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

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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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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