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!

Schools

Va. Supreme Court backs fired teacher who refused to use transgender student’s pronouns

By Uriah Kiser

“The Supreme Court of Virginia on Thursday reversed a lower court’s decision by reinstating a lawsuit brought by a former West Point High School teacher after he was fired for refusing to refer to a transgender student by his requested pronouns,” reports the Virginia Mercury.

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News

Check out the new features in our community 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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Prince William

More on Freedom-Woodbridge’s 42-34 win over Highland Springs

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William County Public Schools: “The Freedom High School football team secured the second state title in school history with its 42-34 win over Highland Springs High School on Saturday [December 9, 2023] in the VHSL Class 6 state football championship. The game took place at 11:30 a.m. at the University of Virginia Scott stadium. This caps off another undefeated season for the Eagles with a 2022 season at 15-0 and the 2023 season 14-0.”

“Both teams in this year’s final competition were state champions last year; the Highland Springs Springers were the VHSL Class 5 champions, and the Eagles were Class 6.”

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Prince William

Leesylvania State Park Polar Plunge registration opens

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Prince William County Police Department]

“The Prince William County Police Department is looking for hardy individuals – or teams of family, friends, co-workers, or organizations – willing to brave the cold temperatures on land, and in the water, to help raise money for Special Olympics.”

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Prince William

ICE wants to use county’s new indoor shooting range after leaders booted it from its jail

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William County leaders may not want federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement in its jail, but apparently, they’re OK with them in the county’s recently acquired firearms training center.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

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News

Ellis remembered as chief who modernized Manassas police

By Uriah Kiser

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of retired Manassas City Police Chief Sam Ellis. Chief Ellis served our city as chief from 1984 to 1992. He moved us toward a modern law enforcement agency, focused on community service,” Manassas police posted.

“Chief Ellis led the department through our darkest, hardest era. The murder of Sergeant John Conner III in 1988. Our thoughts are with the Ellis family,” writes Chief Douglas Keen.

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Prince William

Teacher’s assistant, 60, charged

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William police: “Assault & Battery | PWC Public School Staff Member Arrest – On December 8, the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Beville Middle School located at 4901 Dale Boulevard in [Dale City] was notified of an alleged assault by a teacher’s assistant against a student. The investigation revealed a student, a 12-year-old male juvenile, and a teacher’s assistant, identified as the accused, were walking in a hallway when the accused grabbed the victim by the shoulders and pushed him into a door before the parties separated. The victim was evaluated by the school nurse where no injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Paul OPOKU AMPEM, was charged. Charged on December 12: [No Photo Available] Paul OPOKU AMPEM, 60, of 18201 Jillian Lane in Triangle. Charged with assault and battery. Court Date: Pending | Status: Released on a Court Summons.”

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News

Stafford extends property tax deadline to January 5, 2024

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County Government: “Stafford County Board of Supervisors adopted a second Emergency Ordinance, EO23-02, on December 12, 2023, to extend zero penalties and interest through January 5, 2024. This effort was due to the financial uncertainty concerning the delayed adoption of the federal budget and the effects this may have on the residents of Stafford County. This decision will allow taxpayers more time to pay their Personal Property tax bills.”

“There is no State Code authority for the Board to waive penalties and interest, but the Board can set the amount for penalties and interest to $0 and 0%. Virginia Code sets a maximum amount of penalties and interest but no minimum. The changes cannot be applied retroactively. State Code allows an emergency ordinance to delay the penalties and interest for up to 60 days.”

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Health

Stafford Hospital re-certified COEMIG center of excellence

By Uriah Kiser
Stafford Hospital, 101 Hospital Center Boulevard in Stafford.

Mary Washington Healthcare: “Stafford Hospital has continued its distinction as an accredited Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) since 2014 by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). Under the direction of Kurian Thott, M.D., FACOG, Stafford Hospital’s COEMIG program meets the stringent researched-based requirements and evaluation processes of SRC to ensure the safest, highest quality patient care.”

“The 2023 recertification maintains Dr. Thott and Dr. Yetunde Adenle’s designation and includes a new COEMIG certified physician, Dr. Trechelle Carson. COEMIG physicians must perform hundreds of minimally invasive gynecological surgeries each year, with outstanding results, measured by a quality assessment of patient safety, equipment, and reduced complications.”

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