Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

You really like our Stafford County news coverage

Published September 7, 2022 at 3:00PM

A twirling class at the Rowser Building in Stafford County [Photo: Stafford County Parks]

The post racked up one commenter who praised Potomac Local News for our coverage of Stafford County. “Everything is well presented, from action news articles, political news articles, law enforcement news, and community updates for all matters, etc. Stafford news is more current and vivid again with pictures that are ‘easy on the eye,’ so to speak,” Valerie Krain wrote.

I also received an email from a paid member who complimented us on our Stafford County coverage. I really enjoy the PLN – much better coverage of Stafford than the [Free Lance-Star],” wrote Elizabeth Daly.

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We had a knock-out time at KO Distilling. Later this month, Pints and Putts

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 7, 2022 at 12:00PM

Over the years, KO Distilling has become one of my favorite places to hang out.

The Manassas-based distillery at 10381 Central Park Drive makes mean bottles of whiskey and gin and has a cozy tasting room full of bartenders who know how to turn those spirits into tasty cocktails. And, as we reported, they’re expanding into new regions of the U.S.

Business

Hesitant about apartments at Downtown Stafford, leaders aim to reverse course

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 6, 2022 at 8:00AM | Updated June 12, 2023 at 9:18AM

A rendering of Fountain Park, located next to the Stafford County Courthouse (lower right), a development that could have nearly 1,000 new apartment homes in buildings as tall as five stories.

Today, Stafford County leaders will take a crack and reverse course on its Downtown Stafford project.

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Happy Labor Day

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 5, 2022 at 6:00AM

[Photo: City of Fredericksburg Government]

We’re taking today off to enjoy some time with our family and friends. Please feel free to comment below and sound off on recent news coverage or tell us how we’re doing in our ongoing effort to bring you the local news that matters to you.

We’ll be back tomorrow, Tuesday, September 6, with more local coverage from our area. The Boards of Supervisors of Prince William and Stafford counties resume meetings tomorrow after a summer break.

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Most-read Potomac Local News stories of the week: Aug. 27-Sept. 2

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 2, 2022 at 5:23PM | Updated September 3, 2022 at 2:07PM

The band from Colgan High School in Prince William County [Photo: Prince William County School Coles District School Board Member Lisa Zargarpur]

Those of you that have lived around here know our growing season ends in early October, with the arrival of crisp mornings, warm days, and cool nights.

Even though the calendar says it’s over, there are still many more warm days to come. I hope you do something fun over the holiday weekend.

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Youngkin visits Colonial Forge High School, signs order to attract more teachers

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 1, 2022 at 2:24PM | Updated September 1, 2022 at 5:18PM

Gov. Glenn Youngkin signs an executive directive to make it easier to attract teachers to public schools during ceremony at Colonial Forge High School in Stafford County on September 1, 2022 [Uriah Kiser/PLN]

Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed an Executive Directive today at Colonial Forge High School in Stafford County, cutting administrative red tape for schools trying to fill a glut of vacant teaching positions.

Youngkin’s order will make it easier to get teachers in classrooms, allowing them to work with obtaining their licenses while upholding educational standards. The order also makes it easier for retired teachers who want to return to the classroom, educators who recently moved to Virginia, and those switching careers to begin teaching to ease the state’s teacher shortage.

Business

Cinema Cafe drops Manassas Park movie theater deal; Library to open soon

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 1, 2022 at 8:00AM | Updated September 5, 2022 at 9:52AM

The company that was going to build a movie theater in Manassas Park had second thoughts.

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Spanberger shifts campaign focus to local matters, presses Youngkin on I-95 fix

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 31, 2022 at 8:00AM | Updated August 31, 2022 at 9:21AM

Rep. Abigail Spanberger opens its 2022 campaign headquarters in Fredericksburg on May 14. [Photo submitted by the campaign]

The two-term incumbent Democrat sent a letter to Youngkin demanding answers to how his administration is working to prevent another shutdown of Interstate 95 during a snowstorm like Virginia experienced on January 3, 2022.

Drivers were stranded along a 50-mile stretch of highway between Dumfries and Carmel Church, near Kings Dominion, for more than 12 hours without food, water, heat, and access to restrooms. Specifically, Spanberger wants to know how Youngkin is implementing recommendations outlined in an April report to prevent another disaster from occurring.

Business

SkyZone Woodbridge trampoline park has full-court foam and fun

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 29, 2022 at 8:00AM

There’s a new trampoline park in Woodbridge that makes parents and their children want to jump for joy.

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Manassas residents fuming over tax bills, Revenue Commissioner stonewalls press

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 26, 2022 at 8:00AM | Updated August 26, 2022 at 12:35PM

Tim Demeria running for Manassas Commissioner of the Revenue in 2021. [Photo: Mike Beaty]

William “Billy” Tucker was shocked when he received a bill for $2,543, up from $1,938 last year. The value of his wife’s 2019 Kia Credenza is assessed 18% over the past year, now valued at over $33,000, and his Dodge truck up more than $7,000 in a year, at $45,500.

His daughter drives a 2007 Honda Accord that Demeria says is worth $4,400, $870 more than last year. “I know I can’t get $4,400 for it if I tried to sell it,” said Tucker.