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!

News

Train Blocks Quantico’s Only Entrance—Back Gate Opened to Let People Out

By Uriah Kiser
A stopped train blocks Potomac Avenue in Quantico. [File Photo: Mayor Kevin Brown]

QUANTICO, Va. – A train blocked the only way in and out of the Town of Quantico on Wednesday morning, forcing Marine Corps officials to open a back gate that’s usually kept locked.

The train stopped at Potomac and Barnett Avenues, shutting down the sole everyday entrance to the town. Marine Corps Base Quantico said in a Facebook post that it opened Gate 3 on Broadway Avenue to let traffic flow while the crossing was blocked. The gate remained open until the train cleared, and officials later said traffic had “returned to normal.”

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Manassas

With Students Lagging on State Tests, Manassas Sets 5-Year Roadmap for Schools, Housing, Safety

By Uriah Kiser

Manassas leaders are weighing a new five-year roadmap that will tie directly into city budgets, with goals ranging from improving student outcomes to replacing the city’s oldest fire station.

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Prince William

Potential Conflict Flagged as Dumfries Seats Inaugural Economic Development Authority

By Uriah Kiser
Dumfries Vice Mayor Monáe Nickerson

As Dumfries seats its first-ever Economic Development Authority (EDA), Potomac Local is examining a potential conflict-of-interest involving appointee Lawrence C. Nickerson, who is married to Vice Mayor Monáe Nickerson — a relationship that raises disclosure and recusal questions as the new body begins work.

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Schools

Health Costs Surge: Stafford Schools Use $1.5M From Reserves

By Uriah Kiser

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va – Stafford County Public Schools will draw on its health benefits reserves to cover a sharp increase in employee healthcare costs.

The Board of Supervisors on Sept. 16 unanimously approved the school division’s request to use $1.5 million from its health benefits fund after claims rose 25% in the past year, far above normal levels.

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News

Neighborhood Notes: Fall Jubilee, Pool Draining Tips, 95 Express Lanes Closure

By Uriah Kiser
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jenny A. Colegate, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Quantico, throws the first pitch for the championship game of Battle of the Bases at Nationals Park, Washington D.C., Sept. 13, 2025. The Battle of the Bases is an annual military softball tournament hosted by the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball team, featuring teams from various military bases in the National Capital Region. This year’s championship game featured the MCB Quantico and Joint Base Andrews softball teams, with Quantico receiving their second champions trophy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Donovan E. Melendez)

 

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Manassas

Council Poised to Open Bidding War for Downtown Redevelopment Project

By Uriah Kiser

MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas City Council will decide Monday whether to move forward with a proposal that could reshape downtown with a hotel, apartments, and a new city-owned parking garage.

Council members are set to vote on September 22 on whether to accept an unsolicited redevelopment plan submitted by MLG Construction Management under Virginia’s Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA). The plan calls for redeveloping three downtown properties: the former Olde Towne Inn site, the MIFCO property on Center Street, and the City Hall parking lot.

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Police Blotter

Police Blotter: Fatal Crash, Gun Arrests, Warrants, and Vandalism

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Alan Gloss]

In Triangle, a 24-year-old man was arrested in connection with a shots-fired incident on August 30. Police say Dalonte Lee Kendall exchanged gunfire with others near Graham Park and Old Triangle Roads, striking two nearby homes. He was arrested in Baltimore by U.S. Marshals and faces firearms charges. The investigation remains active.

In Stafford County, deputies made multiple arrests related to outstanding warrants. One woman turned herself in at the Rappahannock Regional Jail and was charged with public intoxication after appearing under the influence of an unknown substance. A man wanted in Spotsylvania was also arrested at America’s Best Value Inn.

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Stafford

Video: Youngkin Silent at Stafford Airport when Pressed on Political Violence, Election Security After Issuing Executive Order 53

By Uriah Kiser
Gov. Glenn Youngkin's security detail stands guard outside the Stafford Regional Airport for a private fundraiser held by Delegate Paul Milde (R-Stafford) on September 15, 2025.

We asked Governor Glenn Youngkin whether he fears more political violence following the assassination of Charlie Kirk—especially with Virginia being one of just two states holding statewide elections this year. We also asked how his new Executive Order 53 is designed to safeguard elections and protect voters.

No comment from the governor.

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Fredericksburg

Complete Streets Plan Aims to Make Region Safer for Walkers, Cyclists

By Uriah Kiser
Traffic signal set to flashing red at the intersection of George and Prince Edward Streets in downtown Fredericksburg. [Submitted]

A citizens advisory panel heard Wednesday that the Fredericksburg region has logged more than 400 crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists since 2016, underscoring the need for safer, more connected roadways.

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News

Doug Ollivant Just Jumped Into the VA-7 Race Against Tara Durant

By Uriah Kiser
Olivant

CULPEPER COUNTY, Va. – We just heard from retired Army Lt. Col. Doug Ollivant—he’s officially in the race for Congress in Virginia’s 7th District. That means he’ll face State Sen. Tara Durant in the 2026 Republican primary, with the winner taking on Democrat Rep. Eugene Vindman in November.

Ollivant, who lives in Culpeper County, says his campaign will focus on cutting government spending, strengthening the military, securing the border, and supporting families. He’s a father of seven, a grandfather of two, and a veteran of two combat tours in Iraq.

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