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

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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Business

Wizards, Capitals plan move to northern Virginia

By Uriah Kiser

Washington’s NBA and NHL franchises have announced intention of a move to northern Virginia, part of a $2 billion public-private partnership to create a “world-class” entertainment district in the Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood.

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Schools

Stafford adding at least 26 trailers for elementary schools, early childhood center

By Uriah Kiser
Trailers at Park Ridge Elementary School in North Stafford

A growing student population prompted the Stafford County School Board to add 34 new trailers for the 2024-25 school year.

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News

Stafford County Gov’t announces Christmas, New Years office closures

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County Government: “Stafford offices, departments and facilities will be closed for the Christmas holiday on Friday, December 22, 2023, and Monday, December 25, 2023. Offices will also be closed on Monday, January 1, 2024, for New Year’s Day.”

“Juvenile/Domestic Relations Court will be closed Friday, December 22, 2023, and Monday, December 25, 2023, for the Christmas holiday. Offices will also be closed on Monday, January 1, 2024, and Tuesday, January 2, 2024, for New Year’s. District and Circuit courts will be closed Friday, December 22, 2023, and Monday, December 25, 2023, for the Christmas holiday. Offices will also be closed on Monday, January 1, 2024.”

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Breaking News

Prince William soon to be new data center king: Digital Gateway approved

By Uriah Kiser
QTS data center in Manassas [Photo: Google Maps]

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the contentious project after a record-breaking 28-hour meeting that began at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, and wrapped up just after 1 p.m. today, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023.

The rezoning vote clears the way for two companies, QTS and Compass Datacenters, Inc., to build the nearly 100-foot tall buildings on what has been billed as the world’s most significant data center complex on nearly 900 acres next to the battlefield, a tourist magnet, the site of the first major Civil War battle in 1861.

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Features

Castaways Theater to bring ‘SHOAH’ adaptation to the stage

By Uriah Kiser

Castaways Theatre: “SHOAH is the stage adaptation of the award-winning 1985 film documentary by French director Claude Lanzmann. The original 9-hour film has been condensed for the stage and includes interviews with Holocaust survivors, former members of Nazi organizations, and residents of communities near the death camps. The goal of SHOAH is unique and single-minded: to describe in detail the inhumanity of the “Final Solution” during the World War II years of 1942-1944.”

“The stage adaptation of SHOAH provides an opportunity to educate, understand, and live it in our hearts and minds. As Simone de Beauvoir stated: “It becomes our experience.”

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Prince William

Updated: 5 adults, 5 children suffer carbon monoxide poisoning

By Uriah Kiser

Update Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 — “Building officials have determined the cause of the incident was carbon monoxide escaping from a broken furnace pipe in the basement. All homeowners are strongly encouraged to have their gas appliances regularly inspected by a trained professional.”

Original post — A total of 10 people were sickened by carbon monoxide poisoning in Woodbridge on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Prince William County fire and rescue crews were called to the 2400 block of Neabsco Creek Court, just off Neabsco Road in Woodbridge, at 10:03 a.m. for a report of a gas leak and found the victims suffering various degrees of illness.

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