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!

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School lockdown, Best Buy closure, drive-through poll

By Uriah Kiser

Happy Monday, supporters of local journalism in our communities. We’ve got some breaking news and insight for you today, so let’s get started.

Breaking: Brooke Point High School is in lockdown for the remainder of they day. It follows another fight that occurred at the school earlier this month that sent a student to a hospital.

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Breaking News

Brooke Point High School in lockdown after fight

By Uriah Kiser

At 7:22 a.m. today, Stafford sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported fight at Brooke Point High School. Afterward, authorities placed the institution on lockdown for the remainder of the day as a precaution.

According to the county sheriff’s office, this decision aimed to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety of students and staff.

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Breaking News

Best Buy closure signals shift in retail landscape for Stafford County

By Uriah Kiser
Best Buy at 1455 Stafford Market Place in North Stafford [Photo: Mary Davidson]

The Stafford Best Buy originally opened in 2008, marking a milestone for the county. Residents had long desired additional retail options closer to home, reducing the necessity of traveling to neighboring areas. However, changing consumer habits driven by the prevalence of online shopping have contributed to the store’s closure.

The closure is seen as a setback for the county, where residents consistently desire more shopping and entertainment destinations. The news comes amidst ongoing anticipation for developments like The Garrison, a 57-acre property acquired by Reston-based developer Pence Group in 2015. The original plans for The Garrison included 500,000 square feet of commercial space, over 400 residential units, a 12-screen Regal Cinemas, new restaurants, and apartment homes.

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Business

Do you/will you use a Sheetz drive-through?

By Uriah Kiser
Sheetz employees line up for the opening of a new store in Stafford, Virginia.

Sheetz, a well-known chain of gas stations and convenience stores, is seeking approval from the Prince William Board of County Supervisors to demolish and replace one of its early locations at 4021 Prince William Parkway in Dale City.

The company, owned by STEICO Incorporated, aims to demolish the existing structure and build a new gas station with a drive-through lane. To proceed with the work, it needs a special use permit (SUP) from the Prince William Board of County Superviosors. The county Planning Commission will take up the request at its meeting on February 7, 2024 in Woodbridge, open to the public.

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Prince William

Public input sought for Route 28 study; County considers bypass project amidst uncertainties

By Uriah Kiser

The Prince William County Department of Transportation and the Prince William County Planning Office are gathering public input for a multimodal corridor study on Route 28 in the Yorkshire area.

This study, funded by an $80,000 grant from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Transportation Planning Board, explores cost-effective alternatives to enhance multimodal travel options over a two-mile stretch of Route 28.

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News

Windy, cold; Rain-snow mix possible on Wednesday | Water’s End Brewery sponsors our weather posts

By Uriah Kiser

The weather forecast from the National Weather Service indicates that an upper-level trough is moving offshore, with another one expected by Tuesday night. Blustery northwest winds today will lead to wind chills in the 20s and 30s, along with broken cloud cover. Winds will diminish tonight, allowing temperatures to drop into the 20s to around freezing.

Dry weather is expected tonight into Tuesday, but clouds will increase during the day Tuesday as a clipper system approaches from the Great Lakes. The short-term forecast for Tuesday night through Wednesday night suggests a chance a mix of rain and snow, with light accumulations.

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News

Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis discusses budget priorities, challenges ahead

By Uriah Kiser
Coates Ellis

As the Manassas City Council is fresh off its retreat to Airlie Hotel and Conference Center in Warrenton and set to begin budget talks, Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis emphasized distinguishing between wants and needs when making decisions that impact the community. She stressed that council members serve as stewards of taxpayer money and must prioritize choices for the betterment of the community.

“When it comes to the budget, we have to look at wants and needs,” Coates Ellis stated. “We’re going to go through the budget highlights from last year to see where we are and where we’re going. There will be some wants and needs brought up from the departments.”

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Business

Dale City Sheetz faces demolition, seeks major makeover with drive-through

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Sheetz, Inc.]

Sheetz, owned by STEICO Incorporated, is petitioning the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for a special use permit (SUP) that would permit the addition of a drive-through facility. If granted, the company plans to demolish the existing structure and construct a new Sheetz gas station with updated interior design features and a reinstated drive-through for the convenience store.

The permit request will be deliberated at the county Planning Commission meeting on February 7, 2024, at the McCoart Building in Woodbridge, starting at 7 p.m. The SUP request encompasses the demolition and rebuilding of the existing Sheetz, featuring 6,100 square feet of gross floor area, with a total of 12 gas pumps.

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