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

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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News

Stafford County Public Schools sweep Region III nominations for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

By Uriah Kiser
Stafford schools suggests wellness fair participants bring a canned food donation to benefit those in need through S.E.R.V.E. [Photo: S.E.R.V.E.]

Angelene Daganzo and Adam Ahmed, both distinguished seniors representing Colonial Forge High School, have been chosen as candidates based on their exceptional academic performances, exemplary SAT/ACT scores, compelling essays, thorough self-assessments, comprehensive school reports, and impeccable transcripts.

Adam Ahmed, who currently holds the prestigious positions of senior-class president and Parliamentarian at the Future Business Leaders of America, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his candidacy. His involvement in various community service projects, including church and food scarcity initiatives, alongside active participation in organizations such as the Muslim Student Association and Habitat for Humanity, underscores his commitment to societal betterment. Ahmed’s aspirations to pursue a major in Biology at the collegiate level further highlight his dedication to academic excellence and personal growth.

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Prince William

Prince William County Public Schools secures grant to cultivate local teachers

By Uriah Kiser
Dr. Lisa Coons, VDOE state superintendent, and Dr. LaTanya McDade, Prince William County Public Schools superintendent (right) visit Leesylvania Elementary School in Woodbridge. [Photo: Coons' X account]

With cumulative grants to school divisions totaling $1.52 million, PWCS, in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), is set to establish registered teacher apprenticeship programs aimed at alleviating teacher recruitment challenges and fostering a robust talent pool within the community.

Expressing enthusiasm for the initiative, Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons stated, “I am proud to continue our commitment to helping school divisions find ways to put exceptional people from their own communities in their local classrooms.” Coons emphasized the pressing need for innovative approaches in addressing teacher shortages and highlighted the collaborative efforts with the National Center for Grow Your Own to tailor effective apprenticeship programs to local contexts.

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News

FREE! Post your events to our Potomac Local News Event Calendar

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash]

Click Here to access the calendar, and click “submit your event” at the top of the calendar to submit your event.

The addition of the events calendar marks a return of the popular feature to Potomac Local News. The events calendar is part of a host of new site improvements that we’ve made since Thanksgiving 2021.

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News

Historic Falmouth’s Counting House up for restoration in Stafford County

By Uriah Kiser

Dating back to circa 1840, this architectural marvel stands at the junction of Gordon Street and River Road, holding within its walls a rich tapestry of history waiting to be revitalized.

The county has requested proposals (RFP) to restore this historic landmark, with crucial deadlines fast approaching. Queries regarding the RFP must be submitted in writing to Stafford’s Procurement Office no later than 11 a.m. on February 20. Subsequently, the final RFP submissions must be electronically lodged with Procurement by 11 a.m. on February 27.

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News

Man charged with firearm possession after 911 call in Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas City Police responded to a 911 hang-up call on February 9, 2024, about 7:50 p.m. in the 8600 block of Bruton Parish Court.

Upon arrival, officers encountered a group of individuals who attempted to flee the area. One individual was observed discarding a firearm under a nearby vehicle, leading to their immediate detention by law enforcement, police said.

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Prince William

Prince William County Fire and Rescue graduates 23 recruits

By Uriah Kiser

In a ceremony on Wednesday, February 14, at 10 a.m., the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue celebrated the graduation of Recruit Class 2023-2 at the Grace Life Community Church, at 9560 Linton Hall Road.

Battalion Chief Scott Arft presided over the ceremony, marking the end of months of training for the Fire and Rescue Technicians of Class 2023-2. These individuals completed 27 weeks of rigorous academic and physical training at the Department’s Public Safety Training Center in Nokesville, Virginia.

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Prince William

Police report: Arrest made in Woodbridge shooting

By Uriah Kiser

Aggravated Malicious Wounding Arrest:

Michael Carlos DUNCAN, aged 43 and a resident of Woodbridge, was apprehended on February 8. He faces charges including abduction, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated malicious wounding. Duncan’s arrest stems from an incident on October 16, 2023, when a shooting occurred outside a residence on Earlham Ct. in Woodbridge. Montgomery County police assisted in locating and apprehending Duncan, who is slated for a court appearance on April 30, 2024. Previously, Michael Carlos DUNCAN was identified as the suspect in connection to a shooting incident that took place on October 16, 2023, in Woodbridge. During the incident, a 39-year-old man sustained a non-life-threatening injury. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

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