Originals - Page 13 of 431 - Potomac Local News

Prince William Staff Predict Home Prices to Continue Rising

Published January 27, 2025 at 9:00AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

[Engin Akyurt via Pexels]

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Subcommittee Rejects Bill to Regulate Data Centers Near Schools, Parks

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 27, 2025 at 6:16AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

Village Place Technology Park in Gainesville, approved by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in 2022

The Virginia House of Delegates Subcommittee of the Cities, Counties, and Towns Committee rejected a bill that sought to regulate the siting of data centers near schools, parks, and residential areas. Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R-22, Prince William County) presented HB1984, which would have required local government approval for data center developments only if they were located at least a quarter mile away from such properties. The subcommittee voted 8-0 to “lay the bill on the table,” effectively killing it.

The vote dealt a setback to those advocating for tighter regulation of Virginia’s rapidly growing data center industry. Data centers, which house servers and infrastructure critical for cloud computing and internet services, have been a source of contention due to their noise, construction impacts, and potential encroachment on residential and community spaces.

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Virginia House Subcommittee Votes Down Bill Addressing Homelessness in Vehicles

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 27, 2025 at 6:16AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

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Dumfries Charter Amendments Advance

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 27, 2025 at 6:15AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

Dumfries is Virginia's oldest continually chartered town.

On January 24, 2025, the Virginia House of Delegates Cities, Counties, and Towns Committee reviewed several critical bills advanced. A charter amendment for the Town of Dumfries was unanimous, while a proposal to protect unhoused individuals seeking shelter in vehicles was rejected.

Delegate Candi Mundon King (D-Stafford, Woodbridge) introduced House Bill 2352, which proposes significant updates to the charter of Dumfries in Prince William County. The bill seeks to modernize the town’s governance structure and clarify its administrative framework. After receiving an 8–0 recommendation from the subcommittee, the committee voted 19–0 to report the bill to the full House of Delegates.

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Patricia Healy Celebrates 25 Years of Service on the Stafford County School Board

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 26, 2025 at 3:38PM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

Rock Hill District School Board member Patricia Healy is honored for 25 years of public service. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

Patricia A. Healy, the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.

In a special recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators. Over the course of her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.

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A Conversation with Prince William County School Leaders

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 12:12PM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.

Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School Senior Named Finalist in Regeneron Science Talent Search

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:02AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.

Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.

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Upcoming Virtual Town Hall for Woodbridge Residents

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:02AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

The Woodbridge District invites residents to join a Community Update Town Hall Meeting hosted by Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin. This virtual event offers an opportunity for residents to stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives in the community.

Details of the Town Hall:

Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

Residents can participate in the meeting by joining the Zoom session.

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Local Crime Reports: Stafford’s ‘McDUI,’ Prince William Assaults

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:02AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.

Gomez Alvarez displayed red, glassy eyes and had a strong odor of alcohol. The investigation revealed that he had been convicted of DUI in New York just the previous day, making this his second offense in five years. He was charged with DUI second offense, refusal, and destruction of property and was taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

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Seals on Wheels Returns: Circuit Court Clerk’s Mobile Services for 2025

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2025 at 11:02AM | Updated January 31, 2025 at 1:39PM

The Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk announced the continuation of the “Seals on Wheels” initiative for 2025. This mobile services program, led by Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline C. Smith, brings essential court services directly to community members in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park. Services include marriage licenses, name changes, notary oaths, and concealed handgun permits.

The program’s 2025 schedule begins in March and will visit various community locations, including libraries and local events such as the Occoquan Riverfest and Haymarket Day. Residents can save time and money by accessing services at convenient locations. For updated schedules and information, follow the Circuit Court Clerk’s social media or visit their website.

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