel discussion sparks cultural conversation

By Uriah Kiser

Open Space Arts hosted a panel discussion titled ‘African American and the Arts.’ Set against the backdrop of the current ‘Poetic Visions of America’ exhibit, the event marked a significant moment in exploring African American identity and artistic expression.

The panel, hosted by Prince William County Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin, brought together voices from the local arts community. Among the speakers was Herb Williams, the Art Director of Prince William County, who delved into the insights of Langston Hughes’ essay, “The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain.” Kim B. Miller, a former Poet Laureate of Prince William County, enraptured the audience with two original pieces. At the same time, Denise McPhail, the Executive Director of the Creative and Performing Arts Center (CAPAC), shared her experiences producing performances in the county for over two decades.

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Prince William

Police report: Suspect arrested in connection to 2023 stabbing in Dale City

By Uriah Kiser

After nearly a year of investigation, law enforcement officers have apprehended the suspect in connection to a stabbing incident that occurred in Dale City on March 4, 2023. Robert Dejell Rufus Jackson, 43, of 13206 Haddock Rd. in Dale City, was taken into custody by Alexandria City police on January 24, 2024.

The incident, which occurred at a residence in the 13700 block of Greenwood Drive near Minnieville Elementary School, left a 41-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. Authorities were alerted to the situation at 4:32 a.m. when a caller reported finding the front door of the residence ajar. Upon entering, they discovered the victim suffering from severe injuries.

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