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

Schools consider starting earlier, ending later in the year

By Uriah Kiser
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.

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News

Roundabout proposed at Banks Ford, Celebrate Virginia parkways

By Uriah Kiser
[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.”

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News

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

By Uriah Kiser
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.

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Features

Carly and Kristy McDowell named foster parents of the year

By Uriah Kiser

Press release: “Carly and Kristy McDowell decided to become foster parents a couple of years ago. Recently, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, or COG, named the McDowells as foster parents of the year in Prince William County.”

“Being named foster parents of the year requires commitment to the children and a willingness to be a part of a team that is focused on reuniting children with their families.”

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Features

Red Carpet Showcase to give platform to emerging artists

By Uriah Kiser

Press release: “The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC-DST) will host its 14th Annual Red Carpet Showcase on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Montclair Country Club, located at 16500 Edgewood Drive in Montclair, VA.”

“This is a free, public event to encourage literacy and exposure to the arts while providing an opportunity for emerging artists, authors, and musicians to showcase their talents to the community.”

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News

Stafford authorities seize 35,000 fentanyl pills

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: “35,000 fentanyl pills were taken off the streets of Stafford due to the hard work of our Special Investigations Unit.”

“On October 2nd at approximately 5:24 p.m. deputies responded to a residence in Stafford for drug activity. The victim advised they received a package in the mail that was sent to the wrong address. Within the package was a plethora of fentanyl pills. Approximately 15,000 pills were seized. Due to the nature of the incident, our Special Investigations Unit was notified and took over the investigation.”

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Features

Occoquan haunted maze seeks volunteers

By Uriah Kiser

Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta: “As we gear up for Occoquan’s annual Spirit & Spirits Halloween event the last weekend in October, please consider volunteering to help out with setting up our popular Haunted Maze [Saturday, October 28, 2023]. The maze boasts 15 themed areas and 32 scare zones (we rate the maze PG-13 – it’s for adults and brave, older kids). All the net proceeds from the maze benefit the Occoquan 501(c)(3) organization Patriots for Disabled Divers, which uses scuba as a therapeutic tool for wounded warriors. To volunteer to help set up the maze go to https://form.jotform.com/232664710969163.”

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Features

Supervisor to hold pet festival at Chinn Library

By Uriah Kiser

Press release: “Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye again invites animal lovers to Barktoberfest, a celebration of Prince William County’s (PWC) furriest residents. This year, the event is being held in conjunction with the Chinn Regional Library Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 21, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, 22192.”

“Attendees can connect with local resources and service providers for pets, and learn how they can get involved in animal advocacy efforts ranging from volunteering at the shelter or dog park to fostering opportunities. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome at the event, and costumes are encouraged in the spirit of the season. Barktoberfest will feature:”

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Prince William

Man, 25, slays 2 women, gets life sentence

By Uriah Kiser
The Judicial Center for Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

The Office of the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney: “On October 16, 2023, the Honorable Judge Kimberly A. Irving, Chief Judge of the Prince William County Circuit Court, found Desmond Daniel guilty of two counts of first-degree murder following his guilty plea to the charges. The Defendant will be sentenced on March 14, 2024. Members of the victims’ families will present victim impact testimony at that time. The Defendant faces a maximum sentence of two life terms in prison.”

“On November 16, 2022, Prince William County Police responded to Isle Royale Terrace, in [near Dumfries] after neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots. Police arrived at the scene to find two gunshot victims in the basement of the home. One victim, a 22-year-old Woodbridge woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other, a 24-year-old Woodbridge man, was taken to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead. A family dog was also located in the basement suffering from gunshot wounds and had to be euthanized.

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Prince William

Occoquan River clean up rescheduled for this weekend

By Uriah Kiser

Friends of the Occoquan: “The new date for the river clean-up is set for October 21, 2023. We sincerely hope that you can adjust your schedules and join us on this rescheduled date. Your participation is invaluable to us, and your efforts contribute to the betterment of our community and environment.”

“Thank you once again for your unwavering support. We look forward to seeing you on October 21st. In the meantime, please stay safe and well.”

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