Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Brentsville supervisor candidate was convicted of tax fraud two decades ago. He still calls the IRS ‘terrorists.’

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:48AM

Prince William Times: “Jim Gehlsen, the Democratic candidate for Brentsville supervisor, pleaded guilty to tax fraud in 2000 and spent a year in federal prison. More than 20 years later, he continues to have strong feelings about the IRS, saying he was “harassed” by the federal agency and that its actions “provoked” his crimes.”

“In an interview with the Prince William Times, Gehlsen, 69, called the IRS “terrorists” and repeatedly said he was ”tortured and terrorized” by the federal agency. Gehlsen said he is running for the Brentsville District supervisor’s seat in part because he believes Prince William County “does tax terrorism as well.”

News

Historic Manassas launches community survey

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:45AM

Historic Manassas Inc.: “I am pleased to announce that HMI, in partnership with Main Street America and the City’s Economic Development Department, launched a community survey yesterday to gain a better understanding of regional market trends and the community’s aspirations for Historic Downtown Manassas. The survey is confidential and takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Responses will be collected directly by Main Street America and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our cherished Historic Downtown Manassas community, together.”

“We ask for your partnership in promoting the survey via any distribution channels you may have (i.e., general word of mouth, social media, dissemination of a promotional flyer in your store or business, etc.). If you would like some promotional flyers (which include the QR code to the survey) to distribute, please email Herbert Zepeda, HMI’s Communications & Promotions Coordinator, at [email protected].”

Prince William

OWL VFD plans open house Saturday, October 14

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:38AM

Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department: “OWL VFD Open House event is scheduled for Saturday, October 14th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Fire Station 14 (12400 Hedges Run Drive, Woodbridge). OWL VFD welcomes the community to visit the station.

OWL VFD President Dave Williams shared, “This event is a traditional favorite for OWL VFD to host. The community is invited to visit “our house” to see fire and rescue apparatus up close, talk with firefighters and EMTs, and enjoy refreshments provided by the OWL VFD Auxiliary.”

Prince William

Armed man at a Haymarket church wanted to do harm, police said

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 2, 2023 at 9:25AM | Updated October 3, 2023 at 2:18PM

Rui JIANG

Prince William police: “Threats of Violence Investigation – On September 24, at 10:12 a.m., officers responded to Park Valley Church located at 4500 Waverly Farm Drive in Haymarket to investigate a possible threat of violence. The investigation revealed Fairfax County police contacted Prince William County police after their agency received information from police in Anne Arundel County, Maryland regarding a citizen residing in Laurel who reported recent suspicious and concerning online postings on Instagram from an individual later identified as the accused.”

“In the postings, vague threats of violence were made, some of which included images of a location later determined to be Park Valley Church in Haymarket (Prince William County). Through the swift investigation lead by Anne Arundel police, their officers were able to determine a potential residence for the accused in Falls Church and immediately contacted Fairfax County police concerning the postings.”

News

Ophelia to bring drenching rain, wind to our region

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 22, 2023 at 3:46PM | Updated September 22, 2023 at 4:05PM

National Weather Service: “While dry and seasonable conditions continue this afternoon, heavy rain, gusty winds, and tidal flooding are forecast to impact the area this weekend.”

Prince William

Occoquan cancels 2023 Fall Arts and Crafts Show

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 22, 2023 at 3:39PM

Town of Occoquan Government: “Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of our visitors and vendors, we are canceling the Fall Arts & Crafts Show, September 23 & 24, 2024. This difficult decision was made in light of the high winds and rain expected from the oncoming tropical storm. This includes both days, Saturday and Sunday. All road closures in the Town scheduled due to the show will be lifted. No shuttles will be available from commuter lots. Prepaid shuttle passes will automatically be refunded. Paint & Sip attendees will be contacted individually.”

“For more information about other upcoming events in Occoquan, including Spirits & Spirits, October 27 and 28, and Occoquan HolidayFest, November 18 through December 3, please see visitoccoquanva.com.”

News

DUI driver strikes sheriff’s volunteer

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 22, 2023 at 3:35PM

“On September 21st at approximately 12:06 a.m. a Traffic Safety Volunteer was directing traffic in the area of Garrisonville Road and Keystone Drive as a paving vehicle was conducting their work. The Traffic Safety Volunteer had his marked Sheriff’s Office vehicle’s emergency lights on and he was wearing a reflective vest. Despite this, the suspect vehicle, traveling at a high rate of speed, drove through the intersection and struck the Traffic Safety Volunteer before continuing on.”

Prince William

Supervisor Jeanine Lawson calls for investigation of former supervisor for corruption tied to data centers

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 21, 2023 at 8:45AM

Brentsville District Supervisor Jeanine Lawson

Prince William Times: “Prince William County Supervisor Jeanine Lawson on Tuesday held a press conference calling for Pete Candland, her former board colleague, to be investigated for public corruption.”

“Lawson, a Republican who is running for chair of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in the upcoming Nov. 7 election, shared emails Candland exchanged with a local data center developer to offer his services as a former elected official to help companies “navigate their projects” through Prince William County’s land-use approval process.”

Prince William

Prince William County supervisors to hold final vote on PW Digital Gateway project in December

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 20, 2023 at 11:55AM

Insidenova.com: “The Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday moved to schedule for December the rezoning hearings of all three data center projects connected to the divisive PW Digital Gateway, ensuring the largest development in county history will be voted on by the board’s Democratic majority before new members are sworn in next year.”

Prince William

Woodbridge shooting is 19th homicide of 2023 in Prince William County

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 20, 2023 at 9:46AM

Prince William police: “Murder Investigation – On September 16 at 7:19PM, officers responded to the Summerland Heights Apartments located in the 1800 block of Gableridge Turn in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed the victim, a 43-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated on the patio area of a ground level apartment. During the encounter, the accused shot the victim before returning to his own separate apartment in the same building. Responding officers provided first aid to the victim who was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. The accused was located at his apartment by officers and detained without incident. Both parties were known to one another. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Malcom Andre MONTS, was arrested.”

Arrested on September 16: