News - Page 55 of 1912 - Potomac Local News

Two House Fires Displace Multiple Families in Prince William County

Published January 15, 2025 at 1:00PM | Updated January 15, 2025 at 2:25PM

16300 block of Boatswain Circle in Woodbridge

At 9:48 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025, firefighters were dispatched to the 16300 block of Boatswain Circle in Woodbridge after reports of a fire in a home. All occupants evacuated safely before crews arrived, reporting the fire was in a basement bedroom. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which caused moderate damage to the home.

One adult occupant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local medical facility. The fire displaced five adults and three children. The Red Cross is assisting the affected families. Due to the extent of the damage, the building official declared the home unsafe for occupancy.

Gainesville wildlife rehabber gives donated animal transport van a new life

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 14, 2025 at 4:24PM

Prince William Times: Licensed wildlife rehabber Olivia LoBalbo can’t wait until the wild animals she treats are well enough to scurry off or fly away into the forest on their own. But while they’re in her care, they can now be safely transported in a fully equipped wildlife rescue van, dubbed “The PAW Express,” courtesy of the Prince William SPCA.

LoBalbo, 37, is a former veterinarian tech and the founder of AERO, which stands for Animal Education and Rescue Organization. For the last 10 years, she and her nonprofit have taken in thousands of injured, sick or orphaned wild animals that wouldn’t survive without human intervention. She runs the licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility out of her Gainesville home.

Prince William residents weigh in as plans for Doves Landing park, Sinclair mill site develop

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 14, 2025 at 4:20PM | Updated January 14, 2025 at 5:06PM

About 35 in-person residents, plus a handful of others online, turned out Jan. 8 at the Pat White Center at Ben Lomond near Manassas for a thorough, two-hour project update meeting. Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega also tuned in virtually.

During the event, Patti Pakkala, planning manager with the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation, Ed Umbrell, senior project manager at Dewberry Engineers, and several of their colleagues led a presentation and Q&A, laying the foundation for the ongoing development of Doves Landing.

Opinion: Timelines, Transparency, and Data Centers

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 14, 2025 at 4:18PM

Also, prior to the July 9th meeting the City Manager initiated discussion with a developer to provide land for data centers.

In September the City Council supported the expenditure of $200,000 to study the infrastructure needs to provide power for data centers in Celebrate VA. A cost that should not be the responsibility of the city but by either Dominion Power or the developer. When questioned about this City Manager Tim Baroody confirmed it was not the city’s responsibility but explained that it was being done at the direction of the City Council.

Supervisor Calls for Closure of Route 28 Bypass Project

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 14, 2025 at 3:26PM

Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega (center)[Yesli Vega/Facebook]

“The Route 28 Bypass Project is a major regional transportation project administered by Prince William County. While I acknowledge and appreciate all the planning, design, engineering, and community engagement that has occurred across multiple jurisdictions, I no longer have confidence the project is viable or maintains the necessary support to move forward,” Vega stated.

The proposed resolution, presented at an upcoming board meeting, aims to allow the board to deliberate openly and determine the next steps for the controversial project.

Local Students to Present at Annual MLK Jr. Event

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published January 14, 2025 at 11:00AM

[Graphic courtesy of the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.]

Middle and high school students throughout the Prince William County area, including the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, will display their oratorical skills. According to a press release from the organization, this year’s six regional competitors must center their speeches on “Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy: My Voice, My Choice, My Future.”

According to a Prince William County Schools press release, six students were selected to present at the event.

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam Appointed to Key House Committees on Science, Technology, and Oversight

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 14, 2025 at 10:42AM

Subramanyam

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D) has been appointed to the House Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and Oversight and Accountability. Leveraging his experience as a former Obama administration technology advisor and entrepreneur, Subramanyam aims to promote innovation, support economic development, and champion research and STEM education in Virginia’s 10th District, which includes western Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

Subramanyam will advocate for federal workers in the Oversight Committee, representing the 34,000 in his district. He plans to hold the former Trump administration accountable, ensure efficient government services, and resist efforts to politicize federal service or relocate jobs out of Virginia. A former Virginia General Assembly legislator, Subramanyam is known for bipartisan achievements and community service, including his work as a firefighter and EMT. He resides in Ashburn, Virginia, with his family.

Suspect Charged in January 9 Manassas-area Murder

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 14, 2025 at 9:01AM | Updated January 14, 2025 at 9:35AM

Bautista

Police have arrested a suspect in connection to the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man in the 8300 block of Sunset Drive near Manassas on January 9.

Marlon Osvaldo Bautista, 20, of Manassas Park, was apprehended on January 13 and charged with second-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Bautista is being held without bond, and a court date is pending.

Former Colgan High Student Chosen for Global Art Show

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published January 14, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated January 16, 2025 at 11:00AM

[Graphic courtesy of Prince William County Schools]

Daryl Price, a 2024 graduate of Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School in Manassas, now has his artwork on display in an international exhibition.

Price submitted his Advanced Placement (AP) art studio portfolio to the College Board in 2024, and was one of 50 students selected out of 80,000 to have their artwork displayed on the international stage.

What’s On the Agenda? Fredericksburg City Council Meets January 14, 2025

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 14, 2025 at 6:00AM | Updated January 14, 2025 at 9:43AM

Fredericksburg City Council

The Fredericksburg City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The council’s work session begins at 5 p.m., and their regular session begins at 7:30 p.m.

The regular meeting will be streamed live, and the agendas for both meetings has been posted online.