Potomac Local News

Stafford to consider giving residents more time to pay personal property tax bills

Published November 17, 2023 at 5:00AM

Stafford County Government: “Due to the financial uncertainty concerning the delayed adoption of the federal budget and the effects this may have on the residents of Stafford County, the Board of Supervisors adopted on October 17, 2023, an Emergency Ordinance EO23-01 to temporarily lower penalties to zero for the Personal Property tax payments due December 5. This will allow taxpayers more time to pay their Personal Property tax bills. Please note that the Board desires to extend zero penalty through January 5, 2023.”

“However, another emergency ordinance must be brought to the Board of Supervisors for approval at the December 12, 2023 meeting.”

Wildfires continue to produce hazy skies, poor air quality

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 11:27PM

National Weather Service: “Dry conditions tonight, lows in the 40s. Smoke from nearby wildfires continue to produce hazy skies & poor air quality. Find more info at state air quality websites.”

Prince William

Woodbridge High School admin tipped to planned student walkout

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 10:39PM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:25PM

A Prince William County Public Schools spokeswoman confirmed tonight that Woodbridge High School administrators are bracing for a student walkout tomorrow, Friday, November 17, 2023.

According to information emailed to parents by Principal Heather Abney, the students will join others who support Palestine, who have called for a cease-fire in an ongoing war with Israeli soldiers following Hamas militants who invaded Israel and killed citizens in their homes on October 7, 2023.

Features

Occoquan HolidayFest/Town Tree Lighting/Pop Up Market

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 1:45PM

Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta: “This Saturday, November 18, is the kickoff for the town of Occoquan’s annual HolidayFest. From 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, one block of Mill Street will be turned into a pop up market with almost 30 vendors, while many town businesses will be open until 8:00 p.m. as well. From 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.”

“Sip & Stroll rules will be effect enabling visitors to walk and shop in the historic district while enjoying adult beverages from participating restaurants. Then, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. there will again be fire pits with free marshmallows to roast, as well as cocoa, cider, and s’mores kits available for purchase adjacent to River Mill Park. And, of course, the centerpiece of the event will be the annual town tree lighting in front of the Occoquan Town Hall (314 Mill Street) at 6:00 p.m.”

Politics

Del. Subramanyam, a former Obama aide, announces bid for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 1:42PM

Insidenova.com: “State Del. Suhas Subramanyam on Thursday announced his candidacy for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, joining a rapidly growing list of Democrats seeking to replace outgoing Rep. Jennifer Wexton.”

“Subramanyam, a former technology advisor to President Barack Obama, was recently elected to the Virginia Senate.”

Prince William

Teachers’ union cries foul after school board proposes new rules limiting public speaking slots

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 1:37PM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:25PM

[Photo: Prince William Education Association Facebook page]

“The changes were introduced at the Tuesday, Nov. 14 school board meeting by Chair Babur Lateef (at large) and members Jen Wall (Gainesville) and Adele Jackson (Brentsville). If adopted, the changes would prevent speakers from signing up for two meetings following the meeting at which they last spoke.”

News

VDOT suspends road work for Thanksgiving; Fredericksburg-area traffic crunch expected

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 1:20PM | Updated November 20, 2023 at 6:29AM

VDOT: “To make Thanksgiving travel more enjoyable and, most importantly, safe, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be suspending many highway work zones and lifting most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22 until noon on Monday, Nov. 27.”

While lane closures will be lifted in most locations, motorists may encounter semi-permanent work zones that remain in place during this time. Check VDOT’s Weekly Lane Closures and Travel Advisories for the latest travel alerts in your area and around the state.

Prince William

‘Officers located shell casings in the roadway’

By Amelia Breeden

Published November 16, 2023 at 12:06PM

Prince William Police Department: “Shooting into a Residential Dwelling – On November 14 at 11:54 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 14300 block of Hope Street in Woodbridge to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed multiple shots were fired which struck the residence and the homeowner’s unoccupied vehicle. Officers located shell casings in the roadway. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.”

“Residential Burglary – On November 14 at 5:11 p.m., officers responded to the Elevations One Apartments located in the 14300 block of Bellona Road in Woodbridge to investigate a burglary. The investigation revealed an unknown man entered the unsecured front door of an apartment and took a laptop before leaving. The suspect was described as a black male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, green pants, and carrying a black/white backpack.”

Breaking News

Fredericksburg man wanted in Prince William murder case

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 16, 2023 at 11:54AM | Updated July 10, 2024 at 3:09PM

Prince William police: “Murder Investigation *SUSPECT IDENTIFIED – On November 15, detectives identified a suspect involved in the fatal shooting that was reported to have occurred in the 3700 block of Wharf Ln. in Triangle (22172) on November 14.”

“While investigating the incident, detectives identified the suspect as Tyus James TERRELL, and obtained warrants for his arrest. While investigating the homicide, Prince William County detectives, with the assistance of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, executed multiple search warrants in Spotsylvania County in connection to the ongoing investigation.”