Press Release

Governor Youngkin signs 18 bills to support Virginians with developmental disabilities

By Kelly Sienkowski
Governor Youngkin signs bills on June 25, 2024 in Roanoke (Photo: governor.virginia.gov)

On June 25, 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed 18 bipartisan bills aimed at enhancing support for individuals with developmental disabilities. These laws improve accessibility in education, recreation, law enforcement, and transitional services. The governor also signed a biennium budget allocating $247 million for 3,440 priority one waiver slots, increasing the total under his administration to 4,540 slots.

“I’m pleased this legislative package and our?Right Help, Right Now?plan has instituted life-changing impacts that will benefit Virginia families, this community, and transform our level of care for Virginians with developmental disabilities for decades to come,” said Governor Youngkin.

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News

Spotsy deputies takedown homicide suspect from Woodbridge

By Uriah Kiser
Morris

A Woodbridge man suspected of shooting and killing a 52-year-old man was arrested last night in Spotsylvania County.

On June 30, at 9:07 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 5300 block of Holley Oak Lane for a 911 text call. 9-1-1 dispatchers were able to relay information to deputies by researching information associated with the residence, that a suspect wanted for homicide from Frederick County may be inside the home. Deputies observed an individual who was positively identified as the wanted subject. Terrance Lee Morris, 38 years of age from Woodbridge, was arrested on Frederick County’s 2nd-degree murder warrant. Morris was incarcerated under no bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

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Business

Stafford EDA supports UMW’s Business Acumen Series

By Kelly Sienkowski
UMW's Stafford Campus will host two of the upcoming Business Acumen series.

The University of Mary Washington’s Continuing & Professional Studies Department’s Business Acumen Series has three more events this year. This series of one-day seminars aims to build leadership and business skills in the Fredericksburg region. The series focuses on Dynamic Leadership under the theme “Dynamic Mind for Dynamic Times: Agile Leadership in the Age of Change.”

The Stafford Economic Development Authority has invested in 50 seats for the series to support the Stafford business community with educational resources. Each seminar is valued at $275. A limited number of seats are available at no cost to Stafford businesses. Interested parties are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.

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Event

2026 Ocean, River Cruises and Guided Tours Showcase

BlackRock Center For The Arts

12901 Town Commons Dr

Germantown, Maryland 20874

Website Contact Social

Dreaming about your next vacation? Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for an inspiring day devoted to ocean and river cruises, guided tours, luxury travel and unforgettable destinations!

Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.

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Prince William

Ogle Harris Way unveiled in Occoquan

By Uriah Kiser

Led by Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta, the ceremony included remarks by Representative Abigail Spanberger, read by a staff member, in addition to a tribute by Tamika Joy Harris-Russell, a descendant of Ogle Harris. Members of the Harris family were also invited to share stories and memories.

“Ogle Harris and his extended family were a cornerstone of Occoquan’s commercial and social community, and at the heart of the town’s African-American community, for the first 75 years or more of the 20th century,” said Mayor Porta. “It was an honor and pleasure to be able to recognize them for their contributions to our history,” he continued.

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Prince William

Dale City man headed to prison after he raped, drugged victims

By Uriah Kiser
Oritz Guardado

Balmore Ortiz Guardado, 36, of Dale City, will spend at least 35 years in prison after Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Kimberly A. Irving sentenced him to a life sentence. Guardado was charged with drugging and raping women and girls.

From Prince William County Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth’s office:

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Prince William

Prince William To Participate in Operation Dry Water Over Fourth of July

By Caitlyn Meisner
Prince William County Police Department's patrol boat is commonly used to guard the Potomac and Occoquan rivers.

The Prince William County Police Department is partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the United States Coast Guard over the July Fourth weekend to combat boating under the influence.

According to a press release, the county will actively participate in Operation Dry Water, a year-round campaign focused on awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Since the upcoming Fourth of July has a heightened public presence on the water, law enforcement agencies will prioritize educating boaters about safe practices.

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News

We asked the candidates for Manassas City Council about affordable housing

By Uriah Kiser

As we get closer to the start of early voting for the Fall 2024 election, Potomac Local News is dedicated to informing the community about candidates vying for one of three open seats on the Manassas City Council and the mayor’s seat.

To help voters make an informed decision, we are launching a new feature series, “One-Question Manassas City Council Candidate Survey.” This series will run throughout the campaign season, offering insights into each candidate’s stand on key issues affecting our city.

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Business

New Podcast Episode: Resilience and Community Spirit with Barbara Biddle of District Hemp

By Uriah Kiser

We’re excited to share our latest Potomac Local podcast episode featuring Barbara Biddle, the owner of District Hemp. In this insightful conversation, Barbara recounts the emotional journey of losing their original storefront due to the demolition of the Old Town Inn and the subsequent challenges of reopening at their new location at 9417 Main Street, downtown Manassas.

Barbara delves into the significant regulatory changes that impacted District Hemp, including the introduction of SB903 and how these changes have increased operating costs and limited product availability. Despite these hurdles, Barbara shares how the unwavering support from the Manassas community was pivotal in expanding District Hemp to Leesburg and Washington, DC.

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