Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Lock your cars at Government Island

Published October 20, 2023 at 10:43AM

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “Government Island, 191 Coal Landing Road, 10/19, 1:38 p.m. Resident reported credit cards were stolen from her vehicle while she hiked the trail on Government Island. The thief was a voracious shopper as they racked up $4,557 in charges at Walmart within an hour.”

Government Island, a historic 18th and 19th-century quarry site provided Aquia sandstone for the construction of the U.S. Capitol and the White House and other historic buildings in Washington, D.C.

Politics

Some Prince William candidates mum on data centers

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 20, 2023 at 10:03AM

Protesters gather at the Virginia DEQ office in Woodbridge urging state leaders not to allow data center to use emergency back up diesel generators.

Prince William Times: “With just weeks until the Nov. 7 election, only about half of the 14 candidates for the Prince William Board of County Supervisors are publicly sharing their positions on five of the most controversial and unresolved data center projects across the county.”

“Of the 14 candidates, 12, including six Democrats and six Republicans, responded to inquiries from the Prince William Times about their positions on the five projects.”

Politics

Jefferson, Lawson square off in race for Prince William County board chair

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 20, 2023 at 10:00AM

Prince William Times: “Deshundra Jefferson, the Democratic nominee for chair of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, envisions a county with more affordable housing, that attracts more businesses to reduce residential tax bills and offers programs to keep youth on the right track.”

“Jeanine Lawson, the Republican nominee, envisions a county that restores former protections to the “rural crescent,” repeals the 4% meals tax and provides more funding to hire police officers to crack down on rising crime.”

Features

Kiefer named HMI Executive Director

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 20, 2023 at 9:54AM

Historic Manassas Inc.: “Historic Manassas, Inc. (HMI) has named Kristen Kiefer as its new Executive Director. Kiefer has served as HMI’s Interim Executive Director since April 2023 and will oversee the organization’s efforts to sustain revitalization efforts of Historic Downtown Manassas as a Virginia Main Street program.”

“As a 20-year resident and stalwart advocate for the City of Manassas, Kristen has deep roots in this community,” said Mark Olsen, HMI Board Chair. “Her passion and commitment to the betterment of Manassas and its residents, her national nonprofit executive expertise, and her dedication to excellence as exhibited over the past five months as HMI’s Interim Executive Director make this a milestone moment for HMI.”

Prince William

Police urge drivers to watch for pedestrians, cyclists

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 20, 2023 at 9:41AM

Prince William police: “Now that daylight is fading earlier, it can be difficult for drivers to notice pedestrians and those on bicycles, so the Prince William County Police Department invites residents to be ‘Street Smart’ and aware of pedestrian and bicyclist safety.”

“The “Street Smart” education and enforcement campaign, which runs through Nov. 19, 2023, aims to reduce the number of pedestrian and bicycle crashes with motor vehicles.”

Prince William

Game Stop employee stabs customer at Potomac Mills, police said

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 19, 2023 at 3:06PM | Updated October 20, 2023 at 9:46AM

Prince William police: “Aggravated Malicious Wounding – On October 18 at 2:05PM, officers responded to Game Stop located in Potomac Mills, 2700 Potomac Mills Cl. in Woodbridge (22192), to investigate a fight. The investigation revealed the victim, 30-year-old man and a patron of the store, and an employee, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated.”

“During the encounter, the accused retrieved a pocketknife and stabbed the victim in the upper body. Officers provided first aid to the victim who was treated at an area hospital for a non-life threatening injury. The accused initially left the store before returning where he was detained without further incident. No additional injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Xavior Robert Lee COURTNEY, was arrested.

Prince William

County urges residents to complete ‘File of Life’

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 19, 2023 at 2:59PM

Prince William County fire and rescue: “Prince William County Fire and Rescue System introduced the File of Life Program, a community initiative.”

“The program is designed to enable fire and rescue personnel the ability to obtain a quick and accurate medical history of a patient when a patient or family member is unable to provide one. The “File of Life” information card provides an area to list contact information for the patient’s doctor, family members, insurance information and any other special circumstances that rescue personnel should know in caring for the patient.”

Prince William

Schools consider starting earlier, ending later in the year

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 19, 2023 at 1:09PM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:25PM

Photo: Prince William County Public Schools

Prince William County Public Schools: “The 2024-25 calendar options poll will be available for comment through October 27. The poll will include three options for the instructional calendar. The results will be presented to the School Board in November, who will make the final decision in December.”

“Option A requires an earlier start date to the school year, an extended winter and spring break, and a later end date to the school year.

News

Roundabout proposed at Banks Ford, Celebrate Virginia parkways

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 19, 2023 at 12:55PM

[Photo: VDOT]

A design public hearing on this project will be held:

“Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff will deliver a brief presentation starting at 5:45 p.m. and will be available to answer questions between 5:30-7:30 p.m. in an open house format. Stop by at any time between 5:30-7:30 p.m. to review the proposed project plans and offer comment.”

News

Next week: Stafford to break ground on $139 million high school

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 19, 2023 at 12:45PM | Updated October 19, 2023 at 2:07PM

The site of Stafford County's sixth high school, near a Walmart on Route 17. [Photo: Garrisonville School Board member Maureen Siegmund]

“A contract was awarded to Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $139,334,000 for the construction of High School 6 during the September 12, 2023, regular School Board meeting.”

The school will sit near a Walmart on Route 17 in southern Stafford County.