News - Page 39 of 1912 - Potomac Local News

Prince William Board of County Supervisors to Revisit Meals Tax in Budget Discussions

Published February 10, 2025 at 12:30PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:17PM

A waitress at Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge.

Updated 10:30 p.m. – Local restaurant owners are voicing strong opposition to Prince William County’s meals tax, which is set to generate $42 million in Fiscal Year 2025—an increase of $10 million, or 31.25%, from the previous year.

Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson has signaled the meals tax will be discussed during the annual budget process this spring. “It would like to see a partial repeal of the meals tax, but it truly depends on our proposed budget for the next fiscal year,” Jefferson told Potomac Local News.

Manassas Proposes Tax Break for Micron as Part of Expansion Plan

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 11:28PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:17PM

Mircon in Manassas

Manassas is considering a significant tax incentive to support Micron Technology Inc.’s planned expansion, which includes a $2 billion capital investment in its semiconductor manufacturing facility. The proposal, set to be discussed at the Manassas City Council meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, would extend Micron’s favorable tax classification for semiconductor equipment through 2035.

The expansion comes as Micron is slated to receive $275 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce under the CHIPS and Science Act, a federal initiative to boost domestic semiconductor production. The funding will help Micron modernize and expand its Manassas facility, particularly by onshoring its 1-alpha DRAM technology, which improves memory chip performance and power efficiency. The project is expected to create over 400 direct manufacturing jobs and up to 2,700 indirect jobs at its peak.

Townhouse Fire Displaces Family in Lake Ridge

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:57PM

[Photo: Prince William Professional Firefighters]

Fire and rescue units responded at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, to the 3400 block of Aviary Way, near Lake Ridge Elementary School, after a resident reported seeing smoke coming from the back of their home. When crews arrived, they found smoke and flames moving up the rear of the house and into the attic. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the fire.

No injuries were reported, but the home sustained moderate damage. The Building Official declared the residence unsafe for occupancy. The American Red Cross assists two adults and three children displaced by the fire.

Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Suspect in Route 3 Bank Robbery

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:51PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and no injuries were reported. Witnesses at the scene provided law enforcement with a description of the suspect’s getaway vehicle, which was identified as a copper/orange pickup truck.

Budget Amendment for Park Demolition Sparks Debate in Haymarket

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:17AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:18AM

The Haymarket Town Council approved a budget amendment on February 3, 2025, increasing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget by $111,749 to fund the demolition of the former Haymarket Food Pantry building at Haymarket Community Park. The funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the council says was designated for infrastructure improvements.

The decision has sparked debate among council members and residents, with some questioning the public benefit of demolishing the building instead of repurposing it. During the public hearing, resident Marchant Schneider raised concerns over long-term financial impacts, particularly regarding the cost of future public restrooms at the park.

Occoquan’s Mill Project Delayed, Spot on Mill Closes, and Firelight Night Returns

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:16AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:18AM

In the latest episode of the Occoquan Radio Podcast, host and mayor Ernie Porta shared updates on local business developments, an upcoming town event, and an economic recognition for Occoquan’s tourism sector, and more.

Mill in Occoquan Project Delayed

Commuting Resurgence in the Region: Increased Demand for Ridesharing Services

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 9, 2025 at 10:15AM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:18AM

Looking south along the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes near Springfield. [Photo courtesy of Transurban]

Surge in Commuting Demand

According to GWRC’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program, GWRideConnect, inquiries about ridesharing options have increased substantially. Commuters from Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford are turning to ride-sharing to ease their daily travel.

Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page Appointed to Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 8, 2025 at 5:20PM | Updated February 13, 2025 at 10:19AM

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has appointed Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees as the citizen representative for Stafford County. She replaces Mary Becelia, who was removed from the board in 2024.

Brown-Page brings experience in human and community relations, having served as a senior manager at the director level within the federal government. She is the President and CEO of JB Associates Enterprise International, LLC, providing mediation, individual and family coaching, and court-ordered co-parenting classes. Additionally, she is a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator/Mentor in multiple court systems, including General District, Circuit, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts.

Local Delegates Appointed to Emergency Committee to Study Impacts to Virginia of Federal Workforce Reduction

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 7, 2025 at 8:44PM

(FXBG Advance) – Local delegates Joshua Cole, a Democrat, and Hillary Pugh Kent, a Republican, have been appointed to an emergency committee that will monitor the impact to Virginia of the Trump Administration’s moves to reduce the federal workforce and pause some federal funding.

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Eastern District of Virginia Convictions: Drug Trafficking, Assault, Fraud, and Illegal Reentry

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 7, 2025 at 8:18PM

Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia recently secured convictions in multiple high-profile cases. A Maryland man was convicted of trafficking cocaine and fentanyl to Fredericksburg, while a Stafford man was found guilty of assaulting a deaf passenger during a flight. A Honduran national was sentenced for illegally reentering the U.S. and failing to register as a sex offender, and a Dumfries man pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds. Each case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to hold criminals accountable. Read on for case details and links to full press releases.