Uriah Kiser, Author at Potomac Local News

Frigid January Causes Significant Damage at Leesylvania State Park Fishing Pier

Published January 31, 2025 at 1:32PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Leesylvania State Park Fishing Pier [Flickr photo pool]

The fishing pier at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge has been closed due to significant structural damage caused by ice and extreme winter weather.

Repairs are needed across the entire structure, and park management is working diligently to complete the necessary fixes as quickly as possible.

“Most of the bracing has broken underneath, and the roof portion of the pier also has extensive damage to the pillars holding it up,” said Kenneth Ashdown, Leesylvania State Park Manager. “It is not safe for the pier to be open to the public at this time, and we hope to have this repaired as soon as possible.”

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Notes: Treasurer Brenda Wood Announces Retirement, Urban Forestry Program Flourishes

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 31, 2025 at 1:32PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Wood

After more than two decades of dedicated service to the community, City Treasurer Brenda Wood has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the year. Wood, the City Treasurer since January 2014, will not seek re-election in November 2025.

Wood’s career with the City spans more than 23 years, with her most notable role being Treasurer. Before stepping into that role, she served as Chief Deputy Treasurer under G.M. Haney. Wood’s leadership helped bring the Treasurer’s office to new heights, including successfully implementing new financial systems and the recent upgrade to the city’s online payment portal. Under her watch, the office achieved accreditation, a mark of excellence in municipal finance.

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Manassas

Manassas Economic Development Council and EDA Annual Reports: A Year of Growth and Vision for the Future

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 30, 2025 at 10:19PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

Manassas City Hall

Manassas continues to make strides in its commitment to fostering a business environment, with the Manassas Business Council (NBC) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) reflecting on the city’s ongoing growth and vision for future projects. Both organizations presented their annual reports during the city council meeting on January 27, 2025, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and revitalization efforts. The Manassas Business Council’s efforts to connect with local businesses have paid off with a year of meetings, presentations, and discussions. Key highlights from their year include monthly meetings with industry experts, discussions about economic development in the city, and presentations on projects such as the façade and landscape improvement grants. Notably, the city’s economic development initiatives were discussed, including the work to support small businesses and increase community engagement. Council members were also informed about the successes of local restaurants and the efforts to make Historic Downtown Manassas a business district.

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Pets

Meet Aria Mia: The Kitten Who Loves Dogs

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 30, 2025 at 1:26PM

If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, look no further than Aria Mia, a sweet little kitten currently up for adoption at Prince William County Animal Services. This brave little one arrived as a stray with injuries to both of her eyes. Aria Mia has already undergone surgery on one eye and will need follow-up treatment for the other. Despite her challenges, she’s shown incredible resilience and is ready to start a new chapter with a loving family.

Aria Mia has already proven that she’s not just a cat lover but a dog lover too! During her recovery at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic, she showed how well she gets along with dogs. So, if you’re looking for a kitten who can coexist with your furry canine companions, Aria Mia might just be the perfect fit for you.

News

Stafford Chair Diggs Rejects Proposed Leave Requirement, Calls it ‘Ridiculous’

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 30, 2025 at 12:51PM

Deuntay Diggs, Chair of Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors, indicated Tuesday evening that he is prepared to take legal action should some of his colleagues continue to ask for an amendment to the Code of Performance that “adversely affects my career, my calling,” reports the FXBG Advance.

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News

Fredericksburg Reviews Report on 2024 Train Crash

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 30, 2025 at 12:48PM

A report from the Federal Railroad Administration requested by Fredericksburg City Council and Mayor Kerry Devine on this past summer’s freight car derailment blames human error for the mishap, reports the FXBG Advance.

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News

Stafford Supervisors Move Toward Finalizing MOU with EDA

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 30, 2025 at 12:44PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:49AM

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.

The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.

During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county’s Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.

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Breaking News

Family Charged in Death of 4-Year-Old Boy Found Unconscious

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 30, 2025 at 12:30PM

Romero

A case of child abuse and neglect has led to the arrest of three family members following the death of a 4-year-old boy on January 19.

Officers responded to The Regency Apartments in the 9800 block of Shallow Creek Loop near Manassas at 7:36 p.m. January 19, to investigate reports of an unconscious child. When emergency responders arrived, they found the young victim, later identified as a 4-year-old boy, unresponsive.

Stafford

Chocolate & Wine Flights at Potomac Point Winery

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 30, 2025 at 10:19AM

Join Potomac Point Winery in Stafford from Saturday, February 1, for a sweet treat.

Enjoy Chocolate & Wine Flights from 5 to 10 p.m., offering pairings served on illuminated flight stands adorned with hearts.

News

Toll breaks for Virginia drivers? Lawmakers weigh costly proposal

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 30, 2025 at 9:27AM

Drivers see purple signs ahead of E-ZPass Express Lanes entrances. [Photo: VDOT]

For Virginians who spend hundreds of dollars on tolls each month, relief could be on the horizon — if lawmakers can stomach the price tag, reports the Virginia Mercury.

A proposal to ease toll burdens for frequent drivers and low-income residents cleared a key hurdle in the state legislature this week, as a House Transportation subcommittee advanced the measure for further review.

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